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Washington (CNN) -- A new book about former Sen. John Edwards paints him as a cold, calculating and reckless politician willing to deny fathering a daughter, risking his marriage and putting the Democratic Party in potential political jeopardy -- all in the name of trying to win the presidency. In "The Politician," former Edwards' aide Andrew Young details his efforts to conceal an ongoing extra-marital affair and the birth of a child out-of-wedlock. "The Politician" went on sale Saturday. Young described an elaborate plan that allowed Edwards to maintain a mistress while he sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. The plan was funded by two wealthy benefactors, the late trial lawyer Fred Baron and banking heir widow Bunny Mellon, but Mellon was unaware that her money was being used for the mistress. A federal grand jury is investigating payments the former senator's campaign and supporters made to Rielle Hunter, who was a videographer as Edwards was preparing a bid for 2008 White House run. In the book, Young writes that "the prosecutors pressed me for exact information about checks that were written, the way the money was used and the timing of events. They wanted names, dates, and amounts in very specific terms." Young, who portrays himself as a one-time idealistic loyal aide, said he was the point person in arranging rendezvous for Edwards and Hunter and helped to keep the affair a secret. And when Edwards impregnated Hunter, Young said he agreed to the senator's request to lie and say he was the father even though Young, himself, was married with three children. Young said he told his wife about agreeing to Edwards' request as the couple drove through a McDonald's drive through to pick up food for their son. "After I finally got to holler for Chicken McNuggets with chocolate milk and the right toy, I turned to Cheri and in the time it took us to reach window number one (where you give them the money), I said, 'Edwards wants me to say I'm the father of Rielle's baby, and then Fred's gonna fly us off to someplace where we can all hide,' " Young said. His wife, Young recounted, was dumbfounded. "Are you out of your mind? Why would you even tell me about this? Why didn't you just say no?" Young said Hunter was also initially against the idea but warmed up to it after being told her financial needs would be met. His wife, Cheri, eventually agreed to the plan, setting in motion a chaotic time for the family as they uprooted their lives in North Carolina and criss-crossed the country with Hunter and their children in an effort to evade the media. Edwards denied that he was the girl's father for more than a year, saying the affair was over before Hunter became pregnant. Last week, he acknowledged paternity. "I am Quinn's father," Edwards said in a statement. "I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace." John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, have legally separated. On Friday, John Edwards' lawyers released a statement saying that early reports about the book indicate there are problems with Young's account. "While we have not had an opportunity to view the interview or read the book, we urge extreme caution by everyone involved," his attorneys wrote. "From media reports, it is obvious that there are many allegations which are simply false. It appears that Andrew Young is primarily motivated by financial gain and media attention." Earlier in the week, Elizabeth Edwards also challenged accusations Young made in the book regarding her cancer and the couple's children. "Elizabeth is moving on with her life and wants to put this difficult chapter behind her," her publisher Random House said in a statement. "It was an excrutiatingly (sic) painful period for her and she (has) no interest in rehashing the past. Based on the limited portions of the book that have been made available, it is clear it contains many falsehoods and exaggerations. "She will not engage in a dialogue on each of the false charges, but would like to set the record straight on two key points. First, the allegation that she sought to politicize her cancer is unconscionable, hurtful and patently false. "Second, she believed Andrew Young to be the father of this child until her husband confessed his paternity (sic) to her this past summer. She will have nothing further to say." In the book, Young accuses Elizabeth Edwards of engaging in a smear campaign to undermine his credibility. Young said it wasn't until John Edwards privately expressed indifference about the birth of his daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter, in February 2008, that he realized the former senator cared only about himself. "After watching and hearing John Edwards practice a thousand little deceptions and tell a thousand different lies, ostensibly in the service of some greater good, I finally recognized that he didn't care about anyone other than himself," Young writes. "A precious living, breathing human being -- his daughter -- had come into the world, and he wasn't inclined to even call the woman who had given birth to her. Instead, I had to prompt him to do the right thing, to do the most basic, human thing. "My faith in him died almost instantly, and I felt both ashamed of my naïveté and very afraid for the future of my family." Young also writes that: . • He has a sex tape of Edwards in his possession showing the senator with a "naked pregnant woman" that Young says is Hunter. Young said he found the damaged tape in "a box of trash that Rielle had left behind after she stayed with us for a few weeks" in the Raleigh, North Carolina, home his family was renting. Young writes that even though the woman's face is obscured "it was safe to assume it was Rielle." • Despite Edwards' carefully crafted image as a champion for everyday people, he was "irritated by ordinary events. He especially hated making appearances at state fairs, where 'fat rednecks try to shove food down my face. I know I'm the people's senator, but do I have to hang out with them?'" • Edwards understood his audience and before appearing at a Service Employees International Union health care event in Las Vegas, Nevada, he instructed Young to take his Italian suit coat to a tailor to remove the label indicating it was Italian-made. In its place, Edwards had the tailor sew in a "Made in the USA" label that had been on Young's jacket. • When Edwards was not on the Atkins diet, he "loved Cracker Barrel" restaurants as well as ribs. • Edwards thought that 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry "just wasn't all that smart." Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, would later pick Edwards to be his vice presidential running mate.
Andrew Young writes he arranged rendezvous for John Edwards, Rielle Hunter . Edwards denied he fathered a child with Hunter for more than a year . John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards have separated, contest accounts in the book . Federal grand jury investigating payments made to Hunter .
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<s>[INST] Washington (CNN) -- A new book about former Sen. John Edwards paints him as a cold, calculating and reckless politician willing to deny fathering a daughter, risking his marriage and putting the Democratic Party in potential political jeopardy -- all in the name of trying to win the presidency. In "The Politician," former Edwards' aide Andrew Young details his efforts to conceal an ongoing extra-marital affair and the birth of a child out-of-wedlock. "The Politician" went on sale Saturday. Young described an elaborate plan that allowed Edwards to maintain a mistress while he sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. The plan was funded by two wealthy benefactors, the late trial lawyer Fred Baron and banking heir widow Bunny Mellon, but Mellon was unaware that her money was being used for the mistress. A federal grand jury is investigating payments the former senator's campaign and supporters made to Rielle Hunter, who was a videographer as Edwards was preparing a bid for 2008 White House run. In the book, Young writes that "the prosecutors pressed me for exact information about checks that were written, the way the money was used and the timing of events. They wanted names, dates, and amounts in very specific terms." Young, who portrays himself as a one-time idealistic loyal aide, said he was the point person in arranging rendezvous for Edwards and Hunter and helped to keep the affair a secret. And when Edwards impregnated Hunter, Young said he agreed to the senator's request to lie and say he was the father even though Young, himself, was married with three children. Young said he told his wife about agreeing to Edwards' request as the couple drove through a McDonald's drive through to pick up food for their son. "After I finally got to holler for Chicken McNuggets with chocolate milk and the right toy, I turned to Cheri and in the time it took us to reach window number one (where you give them the money), I said, 'Edwards wants me to say I'm the father of Rielle's baby, and then Fred's gonna fly us off to someplace where we can all hide,' " Young said. His wife, Young recounted, was dumbfounded. "Are you out of your mind? Why would you even tell me about this? Why didn't you just say no?" Young said Hunter was also initially against the idea but warmed up to it after being told her financial needs would be met. His wife, Cheri, eventually agreed to the plan, setting in motion a chaotic time for the family as they uprooted their lives in North Carolina and criss-crossed the country with Hunter and their children in an effort to evade the media. Edwards denied that he was the girl's father for more than a year, saying the affair was over before Hunter became pregnant. Last week, he acknowledged paternity. "I am Quinn's father," Edwards said in a statement. "I have been able to spend time with her during the past year and trust that future efforts to show her the love and affection she deserves can be done privately and in peace." John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, have legally separated. On Friday, John Edwards' lawyers released a statement saying that early reports about the book indicate there are problems with Young's account. "While we have not had an opportunity to view the interview or read the book, we urge extreme caution by everyone involved," his attorneys wrote. "From media reports, it is obvious that there are many allegations which are simply false. It appears that Andrew Young is primarily motivated by financial gain and media attention." Earlier in the week, Elizabeth Edwards also challenged accusations Young made in the book regarding her cancer and the couple's children. "Elizabeth is moving on with her life and wants to put this difficult chapter behind her," her publisher Random House said in a statement. "It was an excrutiatingly (sic) painful period for her and she (has) no interest in rehashing the past. Based on the limited portions of the book that have been made available, it is clear it contains many falsehoods and exaggerations. "She will not engage in a dialogue on each of the false charges, but would like to set the record straight on two key points. First, the allegation that she sought to politicize her cancer is unconscionable, hurtful and patently false. "Second, she believed Andrew Young to be the father of this child until her husband confessed his paternity (sic) to her this past summer. She will have nothing further to say." In the book, Young accuses Elizabeth Edwards of engaging in a smear campaign to undermine his credibility. Young said it wasn't until John Edwards privately expressed indifference about the birth of his daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter, in February 2008, that he realized the former senator cared only about himself. "After watching and hearing John Edwards practice a thousand little deceptions and tell a thousand different lies, ostensibly in the service of some greater good, I finally recognized that he didn't care about anyone other than himself," Young writes. "A precious living, breathing human being -- his daughter -- had come into the world, and he wasn't inclined to even call the woman who had given birth to her. Instead, I had to prompt him to do the right thing, to do the most basic, human thing. "My faith in him died almost instantly, and I felt both ashamed of my naïveté and very afraid for the future of my family." Young also writes that: . • He has a sex tape of Edwards in his possession showing the senator with a "naked pregnant woman" that Young says is Hunter. Young said he found the damaged tape in "a box of trash that Rielle had left behind after she stayed with us for a few weeks" in the Raleigh, North Carolina, home his family was renting. Young writes that even though the woman's face is obscured "it was safe to assume it was Rielle." • Despite Edwards' carefully crafted image as a champion for everyday people, he was "irritated by ordinary events. He especially hated making appearances at state fairs, where 'fat rednecks try to shove food down my face. I know I'm the people's senator, but do I have to hang out with them?'" • Edwards understood his audience and before appearing at a Service Employees International Union health care event in Las Vegas, Nevada, he instructed Young to take his Italian suit coat to a tailor to remove the label indicating it was Italian-made. In its place, Edwards had the tailor sew in a "Made in the USA" label that had been on Young's jacket. • When Edwards was not on the Atkins diet, he "loved Cracker Barrel" restaurants as well as ribs. • Edwards thought that 2004 Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry "just wasn't all that smart." Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, would later pick Edwards to be his vice presidential running mate. [/INST] Andrew Young writes he arranged rendezvous for John Edwards, Rielle Hunter . Edwards denied he fathered a child with Hunter for more than a year . John Edwards, Elizabeth Edwards have separated, contest accounts in the book . Federal grand jury investigating payments made to Hunter . </s>
Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama says he won't act on immigration reform until after the November congressional elections. The news angered Latino groups pushing him to make good on past promises to halt or substantially reduce deportations of immigrants living illegally in the country. It also prompted criticism from some Democrats, who have called for Obama to act unilaterally in the face of Republican obstruction of immigration legislation. Even Republicans who oppose Obama's intended reforms found a way to attack the President for not doing something they don't want. Here are five reasons why the unfolding Washington drama is all about politics and the upcoming elections: . 1) Waiting until after the November election keeps the focus on the voting . The election is for all 435 House seats and about a third of the Senate, not the White House. Betting money now says Republicans hold their House majority and perhaps gain control of the Senate. By putting off his move until after the election, Obama prevents diverting attention from historically low public approval for Congress. A Washington Post-ABC poll in early August showed that for the first time, a majority of Americans disapproved of their own representatives. An anti-incumbent atmosphere may be the Democrats' only hope for preventing Republicans from holding majorities in both chambers. "For the Democrats, they want to make this election season about each individual candidate, about their gaffes, about their personalities," Manu Raju of Politico told CNN on Sunday. "They don't want to make this an issue-based election." Republicans know that, which is why they criticized Obama even though they oppose his planned unilateral moves. "It's sad, but not surprising, that President Obama continues to play politics with such a serious and important issue, but for this White House politics seems to dictate everything," said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Ruth Guerra. 2) It avoids providing further fodder to GOP attack line of imperial Obama . According to reform advocates involved in conversations with the White House, Obama has looked at expanding a program that allows immigrants brought to America illegally as children to avoid deportation. The White House also could protect undocumented immigrants in industries such as farming. Republicans, particularly conservatives, routinely accuse Obama of exceeding the bounds of his powers through executive actions. They consider immigration reforms -- like a Senate-passed bill or the steps Obama contemplates -- to amount to an amnesty for lawbreakers. The GOP-led House already has authorized a lawsuit against Obama for allegedly unconstitutional steps in implementing his signature health care reforms. Proceeding with executive actions now on immigration would strengthen a central conservative campaign issue for November. Democrats saw "some very scary polling out of some of these red states, particularly among independent voters, where the idea of executive action in particular was not looking good for some of these Democrats who were hanging on for dear life as it is," Molly Ball of The Atlantic told CNN on Sunday. 3) Democrats don't have to defend a move made less popular by the child immigrant crisis . Always a volatile political issue, immigration reform became even more inflammatory due to the influx of children from Central America across the Texas border this year. The tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors have overwhelmed U.S. border and immigration services, creating further backlogs in a system already known for long delays and lack of follow-up in processing cases. On June 30, Obama said at the White House he would act on his own on immigration, after GOP House Speaker John Boehner made clear the chamber would not take up a Senate reform bill that passed with bipartisan support. The President said then he expected recommendations from his Cabinet on what steps he could take before the end of summer, and that he intended to "adopt those recommendations without further delay." However, the child immigrant influx hardened positions and raised new concerns about lax border controls, causing Obama to change his message in an interview with NBC broadcast Sunday. "This problem with unaccompanied children that we saw a couple weeks ago -- where you had from Central America a surge of kids who were showing up at the border -- got a lot of attention, and a lot of Americans started thinking, 'We've got this immigration crisis on our hands, '" Obama said, adding later that "the truth of the matter is that the politics did shift midsummer because of that problem." Now, he said, "I want to spend some time, even as we're getting all our ducks in a row for the executive action, I also want to make sure that the public understands why we're doing this, why it's the right thing for the American people, why it's the right thing for the American economy." White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday that Obama "has not in any way altered his commitment or interest in taking executive action, again, within the confines of the law, to act where Congress hasn't and more specifically, to act where congressional Republicans have blocked congressional action." "And the President's commitment to acting on this before the end of the year has not changed," Earnest added. 4) It keeps pressure on House Republicans for not voting on the Senate plan . By not acting now, Obama allows his administration and congressional Democrats to keep blaming Republicans for a lack of progress. Every chance he gets, Obama notes how the Senate immigration bill had support from both parties as well as a broad public coalition including business, labor, religious and law enforcement groups backing it, but won't pass because House Republicans oppose it. Earnest said that "injecting an executive action in the midst of this hyperpartisan, hyperpolitical environment" shortly before the November election could have "a negative impact on the broader public support and on the sustainability of immigration reform." Conservatives respond that the Senate reforms let immigrant lawbreakers off the hook and would increase competition for jobs as the economy continues growing at a slower-than-desired pace. Keeping the focus on the broader immigration debate, rather than specifics of any unilateral steps the President might take, allows congressional Democrats -- especially vulnerable Senate incumbents -- to depict House Republicans as blocking progress. "You have Democrats now who knew they always had an outside shot, but the President is not putting them under the gun and putting them on the spot," Robert Costa of the Washington Post told CNN on Sunday. "They think they can go to some other issues and have some strengths." 5) It responds to the political middle more than left-leaning immigrant communities . The news of no executive action on immigration until after the November election angered Latino groups and others, who back reforms and who helped Obama get strong support from Hispanic voters in his two presidential elections. "When candidate Obama asked our community for support in 2008 and 2012, he urged us all to vote based on our hopes, not our fears," said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, a leading Hispanic advocacy group. "Today, President Obama gave in to the fears of Democratic political operatives, crushing the hopes of millions of hard-working people living under the constant threat of deportation and family separation." Or as CNN contributor Ruben Navarrette put it: "Some on the left are finally getting the message that Obama is not their amigo." "For Obama, the question is never what he can do for the immigration issue, but what the immigration issue can do for him," Navarette wrote in an opinion piece published Monday. In this case, Obama decided that angering his traditional political allies made more short-term sense than putting vulnerable Democrats -- especially incumbent Democrats in the Senate -- at greater risk of a backlash against unilateral immigration moves from independent voters who will decide close races in November. CNN chief national correspondent John King noted Sunday that most of the vulnerable Senate Democrats come from states that don't have big Latino populations. Democrats blame GOP for Obama immigration delay . Obama: Waiting will make immigration executive action 'more sustainable' CNN's Leigh Ann Caldwell contributed to this report.
NEW: The White House says Obama will act on immigration this year . President Obama changes his timing on unilateral immigration steps . Holding off now can help Democrats in November elections . Obama says the summer child immigrant influx changed the politics .
9dda685fa58863b81da24e0937d49f9fcbef0132
<s>[INST] Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama says he won't act on immigration reform until after the November congressional elections. The news angered Latino groups pushing him to make good on past promises to halt or substantially reduce deportations of immigrants living illegally in the country. It also prompted criticism from some Democrats, who have called for Obama to act unilaterally in the face of Republican obstruction of immigration legislation. Even Republicans who oppose Obama's intended reforms found a way to attack the President for not doing something they don't want. Here are five reasons why the unfolding Washington drama is all about politics and the upcoming elections: . 1) Waiting until after the November election keeps the focus on the voting . The election is for all 435 House seats and about a third of the Senate, not the White House. Betting money now says Republicans hold their House majority and perhaps gain control of the Senate. By putting off his move until after the election, Obama prevents diverting attention from historically low public approval for Congress. A Washington Post-ABC poll in early August showed that for the first time, a majority of Americans disapproved of their own representatives. An anti-incumbent atmosphere may be the Democrats' only hope for preventing Republicans from holding majorities in both chambers. "For the Democrats, they want to make this election season about each individual candidate, about their gaffes, about their personalities," Manu Raju of Politico told CNN on Sunday. "They don't want to make this an issue-based election." Republicans know that, which is why they criticized Obama even though they oppose his planned unilateral moves. "It's sad, but not surprising, that President Obama continues to play politics with such a serious and important issue, but for this White House politics seems to dictate everything," said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Ruth Guerra. 2) It avoids providing further fodder to GOP attack line of imperial Obama . According to reform advocates involved in conversations with the White House, Obama has looked at expanding a program that allows immigrants brought to America illegally as children to avoid deportation. The White House also could protect undocumented immigrants in industries such as farming. Republicans, particularly conservatives, routinely accuse Obama of exceeding the bounds of his powers through executive actions. They consider immigration reforms -- like a Senate-passed bill or the steps Obama contemplates -- to amount to an amnesty for lawbreakers. The GOP-led House already has authorized a lawsuit against Obama for allegedly unconstitutional steps in implementing his signature health care reforms. Proceeding with executive actions now on immigration would strengthen a central conservative campaign issue for November. Democrats saw "some very scary polling out of some of these red states, particularly among independent voters, where the idea of executive action in particular was not looking good for some of these Democrats who were hanging on for dear life as it is," Molly Ball of The Atlantic told CNN on Sunday. 3) Democrats don't have to defend a move made less popular by the child immigrant crisis . Always a volatile political issue, immigration reform became even more inflammatory due to the influx of children from Central America across the Texas border this year. The tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors have overwhelmed U.S. border and immigration services, creating further backlogs in a system already known for long delays and lack of follow-up in processing cases. On June 30, Obama said at the White House he would act on his own on immigration, after GOP House Speaker John Boehner made clear the chamber would not take up a Senate reform bill that passed with bipartisan support. The President said then he expected recommendations from his Cabinet on what steps he could take before the end of summer, and that he intended to "adopt those recommendations without further delay." However, the child immigrant influx hardened positions and raised new concerns about lax border controls, causing Obama to change his message in an interview with NBC broadcast Sunday. "This problem with unaccompanied children that we saw a couple weeks ago -- where you had from Central America a surge of kids who were showing up at the border -- got a lot of attention, and a lot of Americans started thinking, 'We've got this immigration crisis on our hands, '" Obama said, adding later that "the truth of the matter is that the politics did shift midsummer because of that problem." Now, he said, "I want to spend some time, even as we're getting all our ducks in a row for the executive action, I also want to make sure that the public understands why we're doing this, why it's the right thing for the American people, why it's the right thing for the American economy." White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Monday that Obama "has not in any way altered his commitment or interest in taking executive action, again, within the confines of the law, to act where Congress hasn't and more specifically, to act where congressional Republicans have blocked congressional action." "And the President's commitment to acting on this before the end of the year has not changed," Earnest added. 4) It keeps pressure on House Republicans for not voting on the Senate plan . By not acting now, Obama allows his administration and congressional Democrats to keep blaming Republicans for a lack of progress. Every chance he gets, Obama notes how the Senate immigration bill had support from both parties as well as a broad public coalition including business, labor, religious and law enforcement groups backing it, but won't pass because House Republicans oppose it. Earnest said that "injecting an executive action in the midst of this hyperpartisan, hyperpolitical environment" shortly before the November election could have "a negative impact on the broader public support and on the sustainability of immigration reform." Conservatives respond that the Senate reforms let immigrant lawbreakers off the hook and would increase competition for jobs as the economy continues growing at a slower-than-desired pace. Keeping the focus on the broader immigration debate, rather than specifics of any unilateral steps the President might take, allows congressional Democrats -- especially vulnerable Senate incumbents -- to depict House Republicans as blocking progress. "You have Democrats now who knew they always had an outside shot, but the President is not putting them under the gun and putting them on the spot," Robert Costa of the Washington Post told CNN on Sunday. "They think they can go to some other issues and have some strengths." 5) It responds to the political middle more than left-leaning immigrant communities . The news of no executive action on immigration until after the November election angered Latino groups and others, who back reforms and who helped Obama get strong support from Hispanic voters in his two presidential elections. "When candidate Obama asked our community for support in 2008 and 2012, he urged us all to vote based on our hopes, not our fears," said Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, a leading Hispanic advocacy group. "Today, President Obama gave in to the fears of Democratic political operatives, crushing the hopes of millions of hard-working people living under the constant threat of deportation and family separation." Or as CNN contributor Ruben Navarrette put it: "Some on the left are finally getting the message that Obama is not their amigo." "For Obama, the question is never what he can do for the immigration issue, but what the immigration issue can do for him," Navarette wrote in an opinion piece published Monday. In this case, Obama decided that angering his traditional political allies made more short-term sense than putting vulnerable Democrats -- especially incumbent Democrats in the Senate -- at greater risk of a backlash against unilateral immigration moves from independent voters who will decide close races in November. CNN chief national correspondent John King noted Sunday that most of the vulnerable Senate Democrats come from states that don't have big Latino populations. Democrats blame GOP for Obama immigration delay . Obama: Waiting will make immigration executive action 'more sustainable' CNN's Leigh Ann Caldwell contributed to this report. [/INST] NEW: The White House says Obama will act on immigration this year . President Obama changes his timing on unilateral immigration steps . Holding off now can help Democrats in November elections . Obama says the summer child immigrant influx changed the politics . </s>
A Minoan fresco of children boxing: New DNA analysis has debunked the theory that the Minoans were refugees from North Africa . DNA analysis has debunked the longstanding theory that the Minoans, who some 5,000 years ago established Europe's first advanced Bronze Age culture, were from Africa. The Minoan civilisation arose on the Mediterranean island of Crete in approximately the 27th century BC and flourished for 12 centuries until the 15th century BC. But the culture was lost until British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans unearthed its remains on Crete in 1900, where he found vestiges of a civilisation he believed was formed by refugees from northern Egypt. Modern archaeologists have cast doubt . on that version of events, and now DNA tests of Minoan remains suggests . they were descended from ancient farmers who settled the islands . thousands of years earlier. These people, it is believed, are from the same stock that came from the East to populate the rest of Europe. Evans . set to work on Crete in 1900 with a team of archaeologists soon after . the island was liberated from the yoke of the Ottoman empire, almost . immediately unearthing a great palace. He . named the civilisation he discovered after the legendary Greek king . Minos and, based on likenesses between Minoan artifacts and those from . Egypt and Libya, proposed that its founders migrated into the area from . North Africa. Since then, . other archaeologists have suggested that the Minoans may have come from . other regions, possibly Turkey, the Balkans, or the Middle East. But . now a joint U.S. and Greek team has made a mitochondrial DNA analysis of . Minoan skeletal remains to determine the likely ancestors of the ancient . people. Mitochondria, the . energy powerhouses of cells, contain their own DNA, or genetic code, and because mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mothers to their children . via the human egg, it contains information about maternal ancestry. Findings . suggest that the Minoan civilisation arose from the population already . living in Crete, and that these people were probably descendants of the . first humans to reach there about 9,000 years ago. Further, they found, the remains have the greatest genetic similarity with modern European populations. Senior . researcher Dr George Stamatoyannopoulos, professor of medicine and . genome sciences at the University of Washington, said the analysis . showed these people probably came to the area from the East, not the . South. Minoan Palace Ruins at Knossos: The Minoan culture, Europe's first advanced civilisation, arose on the Mediterranean island of Crete in approximately the 27th century BC and flourished for 12 centuries . 'About 9,000 years ago there was an extensive migration of Neolithic humans from the regions of Anatolia that today comprise parts of Turkey and the Middle East,' he said. 'At the same time, the first Neolithic inhabitants reached Crete. 'Our mitochondrial DNA analysis shows that the Minoans' strongest genetic relationships are with these Neolithic humans, as well as with ancient and modern Europeans. 'These results suggest the Minoan civilization arose 5,000 years ago in Crete from an ancestral Neolithic population that had arrived in the region about 4,000 years earlier. 'Our data suggest that the Neolithic population that gave rise to the Minoans also migrated into Europe and gave rise to modern European peoples.' Dr Stamatoyannopoulos and his team analysed samples from 37 skeletons found in a cave in Crete’s Lassithi plateau and compared them with mitochondrial DNA sequences from 135 modern and ancient human populations. The Minoan samples revealed 21 distinct mitochondrial DNA variations, of which six were unique to the Minoans and 15 were shared with modern and ancient populations. None of the Minoans carried mitochondrial DNA variations characteristic of African populations. Further analysis showed that the Minoans were only distantly related to Egyptian, Libyan, and other North African populations. Indeed, the Minoan shared the greatest percentage of their mitochondrial DNA variation with European populations, especially those in Northern and Western Europe. A restored clay vessel at the Palace of . Malia ruins: Sir Arthur Evans, who discovered the civilisation, . proposed his theory of its origin based on likenesses between Minoan . artefacts and those from Egypt and Libya . When plotted geographically, shared Minoan mitochondrial DNA variation was lowest in North Africa and increased progressively across the Middle East, Caucasus, Mediterranean islands, Southern Europe, and mainland Europe. The highest percentage of shared Minoan mitochondrial DNA variation was found with Neolithic populations from Southern Europe. The analysis also showed a high degree of sharing with the current population of the Lassithi plateau and Greece. In fact, the maternal genetic information passed down through many generations of mitochondria is still present in modern-day residents of the area where the Minoan skeletons were found. Dr Stamatoyannopoulos said he believes that the findings highlight the importance of DNA analysis as a tool for understanding human history. 'Genetic analyses are playing in increasingly important role and predicting and protecting human health,' he said. 'Our study underscores the importance of DNA not only in helping us to have healthier futures, but also to understand our past.'
British archaeologists who in 1900 discovered the Minoan culture believed they were from Libya or Egypt . The Minoan civilisation arose on Crete in the 27th century BC and flourished until the 15th century BC .
dd77deff0625d86fe098c95020d94a6b37fc6642
<s>[INST] A Minoan fresco of children boxing: New DNA analysis has debunked the theory that the Minoans were refugees from North Africa . DNA analysis has debunked the longstanding theory that the Minoans, who some 5,000 years ago established Europe's first advanced Bronze Age culture, were from Africa. The Minoan civilisation arose on the Mediterranean island of Crete in approximately the 27th century BC and flourished for 12 centuries until the 15th century BC. But the culture was lost until British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans unearthed its remains on Crete in 1900, where he found vestiges of a civilisation he believed was formed by refugees from northern Egypt. Modern archaeologists have cast doubt . on that version of events, and now DNA tests of Minoan remains suggests . they were descended from ancient farmers who settled the islands . thousands of years earlier. These people, it is believed, are from the same stock that came from the East to populate the rest of Europe. Evans . set to work on Crete in 1900 with a team of archaeologists soon after . the island was liberated from the yoke of the Ottoman empire, almost . immediately unearthing a great palace. He . named the civilisation he discovered after the legendary Greek king . Minos and, based on likenesses between Minoan artifacts and those from . Egypt and Libya, proposed that its founders migrated into the area from . North Africa. Since then, . other archaeologists have suggested that the Minoans may have come from . other regions, possibly Turkey, the Balkans, or the Middle East. But . now a joint U.S. and Greek team has made a mitochondrial DNA analysis of . Minoan skeletal remains to determine the likely ancestors of the ancient . people. Mitochondria, the . energy powerhouses of cells, contain their own DNA, or genetic code, and because mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mothers to their children . via the human egg, it contains information about maternal ancestry. Findings . suggest that the Minoan civilisation arose from the population already . living in Crete, and that these people were probably descendants of the . first humans to reach there about 9,000 years ago. Further, they found, the remains have the greatest genetic similarity with modern European populations. Senior . researcher Dr George Stamatoyannopoulos, professor of medicine and . genome sciences at the University of Washington, said the analysis . showed these people probably came to the area from the East, not the . South. Minoan Palace Ruins at Knossos: The Minoan culture, Europe's first advanced civilisation, arose on the Mediterranean island of Crete in approximately the 27th century BC and flourished for 12 centuries . 'About 9,000 years ago there was an extensive migration of Neolithic humans from the regions of Anatolia that today comprise parts of Turkey and the Middle East,' he said. 'At the same time, the first Neolithic inhabitants reached Crete. 'Our mitochondrial DNA analysis shows that the Minoans' strongest genetic relationships are with these Neolithic humans, as well as with ancient and modern Europeans. 'These results suggest the Minoan civilization arose 5,000 years ago in Crete from an ancestral Neolithic population that had arrived in the region about 4,000 years earlier. 'Our data suggest that the Neolithic population that gave rise to the Minoans also migrated into Europe and gave rise to modern European peoples.' Dr Stamatoyannopoulos and his team analysed samples from 37 skeletons found in a cave in Crete’s Lassithi plateau and compared them with mitochondrial DNA sequences from 135 modern and ancient human populations. The Minoan samples revealed 21 distinct mitochondrial DNA variations, of which six were unique to the Minoans and 15 were shared with modern and ancient populations. None of the Minoans carried mitochondrial DNA variations characteristic of African populations. Further analysis showed that the Minoans were only distantly related to Egyptian, Libyan, and other North African populations. Indeed, the Minoan shared the greatest percentage of their mitochondrial DNA variation with European populations, especially those in Northern and Western Europe. A restored clay vessel at the Palace of . Malia ruins: Sir Arthur Evans, who discovered the civilisation, . proposed his theory of its origin based on likenesses between Minoan . artefacts and those from Egypt and Libya . When plotted geographically, shared Minoan mitochondrial DNA variation was lowest in North Africa and increased progressively across the Middle East, Caucasus, Mediterranean islands, Southern Europe, and mainland Europe. The highest percentage of shared Minoan mitochondrial DNA variation was found with Neolithic populations from Southern Europe. The analysis also showed a high degree of sharing with the current population of the Lassithi plateau and Greece. In fact, the maternal genetic information passed down through many generations of mitochondria is still present in modern-day residents of the area where the Minoan skeletons were found. Dr Stamatoyannopoulos said he believes that the findings highlight the importance of DNA analysis as a tool for understanding human history. 'Genetic analyses are playing in increasingly important role and predicting and protecting human health,' he said. 'Our study underscores the importance of DNA not only in helping us to have healthier futures, but also to understand our past.' [/INST] British archaeologists who in 1900 discovered the Minoan culture believed they were from Libya or Egypt . The Minoan civilisation arose on Crete in the 27th century BC and flourished until the 15th century BC . </s>
A University students' union has been forced to apologise after using a Nazi SS victory symbol to advertise a German-themed drinking event. Dozens of students at Aberystwyth University complained after spotting the resemblance between the double lightning bolt on the Bierkeller advert and the Siegrune used by Hitler's bodyguard. University chiefs insisted the logo was accidentally used to separate Welsh and English text on the poster for the sold-out night and removed it from the Facebook event. Aberystwyth University has been forced to apologise after using a Nazi SS victory symbol to advertise a German-themed drinking event . But students branded the organisers 'insensitive and inappropriate' for using a poster which glorified the brutal fighting force responsible for the Holocaust and other crimes against humanity. Final year student Abi Leach said: 'I think it's highly insensitive, inappropriate and really stupid. Who thought that was a good idea?' Tom Reed said: 'Although undoubtedly an innocent mishap, an organisation which claims to be a professional establishment should not be making sloppy mistakes like that. 'I'm sure nobody was offended but they need to be more careful.' The Siegrune (pictured in a 1940 recruitment poster for the Waffen SS, a wing of the Nazi party) was a common symbol on Nazi uniforms and on Nazi flags . The event, which is due to take place next Friday, will feature a performance from oompah and lederhosen band The Amazing Bavarian Stompers. Not all students recognised the doublie lightning bolt as Nazi insignia. Nathan, a Politics student, said: 'The first time I saw it I just assumed it was lightening bolts to be honest, I didn't make a connection.' Anyay Davoren added: 'I feel a bit bad I didn't recognise it as insignia. I should have paid more attention in history.' The SS, or Schutzstaffel, expanded from a small paramilitary unit to a powerful force that served as Hitler's bodyguard, the Nazi Party's 'Protection Squadron' and a force fielding almost a million men. Heinrich Himmler (left) was appointed head of the SS in 1929 and was influential in Nazi Germany, a soldier (right) with a helmet bearing the Siegrune symbol . They were chosen to implement the 'Final Solution' and led the killing, torture and enslavement of more than 12 million people. Heinrich Himmler was appointed head of the SS in 1929 and persuaded Hitler to run the fighting force as a separate organisation . An Aberystwyth Student's Union spokesman said: 'We very much regret that this symbol appeared on a social media posting and can assure you that it was a genuine mistake that was simply used to separate the Welsh and English text, and was removed as soon as it came to our attention. 'This has not appeared on any of the official promotional material. We apologise for any offence caused.' A spokesman for Aberystwyth University insisted the logo was accidentally used to separate Welsh and English text on the poster . The SS used runic insignia on flags, uniforms and posters to promote Nazi ideology. They also represented virtues seen as desirable in SS members, and were based on völkisch mystic Guido von List's Armanen runes, loosely based on the historical runic alphabets. The Siegrune, which looked like a lightning bolt, symbolised victory for the elite fighting force. It was adapted into the emblem of the SS in 1933 by Walter Heck, a SS soldier. Heck's simple but striking device consisted of two sig runes drawn side by side like lightning bolts, and was soon adopted by all branches of the SS. As well as standing for the initials of the SS, it could be read as a rallying cry of 'Victory, Victory!'.
Poster for Bierkeller student night featured Nazi SS victory symbol . Aberystwyth University students complained about double lightning bolt . Students branded poster for sold-out event 'insensitive and inappropriate' University apologised and said it was used accidentally to separate text .
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<s>[INST] A University students' union has been forced to apologise after using a Nazi SS victory symbol to advertise a German-themed drinking event. Dozens of students at Aberystwyth University complained after spotting the resemblance between the double lightning bolt on the Bierkeller advert and the Siegrune used by Hitler's bodyguard. University chiefs insisted the logo was accidentally used to separate Welsh and English text on the poster for the sold-out night and removed it from the Facebook event. Aberystwyth University has been forced to apologise after using a Nazi SS victory symbol to advertise a German-themed drinking event . But students branded the organisers 'insensitive and inappropriate' for using a poster which glorified the brutal fighting force responsible for the Holocaust and other crimes against humanity. Final year student Abi Leach said: 'I think it's highly insensitive, inappropriate and really stupid. Who thought that was a good idea?' Tom Reed said: 'Although undoubtedly an innocent mishap, an organisation which claims to be a professional establishment should not be making sloppy mistakes like that. 'I'm sure nobody was offended but they need to be more careful.' The Siegrune (pictured in a 1940 recruitment poster for the Waffen SS, a wing of the Nazi party) was a common symbol on Nazi uniforms and on Nazi flags . The event, which is due to take place next Friday, will feature a performance from oompah and lederhosen band The Amazing Bavarian Stompers. Not all students recognised the doublie lightning bolt as Nazi insignia. Nathan, a Politics student, said: 'The first time I saw it I just assumed it was lightening bolts to be honest, I didn't make a connection.' Anyay Davoren added: 'I feel a bit bad I didn't recognise it as insignia. I should have paid more attention in history.' The SS, or Schutzstaffel, expanded from a small paramilitary unit to a powerful force that served as Hitler's bodyguard, the Nazi Party's 'Protection Squadron' and a force fielding almost a million men. Heinrich Himmler (left) was appointed head of the SS in 1929 and was influential in Nazi Germany, a soldier (right) with a helmet bearing the Siegrune symbol . They were chosen to implement the 'Final Solution' and led the killing, torture and enslavement of more than 12 million people. Heinrich Himmler was appointed head of the SS in 1929 and persuaded Hitler to run the fighting force as a separate organisation . An Aberystwyth Student's Union spokesman said: 'We very much regret that this symbol appeared on a social media posting and can assure you that it was a genuine mistake that was simply used to separate the Welsh and English text, and was removed as soon as it came to our attention. 'This has not appeared on any of the official promotional material. We apologise for any offence caused.' A spokesman for Aberystwyth University insisted the logo was accidentally used to separate Welsh and English text on the poster . The SS used runic insignia on flags, uniforms and posters to promote Nazi ideology. They also represented virtues seen as desirable in SS members, and were based on völkisch mystic Guido von List's Armanen runes, loosely based on the historical runic alphabets. The Siegrune, which looked like a lightning bolt, symbolised victory for the elite fighting force. It was adapted into the emblem of the SS in 1933 by Walter Heck, a SS soldier. Heck's simple but striking device consisted of two sig runes drawn side by side like lightning bolts, and was soon adopted by all branches of the SS. As well as standing for the initials of the SS, it could be read as a rallying cry of 'Victory, Victory!'. [/INST] Poster for Bierkeller student night featured Nazi SS victory symbol . Aberystwyth University students complained about double lightning bolt . Students branded poster for sold-out event 'insensitive and inappropriate' University apologised and said it was used accidentally to separate text . </s>
By . Stephen Wright and Nick Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 10:21 EST, 23 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:59 EST, 24 May 2012 . An aristocrat's son has died while in police custody in Kenya after being arrested for allegedly smoking cannabis. Former Marlborough schoolboy Alexander Monson, 28, was taken ill a few hours after he was detained by officers in the coastal town of Diani. But he died shortly after being taken to hospital for treatment, local police said. Dead: Alexander Monson has died while on holiday in Kenya after becoming ill while in police custody . The cause of death was still under investigation last night, with the dead man’s family waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination before making a statement. But a close friend of Mr Monson, son of the 12th Baron (Nicholas) Monson, sensationally claimed ‘police brutality’ was a contributing factor in his death. The friend said: ‘He was a great guy and I would love to see those bastards go to jail for what they have done. ‘His death was a result of a combination of things. I wouldn’t say it was murder, but it was definitely a case of neglect. He was being held in custody and was not given the medical assistance he needed. It wasn’t a pre-existing medical condition, it was something else that started it. Perhaps a certain amount of police brutality.’ Contemporaries of Mr Monson at £30,300-a-year Marlborough College in Wiltshire included Pippa Middleton, also 28, but it is unclear whether they were friends. Liberal tradition: Alexander Monson's father Nicholas, pictured with his second wife Maria . Mr Monson lived in London but spent much of the year in Kenya with his mother Hilary, 58, and sister Isabella, 25. The pair run the Four Twenty South complex of self-catering cottages in the Indian ocean resort of Diani, where accommodation can cost up to £800 a night. His maternal grandparents bought the business in the 1960s. As the heir to the Monson baronetcy, Alexander was born into a life of privilege. His paternal grandfather was Lord Monson, a Lincolnshire landowner and peer. He was a champion of personal liberties who later became president of the Society for Individual Freedom. When the 11th baron died last year, the title passed to Alexander’s father, Nicholas John Monson, born in 1955. It is believed Baron (Nicholas) Monson, a publisher, is currently in Kenya with his third wife, Silvana. Last night the dead man’s grandmother, Lady Emma Monson, said: ‘I’m a widow myself. I’m bereaved. I’m now grieving for my grandson. I’m extremely upset and I just can’t talk about it.’ Kenyan Police said Mr Monson died in hospital on Saturday following his arrest. Police spokesman Richard Mugwai said he had been in custody for just a few hours when he was rushed to hospital after starting to feel sick. The officer said: ‘He was arrested outside a nightclub under the suspicion of having taken drugs. ‘We made preparations to interview and charge him but he then felt sick. We took him to the hospital and he died in the hands of the doctors.’ It is believed Mr Monson, who studied at London’s City University until 2008, entered Kenya on April 23 and was due to fly home on July 10. Mr Mugwai, the commander of Kenya’s coastal Kwale County police division, said Mr Monson was taken to the police station under suspicion of having smoked bhang, a local variety of cannabis. He was later moved to the nearby Palm Beach Hospital, where he died. A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We have been providing consular assistance.’ Trouble in paradise: The beach at Diani Beach the popular tourist destination on Kenya's south coast where the young British tourist died . Bhang is a natural drug made from dried seeds and leaves from the female cannabis plant. Its use originated in India and it is illegal in many countries. Popular on the backpacking scene, users often mix it with fruit or alcohol. On his Facebook page, Mr Monson's father describes himself as ‘an enthusiastic cook, a relentless writer, an occasional poet, a passionate advocate, a wayward disciple of the teachings of Epicurus and the Stoics and a devoted Apostle of Alain de Botton’. Last night a friend who knew the Monson family when they lived in Bampton, Oxfordshire, said: ‘It’s awful what happened, it makes me feel sick. ‘I heard he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly with a friend. The friend was released but apparently they found drugs on Alexander so he was handcuffed and taken.’
Former Marlborough schoolboy became ill after being detained by police . Cause of death still under investigation friend says 'it wasn't murder but was definitely police neglect' Dead man is son of Nicholas Monson - 12th Baron of Monson . Suspected he smoked backpacker drug 'bhang' a local variety of cannabis . Arrested outside nightclub on suspicion of smoking illegal substance .
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<s>[INST] By . Stephen Wright and Nick Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 10:21 EST, 23 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:59 EST, 24 May 2012 . An aristocrat's son has died while in police custody in Kenya after being arrested for allegedly smoking cannabis. Former Marlborough schoolboy Alexander Monson, 28, was taken ill a few hours after he was detained by officers in the coastal town of Diani. But he died shortly after being taken to hospital for treatment, local police said. Dead: Alexander Monson has died while on holiday in Kenya after becoming ill while in police custody . The cause of death was still under investigation last night, with the dead man’s family waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination before making a statement. But a close friend of Mr Monson, son of the 12th Baron (Nicholas) Monson, sensationally claimed ‘police brutality’ was a contributing factor in his death. The friend said: ‘He was a great guy and I would love to see those bastards go to jail for what they have done. ‘His death was a result of a combination of things. I wouldn’t say it was murder, but it was definitely a case of neglect. He was being held in custody and was not given the medical assistance he needed. It wasn’t a pre-existing medical condition, it was something else that started it. Perhaps a certain amount of police brutality.’ Contemporaries of Mr Monson at £30,300-a-year Marlborough College in Wiltshire included Pippa Middleton, also 28, but it is unclear whether they were friends. Liberal tradition: Alexander Monson's father Nicholas, pictured with his second wife Maria . Mr Monson lived in London but spent much of the year in Kenya with his mother Hilary, 58, and sister Isabella, 25. The pair run the Four Twenty South complex of self-catering cottages in the Indian ocean resort of Diani, where accommodation can cost up to £800 a night. His maternal grandparents bought the business in the 1960s. As the heir to the Monson baronetcy, Alexander was born into a life of privilege. His paternal grandfather was Lord Monson, a Lincolnshire landowner and peer. He was a champion of personal liberties who later became president of the Society for Individual Freedom. When the 11th baron died last year, the title passed to Alexander’s father, Nicholas John Monson, born in 1955. It is believed Baron (Nicholas) Monson, a publisher, is currently in Kenya with his third wife, Silvana. Last night the dead man’s grandmother, Lady Emma Monson, said: ‘I’m a widow myself. I’m bereaved. I’m now grieving for my grandson. I’m extremely upset and I just can’t talk about it.’ Kenyan Police said Mr Monson died in hospital on Saturday following his arrest. Police spokesman Richard Mugwai said he had been in custody for just a few hours when he was rushed to hospital after starting to feel sick. The officer said: ‘He was arrested outside a nightclub under the suspicion of having taken drugs. ‘We made preparations to interview and charge him but he then felt sick. We took him to the hospital and he died in the hands of the doctors.’ It is believed Mr Monson, who studied at London’s City University until 2008, entered Kenya on April 23 and was due to fly home on July 10. Mr Mugwai, the commander of Kenya’s coastal Kwale County police division, said Mr Monson was taken to the police station under suspicion of having smoked bhang, a local variety of cannabis. He was later moved to the nearby Palm Beach Hospital, where he died. A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We have been providing consular assistance.’ Trouble in paradise: The beach at Diani Beach the popular tourist destination on Kenya's south coast where the young British tourist died . Bhang is a natural drug made from dried seeds and leaves from the female cannabis plant. Its use originated in India and it is illegal in many countries. Popular on the backpacking scene, users often mix it with fruit or alcohol. On his Facebook page, Mr Monson's father describes himself as ‘an enthusiastic cook, a relentless writer, an occasional poet, a passionate advocate, a wayward disciple of the teachings of Epicurus and the Stoics and a devoted Apostle of Alain de Botton’. Last night a friend who knew the Monson family when they lived in Bampton, Oxfordshire, said: ‘It’s awful what happened, it makes me feel sick. ‘I heard he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly with a friend. The friend was released but apparently they found drugs on Alexander so he was handcuffed and taken.’ [/INST] Former Marlborough schoolboy became ill after being detained by police . Cause of death still under investigation friend says 'it wasn't murder but was definitely police neglect' Dead man is son of Nicholas Monson - 12th Baron of Monson . Suspected he smoked backpacker drug 'bhang' a local variety of cannabis . Arrested outside nightclub on suspicion of smoking illegal substance . </s>
(CNN) -- Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko expects to play for AC Milan next season. The Bosnian international, whose 26 goals last season inspired the Wolves to the Bundesliga title, has already informed his club he intends to move to the San Siro outfit. "I recently spoke to Wolfsburg executives about it and they know that I would like a transfer next summer," Dzeko told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The story with AC Milan is not over." Dzeko was strongly linked with the Rossoneri last summer but despite AC Milan holding talks with the Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg refused to sell their top player. The 23-year-old, who also attracted interest from Manchester United, insists his dream is to play with the Serie A giants. "Manchester United have also shown an interest but I have been a fan of Milan since I was a child, when I watched their games on TV. It's for that reason that I really hope I can play next season there." Dzeko is under contract with the German side until June 2013.
Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko expects to join AC Milan for next season . The Bosnian international has already informed his club he intends to move to Italy . The 23-year-old scored 26 goals last season to inspire the Wolves to the Bundesliga title .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko expects to play for AC Milan next season. The Bosnian international, whose 26 goals last season inspired the Wolves to the Bundesliga title, has already informed his club he intends to move to the San Siro outfit. "I recently spoke to Wolfsburg executives about it and they know that I would like a transfer next summer," Dzeko told Gazzetta dello Sport. "The story with AC Milan is not over." Dzeko was strongly linked with the Rossoneri last summer but despite AC Milan holding talks with the Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg refused to sell their top player. The 23-year-old, who also attracted interest from Manchester United, insists his dream is to play with the Serie A giants. "Manchester United have also shown an interest but I have been a fan of Milan since I was a child, when I watched their games on TV. It's for that reason that I really hope I can play next season there." Dzeko is under contract with the German side until June 2013. [/INST] Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko expects to join AC Milan for next season . The Bosnian international has already informed his club he intends to move to Italy . The 23-year-old scored 26 goals last season to inspire the Wolves to the Bundesliga title . </s>
A wildlife photographer kept his cool when an eleven-foot polar bear got up close and personal with his camera. Bill Drumm, 29, captured the softer side of the enormous animal as it investigated his equipment. He came across the bear, nicknamed Scar, while he was riding a Tundra buggy through Churchill in Manitoba, Canada. As he approached, quick-thinking Bill hung his camera out of the window just inches from the bear's nose. Scar, roamed around the wagon and then stopped briefly to feast on a carcass. Scroll down for video . Smile: 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie,' said photographer Bill Drumm . Time for a snowball fight: Bill also captured the huge bear, nicknamed Scar, balls up some snow in his claws . Bill, from Monterey in California, USA, said: 'Out of nowhere the bear got up and headed straight for our buggy. 'I was taking a photo of him when suddenly he jumped up on his back legs and stood right up to the side of the vehicle. 'When he was up there he took a few big whiffs of the air and looked around at the surprised people inside.' He added: 'Everyone was really shocked the first time he jumped up like that. 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie.' During a six-week span in October and November, Manitoba has the highest concentration of polar bears in the world. The bears gather along the coast, and wait for ice to form in the sea so they can begin hunting seals. Playful: The photographer, from California, captured the softer side of the bear, pictured her enjoying a roll in the snow . Curious: Bill said the bear approached and took a few big whiffs of the air and looked around at the surprised people inside' Left, Scar the bear investigates as Bill and his friends take pictures of their visitor and right, the bear takes a bite from the buggy . Can I come in? Bill said the bear came 'out of nowhere' while he was driving through Churchill in Manitoba, Canada . Anyone home? Bill was taking photographs when suddenly the bear stood on his back legs, reaching his full eleven feet in height . Not going anywhere: Manitoba, in Canada, has the highest concentration of polar bears in a six-week period in October and November . Time for a rest: Polar bears gather in the area waiting for ice to form in the sea so they can begin hinting seals . I give up! The bear investigated the buggy for a while, only stopping to eat a carcass, but here, he looks like he's growling in frustration .
Wildlife photographer Bill Drumm captured the softer side of the bear in Churchill in Manitoba, Canada . The bear approached his Tundra buggy and Bill hung his camera out the window just inches from its nose . Bill said: 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie'
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<s>[INST] A wildlife photographer kept his cool when an eleven-foot polar bear got up close and personal with his camera. Bill Drumm, 29, captured the softer side of the enormous animal as it investigated his equipment. He came across the bear, nicknamed Scar, while he was riding a Tundra buggy through Churchill in Manitoba, Canada. As he approached, quick-thinking Bill hung his camera out of the window just inches from the bear's nose. Scar, roamed around the wagon and then stopped briefly to feast on a carcass. Scroll down for video . Smile: 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie,' said photographer Bill Drumm . Time for a snowball fight: Bill also captured the huge bear, nicknamed Scar, balls up some snow in his claws . Bill, from Monterey in California, USA, said: 'Out of nowhere the bear got up and headed straight for our buggy. 'I was taking a photo of him when suddenly he jumped up on his back legs and stood right up to the side of the vehicle. 'When he was up there he took a few big whiffs of the air and looked around at the surprised people inside.' He added: 'Everyone was really shocked the first time he jumped up like that. 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie.' During a six-week span in October and November, Manitoba has the highest concentration of polar bears in the world. The bears gather along the coast, and wait for ice to form in the sea so they can begin hunting seals. Playful: The photographer, from California, captured the softer side of the bear, pictured her enjoying a roll in the snow . Curious: Bill said the bear approached and took a few big whiffs of the air and looked around at the surprised people inside' Left, Scar the bear investigates as Bill and his friends take pictures of their visitor and right, the bear takes a bite from the buggy . Can I come in? Bill said the bear came 'out of nowhere' while he was driving through Churchill in Manitoba, Canada . Anyone home? Bill was taking photographs when suddenly the bear stood on his back legs, reaching his full eleven feet in height . Not going anywhere: Manitoba, in Canada, has the highest concentration of polar bears in a six-week period in October and November . Time for a rest: Polar bears gather in the area waiting for ice to form in the sea so they can begin hinting seals . I give up! The bear investigated the buggy for a while, only stopping to eat a carcass, but here, he looks like he's growling in frustration . [/INST] Wildlife photographer Bill Drumm captured the softer side of the bear in Churchill in Manitoba, Canada . The bear approached his Tundra buggy and Bill hung his camera out the window just inches from its nose . Bill said: 'I couldn't believe my luck that my camera was ready and waiting for the bear to take his own selfie' </s>
(CNN) -- Veteran Australian paceman Brett Lee has confirmed that he is retiring from Test cricket after being plagued by injuries in recent years. The 33-year-old, who won 76 Test caps, will still make himself available for one- day cricket once he has fully recovered from an elbow operation he underwent last December. Lee, who claimed 310 wickets for Australia, missed last year's Ashes series against England after suffering a side strain on the eve of the first Test and has not played for his country since the 2008 Boxing Day Test against South Africa. "I am extremely proud to have played Test cricket for Australia," Lee told a news conference. "My reason for retiring from this form of the game is so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent my country in the other forms of the game." Lee made his debut against India in Melbourne in 1999 and is fourth on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list, behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee. "Brett has played a key role in helping the Australian team be one of the most successful Test teams in history," said Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland.
Australian paceman Brett Lee has confirmed that he is retiring from Test cricket . The 33-year-old has been plagued by a succession of injuries in recent years . Lee won 76 international caps and is still available for the one-day team .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Veteran Australian paceman Brett Lee has confirmed that he is retiring from Test cricket after being plagued by injuries in recent years. The 33-year-old, who won 76 Test caps, will still make himself available for one- day cricket once he has fully recovered from an elbow operation he underwent last December. Lee, who claimed 310 wickets for Australia, missed last year's Ashes series against England after suffering a side strain on the eve of the first Test and has not played for his country since the 2008 Boxing Day Test against South Africa. "I am extremely proud to have played Test cricket for Australia," Lee told a news conference. "My reason for retiring from this form of the game is so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent my country in the other forms of the game." Lee made his debut against India in Melbourne in 1999 and is fourth on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers list, behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee. "Brett has played a key role in helping the Australian team be one of the most successful Test teams in history," said Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland. [/INST] Australian paceman Brett Lee has confirmed that he is retiring from Test cricket . The 33-year-old has been plagued by a succession of injuries in recent years . Lee won 76 international caps and is still available for the one-day team . </s>
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:11 EST, 20 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:01 EST, 21 October 2012 . Temperatures are set to nudged a record breaking 21C from the start of next week as Britain enjoys an Indian summer - but forecasters have warned not to get used to it. The brief spell of unseasonable warmth could precede a polar plunge, bringing England’s first snow of winter by Friday, according to Meteorologists. This year is already Britain’s . 'strangest-ever' for weather, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology . said, with the worst drought since 1976 followed by the wettest summer . for a century. Golden sunrise: A jogger enjoys the tranquility of a dawn breaking over a misty Heacham, West Norfolk . But the erratic climate has a few more . surprised in store in the coming days, delivering a taste of three . seasons in a week - as a golden autumnal weekend is being followed by . summer and winter snaps. The . Met Office said most parts were having a weekend of long sunny spells . once morning fog lifts - perfect for autumn walks amid glorious colours. Only the cloudier South will see occasional rain tomorrow. African air will deliver Indian Summer temperatures from Monday. With . Halloween just a week away, The Weather Channel forecast a 50 per cent . chance of topping 20C in the South, nudging the October 23 temperature . record of 21.4C at Anglesey, Wales, in 1996. Crack of dawn: The overnight rain and cloud-streaked skies give way to a fresh morning as the sun tries to break though at Heacham, West Norfolk . Not much of a view: Thick fog stops two women enjoying the view of central London, from a park bench on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath in London, today . Change in the air: A man sits on a bench by trees in misty conditions on Hampstead Heath in London, Saturday, today, as weather forecasters predict rising temperatures . Three Day Weather Graphic . The Met Office predicted temperatures . in the 'high teens' but the potential for higher if clouds bringing . 'blood rain' showers ease. Tonight: . Britain should expect cloud with outbreaks of rain, particularly in southern counties, which will clear more western and northern areas by the early hours of the morning. The minimum temperature is expected to fall to 8C. Sunday: . Early low cloud will slowly clear leaving the occasional shower in the south. Temperatures will peak at 15C. Monday to Wednesday: . Monday, rather cloudy and misty with occasional rain. Tuesday and Wednesday will be mainly dry with broken cloud, some pleasant bright or sunny spells, although with brisk east winds. Mild. Forecasters said Saharan dust is expected to leave red-tinged sand stains on cars. Holland had blood rain today. But forecasters warned of a 'very . potent' Arctic plunge from Thursday, with snow in the East, North and . Wales by Friday and the South at risk next weekend, the Weather Outlook, . WeatherOnline and British Weather Services said. The . Met Office claimed it was 'too early' to assess the snow risk - but . confirmed colder air would push nights close to freezing in the North. Days are forecast to reach just 8C in the Midlands and 5C in parts of Scotland. A . colder-than-average winter with 'significant' snow, -18C temperatures . and transport disruption is ahead, British Weather Services said this . week. Weather Channel . forecaster Leon Brown said: 'Temperatures above 20C are rare in late . October - but there’s a 50 per cent chance of 20C in the South on . Tuesday, close to record levels.' Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said: 'Enjoy the warmth but make sure you’ve got your winter woolies close at hand. 'Forecast . models show a very potent cold blast by October standards, with snow as . far south as Wales - and I wouldn’t rule out snow in the South by next . weekend.' Closing in: A bird watcher looks through his binoculars with dwindling hope of spotting anything in the misty conditions on Hampstead Heath in London, today . WeatherOnline forecaster Simon Keeling said: 'The major story of the next week will be the temperature fall, to 8C in the Midlands and 5C in Scotland by Friday. 'Thursday may see low-level sleet in Scotland with snow on higher ground, with Friday seeing wintry showers on hills in England’s East and North.' British Weather Services said: 'Could we go from T-shirts to sledges within days?' Met Office forecaster Dave Britton said: 'Temperatures will be in the high teens at the start of next week and perhaps very warm in the South-East in any sunshine. 'Things cool off later in the week but it’s too early to say if there will be snow.'
Forecasters predicting temperatures to hit 21C next week . African air will deliver Indian Summer temperatures from Monday . But meteorologists fear arctic snap will arrive by Friday . Temperatures could plunge to below zero and bring snow in coming weeks .
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<s>[INST] By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:11 EST, 20 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:01 EST, 21 October 2012 . Temperatures are set to nudged a record breaking 21C from the start of next week as Britain enjoys an Indian summer - but forecasters have warned not to get used to it. The brief spell of unseasonable warmth could precede a polar plunge, bringing England’s first snow of winter by Friday, according to Meteorologists. This year is already Britain’s . 'strangest-ever' for weather, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology . said, with the worst drought since 1976 followed by the wettest summer . for a century. Golden sunrise: A jogger enjoys the tranquility of a dawn breaking over a misty Heacham, West Norfolk . But the erratic climate has a few more . surprised in store in the coming days, delivering a taste of three . seasons in a week - as a golden autumnal weekend is being followed by . summer and winter snaps. The . Met Office said most parts were having a weekend of long sunny spells . once morning fog lifts - perfect for autumn walks amid glorious colours. Only the cloudier South will see occasional rain tomorrow. African air will deliver Indian Summer temperatures from Monday. With . Halloween just a week away, The Weather Channel forecast a 50 per cent . chance of topping 20C in the South, nudging the October 23 temperature . record of 21.4C at Anglesey, Wales, in 1996. Crack of dawn: The overnight rain and cloud-streaked skies give way to a fresh morning as the sun tries to break though at Heacham, West Norfolk . Not much of a view: Thick fog stops two women enjoying the view of central London, from a park bench on Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath in London, today . Change in the air: A man sits on a bench by trees in misty conditions on Hampstead Heath in London, Saturday, today, as weather forecasters predict rising temperatures . Three Day Weather Graphic . The Met Office predicted temperatures . in the 'high teens' but the potential for higher if clouds bringing . 'blood rain' showers ease. Tonight: . Britain should expect cloud with outbreaks of rain, particularly in southern counties, which will clear more western and northern areas by the early hours of the morning. The minimum temperature is expected to fall to 8C. Sunday: . Early low cloud will slowly clear leaving the occasional shower in the south. Temperatures will peak at 15C. Monday to Wednesday: . Monday, rather cloudy and misty with occasional rain. Tuesday and Wednesday will be mainly dry with broken cloud, some pleasant bright or sunny spells, although with brisk east winds. Mild. Forecasters said Saharan dust is expected to leave red-tinged sand stains on cars. Holland had blood rain today. But forecasters warned of a 'very . potent' Arctic plunge from Thursday, with snow in the East, North and . Wales by Friday and the South at risk next weekend, the Weather Outlook, . WeatherOnline and British Weather Services said. The . Met Office claimed it was 'too early' to assess the snow risk - but . confirmed colder air would push nights close to freezing in the North. Days are forecast to reach just 8C in the Midlands and 5C in parts of Scotland. A . colder-than-average winter with 'significant' snow, -18C temperatures . and transport disruption is ahead, British Weather Services said this . week. Weather Channel . forecaster Leon Brown said: 'Temperatures above 20C are rare in late . October - but there’s a 50 per cent chance of 20C in the South on . Tuesday, close to record levels.' Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said: 'Enjoy the warmth but make sure you’ve got your winter woolies close at hand. 'Forecast . models show a very potent cold blast by October standards, with snow as . far south as Wales - and I wouldn’t rule out snow in the South by next . weekend.' Closing in: A bird watcher looks through his binoculars with dwindling hope of spotting anything in the misty conditions on Hampstead Heath in London, today . WeatherOnline forecaster Simon Keeling said: 'The major story of the next week will be the temperature fall, to 8C in the Midlands and 5C in Scotland by Friday. 'Thursday may see low-level sleet in Scotland with snow on higher ground, with Friday seeing wintry showers on hills in England’s East and North.' British Weather Services said: 'Could we go from T-shirts to sledges within days?' Met Office forecaster Dave Britton said: 'Temperatures will be in the high teens at the start of next week and perhaps very warm in the South-East in any sunshine. 'Things cool off later in the week but it’s too early to say if there will be snow.' [/INST] Forecasters predicting temperatures to hit 21C next week . African air will deliver Indian Summer temperatures from Monday . But meteorologists fear arctic snap will arrive by Friday . Temperatures could plunge to below zero and bring snow in coming weeks . </s>
By . Katy Winter . A young woman shed 10st after she was mistaken for her own mother on Facebook. Lauren Thomas, 28, of Llanelli, shrunk from size 26 to a size 14 after a friend thought a photo Miss Thomas had taken of herself was of her 66-year-old mother, Brenda. Miss Thomas said: 'I knew I'd put on weight but I had no idea I put 30 years on to my life too. The picture (right) which persuaded Lauren to lose weight after a friend mistook it for a picture of her mother Brenda (left) Lauren radically changed her diet, dropping from 20st (left) to about 12st 7lbs (right) 'I immediately changed my privacy settings so no-one could see the photo but I was utterly mortified.' Miss Thomas grew up surrounded by sweet and savoury treats because her family owned a bakery. She said: 'Pasties were my downfall. I was always eating them. 'When I got home from school I would always ask mum if I could help myself to a cake - she rarely said no, so I put on a lot of weight by the time I was a teenager. Lauren's weight continued to rise after her father died when she was 14 and she was bullied at school . 'I was bullied awfully. Some of my classmates called me Mandy Dingle because they thought I looked like Lisa Riley.' Miss Thomas's weight continued to rise after her father died when she was 14 years old. She said: 'I was very upset and I ate for comfort. One day I couldn't cope with the bullying anymore and lashed out at a boy who was teasing me. The headmaster called me into his office and I broke down when I told him about the bullying. Lauren often ate chocolate for breakfast, a Cornish pasty for lunch and an evening meal of sausage and mash . 'I spent a long time feeling angry but I learned to live with my size, even though deep down I was very unhappy.' Shortly after she left school her weight topped 19st. She . said: 'I was working in a care home when I tried to help an elderly . gentleman up and I pulled a muscle in my back very badly. 'I . couldn't work for six weeks while I recovered. A doctor took one look . at me and told me he wasn't surprised I'd injured myself because I was . so overweight. 'I felt he was quite rude and tried to brush it off but his words stayed with me for a long time afterwards.' In the wake of the appointment Miss . Thomas developed bulimia, a condition she would suffer with until she . discovered she was pregnant with her daughter Rhiannon, now three. She . said: 'I had been struggling, and was desperate for control. But . becoming pregnant made me comfortable in myself again. I made sure I ate . properly while I was pregnant and after Rhiannon was born I started to . put weight on again.' Although she originally dropped down to 10st, Lauren says she feels and looks better around 12st (pictured) In the midst of all these weight issues, in early 2012, weighing 20st, Miss . Thomas updated her profile picture on Facebook. It was then that her friend sent the message that was to change her life. The acquaintance posted: 'Oh my god, is that your mum? You look like twins'. 'She'd made an honest mistake but I was embarrassed beyond words. It hadn't occurred to me that I'd got to that point. The very next day Miss Thomas began the Cambridge Diet, which replaced the fatty and sugary foods she was used to with calorie-controlled milkshakes. Before beginning the programme, she often ate pieces of chocolate for breakfast, a Cornish pasty for lunch and an evening meal of sausage and mash with gravy or spaghetti bolognese with generous portions of cheese. She would snack on biscuits and crisps. Within just six months she weighed 14st, having lost more than 5st. By July 2013, she was down to 10st 7lbs  although today, she weighs around 12st 7lbs. She said: 'People said I looked ill when I was at my lowest weight. I'm 5ft 7in and I can't be too thin. 12st is a healthy weight for me and I'm trying to get down to that level now. 'I've finally found something which works, and for the first time I feel as if I've got some control.'
Lauren dropped from 20st at size 26 to 12st 7lbs and size 14 . Spurred to diet when a friend confused her with her 66-year-old mother . Gained weight as a child due to stress of bullying and death of her father .
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<s>[INST] By . Katy Winter . A young woman shed 10st after she was mistaken for her own mother on Facebook. Lauren Thomas, 28, of Llanelli, shrunk from size 26 to a size 14 after a friend thought a photo Miss Thomas had taken of herself was of her 66-year-old mother, Brenda. Miss Thomas said: 'I knew I'd put on weight but I had no idea I put 30 years on to my life too. The picture (right) which persuaded Lauren to lose weight after a friend mistook it for a picture of her mother Brenda (left) Lauren radically changed her diet, dropping from 20st (left) to about 12st 7lbs (right) 'I immediately changed my privacy settings so no-one could see the photo but I was utterly mortified.' Miss Thomas grew up surrounded by sweet and savoury treats because her family owned a bakery. She said: 'Pasties were my downfall. I was always eating them. 'When I got home from school I would always ask mum if I could help myself to a cake - she rarely said no, so I put on a lot of weight by the time I was a teenager. Lauren's weight continued to rise after her father died when she was 14 and she was bullied at school . 'I was bullied awfully. Some of my classmates called me Mandy Dingle because they thought I looked like Lisa Riley.' Miss Thomas's weight continued to rise after her father died when she was 14 years old. She said: 'I was very upset and I ate for comfort. One day I couldn't cope with the bullying anymore and lashed out at a boy who was teasing me. The headmaster called me into his office and I broke down when I told him about the bullying. Lauren often ate chocolate for breakfast, a Cornish pasty for lunch and an evening meal of sausage and mash . 'I spent a long time feeling angry but I learned to live with my size, even though deep down I was very unhappy.' Shortly after she left school her weight topped 19st. She . said: 'I was working in a care home when I tried to help an elderly . gentleman up and I pulled a muscle in my back very badly. 'I . couldn't work for six weeks while I recovered. A doctor took one look . at me and told me he wasn't surprised I'd injured myself because I was . so overweight. 'I felt he was quite rude and tried to brush it off but his words stayed with me for a long time afterwards.' In the wake of the appointment Miss . Thomas developed bulimia, a condition she would suffer with until she . discovered she was pregnant with her daughter Rhiannon, now three. She . said: 'I had been struggling, and was desperate for control. But . becoming pregnant made me comfortable in myself again. I made sure I ate . properly while I was pregnant and after Rhiannon was born I started to . put weight on again.' Although she originally dropped down to 10st, Lauren says she feels and looks better around 12st (pictured) In the midst of all these weight issues, in early 2012, weighing 20st, Miss . Thomas updated her profile picture on Facebook. It was then that her friend sent the message that was to change her life. The acquaintance posted: 'Oh my god, is that your mum? You look like twins'. 'She'd made an honest mistake but I was embarrassed beyond words. It hadn't occurred to me that I'd got to that point. The very next day Miss Thomas began the Cambridge Diet, which replaced the fatty and sugary foods she was used to with calorie-controlled milkshakes. Before beginning the programme, she often ate pieces of chocolate for breakfast, a Cornish pasty for lunch and an evening meal of sausage and mash with gravy or spaghetti bolognese with generous portions of cheese. She would snack on biscuits and crisps. Within just six months she weighed 14st, having lost more than 5st. By July 2013, she was down to 10st 7lbs  although today, she weighs around 12st 7lbs. She said: 'People said I looked ill when I was at my lowest weight. I'm 5ft 7in and I can't be too thin. 12st is a healthy weight for me and I'm trying to get down to that level now. 'I've finally found something which works, and for the first time I feel as if I've got some control.' [/INST] Lauren dropped from 20st at size 26 to 12st 7lbs and size 14 . Spurred to diet when a friend confused her with her 66-year-old mother . Gained weight as a child due to stress of bullying and death of her father . </s>
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama will meet with top congressional leaders from both parties Tuesday to discuss a war in Afghanistan that now appears to be at a potential tipping point. The meeting on the war comes as the Obama administration conducts a review of its Afghan strategy. Obama will be joined by, among others, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heads of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees in the House and Senate, two Democratic officials said. The meeting comes amid the Obama administration's comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Several top military leaders and opposition Republicans are pressing Obama to act quickly to increase the present 68,000-troop level by as many as 40,000. "There's no doubt that, particularly on funding, it's not going to happen until Congress signs off," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Monday. "They're an important part of this, and the president wants to hear from them." In March, Obama announced a plan to send more than 20,000 additional troops to the country to provide security for a national election. That move followed what Obama and others called years of inadequate resources in Afghanistan because of the Bush administration's focus on Iraq. The Obama strategy was based on a counterinsurgency mission intended to defeat terrorists based in Afghanistan while winning local support and helping with development. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who took over four months ago as the top U.S. commander in the country, has submitted an assessment in which, sources have told CNN, he says he needs additional forces to carry out the counterinsurgency strategy successfully. Otherwise, McChrystal reportedly warns, the mission could fail, bringing a return of power to the Taliban. "We need to reverse the current trends, and time does matter," McChrystal said last week in a speech in London, England. "Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely." U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, appeared to push back Monday against those who are loudly urging a rapid troop increase. It's "important that we get it right," he told a U.S. Army audience. Gates said that it's also "important that all of us ... provide the best advice to the president candidly but privately." Gen. George Casey, chief of staff of the Army, echoed Gates' view, telling reporters that he would be sharing his views "in private" and that they'd be "the second to know." Obama has yet to respond to McChrystal's report, prompting opponents to accuse him of indecisiveness and playing politics that puts U.S. soldiers on the ground at risk. Watch more on the debate over the best way forward » . National Security Adviser James Jones Jr. on Sunday cited three developments since March that have led the White House to reconsider its overall Afghanistan strategy: . • Questions about the legitimacy of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's election victory. • McChrystal's conclusion that the Taliban is stronger than previously thought. • Neighboring Pakistan's improved efforts to change the overall dynamic of the border region. "The key in Afghanistan is to have a triad of things happen simultaneously," Jones said on CNN's "State of the Union," listing improved security, economic development and "good governance and the rule of law." Jones said Karzai's government "is going to have to pitch in and do much better" than it has to improve the governance situation after the elections, widely considered as tainted by vote fraud in some areas. Some in Obama's inner circle, including Vice President Joe Biden, are advocating a counterterrorism approach that focuses on combating al Qaeda through the use of unmanned drones and special forces without involving additional troops. Others, especially McChrystal, are strongly advocating the broader counterinsurgency approach, which requires a much larger U.S. military footprint in the country. See who has Obama's ear on Afghanistan » . Sen. John McCain of Arizona and other Senate Republicans -- as well as other advocates of an increase in troop levels -- are pushing for McChrystal to testify before Congress about his assessment. Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Michigan, rejected their request nearly two weeks ago, calling it "premature." Eight American troops and two Afghan security force members were killed Saturday when militants opened fire on an outpost with rockets, mortars and heavy-caliber machine guns, according to an initial U.S. military report on the battle. The bodies of four of those U.S. soldiers -- Army Sgt. Joshua Kirk, of South Portland, Maine; Specialists Michael Scusa of Villas, New Jersey, and Christopher Griffin, of Kincheloe, Michigan; and Pfc. Kevin Thomson, of Reno, Nevada -- are scheduled to be brought back to the United States on Tuesday, the Pentagon said. It was the largest number of Americans killed by hostile action in a single day in Afghanistan since July 2008, according to CNN records. CNN's Ed Henry and Laurie Ure contributed to this report.
Heads of Armed Services and Foreign Relations panels in Congress will attend . Meeting comes amid comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan . U.S. commander reportedly has warned the mission could fail without more troops . Some advisers advocate counterterrorism approach without adding troops .
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<s>[INST] WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama will meet with top congressional leaders from both parties Tuesday to discuss a war in Afghanistan that now appears to be at a potential tipping point. The meeting on the war comes as the Obama administration conducts a review of its Afghan strategy. Obama will be joined by, among others, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heads of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees in the House and Senate, two Democratic officials said. The meeting comes amid the Obama administration's comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Several top military leaders and opposition Republicans are pressing Obama to act quickly to increase the present 68,000-troop level by as many as 40,000. "There's no doubt that, particularly on funding, it's not going to happen until Congress signs off," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Monday. "They're an important part of this, and the president wants to hear from them." In March, Obama announced a plan to send more than 20,000 additional troops to the country to provide security for a national election. That move followed what Obama and others called years of inadequate resources in Afghanistan because of the Bush administration's focus on Iraq. The Obama strategy was based on a counterinsurgency mission intended to defeat terrorists based in Afghanistan while winning local support and helping with development. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who took over four months ago as the top U.S. commander in the country, has submitted an assessment in which, sources have told CNN, he says he needs additional forces to carry out the counterinsurgency strategy successfully. Otherwise, McChrystal reportedly warns, the mission could fail, bringing a return of power to the Taliban. "We need to reverse the current trends, and time does matter," McChrystal said last week in a speech in London, England. "Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely." U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, appeared to push back Monday against those who are loudly urging a rapid troop increase. It's "important that we get it right," he told a U.S. Army audience. Gates said that it's also "important that all of us ... provide the best advice to the president candidly but privately." Gen. George Casey, chief of staff of the Army, echoed Gates' view, telling reporters that he would be sharing his views "in private" and that they'd be "the second to know." Obama has yet to respond to McChrystal's report, prompting opponents to accuse him of indecisiveness and playing politics that puts U.S. soldiers on the ground at risk. Watch more on the debate over the best way forward » . National Security Adviser James Jones Jr. on Sunday cited three developments since March that have led the White House to reconsider its overall Afghanistan strategy: . • Questions about the legitimacy of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's election victory. • McChrystal's conclusion that the Taliban is stronger than previously thought. • Neighboring Pakistan's improved efforts to change the overall dynamic of the border region. "The key in Afghanistan is to have a triad of things happen simultaneously," Jones said on CNN's "State of the Union," listing improved security, economic development and "good governance and the rule of law." Jones said Karzai's government "is going to have to pitch in and do much better" than it has to improve the governance situation after the elections, widely considered as tainted by vote fraud in some areas. Some in Obama's inner circle, including Vice President Joe Biden, are advocating a counterterrorism approach that focuses on combating al Qaeda through the use of unmanned drones and special forces without involving additional troops. Others, especially McChrystal, are strongly advocating the broader counterinsurgency approach, which requires a much larger U.S. military footprint in the country. See who has Obama's ear on Afghanistan » . Sen. John McCain of Arizona and other Senate Republicans -- as well as other advocates of an increase in troop levels -- are pushing for McChrystal to testify before Congress about his assessment. Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Michigan, rejected their request nearly two weeks ago, calling it "premature." Eight American troops and two Afghan security force members were killed Saturday when militants opened fire on an outpost with rockets, mortars and heavy-caliber machine guns, according to an initial U.S. military report on the battle. The bodies of four of those U.S. soldiers -- Army Sgt. Joshua Kirk, of South Portland, Maine; Specialists Michael Scusa of Villas, New Jersey, and Christopher Griffin, of Kincheloe, Michigan; and Pfc. Kevin Thomson, of Reno, Nevada -- are scheduled to be brought back to the United States on Tuesday, the Pentagon said. It was the largest number of Americans killed by hostile action in a single day in Afghanistan since July 2008, according to CNN records. CNN's Ed Henry and Laurie Ure contributed to this report. [/INST] Heads of Armed Services and Foreign Relations panels in Congress will attend . Meeting comes amid comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan . U.S. commander reportedly has warned the mission could fail without more troops . Some advisers advocate counterterrorism approach without adding troops . </s>
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:46 EST, 6 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:08 EST, 6 September 2012 . Russian President Vladimir Putin today insisted he'll still be able to work with Mitt Romney if he's elected U.S. president despite him calling Russia the 'number one geopolitical foe'. Putin made the remark about the Republican hopeful during an interview on the Kremlin-funded Russia Today TV channel. He said: 'We'll work with whichever president is elected by the American people. But our effort will be only as efficient as our partners will want it to be.' Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, today insisted he will be able . to work with Republican candidate Mitt Romney, right, if he is elected . America President . Putin expressed concern about how a Romney presidency would affect the two countries' long-running dispute over U.S.-led NATO plans to place elements of a missile-defense system in Europe. Russia contends the system could undermine its own defenses. Putin added that if Romney is elected 'the missile defense system will definitely be directed against Russia'. The wide-ranging interview showed Putin's acerbic and combative side, particularly on the issue of the two-year prison sentence imposed last month on three members of the provocateur band Pussy Riot for their 'punk prayer' prank in Moscow's main cathedral entreating the Virgin Mary to save Russia from Putin. Strong words: Mitt Romney, pictured on his Presidential election trail, described Russia as America's 'number one geopolitical foe' On the road: Mitt Romney and his wife Ann have been travelling the U.S. campaigning ahead of the election . Their conviction brought widespread criticism of Russia for stifling opposition and free speech. Putin briefly sparred with the English-speaking interviewer over how the band's name could be translated into Russian, declaring: 'I think you wouldn't do it because it sounds too obscene, even in English'. Putin also vigorously defended Russia's stance on the escalating civil war in Syria. Russia has come under strong criticism in the West for blocking U.N. Security Council resolutions aimed at pressuring Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime, which is fighting an increasingly vigorous armed opposition. Fly away home: Russian President Vladimir Putin flies in a motorized deltaplane to lead young Siberian cranes on their migration path . Preparing for take-off: Putin (front) sits in the motorized glider at the Kushevat ornithological station, near the city of Salekhard . Watch the birdie: Putin keeps a careful eye on one of the cranes while waiting in a motorized hang-glider . Activists now put the death toll from the uprising that began in March 2011 at between 23,000 and 26,000. Russia has said its policy is not aimed at supporting Assad and Putin in the interview gave strong indication that Moscow may have written off the Syrian leader. 'We realize that this country needs a change,' he said. 'But this doesn't mean that change should come with bloodshed.'
Russian President Vladimir Putin made the statement on national TV today . But Putin also warned of future disputes over U.S.-led NATO plans for a missile-defense system in Europe .
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<s>[INST] By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:46 EST, 6 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:08 EST, 6 September 2012 . Russian President Vladimir Putin today insisted he'll still be able to work with Mitt Romney if he's elected U.S. president despite him calling Russia the 'number one geopolitical foe'. Putin made the remark about the Republican hopeful during an interview on the Kremlin-funded Russia Today TV channel. He said: 'We'll work with whichever president is elected by the American people. But our effort will be only as efficient as our partners will want it to be.' Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, today insisted he will be able . to work with Republican candidate Mitt Romney, right, if he is elected . America President . Putin expressed concern about how a Romney presidency would affect the two countries' long-running dispute over U.S.-led NATO plans to place elements of a missile-defense system in Europe. Russia contends the system could undermine its own defenses. Putin added that if Romney is elected 'the missile defense system will definitely be directed against Russia'. The wide-ranging interview showed Putin's acerbic and combative side, particularly on the issue of the two-year prison sentence imposed last month on three members of the provocateur band Pussy Riot for their 'punk prayer' prank in Moscow's main cathedral entreating the Virgin Mary to save Russia from Putin. Strong words: Mitt Romney, pictured on his Presidential election trail, described Russia as America's 'number one geopolitical foe' On the road: Mitt Romney and his wife Ann have been travelling the U.S. campaigning ahead of the election . Their conviction brought widespread criticism of Russia for stifling opposition and free speech. Putin briefly sparred with the English-speaking interviewer over how the band's name could be translated into Russian, declaring: 'I think you wouldn't do it because it sounds too obscene, even in English'. Putin also vigorously defended Russia's stance on the escalating civil war in Syria. Russia has come under strong criticism in the West for blocking U.N. Security Council resolutions aimed at pressuring Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime, which is fighting an increasingly vigorous armed opposition. Fly away home: Russian President Vladimir Putin flies in a motorized deltaplane to lead young Siberian cranes on their migration path . Preparing for take-off: Putin (front) sits in the motorized glider at the Kushevat ornithological station, near the city of Salekhard . Watch the birdie: Putin keeps a careful eye on one of the cranes while waiting in a motorized hang-glider . Activists now put the death toll from the uprising that began in March 2011 at between 23,000 and 26,000. Russia has said its policy is not aimed at supporting Assad and Putin in the interview gave strong indication that Moscow may have written off the Syrian leader. 'We realize that this country needs a change,' he said. 'But this doesn't mean that change should come with bloodshed.' [/INST] Russian President Vladimir Putin made the statement on national TV today . But Putin also warned of future disputes over U.S.-led NATO plans for a missile-defense system in Europe . </s>
By . Mario Ledwith . PUBLISHED: . 01:06 EST, 19 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:06 EST, 19 February 2013 . Recovery: John Eccles, 35, was left with a concave skull after being attacked by former best friend Andrew Dodds in Consett, County Durham . A man had to have one third of his skull removed after he was attacked by his former best friend turned love rival. Medical staff were forced to insert a metal plate into John Eccles's head after he smashed his skull against a wall during the confrontation that left him in a coma for two weeks. The 35-year-old said he felt like he had been 'hit by a car' when he finally woke in the hospital, where he was forced to stay for six months. When he first became responsive following the incident with former friend Andrew Dodds, he was unable to remember what had happened. The two men ended their friendship of more than 20 years when Dodds started a relationship with Mr Eccles's partner and the mother of his daughter. Mr Eccles smacked his head against a wall after being punched by Dodds outside a nightclub in Consett, County . Durham, last April, knocking him unconscious. Dodds was jailed for three years last . August for unlawful wounding at Durham Crown Court. Mr Eccles, who works as a leisure centre duty manager, has made a remarkable recovery but has suffered from memory loss, a speech impediment, partial paralysis on his right side and receives therapy to help him restore his cognitive skills. Describing waking up from the attack . for the first time, Mr Eccles, from Blackhill, near Consett, said: 'I . did not know what was going on. I cannot remember what happened. My . family had to tell me.' Mr Eccles said that he could have died following the attack but said he was eager to return to work. Mr Eccles received emergency treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (right) after being punched by Andrew Dodds (left) who was jailed for three years for unlawful wounding at Durham Crown Court . Charity: Mr Eccles raised £1000 for the Royal Victoria Infirmary's intensive care unit with his brother Mark (pictured together) He said: 'I am having a meeting with occupational health this week so I will see what they say, but I would like to go back to work as soon as possible. 'I have been told it could be 18 months, it could be five or six years, but I want to go back now. Mr Eccles was treated for heavy bleeding on the brain and remained in intensive care in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for months after the incident.. Now Mr Eccles and his brother Mark, 32, have raised almost £1,000 for the unit following a charity night at the Number One Club in Consett.
John Eccles left in coma for two weeks after being punched by former friend . Smashed his head against a wall after the attack in Consett, County . Durham . Andrew Dodds was jailed for three years for unlawful wounding . Mr Eccles said he could have died after incident but wants to return to work .
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<s>[INST] By . Mario Ledwith . PUBLISHED: . 01:06 EST, 19 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:06 EST, 19 February 2013 . Recovery: John Eccles, 35, was left with a concave skull after being attacked by former best friend Andrew Dodds in Consett, County Durham . A man had to have one third of his skull removed after he was attacked by his former best friend turned love rival. Medical staff were forced to insert a metal plate into John Eccles's head after he smashed his skull against a wall during the confrontation that left him in a coma for two weeks. The 35-year-old said he felt like he had been 'hit by a car' when he finally woke in the hospital, where he was forced to stay for six months. When he first became responsive following the incident with former friend Andrew Dodds, he was unable to remember what had happened. The two men ended their friendship of more than 20 years when Dodds started a relationship with Mr Eccles's partner and the mother of his daughter. Mr Eccles smacked his head against a wall after being punched by Dodds outside a nightclub in Consett, County . Durham, last April, knocking him unconscious. Dodds was jailed for three years last . August for unlawful wounding at Durham Crown Court. Mr Eccles, who works as a leisure centre duty manager, has made a remarkable recovery but has suffered from memory loss, a speech impediment, partial paralysis on his right side and receives therapy to help him restore his cognitive skills. Describing waking up from the attack . for the first time, Mr Eccles, from Blackhill, near Consett, said: 'I . did not know what was going on. I cannot remember what happened. My . family had to tell me.' Mr Eccles said that he could have died following the attack but said he was eager to return to work. Mr Eccles received emergency treatment at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary (right) after being punched by Andrew Dodds (left) who was jailed for three years for unlawful wounding at Durham Crown Court . Charity: Mr Eccles raised £1000 for the Royal Victoria Infirmary's intensive care unit with his brother Mark (pictured together) He said: 'I am having a meeting with occupational health this week so I will see what they say, but I would like to go back to work as soon as possible. 'I have been told it could be 18 months, it could be five or six years, but I want to go back now. Mr Eccles was treated for heavy bleeding on the brain and remained in intensive care in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary for months after the incident.. Now Mr Eccles and his brother Mark, 32, have raised almost £1,000 for the unit following a charity night at the Number One Club in Consett. [/INST] John Eccles left in coma for two weeks after being punched by former friend . Smashed his head against a wall after the attack in Consett, County . Durham . Andrew Dodds was jailed for three years for unlawful wounding . Mr Eccles said he could have died after incident but wants to return to work . </s>
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Most Americans know of the Zapruder film of the JFK assassination -- the one and only visual recording of the killing of an American president. Less known is another controversial recording -- this one an audio tape -- of the other Kennedy assassination, that of the president's younger brother. It is the one and only sound tape of the RFK murder in 1968. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot in a Los Angeles hotel while making his own bid for the White House five years after President John F. Kennedy's murder. That long-forgotten sound recording -- uncovered by a CNN International senior writer and highlighted on CNN BackStory in 2009 -- is now at the heart of an ongoing court effort by convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan to win a new trial or freedom. In their first in-depth court filing, prosecutors this month addressed the existence of the tape and a controversial analysis of it by an audio expert: the sounds of 13 shots can be counted on the tape, even though there were only eight bullets in Sirhan's sole gun, which he had no opportunity to reload. So, was there a second gunman involved in RFK's assassination? Just as the Zapruder film raised questions in some theorists' minds about whether a second gunman was involved in JFK's death, the audio tape is being used as evidence in Sirhan's new legal effort to assert a second assassin was involved in RFK's murder. In documents filed this month in federal court, California Attorney General Kamala Harris acknowledged the existence of the recording of the RFK shooting made by freelance reporter Stanislaw Pruszynski, who was covering Kennedy's presidential campaign and was about 40 feet away from the hotel kitchen pantry shooting. Acoustic expert Philip Van Praag, featured in the CNN BackStory program, said his analysis of the tape concluded that at least 13 shots were fired. That meant a second gun had to be involved, according to his analysis. In her overall legal argument, Harris dismissed the second-gun assertion, citing "debunking" evidence. But California's top prosecutor was finally forced to engage the second-gun analysis, and that legal development marked a new chapter in one of America's great political tragedies -- RFK's death -- and the case of the man convicted of his assassination, according to Sirhan's attorneys. RFK assassin faces parole board . Prosecutors' engagement of the second-gun argument was stated clearly in court papers, when the California attorney general said about Sirhan's petition: "Petitioner at most has shown that, according to Van Praag, two guns could be heard firing 13 shots in an audiotape of the shooting." At another point, Harris stated: "The mere possibility that more than one firearm was discharged during the assassination does not dismantle the prosecution's case." Convicted RFK assassin denied parole . William F. Pepper, a New York attorney now representing Sirhan, said this month's court filing raised public "recognition" of a second gunman now being advanced by Sirhan and his attorneys. Mindful of a nation's pain surrounding the Kennedy assassinations, Pepper is careful to note he was a political supporter of RFK in the 1960s. He adds that in 1999, he represented Rev. Martin Luther King's family in a wrongful death lawsuit concerning King's April 4, 1968, murder and successfully persuaded a Memphis, Tennessee, jury to find Lloyd Jowers responsible as an accomplice in the King assassination. Pepper believes Sirhan was hypno-programmed to be a diversion gunman for the real assassin in RFK's murder. "What is of interest is that there now seems to be more recognition of the fact that there was a second shooter, well positioned to put three bullets into the Senator from close powder burn range behind him, whilst Sirhan was always some distance in front of him," Pepper said in an e-mail to CNN. Sirhan's insistence on the presence of a second gunman is highly controversial -- and it is questioned by some, such as legal expert Robert Shapiro, the defense attorney who gained prominence for successfully defending O.J. Simpson in the 1990s. Sirhan seeks prison release . In fact, when Shapiro was in his last year of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 1968, he was at the Ambassador Hotel where RFK was shot. Shapiro had just heard Kennedy's speech after winning the California primary for the Democratic presidential nomination, but Shapiro said he was in a room next to the pantry where Kennedy was fatally wounded and Shapiro only heard, not saw, the gunfire, he said. "So let's say that there was a second gun. Does that relieve him of any responsibility?" Shapiro said of Sirhan. "Even if there is a second, third or fourth gun, it's irrelevant to his claim that he's not responsible." Shapiro remembers the night of RFK's assassination as "horrifying and one that you'll never forget." "That's like 44 years ago. Unbelievable. I remember it vividly," Shapiro said. "I think about it now when I go by there and see a school being built there," on the site of the old Ambassador Hotel. "It's interesting, but conspiracy theories will come out on every single case imaginable," he added. Shapiro isn't a party in the latest court action. In rebutting Sirhan's contentions, Harris criticizes the method of analysis used by the acoustic expert. "As reflected in Van Praag's declaration, his conclusions depend on numerous assumptions he made in recreating the shooting, such as the location of Pruszynski's recorder, the make and model of the 'second' gun, the location of this second gun during the shooting, and the number of shots fired by petitioner before he was grabbed by others," Harris wrote in court papers. Prosecutors rebut jailed RFK assassin's claims in freedom quest . "Moreover, Van Praag's tests necessarily involved his own personal interpretation of whether impulse sounds in the recording were actually gunshots. In turn, there is no dispute herein that Van Praag's interpretation or opinion about the number of shots and firearms is not universally accepted by acoustics experts and that the opinions of qualified experts are available to rebut or challenge Van Praag's controversial opinions," Harris said. Harris further stated that even if it could be proven "that a second gunman successfully shot Senator Kennedy, (Sirhan) would still be guilty of the charged crimes" under California law. Countering that, Sirhan's defense argues he was hypno-programmed to be the diversion, and that is based on a psychological examination by Daniel Brown, an associate clinical professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School who has interviewed Sirhan for 60 hours over three years, Pepper said. "The inescapable conclusion was that Sirhan was subject to hypno-programming which involved the use of drugs and hypnosis," Pepper said in an e-mail. "Consequently, he was not in control of his actions on that night and cannot be legally responsible for them. "I mention, as well, that Dan Brown's conclusion was precisely the same as that of Dr. (Edward) Simson-Kallas, who extensively examined and worked with Sirhan when he was in prison right after the trial," Pepper said. Simson-Kallas was a prison psychologist, according to court papers. "That these techniques were developed and used by the CIA over a 50-year period was also well documented, in our brief, by Professor Alan Scheflin, the leading expert on these practices," Pepper wrote to CNN. Scheflin, of the Santa Clara University School of Law, is an expert in the field of mind and behavior control. Because Sirhan was under the mind control of conspirators, he wasn't legally responsible for his actions, and he should be freed or given a new trial, his attorneys contend. The attorney general, however, said the psychological evaluation of Sirhan is undermined by a failure to provide "any concrete evidence ... about when, where and how (Sirhan) was programmed, about the identity of the 'malevolent hypnotist,' or about how the hypnotist happened to find (Sirhan) as his or her ideal subject for mind control. "Without any independent evidence that (Sirhan) was actually hypno-programmed against his will to write about his intention to kill Senator Kennedy, to plan the murder, and to shoot Senator Kennedy on June 5, 1968, Brown's opinions about the possibility of mind control are insufficient evidence of actual innocence," Harris wrote. Sirhan and his legal team have until February 22 to file in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles their response to the attorney general, Pepper said. Was there a second RFK shooter?
California attorney general responds in-depth for the first time to an audio tape of RFK's shooting . Convicted assassin Sirhan was hypno-programmed to be a diversion for real gunman, his lawyers say . A long-lost audio tape belonging to a reporter reveals a second gun, an expert says .
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<s>[INST] Los Angeles (CNN) -- Most Americans know of the Zapruder film of the JFK assassination -- the one and only visual recording of the killing of an American president. Less known is another controversial recording -- this one an audio tape -- of the other Kennedy assassination, that of the president's younger brother. It is the one and only sound tape of the RFK murder in 1968. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot in a Los Angeles hotel while making his own bid for the White House five years after President John F. Kennedy's murder. That long-forgotten sound recording -- uncovered by a CNN International senior writer and highlighted on CNN BackStory in 2009 -- is now at the heart of an ongoing court effort by convicted RFK assassin Sirhan Sirhan to win a new trial or freedom. In their first in-depth court filing, prosecutors this month addressed the existence of the tape and a controversial analysis of it by an audio expert: the sounds of 13 shots can be counted on the tape, even though there were only eight bullets in Sirhan's sole gun, which he had no opportunity to reload. So, was there a second gunman involved in RFK's assassination? Just as the Zapruder film raised questions in some theorists' minds about whether a second gunman was involved in JFK's death, the audio tape is being used as evidence in Sirhan's new legal effort to assert a second assassin was involved in RFK's murder. In documents filed this month in federal court, California Attorney General Kamala Harris acknowledged the existence of the recording of the RFK shooting made by freelance reporter Stanislaw Pruszynski, who was covering Kennedy's presidential campaign and was about 40 feet away from the hotel kitchen pantry shooting. Acoustic expert Philip Van Praag, featured in the CNN BackStory program, said his analysis of the tape concluded that at least 13 shots were fired. That meant a second gun had to be involved, according to his analysis. In her overall legal argument, Harris dismissed the second-gun assertion, citing "debunking" evidence. But California's top prosecutor was finally forced to engage the second-gun analysis, and that legal development marked a new chapter in one of America's great political tragedies -- RFK's death -- and the case of the man convicted of his assassination, according to Sirhan's attorneys. RFK assassin faces parole board . Prosecutors' engagement of the second-gun argument was stated clearly in court papers, when the California attorney general said about Sirhan's petition: "Petitioner at most has shown that, according to Van Praag, two guns could be heard firing 13 shots in an audiotape of the shooting." At another point, Harris stated: "The mere possibility that more than one firearm was discharged during the assassination does not dismantle the prosecution's case." Convicted RFK assassin denied parole . William F. Pepper, a New York attorney now representing Sirhan, said this month's court filing raised public "recognition" of a second gunman now being advanced by Sirhan and his attorneys. Mindful of a nation's pain surrounding the Kennedy assassinations, Pepper is careful to note he was a political supporter of RFK in the 1960s. He adds that in 1999, he represented Rev. Martin Luther King's family in a wrongful death lawsuit concerning King's April 4, 1968, murder and successfully persuaded a Memphis, Tennessee, jury to find Lloyd Jowers responsible as an accomplice in the King assassination. Pepper believes Sirhan was hypno-programmed to be a diversion gunman for the real assassin in RFK's murder. "What is of interest is that there now seems to be more recognition of the fact that there was a second shooter, well positioned to put three bullets into the Senator from close powder burn range behind him, whilst Sirhan was always some distance in front of him," Pepper said in an e-mail to CNN. Sirhan's insistence on the presence of a second gunman is highly controversial -- and it is questioned by some, such as legal expert Robert Shapiro, the defense attorney who gained prominence for successfully defending O.J. Simpson in the 1990s. Sirhan seeks prison release . In fact, when Shapiro was in his last year of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 1968, he was at the Ambassador Hotel where RFK was shot. Shapiro had just heard Kennedy's speech after winning the California primary for the Democratic presidential nomination, but Shapiro said he was in a room next to the pantry where Kennedy was fatally wounded and Shapiro only heard, not saw, the gunfire, he said. "So let's say that there was a second gun. Does that relieve him of any responsibility?" Shapiro said of Sirhan. "Even if there is a second, third or fourth gun, it's irrelevant to his claim that he's not responsible." Shapiro remembers the night of RFK's assassination as "horrifying and one that you'll never forget." "That's like 44 years ago. Unbelievable. I remember it vividly," Shapiro said. "I think about it now when I go by there and see a school being built there," on the site of the old Ambassador Hotel. "It's interesting, but conspiracy theories will come out on every single case imaginable," he added. Shapiro isn't a party in the latest court action. In rebutting Sirhan's contentions, Harris criticizes the method of analysis used by the acoustic expert. "As reflected in Van Praag's declaration, his conclusions depend on numerous assumptions he made in recreating the shooting, such as the location of Pruszynski's recorder, the make and model of the 'second' gun, the location of this second gun during the shooting, and the number of shots fired by petitioner before he was grabbed by others," Harris wrote in court papers. Prosecutors rebut jailed RFK assassin's claims in freedom quest . "Moreover, Van Praag's tests necessarily involved his own personal interpretation of whether impulse sounds in the recording were actually gunshots. In turn, there is no dispute herein that Van Praag's interpretation or opinion about the number of shots and firearms is not universally accepted by acoustics experts and that the opinions of qualified experts are available to rebut or challenge Van Praag's controversial opinions," Harris said. Harris further stated that even if it could be proven "that a second gunman successfully shot Senator Kennedy, (Sirhan) would still be guilty of the charged crimes" under California law. Countering that, Sirhan's defense argues he was hypno-programmed to be the diversion, and that is based on a psychological examination by Daniel Brown, an associate clinical professor in psychology at Harvard Medical School who has interviewed Sirhan for 60 hours over three years, Pepper said. "The inescapable conclusion was that Sirhan was subject to hypno-programming which involved the use of drugs and hypnosis," Pepper said in an e-mail. "Consequently, he was not in control of his actions on that night and cannot be legally responsible for them. "I mention, as well, that Dan Brown's conclusion was precisely the same as that of Dr. (Edward) Simson-Kallas, who extensively examined and worked with Sirhan when he was in prison right after the trial," Pepper said. Simson-Kallas was a prison psychologist, according to court papers. "That these techniques were developed and used by the CIA over a 50-year period was also well documented, in our brief, by Professor Alan Scheflin, the leading expert on these practices," Pepper wrote to CNN. Scheflin, of the Santa Clara University School of Law, is an expert in the field of mind and behavior control. Because Sirhan was under the mind control of conspirators, he wasn't legally responsible for his actions, and he should be freed or given a new trial, his attorneys contend. The attorney general, however, said the psychological evaluation of Sirhan is undermined by a failure to provide "any concrete evidence ... about when, where and how (Sirhan) was programmed, about the identity of the 'malevolent hypnotist,' or about how the hypnotist happened to find (Sirhan) as his or her ideal subject for mind control. "Without any independent evidence that (Sirhan) was actually hypno-programmed against his will to write about his intention to kill Senator Kennedy, to plan the murder, and to shoot Senator Kennedy on June 5, 1968, Brown's opinions about the possibility of mind control are insufficient evidence of actual innocence," Harris wrote. Sirhan and his legal team have until February 22 to file in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles their response to the attorney general, Pepper said. Was there a second RFK shooter? [/INST] California attorney general responds in-depth for the first time to an audio tape of RFK's shooting . Convicted assassin Sirhan was hypno-programmed to be a diversion for real gunman, his lawyers say . A long-lost audio tape belonging to a reporter reveals a second gun, an expert says . </s>
A schoolboy has landed a catch of a lifetime - a monstrous 8ft catfish weighing the same as a champion boxer. The carnivorous catfish had snatched the live bait from 14-year-old Sam Lee's line who was on a fishing holiday in Spain with his father Peter. Weighing in at 208lb, similar to that of boxing champion David Haye, it was never going to be an easy battle to pull him in. The giant catfish, which weighs a staggering 208lb and is 2.6 metres long, dwarfs Sam after he caught the monster on a fishing holiday in Spain . The giant catfish immediately bolted 100 metres downstream, but Sam, from Chester, hung on. And finally, after a 35 minute battle, Sam finally landed the 15 stone, 2.5 metre-long fish. In time honoured tradition, he then posed for the traditional photo to secure bragging rights before letting the creature swim back into the water at the River Ebro in Catalonia. His father Peter: 'Sam certainly hit the jackpot with that monster! He was exhausted but ecstatic after the fish was eventually landed, weighed and photographed. It was safely returned to the river and swam away in good health.' Sam fought for more than half an hour to land the fish after it snatched the live bait on the end of his line but was eventually able to catch it and pose for a traditional photo . Sam, who attends Upton High School, has loved fishing for years and his latest catch is the biggest yet. He landed a 133lb catfish on the same stretch of river during a holiday last year and never expected to beat that. But he quickly hooked a 133lb fish this time before feeling the tug of the 208lb fish on the end of his line later on. Peter, who hooked a rare albino catfish weighing 116lb, said they had 'an amazing few days' fishing. 'This was his third trip to the Ebro in search of giant catfish. 'The big one took 35 minutes to land and Sam had to be taken out in a boat by the guide from the swim to play and land it as it stripped 100m of line on its first big run. Sam did brilliantly to land it.' Earlier this year an eight foot 260lb Wels catfish was caught in Italy by angler Dino Ferrari on the River Po in Italy. But the European catch to beat is the Guinness World Record of 297lbs, 9 oz. But the biggest on record is the Mekong catfish, found in Southeast Asia, which was recorded as 8ft 9in long and just a sliver under 646 pounds.
Sam Lee was fishing with his father when he felt the monster take the bait . After a half hour battle he was able to land it and pose for pictures . It weighed in at 208lb - the same as boxing champion David Haye . The 2.5 metre monster was released back into River Ebro in Catalonia .
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<s>[INST] A schoolboy has landed a catch of a lifetime - a monstrous 8ft catfish weighing the same as a champion boxer. The carnivorous catfish had snatched the live bait from 14-year-old Sam Lee's line who was on a fishing holiday in Spain with his father Peter. Weighing in at 208lb, similar to that of boxing champion David Haye, it was never going to be an easy battle to pull him in. The giant catfish, which weighs a staggering 208lb and is 2.6 metres long, dwarfs Sam after he caught the monster on a fishing holiday in Spain . The giant catfish immediately bolted 100 metres downstream, but Sam, from Chester, hung on. And finally, after a 35 minute battle, Sam finally landed the 15 stone, 2.5 metre-long fish. In time honoured tradition, he then posed for the traditional photo to secure bragging rights before letting the creature swim back into the water at the River Ebro in Catalonia. His father Peter: 'Sam certainly hit the jackpot with that monster! He was exhausted but ecstatic after the fish was eventually landed, weighed and photographed. It was safely returned to the river and swam away in good health.' Sam fought for more than half an hour to land the fish after it snatched the live bait on the end of his line but was eventually able to catch it and pose for a traditional photo . Sam, who attends Upton High School, has loved fishing for years and his latest catch is the biggest yet. He landed a 133lb catfish on the same stretch of river during a holiday last year and never expected to beat that. But he quickly hooked a 133lb fish this time before feeling the tug of the 208lb fish on the end of his line later on. Peter, who hooked a rare albino catfish weighing 116lb, said they had 'an amazing few days' fishing. 'This was his third trip to the Ebro in search of giant catfish. 'The big one took 35 minutes to land and Sam had to be taken out in a boat by the guide from the swim to play and land it as it stripped 100m of line on its first big run. Sam did brilliantly to land it.' Earlier this year an eight foot 260lb Wels catfish was caught in Italy by angler Dino Ferrari on the River Po in Italy. But the European catch to beat is the Guinness World Record of 297lbs, 9 oz. But the biggest on record is the Mekong catfish, found in Southeast Asia, which was recorded as 8ft 9in long and just a sliver under 646 pounds. [/INST] Sam Lee was fishing with his father when he felt the monster take the bait . After a half hour battle he was able to land it and pose for pictures . It weighed in at 208lb - the same as boxing champion David Haye . The 2.5 metre monster was released back into River Ebro in Catalonia . </s>
Three times as many young people are needing hospital treatment for Chron's disease today than a decade ago, medics say. TOWIE star Sam Faiers is a well-documented sufferer . Junk food and antibiotics are being blamed by doctors for the rise in the number of young people developing a serious digestive disorder. The latest figures show three times as many young people need hospital treatment for Crohn’s disease today than  a decade ago. Dr Sally Mitton, a consultant gastroenterologist at St George’s Hospital in London, said there has also been a big rise in the number diagnosed with the condition – and  diet is partly responsible. ‘If you have a lot of junk food it actually makes it more likely that you will develop Crohn’s disease,’ she said. ‘And people have noticed those who have lots of antibiotics – particularly in younger life – also seem to be more likely to develop this condition.’ Crohn’s, which is caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, triggers frequent bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and bleeding. Along with colitis, it is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may be diagnosed at any age. However it tends to strike early in life and there is no cure. It is not clear how eating junk food, typically high in animal fat or saturated fats, can lead to the disease, but doctors believe it pushes up the chances of genetically susceptible people developing it. ‘All the centres that get lots of referrals have noticed an increase over the last few decades,’ Dr Mitton said, adding that there are many genes which can predispose someone to the condition. ‘We try to keep patients fit enough to stay at home, but because of the increased number being diagnosed, the actual number needing to be admitted has gone up,’ she said. New data – obtained by the BBC from the Health and Social Care Information Centre – show in 2003/4 there were 4,937 young adults aged between 16 and 29 admitted to hospitals in England for the condition. This rose to 19,405 in 2012/13. Three-quarters of those with Crohn’s, which affects around 250,000 Britons, will need bowel reconstructive surgery at some point in their lives. Scroll down for video . Doctors blame the increase on junk food and antibiotics. Crohn's, which is caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, triggers frequent bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and bleeding . However, a spokesman for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK said that while the prevalence of IBD has been increasing in recent years, there are many contributory causes – including genetic predisposition which can be triggered by environmental factors. He added: ‘Dietary issues certainly can play a role, but there is no evidence they are the main cause. The gut bacteria can be radically altered in people with Crohn’s and colitis – with an increase in harmful bacteria and fewer  beneficial bacteria which may also be significant.’ He said that the charity had been contacted by many patients who say they have always maintained a healthy diet, and who would disagree with the idea that junk food is behind the rise in cases.
Three times as many young people being treated for Crohn's, doctors say . Medics are blaming the substantial increase on junk food and antibiotics . Crohn's triggers bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue . Caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system .
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<s>[INST] Three times as many young people are needing hospital treatment for Chron's disease today than a decade ago, medics say. TOWIE star Sam Faiers is a well-documented sufferer . Junk food and antibiotics are being blamed by doctors for the rise in the number of young people developing a serious digestive disorder. The latest figures show three times as many young people need hospital treatment for Crohn’s disease today than  a decade ago. Dr Sally Mitton, a consultant gastroenterologist at St George’s Hospital in London, said there has also been a big rise in the number diagnosed with the condition – and  diet is partly responsible. ‘If you have a lot of junk food it actually makes it more likely that you will develop Crohn’s disease,’ she said. ‘And people have noticed those who have lots of antibiotics – particularly in younger life – also seem to be more likely to develop this condition.’ Crohn’s, which is caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, triggers frequent bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and bleeding. Along with colitis, it is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may be diagnosed at any age. However it tends to strike early in life and there is no cure. It is not clear how eating junk food, typically high in animal fat or saturated fats, can lead to the disease, but doctors believe it pushes up the chances of genetically susceptible people developing it. ‘All the centres that get lots of referrals have noticed an increase over the last few decades,’ Dr Mitton said, adding that there are many genes which can predispose someone to the condition. ‘We try to keep patients fit enough to stay at home, but because of the increased number being diagnosed, the actual number needing to be admitted has gone up,’ she said. New data – obtained by the BBC from the Health and Social Care Information Centre – show in 2003/4 there were 4,937 young adults aged between 16 and 29 admitted to hospitals in England for the condition. This rose to 19,405 in 2012/13. Three-quarters of those with Crohn’s, which affects around 250,000 Britons, will need bowel reconstructive surgery at some point in their lives. Scroll down for video . Doctors blame the increase on junk food and antibiotics. Crohn's, which is caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, triggers frequent bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fatigue and bleeding . However, a spokesman for the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK said that while the prevalence of IBD has been increasing in recent years, there are many contributory causes – including genetic predisposition which can be triggered by environmental factors. He added: ‘Dietary issues certainly can play a role, but there is no evidence they are the main cause. The gut bacteria can be radically altered in people with Crohn’s and colitis – with an increase in harmful bacteria and fewer  beneficial bacteria which may also be significant.’ He said that the charity had been contacted by many patients who say they have always maintained a healthy diet, and who would disagree with the idea that junk food is behind the rise in cases. [/INST] Three times as many young people being treated for Crohn's, doctors say . Medics are blaming the substantial increase on junk food and antibiotics . Crohn's triggers bouts of diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fatigue . Caused by inflammation of the lining of the digestive system . </s>
(CNN) -- More than 200,000 children were spanked or paddled in U.S. schools during the past school year, human rights groups reported Wednesday. Schools in 21 states can use corporal punishment. "Every public school needs effective methods of discipline, but beating kids teaches violence, and it doesn't stop bad behavior," wrote Alice Farmer, the author of a joint report from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. "Corporal punishment discourages learning, fails to deter future misbehavior and at times even provokes it." Corporal punishment in schools remains legal in 21 U.S. states and is used frequently in 13: Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, according to data received from the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education and cited in the report. The highest percentage of students receiving corporal punishment was in Mississippi, with 7.5 percent of students. The highest number was in Texas, with 48,197 students. "When you talk to local school officials, they point to the fact that it's quick and it's effective -- and that's true," Farmer said. "It doesn't take much time to administer corporal punishment, and you don't have to hire someone to run a detention or an after-school program." But she said, "We need forms of discipline that makes children understand why what they did was wrong." In addition, corporal punishment can be linked to poverty and lack of resources. For instance, the report said, "Teachers may have overcrowded classrooms and lack resources such as counselors to assist with particularly disruptive students or classroom dynamics." Overall, 223,190 students received corporal punishment in 2006-07, according to the Department of Education statistics. That number is down from 342,038 students in 2000-01 as more and more districts abolished corporal punishment. Watch how one Texas family feels about corporal punishment » . The punishment is disproportionately applied to black students, according to the organizations. During the 2006-07 school year, for instance, black students made up 17.1 percent of the nationwide student population but 35.6 percent of those paddled at schools. Black girls were paddled at twice the rate of their white counterparts in the 13 states using corporal punishment most frequently. And although boys are punished more often than girls, the report found that African-American students in general are 1.4 times more likely to receive corporal punishment. In addition, special education students with mental or physical disabilities were more likely to receive corporal punishment, according to the ACLU and Human Rights Watch. Evangelical leader James Dobson's influential Focus on the Family group is among those stopping short of calling for a full ban on paddling in schools. "Corporal punishment is not effective at the junior and senior high school levels, and I do not recommend its application," Dobson said on the organization's Web site. "It can be useful for elementary students, especially with amateur clowns (as opposed to hard-core troublemakers). For this reason, I am opposed to abolishing spanking in elementary schools because we have systematically eliminated the tools with which teachers have traditionally backed up their word. We're now down to a precious few. Let's not go any further in that direction." Andrea Cancellare said her then-13-year-old son was paddled -- or "swatted" -- three years ago for flicking rubber bands in class, despite the fact she had written a letter directing school officials in Alpine, Texas, not to use corporal punishment against him. School officials told her they could not find the letter when she complained. When she approached the principal and superintendent, Cancellare said, they told her that "most parents like this because it takes care of the punishment. It gets the kids back in class. It doesn't disrupt instruction. It's like the quick and dirty way of dealing with discipline problems." Alpine Independent School District Superintendent Jose Cervantes said that both the principal and superintendent have taken other jobs, but for the past several years, the district has had a clear policy allowing parents to sign a waiver form and opt out of corporal punishment. "It works on some, and it doesn't work on others," Cervantes said. "If you're one of the individuals that it does work on, yes, it will become a deterrent." Cancellare disagrees. "I don't think it's the school's place to make decisions like that," she said. "I'm not necessarily in favor of that kind of punishment in the house either, but I feel like if somebody makes that decision, it should be the parent." Most states typically leave it up to individual districts whether to use corporal punishment, and some of the nation's largest school districts -- among them Houston and Dallas, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Mobile County, Alabama -- have banned the practice, according to the report. See where corporal punishment is legal » . CNN's Tracy Sabo and Vivienne Foley contributed to this report.
Human Rights Watch, ACLU say spanking "discourages learning" Corporal punishment is used frequently in schools in 13 states; it's legal in 21 . Rights groups say such punishments are often disproportionately applied . Evangelical leader's group says spanking "can be useful" in elementary schools .
2be69ee9426d4fffe2774e9220408ed422ef9302
<s>[INST] (CNN) -- More than 200,000 children were spanked or paddled in U.S. schools during the past school year, human rights groups reported Wednesday. Schools in 21 states can use corporal punishment. "Every public school needs effective methods of discipline, but beating kids teaches violence, and it doesn't stop bad behavior," wrote Alice Farmer, the author of a joint report from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. "Corporal punishment discourages learning, fails to deter future misbehavior and at times even provokes it." Corporal punishment in schools remains legal in 21 U.S. states and is used frequently in 13: Missouri, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida, according to data received from the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education and cited in the report. The highest percentage of students receiving corporal punishment was in Mississippi, with 7.5 percent of students. The highest number was in Texas, with 48,197 students. "When you talk to local school officials, they point to the fact that it's quick and it's effective -- and that's true," Farmer said. "It doesn't take much time to administer corporal punishment, and you don't have to hire someone to run a detention or an after-school program." But she said, "We need forms of discipline that makes children understand why what they did was wrong." In addition, corporal punishment can be linked to poverty and lack of resources. For instance, the report said, "Teachers may have overcrowded classrooms and lack resources such as counselors to assist with particularly disruptive students or classroom dynamics." Overall, 223,190 students received corporal punishment in 2006-07, according to the Department of Education statistics. That number is down from 342,038 students in 2000-01 as more and more districts abolished corporal punishment. Watch how one Texas family feels about corporal punishment » . The punishment is disproportionately applied to black students, according to the organizations. During the 2006-07 school year, for instance, black students made up 17.1 percent of the nationwide student population but 35.6 percent of those paddled at schools. Black girls were paddled at twice the rate of their white counterparts in the 13 states using corporal punishment most frequently. And although boys are punished more often than girls, the report found that African-American students in general are 1.4 times more likely to receive corporal punishment. In addition, special education students with mental or physical disabilities were more likely to receive corporal punishment, according to the ACLU and Human Rights Watch. Evangelical leader James Dobson's influential Focus on the Family group is among those stopping short of calling for a full ban on paddling in schools. "Corporal punishment is not effective at the junior and senior high school levels, and I do not recommend its application," Dobson said on the organization's Web site. "It can be useful for elementary students, especially with amateur clowns (as opposed to hard-core troublemakers). For this reason, I am opposed to abolishing spanking in elementary schools because we have systematically eliminated the tools with which teachers have traditionally backed up their word. We're now down to a precious few. Let's not go any further in that direction." Andrea Cancellare said her then-13-year-old son was paddled -- or "swatted" -- three years ago for flicking rubber bands in class, despite the fact she had written a letter directing school officials in Alpine, Texas, not to use corporal punishment against him. School officials told her they could not find the letter when she complained. When she approached the principal and superintendent, Cancellare said, they told her that "most parents like this because it takes care of the punishment. It gets the kids back in class. It doesn't disrupt instruction. It's like the quick and dirty way of dealing with discipline problems." Alpine Independent School District Superintendent Jose Cervantes said that both the principal and superintendent have taken other jobs, but for the past several years, the district has had a clear policy allowing parents to sign a waiver form and opt out of corporal punishment. "It works on some, and it doesn't work on others," Cervantes said. "If you're one of the individuals that it does work on, yes, it will become a deterrent." Cancellare disagrees. "I don't think it's the school's place to make decisions like that," she said. "I'm not necessarily in favor of that kind of punishment in the house either, but I feel like if somebody makes that decision, it should be the parent." Most states typically leave it up to individual districts whether to use corporal punishment, and some of the nation's largest school districts -- among them Houston and Dallas, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Mobile County, Alabama -- have banned the practice, according to the report. See where corporal punishment is legal » . CNN's Tracy Sabo and Vivienne Foley contributed to this report. [/INST] Human Rights Watch, ACLU say spanking "discourages learning" Corporal punishment is used frequently in schools in 13 states; it's legal in 21 . Rights groups say such punishments are often disproportionately applied . Evangelical leader's group says spanking "can be useful" in elementary schools . </s>
By . Louise Boyle . Diane Keaton today reiterated her support of her friend and longtime collaborator Woody Allen following allegations of abuse made earlier this year by his daughter Dylan Farrow. The 68-year-old actor appeared on the Today show on Tuesday to promote her latest memoir, Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty. After charming presenter Matt Lauer by saying that she had looked up pictures of him on the Internet and that he had a 'nice chest', the conversation then turned to Allen. Scroll down for video . Diane Keaton appeared on the Today show on Tuesday where she stood up for Woody Allen, calling him a 'genius' Lauer asked if Keaton had any trepidation when accepting a lifetime achievement at the Golden Globes this year on the director's behalf. Keaton replied that she would be 'nowhere' without Woody Allen, saying that he gave her 'the greatest gift anyone has ever given me' when he cast her in Annie Hall. She added: 'He's a genius.' The 68-year-old, who won an Oscar for her role in Annie Hall, also said during the interview that she had coped with 'lifelong insecurity'. She said that she regretted never getting married but no one had ever asked her. When she was younger 'becoming a movie star was my dream come true', Keaton said. She also talked about her past boyfriends including Warren Beatty but said: 'Warren married Annette Bening. That was a good choice.' She also admitted that she was 'so in love' with Al Pacino while they were filming the Godfather in the early 1970s. In an interview with People earlier this month, Keaton also defended Allen, who she was romantically involved with during the early days of her career. She told the magazine: 'I love Woody. I don't want to say anything about [Dylan's accusations which he denies] except I'm Woody's friend and I believe him. That's the bottom line for me. 'I worry for him and everybody else involved, and I hope it works out the best for everyone.' Revelation: Diane Keaton and ex-love Woody Allen in Annie Hall back in 1977. She has repeatedly defended the director following allegations of abuse from his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow . Earlier this year, Dylan Farrow renewed allegations that her adoptive father Allen had molested her as a child, calling out some of Woody's famous collaborators - including Keaton - in a letter to the New York Times. In the letter she accused her adoptive father of sexually assaulting her when she was seven-years-old and chastised Hollywood for nominating the director for a slew of awards. 'For so long, Woody Allen’s acceptance silenced me,' she wrote. 'It felt like a personal rebuke, like the awards and accolades were a way to tell me to shut up and go away. 'What if it had been your child, Cate Blanchett? Louis CK? Alec Baldwin? What if it had been you, Emma Stone? Or you, Scarlett Johansson? You knew me when I was a little girl, Diane Keaton. Have you forgotten me?,' she asked. Woody, 78, has denied all the allegations, saying in his open letter in . the New York Times on February 7 that he blamed his ex-partner Mia . Farrow for exploiting their adopted child, would be his 'final word' on . the matter. After . reading the filmmaker's response, the 28-year-old released the . following statement: 'Once again, Woody Allen is attacking me and my . family in an effort to discredit and silence me - but nothing he says or . writes can change the truth.' 'For . 20 years, I have never wavered in describing what he did to me. I will . carry the memories of surviving these experiences for the rest of my . life.' Break up: Dylan Farrow with her parents Mia Farrow and Woody Allen in 1987. The filmmaker claims his ex-partner coached their daughter into accusing him of abuse .
Keaton, 68, said director Woody Allen gave her 'the greatest gift anyone has ever given me' by casting her in the movie Annie Hall . The Oscar winner said on Tuesday that she regretted never getting married and that she had been 'so in love' with Al Pacino .
c6922c5df4299ce2e3ed7d1f07fb61c2097a0b14
<s>[INST] By . Louise Boyle . Diane Keaton today reiterated her support of her friend and longtime collaborator Woody Allen following allegations of abuse made earlier this year by his daughter Dylan Farrow. The 68-year-old actor appeared on the Today show on Tuesday to promote her latest memoir, Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty. After charming presenter Matt Lauer by saying that she had looked up pictures of him on the Internet and that he had a 'nice chest', the conversation then turned to Allen. Scroll down for video . Diane Keaton appeared on the Today show on Tuesday where she stood up for Woody Allen, calling him a 'genius' Lauer asked if Keaton had any trepidation when accepting a lifetime achievement at the Golden Globes this year on the director's behalf. Keaton replied that she would be 'nowhere' without Woody Allen, saying that he gave her 'the greatest gift anyone has ever given me' when he cast her in Annie Hall. She added: 'He's a genius.' The 68-year-old, who won an Oscar for her role in Annie Hall, also said during the interview that she had coped with 'lifelong insecurity'. She said that she regretted never getting married but no one had ever asked her. When she was younger 'becoming a movie star was my dream come true', Keaton said. She also talked about her past boyfriends including Warren Beatty but said: 'Warren married Annette Bening. That was a good choice.' She also admitted that she was 'so in love' with Al Pacino while they were filming the Godfather in the early 1970s. In an interview with People earlier this month, Keaton also defended Allen, who she was romantically involved with during the early days of her career. She told the magazine: 'I love Woody. I don't want to say anything about [Dylan's accusations which he denies] except I'm Woody's friend and I believe him. That's the bottom line for me. 'I worry for him and everybody else involved, and I hope it works out the best for everyone.' Revelation: Diane Keaton and ex-love Woody Allen in Annie Hall back in 1977. She has repeatedly defended the director following allegations of abuse from his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow . Earlier this year, Dylan Farrow renewed allegations that her adoptive father Allen had molested her as a child, calling out some of Woody's famous collaborators - including Keaton - in a letter to the New York Times. In the letter she accused her adoptive father of sexually assaulting her when she was seven-years-old and chastised Hollywood for nominating the director for a slew of awards. 'For so long, Woody Allen’s acceptance silenced me,' she wrote. 'It felt like a personal rebuke, like the awards and accolades were a way to tell me to shut up and go away. 'What if it had been your child, Cate Blanchett? Louis CK? Alec Baldwin? What if it had been you, Emma Stone? Or you, Scarlett Johansson? You knew me when I was a little girl, Diane Keaton. Have you forgotten me?,' she asked. Woody, 78, has denied all the allegations, saying in his open letter in . the New York Times on February 7 that he blamed his ex-partner Mia . Farrow for exploiting their adopted child, would be his 'final word' on . the matter. After . reading the filmmaker's response, the 28-year-old released the . following statement: 'Once again, Woody Allen is attacking me and my . family in an effort to discredit and silence me - but nothing he says or . writes can change the truth.' 'For . 20 years, I have never wavered in describing what he did to me. I will . carry the memories of surviving these experiences for the rest of my . life.' Break up: Dylan Farrow with her parents Mia Farrow and Woody Allen in 1987. The filmmaker claims his ex-partner coached their daughter into accusing him of abuse . [/INST] Keaton, 68, said director Woody Allen gave her 'the greatest gift anyone has ever given me' by casting her in the movie Annie Hall . The Oscar winner said on Tuesday that she regretted never getting married and that she had been 'so in love' with Al Pacino . </s>
It was the year London hosted one of the most successful Olympics in memory, an eagerly-anticipated Bond movie was released and, of course, the ‘Gangnam Style’ craze was released on the world. But as is often the case, the past 12 months were dominated by football - at least in terms of internet searches. Today, Google announced its annual Zeitgeist, revealing this year's most searched celebrities, Olympians, major events and hottest trends based on internet queries conducted in the UK in 2012. Scroll down for videos . Web wonders: Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton (left) has topped the list of most searched-for reality TV stars this year after her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, while the late Whitney Houston (right) was the biggest trending celebrity, according to Google . Hollywood gossip: Singer Justin Bieber's break-up with actress Selena Gomez was the most inquired-about celebrity split of 2012 . The Euro 2012 football championships . has emerged as the top trending search term of the year, beating the . Olympics and even Kate Middleton. Skyfall, Gangnam Style and Victoria . Pendleton are also among this year's top internet searches, while 'love' remains the most searched-for 'what is?' query. The late Whitney Houston was the top trending person of the year, followed by the Duchess of Cambridge. Also featuring in the top 10 searches was . NatWest – the only hard news-based search - after glitches in the . bank's computer system In June left millions of customers unable to pay . bills or withdraw money. A large number were even left out of pocket . when their wages were unable to be paid into their accounts. U.S. Open champion and London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray was the most searched Olympian, followed by diving bronze medallist Tom Daley and heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis. The Victoria's Secret lingerie brand, modelled here by one of its Angels Miranda Kerr, came third in the most searched-for fashion labels behind Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld . Heptathlon gold medallist Jennis Ennis (left), who became the poster girl of London 2012 and singer Tulisa (right) featured in the top ten trending celebrities this year . Another Olympic champion, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, also found stardom off the track in her role in Strictly Come Dancing. She reached top position in the most searched reality TV celebrities. Elsewhere . in showbusiness, singer Justin Bieber's break-up with actress Selena . Gomez was the most searched-for relationship split, according to The . Sun. They were closely followed by those of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Top of the pops: Gangnam Style by Korean rapper Psy (left) pipped Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (right) to the most trending song of the year . Gangnam Style, which has become the . most viewed YouTube clip of all time, overtook all musical hits this . year to be the top trending song of 2012. Rio de Janeiro was the top trending destination as the country looked ahead to 2016. The . trending results reveal the queries which have increased the most this . year, while the most searched tends to produce similar results each . year. Meanwhile, Love tops the list of 'what is...' queries while 'kiss' and 'flirt' made the 'how to' top 10 Top trends. London . was the most searched city in Google Maps, Stella McCartney was the top . trending designer and Muse's 'Survival' made the top trending songs - . showing the Olympics had a huge impact on the nation's cultural . interests. Andy Murray took . the world by storm leading the charge as the most searched Olympian of . 2012 after taking gold and winning the US open, the first British Grand . Slam victory since 1936. Disappointing: The European football championships was the most searched-for topic of 2012 despite England's defeat at the quarter-final stage in June (above) Emerging spectacle: Synchronized swimming is the sport that has trended the most this year . On the political front, the news agenda put Jeremy Hunt in the spotlight - he became the top trending politician. While Skyfall topped the movie list, children's hit Mike the Knight beat Homeland and Bake Off to the trending top spot. Smash hit Gangnam Style, which made the world move to its funky beat, was the top trending song this year while the world should watch out for this year's trending popstar, X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan. In Fashion, British Olympic kit designer Stella McCartney was the top trending label of the year. Packing a punch: Daniel Craig in the new James Bond film Skyfall, which has become the top trending movie of the year . Colourful: Rio de Janeiro (above), which will host the 2016 Olympics, is the travel hotspot most internet users are enquiring about . In travel news, London came top as the most searched city in Google Maps this year, as tourists continued to flood to the country's capital. Yet as Olympics fans looked to the next Games, Rio de Janeiro became the fastest-rising destination of 2012, followed by Greece. Romantic searches topped the 'what is' and 'how to' query lists, with British searchers keen to learn 'what is love?' and 'how to kiss' and 'how to flirt' to help them be luckier in love. This was closely followed by more serious 'what is?' queries ranging from the iCloud to the illuminati, diabetes and 'how to meditate'. It was also a year of creativity as millions searched online for inspiration around 'how to draw', 'how to crochet', 'how to knit' and 'how to sing'. 1. Euro 2012 . 2. Tickets to Olympics, above . 3. Whitney Houston . 4. Kate Middleton . 5. April Jones . 6. Netflix . 7. NatWest online . 8. iPad 3 . 9. Gary Barlow . 10. Gangnam Style . 1. Whitney Houston . 2. Kate Middleton, above . 3. Gary Barlow . 4. Tulisa . 5. Jessica Ennis . 6. Fabrice Muamba . 7. Michael Clarke Duncan . 8. Morgan Freeman . 9. Prince Harry . 10. Usain Bolt . 1. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez . 2. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart . 3. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, above . 4. Caroline Flack and Harry Styles . 5. Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis . 6. Heidi Klum and Seal . 7. Chantelle Houghton and Alex Reid . 8. Michelle Keegan and Max George . 9. Katherine Jenkins and Gethin Jones . 10. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries . 1. Andy Murray, above . 2. Tom Daley . 3. Jessica Ennis . 4. Mo Farah . 5. Victoria Pendleton . 6. Bradley Wiggins . 7. Chris Hoy . 8. Rebecca Adlington . 9. Laura Trott . 10. Louis Smith . 1. Mike The Knight, right . 2. Homeland . 3. Towie . 4. The Jonathan Ross Show . 5. Celebrity Big Brother . 6. Sherlock . 7. The Great British Bake Off . 8. Game Of Thrones . 9. The Big Bang Theory . 10. How I Met Your Mother . 1. Skyfall . 2. Prometheus, right . 3. The Hunger Games . 4. Magic Mike . 5. Take 2 . 6. The Avengers . 7. The Woman In Black . 8. The Dictator . 9. Sinister . 10. The Devil Inside . 1. Usain Bolt, right . 2. Michael Phelps . 3. Roger Federer . 4. Yohan Blake . 5. Ryan Lochte . 6. Venus Williams . 7. Rafael Nadal . 8. Novak Djokovic . 9. Tyson Gay . 10. Missy Franklin . 1. Victoria Pendleton . 2. Georgia Salpa, right . 3. Danica Thrall . 4. Lucy Spraggan . 5. Natasha Giggs . 6. Jasmine Lennard . 7. Nicola McLean . 8. Andy Scott-Lee . 9. Jahmene Douglas . 10. Jerry Hall . 1. Sella McCartney, above . 2. Karl Lagerfeld . 3. Victoria's Secret . 4. Alice Temperley . 5. Versace . 6. Mulberry . 7. Marks And Spencer . 8. Ossie Clark . 9. Burberry . 10. LK Bennett . 1. Lucy Spraggan . 2. The Military Wives, above . 3. Will.i.am . 4. Emeli Sande . 5. Psy . 6. One Direction . 7. The Spice Girls . 8. Muse . 9. Girls Aloud . 10. Dizzee Rascal . 1. Gangnam Style . 2. Call Me Maybe . 3. Blow Me One Last Kiss . 4. Beneath Your Beautiful . 5. Olympic Song (Survival by Muse, above) 6. Skyfall . 7. Somebody That I Used To Know . 8. We Are Young . 9. Too Close . 10. 212 . 1. Synchronised swimming . 2. Murderball, above . 3. Wheelchair basketball . 4. Volleyball . 5. Archery . 6. 100 metre sprint . 7. Taekwondo . 8. Gymnastics . 9. Cycling . 10. Athletics . 1. Rio de Janeiro . 2. Greece . 3. Brazil . 4. Dubai, above . 5. Paris . 6. London . 7. Bruges . 8. Cornwall . 9. Edinburgh . 10. Barcelona . 1. London, above . 2. Bristol . 3. Manchester . 4. Edinburgh . 5. Brighton . 6. Surrey . 7. Leeds . 8. Oxford . 9. Cambridge . 10. Birmingham . VIDEO: Selection of Google's most searched for of the year...
Euro 2012, Olympics tickets and Whitney Houston most searched in 2012 . Olympian and Strictly contestant Victoria Pendleton tops reality TV stars . Psy's Gangnam Style most trending song, Skyfall most enquired-about film . Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez head list of Googled celebrity break-ups . Synchronised swimming and 'murderball' are most searched-for sports .
1f89a31981c02343be47b11bbfc8f0fba9b7b470
<s>[INST] It was the year London hosted one of the most successful Olympics in memory, an eagerly-anticipated Bond movie was released and, of course, the ‘Gangnam Style’ craze was released on the world. But as is often the case, the past 12 months were dominated by football - at least in terms of internet searches. Today, Google announced its annual Zeitgeist, revealing this year's most searched celebrities, Olympians, major events and hottest trends based on internet queries conducted in the UK in 2012. Scroll down for videos . Web wonders: Olympic cycling gold medallist Victoria Pendleton (left) has topped the list of most searched-for reality TV stars this year after her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, while the late Whitney Houston (right) was the biggest trending celebrity, according to Google . Hollywood gossip: Singer Justin Bieber's break-up with actress Selena Gomez was the most inquired-about celebrity split of 2012 . The Euro 2012 football championships . has emerged as the top trending search term of the year, beating the . Olympics and even Kate Middleton. Skyfall, Gangnam Style and Victoria . Pendleton are also among this year's top internet searches, while 'love' remains the most searched-for 'what is?' query. The late Whitney Houston was the top trending person of the year, followed by the Duchess of Cambridge. Also featuring in the top 10 searches was . NatWest – the only hard news-based search - after glitches in the . bank's computer system In June left millions of customers unable to pay . bills or withdraw money. A large number were even left out of pocket . when their wages were unable to be paid into their accounts. U.S. Open champion and London 2012 gold medallist Andy Murray was the most searched Olympian, followed by diving bronze medallist Tom Daley and heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis. The Victoria's Secret lingerie brand, modelled here by one of its Angels Miranda Kerr, came third in the most searched-for fashion labels behind Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld . Heptathlon gold medallist Jennis Ennis (left), who became the poster girl of London 2012 and singer Tulisa (right) featured in the top ten trending celebrities this year . Another Olympic champion, cyclist Victoria Pendleton, also found stardom off the track in her role in Strictly Come Dancing. She reached top position in the most searched reality TV celebrities. Elsewhere . in showbusiness, singer Justin Bieber's break-up with actress Selena . Gomez was the most searched-for relationship split, according to The . Sun. They were closely followed by those of Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Top of the pops: Gangnam Style by Korean rapper Psy (left) pipped Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (right) to the most trending song of the year . Gangnam Style, which has become the . most viewed YouTube clip of all time, overtook all musical hits this . year to be the top trending song of 2012. Rio de Janeiro was the top trending destination as the country looked ahead to 2016. The . trending results reveal the queries which have increased the most this . year, while the most searched tends to produce similar results each . year. Meanwhile, Love tops the list of 'what is...' queries while 'kiss' and 'flirt' made the 'how to' top 10 Top trends. London . was the most searched city in Google Maps, Stella McCartney was the top . trending designer and Muse's 'Survival' made the top trending songs - . showing the Olympics had a huge impact on the nation's cultural . interests. Andy Murray took . the world by storm leading the charge as the most searched Olympian of . 2012 after taking gold and winning the US open, the first British Grand . Slam victory since 1936. Disappointing: The European football championships was the most searched-for topic of 2012 despite England's defeat at the quarter-final stage in June (above) Emerging spectacle: Synchronized swimming is the sport that has trended the most this year . On the political front, the news agenda put Jeremy Hunt in the spotlight - he became the top trending politician. While Skyfall topped the movie list, children's hit Mike the Knight beat Homeland and Bake Off to the trending top spot. Smash hit Gangnam Style, which made the world move to its funky beat, was the top trending song this year while the world should watch out for this year's trending popstar, X Factor contestant Lucy Spraggan. In Fashion, British Olympic kit designer Stella McCartney was the top trending label of the year. Packing a punch: Daniel Craig in the new James Bond film Skyfall, which has become the top trending movie of the year . Colourful: Rio de Janeiro (above), which will host the 2016 Olympics, is the travel hotspot most internet users are enquiring about . In travel news, London came top as the most searched city in Google Maps this year, as tourists continued to flood to the country's capital. Yet as Olympics fans looked to the next Games, Rio de Janeiro became the fastest-rising destination of 2012, followed by Greece. Romantic searches topped the 'what is' and 'how to' query lists, with British searchers keen to learn 'what is love?' and 'how to kiss' and 'how to flirt' to help them be luckier in love. This was closely followed by more serious 'what is?' queries ranging from the iCloud to the illuminati, diabetes and 'how to meditate'. It was also a year of creativity as millions searched online for inspiration around 'how to draw', 'how to crochet', 'how to knit' and 'how to sing'. 1. Euro 2012 . 2. Tickets to Olympics, above . 3. Whitney Houston . 4. Kate Middleton . 5. April Jones . 6. Netflix . 7. NatWest online . 8. iPad 3 . 9. Gary Barlow . 10. Gangnam Style . 1. Whitney Houston . 2. Kate Middleton, above . 3. Gary Barlow . 4. Tulisa . 5. Jessica Ennis . 6. Fabrice Muamba . 7. Michael Clarke Duncan . 8. Morgan Freeman . 9. Prince Harry . 10. Usain Bolt . 1. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez . 2. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart . 3. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, above . 4. Caroline Flack and Harry Styles . 5. Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis . 6. Heidi Klum and Seal . 7. Chantelle Houghton and Alex Reid . 8. Michelle Keegan and Max George . 9. Katherine Jenkins and Gethin Jones . 10. Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries . 1. Andy Murray, above . 2. Tom Daley . 3. Jessica Ennis . 4. Mo Farah . 5. Victoria Pendleton . 6. Bradley Wiggins . 7. Chris Hoy . 8. Rebecca Adlington . 9. Laura Trott . 10. Louis Smith . 1. Mike The Knight, right . 2. Homeland . 3. Towie . 4. The Jonathan Ross Show . 5. Celebrity Big Brother . 6. Sherlock . 7. The Great British Bake Off . 8. Game Of Thrones . 9. The Big Bang Theory . 10. How I Met Your Mother . 1. Skyfall . 2. Prometheus, right . 3. The Hunger Games . 4. Magic Mike . 5. Take 2 . 6. The Avengers . 7. The Woman In Black . 8. The Dictator . 9. Sinister . 10. The Devil Inside . 1. Usain Bolt, right . 2. Michael Phelps . 3. Roger Federer . 4. Yohan Blake . 5. Ryan Lochte . 6. Venus Williams . 7. Rafael Nadal . 8. Novak Djokovic . 9. Tyson Gay . 10. Missy Franklin . 1. Victoria Pendleton . 2. Georgia Salpa, right . 3. Danica Thrall . 4. Lucy Spraggan . 5. Natasha Giggs . 6. Jasmine Lennard . 7. Nicola McLean . 8. Andy Scott-Lee . 9. Jahmene Douglas . 10. Jerry Hall . 1. Sella McCartney, above . 2. Karl Lagerfeld . 3. Victoria's Secret . 4. Alice Temperley . 5. Versace . 6. Mulberry . 7. Marks And Spencer . 8. Ossie Clark . 9. Burberry . 10. LK Bennett . 1. Lucy Spraggan . 2. The Military Wives, above . 3. Will.i.am . 4. Emeli Sande . 5. Psy . 6. One Direction . 7. The Spice Girls . 8. Muse . 9. Girls Aloud . 10. Dizzee Rascal . 1. Gangnam Style . 2. Call Me Maybe . 3. Blow Me One Last Kiss . 4. Beneath Your Beautiful . 5. Olympic Song (Survival by Muse, above) 6. Skyfall . 7. Somebody That I Used To Know . 8. We Are Young . 9. Too Close . 10. 212 . 1. Synchronised swimming . 2. Murderball, above . 3. Wheelchair basketball . 4. Volleyball . 5. Archery . 6. 100 metre sprint . 7. Taekwondo . 8. Gymnastics . 9. Cycling . 10. Athletics . 1. Rio de Janeiro . 2. Greece . 3. Brazil . 4. Dubai, above . 5. Paris . 6. London . 7. Bruges . 8. Cornwall . 9. Edinburgh . 10. Barcelona . 1. London, above . 2. Bristol . 3. Manchester . 4. Edinburgh . 5. Brighton . 6. Surrey . 7. Leeds . 8. Oxford . 9. Cambridge . 10. Birmingham . VIDEO: Selection of Google's most searched for of the year... [/INST] Euro 2012, Olympics tickets and Whitney Houston most searched in 2012 . Olympian and Strictly contestant Victoria Pendleton tops reality TV stars . Psy's Gangnam Style most trending song, Skyfall most enquired-about film . Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez head list of Googled celebrity break-ups . Synchronised swimming and 'murderball' are most searched-for sports . </s>
Sportsmail takes a look at 10 things we have learned from an entertaining weekend of Premier League, Football League and FA Cup fixtures. 1. Arsenal’s performance at Stoke was so bad that they ended up trying to play The Potters at what used to be their own game of lumping long balls. Aaron Ramsey dropped deeper and deeper trying to aim for Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud, attempting eight long passes in the second half – more than any other Arsenal outfield player. The Gunners also attempted more crosses than Stoke – 27 against the home side's 23. Arsenal players look dejected after conceding a third goal against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday . 2. If banging in crosses is part of a new Arsenal philosophy they will be grateful to West Ham for the way Carl Jenkinson has been converted into an attacking full back during his loan at Upton Park. The 22-year-old, who earned one England cap as a sub in a friendly against Sweden in 2012, fired in 10 crosses, including the one from which Andy Carroll scored the first of his two goals in the 3-1 win over Swansea. He’s attempted 57 crosses in 12 games as a Hammer this season, an average of 4.75 per match. In his 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last year his average was 2.4. West Ham's Carl Jenkinson controls the ball against Swansea at Upton Park . 3. Aston Villa have stumbled on a central defensive pairing to take them forward if they can’t keep Ron Vlaar away from the clutches of Manchester United in January. In four games since Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore were flung together to solve an injury crisis, Villa have now conceded just three times. Against Leicester they made 27 clearances between them, with Denmark centre half Okore winning 100 per cent of his tackles. Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark (left) celebrates with Jores Okore after scoring the equaliser against Leicester . 4. Steven Taylor will be suspended from Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal next weekend but should be the first name on Alan Pardew’s teamsheet when Sunderland arrive at St James’ Park for the North East derby on December 21. The 28-year-old Geordie has started only six games this season after falling out of favour with Pardew – but ending Chelsea’s unbeaten record means the Toon have won every single one of them. Steven Taylor (left) is sent off by referee Martin Atkinson (centre) at St James' Park on Saturday . 5. Aaron Lennon might be keen to point out a similar statistic to Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino after being dumped back on the bench until the final seven minutes against Palace. The winger doesn’t appear to fit his manager’s system – but when he does play Tottenham get results. The 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, when he was hauled off after 58 minutes, was the first time he had been on the losing side of a game he started all season. Tottenham’s record in his other seven starts reads won six, drawn one. Tottenham Hotspur's Aaron Lennon comes on for the final seven minutes against Crystal Palace . 6. Roberto Martinez claimed Eliaquim Mangala should have got a red card for catching Samuel Eto’o with a kung-fu style kick. Whatever the rights and wrongs of referee Andre Marriner’s decision there’s no doubt that Mangala has still got problems finding the correct composure to bring his physical style of play in tune with the Premier League. The £32m France defender has now picked up four yellow cards and one red in his nine domestic games since signing for City from Porto in the summer. Eliaqium Mangala (centre left) challenges Samuel Eto'o (centre) for the ball in the air at the Etihad on Saturday . 7. QPR centre half Richard Dunne might not be the quickest but he makes up for it with speed of thought and determination to defend. In the victory over Burnley he made 20 clearances – more than anyone else – and won 100 per cent of his tackles. Since the 35-year-old got back into the team Rangers have won 10 points from eight games. QPR centre half Richard Dunne makes a clearance during the match against Burnley on Saturday . 8. Derby’s promotion efforts are benefiting from a bit of father-and-son work between boss Steve McClaren and his son Joe. McClaren Jnr is in charge of Under 21 recruitment at Pride Park, and was the man responsible for targeting Real Madrid youngster Omar Mascarell to sign on a season-long loan. The Tenerife-born defensive midfielder has taken time to settle in England, but was excellent in the 3-0 win over Brighton that kept the Rams at the top of the Championship. Joe had been tracking the progress of 21-year-old Mascarell since he spotted him while working in analysis for his dad’s old club Twente. Derby County manager Steve McClaren (right) shakes hands with Brighton manager Sami Hyypia . 9. Wolves chairman Steve Morgan once fell out with his manager of the time Mick McCarthy by going into the dressing room to give his players a rollicking after a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool. The 62-year-old house building multi-millionaire clearly didn’t learn any lessons about letting his passions boil over. He will be in hot water with the FA after confronting referee Mike Jones on the pitch at the end of his club’s 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth. Jones, demoted from the Premier League list for booking Sergio Aguero instead of giving him a penalty, had sent off Wolves stars Rajiv van La Parra and Matt Doherty. Wolves chairman Steve Morgan (right) confronts referee Mike Jones after the final whistle on Saturday . 10. One of the sores that never healed between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon was over which club was entitled to wallow in the FA Cup history of the Crazy Gang’s 1988 triumph over Liverpool. Fitting, then, that in the week that the controversial documentary remembering that epic achievement had its premiere the club the fans launched after seeing their own hijacked should manage its own Cup milestone. A 1-0 win at Wycombe thanks to Sean Rigg’s goal put AFC into the third round for the first time since the club was formed 12 years ago. Meanwhile, the MK version went out losing 1-0 at home to Chesterfield. Sean Rigg (left) celebrates after scoring the winner for AFC Wimbledon against Wycombe in the FA Cup .
Arsenal tried to play Stoke at what used to be their own long-ball game . West Ham full back Carl Jenkinson fired in 10 crosses against Swansea . Aston Villa central defensive pairing Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore have conceded just three goals in four games . Newcastle United have won all six games that Steven Taylor has started .
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<s>[INST] Sportsmail takes a look at 10 things we have learned from an entertaining weekend of Premier League, Football League and FA Cup fixtures. 1. Arsenal’s performance at Stoke was so bad that they ended up trying to play The Potters at what used to be their own game of lumping long balls. Aaron Ramsey dropped deeper and deeper trying to aim for Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud, attempting eight long passes in the second half – more than any other Arsenal outfield player. The Gunners also attempted more crosses than Stoke – 27 against the home side's 23. Arsenal players look dejected after conceding a third goal against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday . 2. If banging in crosses is part of a new Arsenal philosophy they will be grateful to West Ham for the way Carl Jenkinson has been converted into an attacking full back during his loan at Upton Park. The 22-year-old, who earned one England cap as a sub in a friendly against Sweden in 2012, fired in 10 crosses, including the one from which Andy Carroll scored the first of his two goals in the 3-1 win over Swansea. He’s attempted 57 crosses in 12 games as a Hammer this season, an average of 4.75 per match. In his 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners last year his average was 2.4. West Ham's Carl Jenkinson controls the ball against Swansea at Upton Park . 3. Aston Villa have stumbled on a central defensive pairing to take them forward if they can’t keep Ron Vlaar away from the clutches of Manchester United in January. In four games since Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore were flung together to solve an injury crisis, Villa have now conceded just three times. Against Leicester they made 27 clearances between them, with Denmark centre half Okore winning 100 per cent of his tackles. Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark (left) celebrates with Jores Okore after scoring the equaliser against Leicester . 4. Steven Taylor will be suspended from Newcastle’s trip to Arsenal next weekend but should be the first name on Alan Pardew’s teamsheet when Sunderland arrive at St James’ Park for the North East derby on December 21. The 28-year-old Geordie has started only six games this season after falling out of favour with Pardew – but ending Chelsea’s unbeaten record means the Toon have won every single one of them. Steven Taylor (left) is sent off by referee Martin Atkinson (centre) at St James' Park on Saturday . 5. Aaron Lennon might be keen to point out a similar statistic to Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino after being dumped back on the bench until the final seven minutes against Palace. The winger doesn’t appear to fit his manager’s system – but when he does play Tottenham get results. The 3-0 defeat at Chelsea, when he was hauled off after 58 minutes, was the first time he had been on the losing side of a game he started all season. Tottenham’s record in his other seven starts reads won six, drawn one. Tottenham Hotspur's Aaron Lennon comes on for the final seven minutes against Crystal Palace . 6. Roberto Martinez claimed Eliaquim Mangala should have got a red card for catching Samuel Eto’o with a kung-fu style kick. Whatever the rights and wrongs of referee Andre Marriner’s decision there’s no doubt that Mangala has still got problems finding the correct composure to bring his physical style of play in tune with the Premier League. The £32m France defender has now picked up four yellow cards and one red in his nine domestic games since signing for City from Porto in the summer. Eliaqium Mangala (centre left) challenges Samuel Eto'o (centre) for the ball in the air at the Etihad on Saturday . 7. QPR centre half Richard Dunne might not be the quickest but he makes up for it with speed of thought and determination to defend. In the victory over Burnley he made 20 clearances – more than anyone else – and won 100 per cent of his tackles. Since the 35-year-old got back into the team Rangers have won 10 points from eight games. QPR centre half Richard Dunne makes a clearance during the match against Burnley on Saturday . 8. Derby’s promotion efforts are benefiting from a bit of father-and-son work between boss Steve McClaren and his son Joe. McClaren Jnr is in charge of Under 21 recruitment at Pride Park, and was the man responsible for targeting Real Madrid youngster Omar Mascarell to sign on a season-long loan. The Tenerife-born defensive midfielder has taken time to settle in England, but was excellent in the 3-0 win over Brighton that kept the Rams at the top of the Championship. Joe had been tracking the progress of 21-year-old Mascarell since he spotted him while working in analysis for his dad’s old club Twente. Derby County manager Steve McClaren (right) shakes hands with Brighton manager Sami Hyypia . 9. Wolves chairman Steve Morgan once fell out with his manager of the time Mick McCarthy by going into the dressing room to give his players a rollicking after a 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool. The 62-year-old house building multi-millionaire clearly didn’t learn any lessons about letting his passions boil over. He will be in hot water with the FA after confronting referee Mike Jones on the pitch at the end of his club’s 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth. Jones, demoted from the Premier League list for booking Sergio Aguero instead of giving him a penalty, had sent off Wolves stars Rajiv van La Parra and Matt Doherty. Wolves chairman Steve Morgan (right) confronts referee Mike Jones after the final whistle on Saturday . 10. One of the sores that never healed between MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon was over which club was entitled to wallow in the FA Cup history of the Crazy Gang’s 1988 triumph over Liverpool. Fitting, then, that in the week that the controversial documentary remembering that epic achievement had its premiere the club the fans launched after seeing their own hijacked should manage its own Cup milestone. A 1-0 win at Wycombe thanks to Sean Rigg’s goal put AFC into the third round for the first time since the club was formed 12 years ago. Meanwhile, the MK version went out losing 1-0 at home to Chesterfield. Sean Rigg (left) celebrates after scoring the winner for AFC Wimbledon against Wycombe in the FA Cup . [/INST] Arsenal tried to play Stoke at what used to be their own long-ball game . West Ham full back Carl Jenkinson fired in 10 crosses against Swansea . Aston Villa central defensive pairing Ciaran Clark and Jores Okore have conceded just three goals in four games . Newcastle United have won all six games that Steven Taylor has started . </s>
(CNN) -- Polish football fans have celebrated the launch of the biggest stadium for this year's Euro 2012 finals with a free music festival and fireworks display. The newly-constructed National Stadium in Warsaw will host the opening match of the four-yearly tournament on June 8 when co-hosts Poland take on Euro 2004 winners Greece in Group A. The first 40,000 fans to arrive on Sunday were given the chance to see Polish pop acts including VooVoo i Haydamaky, Zakopower, Coma, T. Love and Lady Pank. The at the 50,000-seat arena, which will also host a semifinal, was built on the site of the old 10th Anniversary Stadium, which had stood since 1955 and welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1983. "I am very happy that the National Stadium has been finally unveiled," Poland's tournament director Adam Olkowicz told the website of European football's governing body UEFA. "It's the biggest Polish venue for this year's final tournament. On June 8, we will witness the opening ceremony here followed by the first match between Poland and Greece. "I hope that Poland's players play to their best, with the backing of thousands of local supporters." On February 29, Franciszek Smuda's Poland team will play in their new home for the first time -- exactly 100 days before the start of Euro 2012 -- when they take on Portugal, who boast players such as Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. The first football match to be played at the stadium, located on the east bank of the river Vistula, will be a Polish Super Cup clash between Legia Warsaw and Wisla Krakow on February 11. The National Stadium is one of five venues built especially for the 14th European Championship, which is being co-hosted with Ukraine, and one of three new stadia in Poland. The other two are the Arena Gdansk and the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw.
The new National Stadium in the Polish capital of Warsaw was opened on Sunday . Poland and Ukraine will host the forthcoming Euro 2012 football tournament . The National Stadium will host the opening match between Poland and Greece on June 8 . It will also be a semifinal venue, with Poland set to play there for the first time on February 29 .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Polish football fans have celebrated the launch of the biggest stadium for this year's Euro 2012 finals with a free music festival and fireworks display. The newly-constructed National Stadium in Warsaw will host the opening match of the four-yearly tournament on June 8 when co-hosts Poland take on Euro 2004 winners Greece in Group A. The first 40,000 fans to arrive on Sunday were given the chance to see Polish pop acts including VooVoo i Haydamaky, Zakopower, Coma, T. Love and Lady Pank. The at the 50,000-seat arena, which will also host a semifinal, was built on the site of the old 10th Anniversary Stadium, which had stood since 1955 and welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1983. "I am very happy that the National Stadium has been finally unveiled," Poland's tournament director Adam Olkowicz told the website of European football's governing body UEFA. "It's the biggest Polish venue for this year's final tournament. On June 8, we will witness the opening ceremony here followed by the first match between Poland and Greece. "I hope that Poland's players play to their best, with the backing of thousands of local supporters." On February 29, Franciszek Smuda's Poland team will play in their new home for the first time -- exactly 100 days before the start of Euro 2012 -- when they take on Portugal, who boast players such as Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. The first football match to be played at the stadium, located on the east bank of the river Vistula, will be a Polish Super Cup clash between Legia Warsaw and Wisla Krakow on February 11. The National Stadium is one of five venues built especially for the 14th European Championship, which is being co-hosted with Ukraine, and one of three new stadia in Poland. The other two are the Arena Gdansk and the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. [/INST] The new National Stadium in the Polish capital of Warsaw was opened on Sunday . Poland and Ukraine will host the forthcoming Euro 2012 football tournament . The National Stadium will host the opening match between Poland and Greece on June 8 . It will also be a semifinal venue, with Poland set to play there for the first time on February 29 . </s>
By . Sarah Dean . The South Korean family of the 2013 X Factor Australia winner has completed the almost impossible task of crossing the restricted North Korean border. In tense footage, singer Dami Im, 25, is seen returning to the country her grandfather, Suk Young Lee, came from but was never allowed to return home to after war broke out in 1950. There was high drama at the most heavily armed border in the world as North Korean soldiers spotted the Im family and popstar Dannii Minogue crossing into North Korean land at the Joint Security Area. Emotional moments: Dannii Minogue learned about the secret that tore Dami Im's family apart during a Channel Seven Sunday Night documentary . The JSA is the only portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where South and North Korean forces stand face-to-face. In the Channel Seven Sunday Night TV special called 'Dami Im: Finding my family', viewers learned how Ms Im's grandfather, Mr Lee, came to South Korea from North Korea for a brief trip in his twenties. He was never able to return to his home and family when the war which divided Korea into two countries broke out. Stranded in the south, he met Bong-Hee-Moon, Dami's grandmother. Ms Im, her mother, her grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon and Ms Minogue were being shown around Truce Village by Captain Bret Dowsing of the Australian Defence Attache . A soldier stood on guard in the 'rock' taekwondo position near the family . Tense situation: The family crossed the North Korean border at the Joint Security Area at the DMZ, where a North Korean soldier peered through the window . The elderly lady looked the most excited of all the family to be at the border, as she clutched on to a photo of her late husband. She was the first to rush to the other side of the table inside the JSA office, which marked the family entering North Korean territory. They were warned by Captain Dowsing to stay away from the soldiers either side of the table, who were standing in the 'rock' Taekwondo stance ready to defend. Ms Im, her mother, her grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon and Ms Minogue were being shown around Truce Village by Captain Bret Dowsing of the Australian Defence Attache when North Korean soldiers were spotted peering through the window of the office. Dami clutched on to a photo of her grandfather who was from North Korea . Dami's grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon looked out across the border into North Korea as she clutched onto a photo of her late husband . Outside the JSA: The only portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where South and North Korean forces stand face-to-face . International journey: Dannii Minogue and Dami Im travelled back to her home country for the episode on Sunday Night . A US soldier was forced to evacuate them and told them: 'You can't film here'. 'When I went there and saw what was going on and the tension between the soldiers, it was so intense,' Ms Im said. 'I realised it's right next to us and we're still at war and so many people on the north side are still suffering in prison camps and dying from hunger. Watched: The family's phones were jammed and their passports were taken away from them before they were placed in military vehicles with armed guards . North Korean soldiers watched the camera man film . A map of the DMZ area where Dami and her family travelled to . 'It's so strange that we never really think about that, even though it's right next to where we live. 'Like Grandma said, we really need to be reunified - north and south,' she added. 'It required weeks of negotiation to get permission to come to the Joint Security Area under United Nations command,' Minogue said. She explained how their phones were jammed and their passports were taken away from them before they were placed in military vehicles with armed guards. Australian sweetheart: The pop star rose to fame by winning hearts on the X Factor last year . 'It made us really aware that this is a very tense area and anything can happen at anytime,' the 42-year-old explained. Ms Im, who is now an international popstar after winning the X Factor, was just aged nine when she came to Australia from South Korea with her mother and brother to start a new life. Her father stayed behind in South Korea to earn money to support them. In the documentary she is shown singing and playing the piano as a child in South Korea, as her transformation to a superstar singing Prince's Purple Rain on the 2013 X Factor final is shown. As she was reunited with family in Seoul she explained: 'I know how they think I'm a big celebrity coming back with a TV crew, it's special they can see what I've been doing in Australia.'
Dami Im's grandfather left North Korea for a brief holiday in his twenties . Suk Young Lee could never leave the South and go home as war broke out . His family made the pilgrimage to the Joint Security Area at the DMZ to cross the border that he was never allowed to after 1950 .
8aa1373a7cd3f17bba61bb68bbb1be051c888903
<s>[INST] By . Sarah Dean . The South Korean family of the 2013 X Factor Australia winner has completed the almost impossible task of crossing the restricted North Korean border. In tense footage, singer Dami Im, 25, is seen returning to the country her grandfather, Suk Young Lee, came from but was never allowed to return home to after war broke out in 1950. There was high drama at the most heavily armed border in the world as North Korean soldiers spotted the Im family and popstar Dannii Minogue crossing into North Korean land at the Joint Security Area. Emotional moments: Dannii Minogue learned about the secret that tore Dami Im's family apart during a Channel Seven Sunday Night documentary . The JSA is the only portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where South and North Korean forces stand face-to-face. In the Channel Seven Sunday Night TV special called 'Dami Im: Finding my family', viewers learned how Ms Im's grandfather, Mr Lee, came to South Korea from North Korea for a brief trip in his twenties. He was never able to return to his home and family when the war which divided Korea into two countries broke out. Stranded in the south, he met Bong-Hee-Moon, Dami's grandmother. Ms Im, her mother, her grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon and Ms Minogue were being shown around Truce Village by Captain Bret Dowsing of the Australian Defence Attache . A soldier stood on guard in the 'rock' taekwondo position near the family . Tense situation: The family crossed the North Korean border at the Joint Security Area at the DMZ, where a North Korean soldier peered through the window . The elderly lady looked the most excited of all the family to be at the border, as she clutched on to a photo of her late husband. She was the first to rush to the other side of the table inside the JSA office, which marked the family entering North Korean territory. They were warned by Captain Dowsing to stay away from the soldiers either side of the table, who were standing in the 'rock' Taekwondo stance ready to defend. Ms Im, her mother, her grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon and Ms Minogue were being shown around Truce Village by Captain Bret Dowsing of the Australian Defence Attache when North Korean soldiers were spotted peering through the window of the office. Dami clutched on to a photo of her grandfather who was from North Korea . Dami's grandmother Bong-Hee-Moon looked out across the border into North Korea as she clutched onto a photo of her late husband . Outside the JSA: The only portion of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) where South and North Korean forces stand face-to-face . International journey: Dannii Minogue and Dami Im travelled back to her home country for the episode on Sunday Night . A US soldier was forced to evacuate them and told them: 'You can't film here'. 'When I went there and saw what was going on and the tension between the soldiers, it was so intense,' Ms Im said. 'I realised it's right next to us and we're still at war and so many people on the north side are still suffering in prison camps and dying from hunger. Watched: The family's phones were jammed and their passports were taken away from them before they were placed in military vehicles with armed guards . North Korean soldiers watched the camera man film . A map of the DMZ area where Dami and her family travelled to . 'It's so strange that we never really think about that, even though it's right next to where we live. 'Like Grandma said, we really need to be reunified - north and south,' she added. 'It required weeks of negotiation to get permission to come to the Joint Security Area under United Nations command,' Minogue said. She explained how their phones were jammed and their passports were taken away from them before they were placed in military vehicles with armed guards. Australian sweetheart: The pop star rose to fame by winning hearts on the X Factor last year . 'It made us really aware that this is a very tense area and anything can happen at anytime,' the 42-year-old explained. Ms Im, who is now an international popstar after winning the X Factor, was just aged nine when she came to Australia from South Korea with her mother and brother to start a new life. Her father stayed behind in South Korea to earn money to support them. In the documentary she is shown singing and playing the piano as a child in South Korea, as her transformation to a superstar singing Prince's Purple Rain on the 2013 X Factor final is shown. As she was reunited with family in Seoul she explained: 'I know how they think I'm a big celebrity coming back with a TV crew, it's special they can see what I've been doing in Australia.' [/INST] Dami Im's grandfather left North Korea for a brief holiday in his twenties . Suk Young Lee could never leave the South and go home as war broke out . His family made the pilgrimage to the Joint Security Area at the DMZ to cross the border that he was never allowed to after 1950 . </s>
Home Secretary Theresa May wants security services to be able to snoop on email and internet records, but Nick Clegg is seeking to delay the Communications Data Bill . Water and power firms are being targeted by foreign countries launching cyber attacks against Britain. The services ‘upon which daily life depends’ risk being disrupted by hackers working for the UK's enemies, officials claimed. Internet terrorism from ‘hostile foreign states’ is now one of the top four threats Britain faces. The scale of the problem comes as Home Secretary Theresa May stepped up her call for more powers to track email and internet use. She claimed people will ‘die’ without more powers to track terrorists, paedophiles and criminals online. A major Coalition split was laid bare as Mrs May took a swipe at Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for blocking new internet powers to break up criminal plots on sites like Facebook and Skype. The £2billion law – dubbed a snoopers charter - would store billions of pieces of private information from emails, Facebook, texts and internet use. In a thinly-veiled swipe at her Cabinet colleague, Mrs May said opponents of her legislation are 'putting politics before people’s lives’. Mr Clegg wants to delay the Communications Data Bill until 2014 to strike a balance between security and liberty’. But Mrs May said: ‘The people who say they’re against this bill need to look victims of serious crime, terrorism and child sex offences in the eye and tell them why they’re not prepared to give the police the powers they need to protect the public. ‘We would certainly see criminals going free as a result of this. There will be paedophiles who will not be identified and it will reduce our ability to deal with this serious organised crime,’ she told The Sun. Mrs May suggested . the new laws were needed to prevent a repeat of the 7/7 London bombings . or the shootings of two female police officers in Manchester in . September. ‘The . shootings of Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone brought everybody up sharp to . show the extent of the problem that can be caused by criminals. ‘It . would be harder for us to crack into organised crime gangs, and yes we . could see people dying as a result of not being able to have access to . this information.’ Mrs May said opponents of her Communications Data Bill had to 'look victims of terrorism in the eye', like those caught up in the 7/7 London bombings . She went on: 'Criminals, terrorists and paedophiles will want MPs to vote against this bill. 'Victims of crime, police and the public will want them to vote for it. It's a question of whose side you're on.' However, a committee of MPs and peers is . expected to issue damning criticism of the measures this week, arguing . ministers have not made the case that is really needed. The Home Office insists the proposed storage of website visits for 12 months, along with use of Skype and even online games consoles, will protect national security. Without it, police and the security services will lose their ability to track the activities of crime gangs and paedophiles over time, they argue. Officials warn that new technology will allow terrorists to hatch plots or swap sickening images. Gaps in coverage already mean the authorities have no access to a quarter of all communications data. The plans would cover when and to whom a phone call was made, not what was said. The content of emails would also not be stored, just details of who sent and received them. In a separate move the Government is warning critical infrastructure is being targeted by online terrorists. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude is . publishing an update of the Government's cyber security strategy, . including fresh measures to improve the UK's ability to detect and . defeat high-end threats’. Cyber attacks have been launched against the supplies 'upon which daily life depends,' including power firms . Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude is warning companies they must become more 'cyber savvy' Systems controlling vital utilities like power and water supplies are being targeted, officials say. Firms providing ‘the essential services upon which daily life depends’ have been attacked from abroad, an official told The Guardian. The government is advising multi-national firms on how to prevent hackers disrupting supplies. Mr Maude said the entire country needed to become more ‘cyber savvy’. He added: ‘The internet transforms the risk we face. It is why we have rated attacks from cyberspace one of the top four threats to our national security. ‘We are in a race to build sufficient cyber defences to match the growing volume and dependence of our online economic, security and social interests. ‘It's a race we can only win by working together: Government, industry, academia and the public. This is as much a shared responsibility as a shared effort.’ Earlier this year Foreign Secretary William Hague and Business Secretary Vince Cable called in the chairmen and chief executives of Ftse 100 companies for a briefing in the Foreign Office to spell out the dangers including the online theft of valuable intellectual property and commercially sensitive information. At the same time ministers want to highlight the commercial potential of Britain's growing expertise in cyber security to boost exports around the world.
Home Secretary says opponents of her Communications Data Bill must look victims of terrorism 'in the eye' Deputy PM Nick Clegg wants 'snooper's charter' delayed until 2014 . Row comes amid warning that cyber terrorists are targeting utility firms to disrupt supplies of gas, electricity and water .
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<s>[INST] Home Secretary Theresa May wants security services to be able to snoop on email and internet records, but Nick Clegg is seeking to delay the Communications Data Bill . Water and power firms are being targeted by foreign countries launching cyber attacks against Britain. The services ‘upon which daily life depends’ risk being disrupted by hackers working for the UK's enemies, officials claimed. Internet terrorism from ‘hostile foreign states’ is now one of the top four threats Britain faces. The scale of the problem comes as Home Secretary Theresa May stepped up her call for more powers to track email and internet use. She claimed people will ‘die’ without more powers to track terrorists, paedophiles and criminals online. A major Coalition split was laid bare as Mrs May took a swipe at Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for blocking new internet powers to break up criminal plots on sites like Facebook and Skype. The £2billion law – dubbed a snoopers charter - would store billions of pieces of private information from emails, Facebook, texts and internet use. In a thinly-veiled swipe at her Cabinet colleague, Mrs May said opponents of her legislation are 'putting politics before people’s lives’. Mr Clegg wants to delay the Communications Data Bill until 2014 to strike a balance between security and liberty’. But Mrs May said: ‘The people who say they’re against this bill need to look victims of serious crime, terrorism and child sex offences in the eye and tell them why they’re not prepared to give the police the powers they need to protect the public. ‘We would certainly see criminals going free as a result of this. There will be paedophiles who will not be identified and it will reduce our ability to deal with this serious organised crime,’ she told The Sun. Mrs May suggested . the new laws were needed to prevent a repeat of the 7/7 London bombings . or the shootings of two female police officers in Manchester in . September. ‘The . shootings of Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone brought everybody up sharp to . show the extent of the problem that can be caused by criminals. ‘It . would be harder for us to crack into organised crime gangs, and yes we . could see people dying as a result of not being able to have access to . this information.’ Mrs May said opponents of her Communications Data Bill had to 'look victims of terrorism in the eye', like those caught up in the 7/7 London bombings . She went on: 'Criminals, terrorists and paedophiles will want MPs to vote against this bill. 'Victims of crime, police and the public will want them to vote for it. It's a question of whose side you're on.' However, a committee of MPs and peers is . expected to issue damning criticism of the measures this week, arguing . ministers have not made the case that is really needed. The Home Office insists the proposed storage of website visits for 12 months, along with use of Skype and even online games consoles, will protect national security. Without it, police and the security services will lose their ability to track the activities of crime gangs and paedophiles over time, they argue. Officials warn that new technology will allow terrorists to hatch plots or swap sickening images. Gaps in coverage already mean the authorities have no access to a quarter of all communications data. The plans would cover when and to whom a phone call was made, not what was said. The content of emails would also not be stored, just details of who sent and received them. In a separate move the Government is warning critical infrastructure is being targeted by online terrorists. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude is . publishing an update of the Government's cyber security strategy, . including fresh measures to improve the UK's ability to detect and . defeat high-end threats’. Cyber attacks have been launched against the supplies 'upon which daily life depends,' including power firms . Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude is warning companies they must become more 'cyber savvy' Systems controlling vital utilities like power and water supplies are being targeted, officials say. Firms providing ‘the essential services upon which daily life depends’ have been attacked from abroad, an official told The Guardian. The government is advising multi-national firms on how to prevent hackers disrupting supplies. Mr Maude said the entire country needed to become more ‘cyber savvy’. He added: ‘The internet transforms the risk we face. It is why we have rated attacks from cyberspace one of the top four threats to our national security. ‘We are in a race to build sufficient cyber defences to match the growing volume and dependence of our online economic, security and social interests. ‘It's a race we can only win by working together: Government, industry, academia and the public. This is as much a shared responsibility as a shared effort.’ Earlier this year Foreign Secretary William Hague and Business Secretary Vince Cable called in the chairmen and chief executives of Ftse 100 companies for a briefing in the Foreign Office to spell out the dangers including the online theft of valuable intellectual property and commercially sensitive information. At the same time ministers want to highlight the commercial potential of Britain's growing expertise in cyber security to boost exports around the world. [/INST] Home Secretary says opponents of her Communications Data Bill must look victims of terrorism 'in the eye' Deputy PM Nick Clegg wants 'snooper's charter' delayed until 2014 . Row comes amid warning that cyber terrorists are targeting utility firms to disrupt supplies of gas, electricity and water . </s>
By . Margot Peppers . A father has hit back at critics who left racist comments on a picture of him adeptly taking care of his two young daughters. When Los Angeles, California resident Doyin Richards shared a photo of himself cradling his baby girl in an Ergo while brushing his other daughter's hair, the post went viral. But some commenters took issue with the color of his skin, making cruel assumptions about his lifestyle. 'I would bet anything that you're a deadbeat,' one nasty commenter wrote on his blog Daddy Doin' Work, while another said: 'Cute picture. Now why don't you hand the children back to their mom so you can go back to selling drugs or your bootleg rap CDs?' Internet controversy: When Doyin Richards shared this photo of himself cradling his baby girl in an Ergo while brushing his other daughter's hair, the post went viral, receiving both positive and negative feedback . While some of the critics made offensive remarks about his race, others commented on the fact that his children, who are three months old and three years old in the photo, don't share his exact same skin color. 'He probably rented those kids. They don't even look like him,' one commenter said about his daughters, whose mother Mariko is half-white and half-Japanese. Another suggested that being a doting father as an African American man shows weakness, writing: 'Look at this Uncle Tom. No chance he would be doing this if his kids were black.' Surprisingly, Mr Richards notes that many of the people posting racist comments were actually black men like himself, who had negative things to say about his mixed-race wife and daughters. 'I'm sorry, but I can't support a brotha who didn't marry a black woman,' wrote one such critic. To these people, Mr Richards hit back by referring to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. 'I have a dream that people will view a picture like this and not think it's such a big deal' 'Grow up and stop being so f****** ignorant,' he wrote. ‘You're a damn embarrassment to Dr King and his legacy.' The . father-of-two added: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize . the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some . serious issues.' In the beginning of his post, which . was shared in October, Mr Richards explains that he took the month off . from work for 'baby bonding' with his daughter, who was then three . months old. He snapped the picture one particular . morning to prove to his wife that he could get both daughters ready for . school - including styling the older girl's hair - without her help. Ignorance: Some critics made offensive remarks about his race, and others commented on the fact that his children, who are half black, a quarter Japanese and a quarter white, don't share his exact same skin color . Cruel assumptions: 'He probably rented those kids. They don't even look like him,' one commenter said about his daughters, whose mother Mariko (pictured) is half-white and half-Japanese . Mr Richards explained that he . accomplished the task by putting his baby in the Ergo, standing his . three-year-old on a stool and 'working my hair magic'. 'After 15 minutes of multitasking, the . final result was a nice, tight ponytail for big sister and a happily . sleeping baby in the carrier. Mission accomplished,' wrote the proud father on his parenting blog. Little did he know the passionate response he would inspire by posting the photo on his Facebook and Twitter pages. Within hours, the photo had thousands of views, 'likes', shares and comments - some of them overwhelmingly negative. Not only did he receive racist comments, but he was also dishearted that there was such a strong . reaction at all to his photo, since he believes men who are devoted parents like him . should be the norm, not the exception. Hitting back: 'Grow up and stop being so f****** ignorant,' he wrote to his critics, many of whom are black men like himself. 'You're a damn embarrassment to Dr King and his legacy' Taking a stand: The devoted father-of-two added: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some serious issues' 'I have a dream that people will view a picture like this and not think it's such a big deal,' he wrote. 'Think of the Mommy blogs you like to . follow,' he said. 'If they share their love for motherhood, you probably . wouldn't think twice about it because that's what moms are "supposed to . do," right?' 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize . the skin color of my kids, you have some . serious issues' He added: 'Until we can get to the point where men and women can complete the same parenting tasks and the reactions are the same, we will have problems.' He said of his love of fatherhood: 'Being a dad is one of the few things in life I'm actually good at. Of course I'm going to be passionate about this gig.' This post has garnered more than 230 comments on Mr Richards' blog, with many of his followers showing their support for him. 'What enrages me about this situation is that it only became a negative situation because you're a non-white dad raising mixed raise kids,' wrote one mother-of-seven from Mississippi. Good parent: 'We really need to change the narrative on what fatherhood is all about, get more changing tables in men's bathrooms, do all these things to help celebrate the great dads of the world,' he said . Backlash: One of his supporters commented: 'I can't believe anyone would look at a picture like this and find a way to take issue with something. Spending time actually raising your kids is a gift' 'The photo you posted melted my heart. It drew negative attention because you're not supposed to be a positive influence in their lives,' she wrote. 'You're supposed to be a dead beat. . . because that's what the societal mold would dictate, and they don't know how to process the fact that you don't fit into it.' One fellow doting dad said that he could relate to his dedication to parenting. 'Many fathers relinquish parenting duties to the mother, and take a back seat,' he wrote. 'This was never what I had in mind for my own child.' Another commented: 'I can't believe anyone would look at a picture like this and find a way to take issue with something. Spending time actually raising your kids is a gift for both you and them.'
Doyin Richards' two young daughters are half black, a quarter white and a quarter Japanese . A picture that he posted of himself cradling one in an Ergo while doing the other's hair went viral, with some commenters making assumptions about him and his girls because of their race . He responded with a blog post called 'I Have a Dream', writing: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some serious issues'
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<s>[INST] By . Margot Peppers . A father has hit back at critics who left racist comments on a picture of him adeptly taking care of his two young daughters. When Los Angeles, California resident Doyin Richards shared a photo of himself cradling his baby girl in an Ergo while brushing his other daughter's hair, the post went viral. But some commenters took issue with the color of his skin, making cruel assumptions about his lifestyle. 'I would bet anything that you're a deadbeat,' one nasty commenter wrote on his blog Daddy Doin' Work, while another said: 'Cute picture. Now why don't you hand the children back to their mom so you can go back to selling drugs or your bootleg rap CDs?' Internet controversy: When Doyin Richards shared this photo of himself cradling his baby girl in an Ergo while brushing his other daughter's hair, the post went viral, receiving both positive and negative feedback . While some of the critics made offensive remarks about his race, others commented on the fact that his children, who are three months old and three years old in the photo, don't share his exact same skin color. 'He probably rented those kids. They don't even look like him,' one commenter said about his daughters, whose mother Mariko is half-white and half-Japanese. Another suggested that being a doting father as an African American man shows weakness, writing: 'Look at this Uncle Tom. No chance he would be doing this if his kids were black.' Surprisingly, Mr Richards notes that many of the people posting racist comments were actually black men like himself, who had negative things to say about his mixed-race wife and daughters. 'I'm sorry, but I can't support a brotha who didn't marry a black woman,' wrote one such critic. To these people, Mr Richards hit back by referring to Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. 'I have a dream that people will view a picture like this and not think it's such a big deal' 'Grow up and stop being so f****** ignorant,' he wrote. ‘You're a damn embarrassment to Dr King and his legacy.' The . father-of-two added: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize . the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some . serious issues.' In the beginning of his post, which . was shared in October, Mr Richards explains that he took the month off . from work for 'baby bonding' with his daughter, who was then three . months old. He snapped the picture one particular . morning to prove to his wife that he could get both daughters ready for . school - including styling the older girl's hair - without her help. Ignorance: Some critics made offensive remarks about his race, and others commented on the fact that his children, who are half black, a quarter Japanese and a quarter white, don't share his exact same skin color . Cruel assumptions: 'He probably rented those kids. They don't even look like him,' one commenter said about his daughters, whose mother Mariko (pictured) is half-white and half-Japanese . Mr Richards explained that he . accomplished the task by putting his baby in the Ergo, standing his . three-year-old on a stool and 'working my hair magic'. 'After 15 minutes of multitasking, the . final result was a nice, tight ponytail for big sister and a happily . sleeping baby in the carrier. Mission accomplished,' wrote the proud father on his parenting blog. Little did he know the passionate response he would inspire by posting the photo on his Facebook and Twitter pages. Within hours, the photo had thousands of views, 'likes', shares and comments - some of them overwhelmingly negative. Not only did he receive racist comments, but he was also dishearted that there was such a strong . reaction at all to his photo, since he believes men who are devoted parents like him . should be the norm, not the exception. Hitting back: 'Grow up and stop being so f****** ignorant,' he wrote to his critics, many of whom are black men like himself. 'You're a damn embarrassment to Dr King and his legacy' Taking a stand: The devoted father-of-two added: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some serious issues' 'I have a dream that people will view a picture like this and not think it's such a big deal,' he wrote. 'Think of the Mommy blogs you like to . follow,' he said. 'If they share their love for motherhood, you probably . wouldn't think twice about it because that's what moms are "supposed to . do," right?' 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize . the skin color of my kids, you have some . serious issues' He added: 'Until we can get to the point where men and women can complete the same parenting tasks and the reactions are the same, we will have problems.' He said of his love of fatherhood: 'Being a dad is one of the few things in life I'm actually good at. Of course I'm going to be passionate about this gig.' This post has garnered more than 230 comments on Mr Richards' blog, with many of his followers showing their support for him. 'What enrages me about this situation is that it only became a negative situation because you're a non-white dad raising mixed raise kids,' wrote one mother-of-seven from Mississippi. Good parent: 'We really need to change the narrative on what fatherhood is all about, get more changing tables in men's bathrooms, do all these things to help celebrate the great dads of the world,' he said . Backlash: One of his supporters commented: 'I can't believe anyone would look at a picture like this and find a way to take issue with something. Spending time actually raising your kids is a gift' 'The photo you posted melted my heart. It drew negative attention because you're not supposed to be a positive influence in their lives,' she wrote. 'You're supposed to be a dead beat. . . because that's what the societal mold would dictate, and they don't know how to process the fact that you don't fit into it.' One fellow doting dad said that he could relate to his dedication to parenting. 'Many fathers relinquish parenting duties to the mother, and take a back seat,' he wrote. 'This was never what I had in mind for my own child.' Another commented: 'I can't believe anyone would look at a picture like this and find a way to take issue with something. Spending time actually raising your kids is a gift for both you and them.' [/INST] Doyin Richards' two young daughters are half black, a quarter white and a quarter Japanese . A picture that he posted of himself cradling one in an Ergo while doing the other's hair went viral, with some commenters making assumptions about him and his girls because of their race . He responded with a blog post called 'I Have a Dream', writing: 'If the first thing you want to do is to criticize the skin color of my kids for not being as dark as mine, you have some serious issues' </s>
Perched quietly on top of a hill overlooking the Channel, it is what the late Alan Whicker, the veteran broadcaster and TV presenter described as 'my island paradise'. Now, a year after the journalist's death, his secluded Jersey home has gone on sale for £4.95million. Nestled among pine trees at the top of a winding driveway, the four-bedroom Mont d'Olivet is where Whicker found peace after a lifetime of globe-trotting. Scroll down for video . Alan Whicker's beloved Jersey home, Mont d'Olivet, has gone on the market for £4.95million. The property has four bedrooms and a heated outdoor swimming pool . The house is one of the most secluded on Jersey with three acres of tall pine trees hiding it from view in the nearby valley. Whicker bought the property in 1962 . Alan . Whicker's study where he worked on countless scripts and ideas for his . travel documentary series, Whicker's World, which ran for more than 30 . years . With sweeping views towards the Cherbourg peninsula, the 1950s property is described as one of the most secluded in Trinity, Jersey. Bought in 1972 by Whicker and his long-term partner, Valerie Kleeman, it was the couple's home until his death last July at the age of 91. Lush gardens and a tear-drop shaped heated pool are among the property's most coveted features, but it's unrivaled views across the water towards France is what held the TV presenter's life-long adoration. 'He had always been desperate to live near water,' said Ms Kleeman, with whom Whicker shared his life since 1969. 'One of his first childhood memories was of a holiday to Ullswater and he had taken a boat out at dawn. He was around seven or eight-years-old and had been totally enchanted with it. 'It stayed with him his whole life'. Panoramic views of the Channel towards the Cherbourg peninsula  are what captured the journalist's affection after searching for a home that overlooked  water . A gate on the property features the journalist's initials in clad iron on top of a globe. Despite travelling the world for his documentary series, Whicker 'loved coming home' to Mont d'Olivet . Alan Whicker was a British broadcaster and TV presenter whose documentary series, Whicker's World, ran for more 30 years. He is pictured with his partner Valerie Kleeman (right) receiving a CBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list . Set among three acres of woodland, the house is so secluded that only in winter when the trees are bare can its gables be seen from the nearby valley. Alan Whicker served with the British Army in Italy in World War II and later became a war correspondent. He joined the BBC in 1957 with the Tonight program, but soon after launched his Whicker's World series, which made him a household name. Whicker's World, a documentary program that ran from 1959 to 1990, showed the broadcaster travelling the globe, probing the private worlds of the rich and famous. He was also the man behind the popular advertising slogan Hello World for Travelocity. The presenter was given the Richard Dimbleby Award at the 1978 Baftas for his contribution to broadcasting and became a CBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list. The quietness the house and island became the perfect refuge for Whicker during a 60-year-career in broadcasting and entertainment. 'The fact that Jersey was away from England but close to England was what appealed to us, the communications were and are so good,' said Ms Kleeman. 'Alan was a news junkie so it was important for him to have English newspapers early in the morning and to have the TV channels too. 'He also felt that if he was too close to London he would always be drawn back to it. He wanted to be in the country but needed to be to be close enough to London. 'He loved this house, he loved this garden and felt very peaceful here. He loved to travel but this was where he loved to come home to.' Its three reception rooms and hallways are scattered with photographs of Whicker's illustrious career, including happy portraits of the journalist with Sean Connery, Dudley Moore and Peter Sellers to name a few. A paved sun terrace leads on to manicured lawns before rows of pine trees. A large study with a plush judge's chair is where he worked tirelessly on a plethora of programmes and scripts, including those for travel his documentary series, Whicker's World. 'This place is full of wildlife, I have about 20 red squirrels that I've been feeding for 20 years,' adds Ms Kleeman. 'It really is quite a remarkable place.' 'It became his haven, a place to write and edit Whicker’s World without having to travel further than a flight of stairs, a far cry from the first home of Yorkshire Television, an old shirt factory in Leeds. And he could relax. 'In his study with its wide windows overlooking the garden he could work till all hours every day of the week, distracted only by a sparkling invitation from the pool or the crackling of a log fire upstairs. 'Mont d’Olivet brought happiness and contentment to a man who had been set in his airways.  Hopefully, the next owners will find peace here too.'
Veteran broadcaster and TV presenter's Channel Islands home has been put on sale for £4.95million . Mont d'Olivet has four bedrooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and sweeping views across the channel . The 1950s property was described by Whicker as his 'island paradise' before his death last year aged 91 . Whicker lived in the property for more than 40 years while filming travel documentary series Whicker's World .
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<s>[INST] Perched quietly on top of a hill overlooking the Channel, it is what the late Alan Whicker, the veteran broadcaster and TV presenter described as 'my island paradise'. Now, a year after the journalist's death, his secluded Jersey home has gone on sale for £4.95million. Nestled among pine trees at the top of a winding driveway, the four-bedroom Mont d'Olivet is where Whicker found peace after a lifetime of globe-trotting. Scroll down for video . Alan Whicker's beloved Jersey home, Mont d'Olivet, has gone on the market for £4.95million. The property has four bedrooms and a heated outdoor swimming pool . The house is one of the most secluded on Jersey with three acres of tall pine trees hiding it from view in the nearby valley. Whicker bought the property in 1962 . Alan . Whicker's study where he worked on countless scripts and ideas for his . travel documentary series, Whicker's World, which ran for more than 30 . years . With sweeping views towards the Cherbourg peninsula, the 1950s property is described as one of the most secluded in Trinity, Jersey. Bought in 1972 by Whicker and his long-term partner, Valerie Kleeman, it was the couple's home until his death last July at the age of 91. Lush gardens and a tear-drop shaped heated pool are among the property's most coveted features, but it's unrivaled views across the water towards France is what held the TV presenter's life-long adoration. 'He had always been desperate to live near water,' said Ms Kleeman, with whom Whicker shared his life since 1969. 'One of his first childhood memories was of a holiday to Ullswater and he had taken a boat out at dawn. He was around seven or eight-years-old and had been totally enchanted with it. 'It stayed with him his whole life'. Panoramic views of the Channel towards the Cherbourg peninsula  are what captured the journalist's affection after searching for a home that overlooked  water . A gate on the property features the journalist's initials in clad iron on top of a globe. Despite travelling the world for his documentary series, Whicker 'loved coming home' to Mont d'Olivet . Alan Whicker was a British broadcaster and TV presenter whose documentary series, Whicker's World, ran for more 30 years. He is pictured with his partner Valerie Kleeman (right) receiving a CBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list . Set among three acres of woodland, the house is so secluded that only in winter when the trees are bare can its gables be seen from the nearby valley. Alan Whicker served with the British Army in Italy in World War II and later became a war correspondent. He joined the BBC in 1957 with the Tonight program, but soon after launched his Whicker's World series, which made him a household name. Whicker's World, a documentary program that ran from 1959 to 1990, showed the broadcaster travelling the globe, probing the private worlds of the rich and famous. He was also the man behind the popular advertising slogan Hello World for Travelocity. The presenter was given the Richard Dimbleby Award at the 1978 Baftas for his contribution to broadcasting and became a CBE in the 2005 New Year Honours list. The quietness the house and island became the perfect refuge for Whicker during a 60-year-career in broadcasting and entertainment. 'The fact that Jersey was away from England but close to England was what appealed to us, the communications were and are so good,' said Ms Kleeman. 'Alan was a news junkie so it was important for him to have English newspapers early in the morning and to have the TV channels too. 'He also felt that if he was too close to London he would always be drawn back to it. He wanted to be in the country but needed to be to be close enough to London. 'He loved this house, he loved this garden and felt very peaceful here. He loved to travel but this was where he loved to come home to.' Its three reception rooms and hallways are scattered with photographs of Whicker's illustrious career, including happy portraits of the journalist with Sean Connery, Dudley Moore and Peter Sellers to name a few. A paved sun terrace leads on to manicured lawns before rows of pine trees. A large study with a plush judge's chair is where he worked tirelessly on a plethora of programmes and scripts, including those for travel his documentary series, Whicker's World. 'This place is full of wildlife, I have about 20 red squirrels that I've been feeding for 20 years,' adds Ms Kleeman. 'It really is quite a remarkable place.' 'It became his haven, a place to write and edit Whicker’s World without having to travel further than a flight of stairs, a far cry from the first home of Yorkshire Television, an old shirt factory in Leeds. And he could relax. 'In his study with its wide windows overlooking the garden he could work till all hours every day of the week, distracted only by a sparkling invitation from the pool or the crackling of a log fire upstairs. 'Mont d’Olivet brought happiness and contentment to a man who had been set in his airways.  Hopefully, the next owners will find peace here too.' [/INST] Veteran broadcaster and TV presenter's Channel Islands home has been put on sale for £4.95million . Mont d'Olivet has four bedrooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool and sweeping views across the channel . The 1950s property was described by Whicker as his 'island paradise' before his death last year aged 91 . Whicker lived in the property for more than 40 years while filming travel documentary series Whicker's World . </s>
By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 05:25 EST, 30 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:24 EST, 30 December 2013 . This is the terrifying moment a teen robber holds up a shop at gunpoint - all for 24 cans of beer. George Banister, 19, pulled the weapon on the horrified shop keeper in the West End of Newcastle. He then threatened to shoot shopkeeper Mohammed Rafiq, who bravely chased the teen out of his shop. Robbery: George Banister, 19, is caught on camera holding up a Newcastle shop for the sake of a few cans of beer . The thug later posted a picture of himself posing in a mask and holding the gun on Facebook. Banister was a known offender in the area and admitted robbery and a series of other assaults at Newcastle Crown Court. He was jailed for 6 years. Sending him to a young offender . institution, Judge Brian Forster QC told him: 'You pulled an imitation . weapon and threatened to shoot the shop owner and you later boasted . about it on Facebook. 'The courts have to protect local shopkeepers and deter people from behaving in the way you behaved. 'You answer for terrifying repeated acts of violence and you show no regard for other members of the community.' The court heard how Banister and another 17-year-old went into Fenham Discount Store about 5pm on August 9. The youth then stole a pack of 24 cans of lager and left the shop, moments before Banister came in pointing a gun at the shopkeeper. Despite chasing the raider out of his shop, he was unable to get the stolen beer back. Two . hours after the robbery Banister was bragging on Facebook about having . committed it, wearing a mask and posing with the BB gun he used in the . raid. Jailed: Career criminal Banister was jailed for six years after he admitted robbery and a series of other assaults . Caroline McGuirk, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant threatened to shoot the shop owner, who nevertheless pursued him. 'Mr . Rafiq said he was very scared when the weapon was pointed at him but he . felt he couldn’t let them get away with it so he chased them. 'He says the incident has caused him a lot of stress, harassment and fear.' This is not the only of Banister's shocking crimes. Last January Banister assaulted Abigail Pollard, who hours later tragically hanged herself. Abigail had been fighting with another woman outside Switch bar, in Newcastle, when Banister waded in, attacking both. He punched the other woman in the face twice then dragged Abigail across the road and kicked and stamped on her head. Miss . McGuirk said: 'Later that day she hanged herself. She visited a place . where a family member had committed suicide a year before and, using the . same tree, she hanged herself. 'There is no direct evidence to say this assault contributed but it can’t have helped her state of mind.' In July Banister got involved in another fight between two women on Adair Avenue, Benwell. He racially abused one of the women, spat at her and punched her in the head. When the other woman asked who he thought he was, Banister replied: 'I’m George Banister, you have some ammonia', and threw the burning substance in her face. Banister was involved in more city centre violence in December last year when he and another attacked several men in an unprovoked attack outside Sinner’s Bar. And while under arrest at North Tyneside police station, Banister bit a detention officer’s hand. Banister, of no fixed address, who already had 39 previous convictions, admitted robbery, possessing an imitation firearm, six assaults and racially aggravated assault. The youth who stole the beer got an absolute discharge at magistrates court for theft.
George Banister, 19, pulled imitation gun on a terrified shopkeeper . Masked thug threatened to shoot man over 24 cans of lager in Newcastle . Serial criminal Banister admitted robbery and series of other assaults . Man, linked to two assaults on women in the city, jailed for six years .
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<s>[INST] By . Lizzie Edmonds . PUBLISHED: . 05:25 EST, 30 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:24 EST, 30 December 2013 . This is the terrifying moment a teen robber holds up a shop at gunpoint - all for 24 cans of beer. George Banister, 19, pulled the weapon on the horrified shop keeper in the West End of Newcastle. He then threatened to shoot shopkeeper Mohammed Rafiq, who bravely chased the teen out of his shop. Robbery: George Banister, 19, is caught on camera holding up a Newcastle shop for the sake of a few cans of beer . The thug later posted a picture of himself posing in a mask and holding the gun on Facebook. Banister was a known offender in the area and admitted robbery and a series of other assaults at Newcastle Crown Court. He was jailed for 6 years. Sending him to a young offender . institution, Judge Brian Forster QC told him: 'You pulled an imitation . weapon and threatened to shoot the shop owner and you later boasted . about it on Facebook. 'The courts have to protect local shopkeepers and deter people from behaving in the way you behaved. 'You answer for terrifying repeated acts of violence and you show no regard for other members of the community.' The court heard how Banister and another 17-year-old went into Fenham Discount Store about 5pm on August 9. The youth then stole a pack of 24 cans of lager and left the shop, moments before Banister came in pointing a gun at the shopkeeper. Despite chasing the raider out of his shop, he was unable to get the stolen beer back. Two . hours after the robbery Banister was bragging on Facebook about having . committed it, wearing a mask and posing with the BB gun he used in the . raid. Jailed: Career criminal Banister was jailed for six years after he admitted robbery and a series of other assaults . Caroline McGuirk, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant threatened to shoot the shop owner, who nevertheless pursued him. 'Mr . Rafiq said he was very scared when the weapon was pointed at him but he . felt he couldn’t let them get away with it so he chased them. 'He says the incident has caused him a lot of stress, harassment and fear.' This is not the only of Banister's shocking crimes. Last January Banister assaulted Abigail Pollard, who hours later tragically hanged herself. Abigail had been fighting with another woman outside Switch bar, in Newcastle, when Banister waded in, attacking both. He punched the other woman in the face twice then dragged Abigail across the road and kicked and stamped on her head. Miss . McGuirk said: 'Later that day she hanged herself. She visited a place . where a family member had committed suicide a year before and, using the . same tree, she hanged herself. 'There is no direct evidence to say this assault contributed but it can’t have helped her state of mind.' In July Banister got involved in another fight between two women on Adair Avenue, Benwell. He racially abused one of the women, spat at her and punched her in the head. When the other woman asked who he thought he was, Banister replied: 'I’m George Banister, you have some ammonia', and threw the burning substance in her face. Banister was involved in more city centre violence in December last year when he and another attacked several men in an unprovoked attack outside Sinner’s Bar. And while under arrest at North Tyneside police station, Banister bit a detention officer’s hand. Banister, of no fixed address, who already had 39 previous convictions, admitted robbery, possessing an imitation firearm, six assaults and racially aggravated assault. The youth who stole the beer got an absolute discharge at magistrates court for theft. [/INST] George Banister, 19, pulled imitation gun on a terrified shopkeeper . Masked thug threatened to shoot man over 24 cans of lager in Newcastle . Serial criminal Banister admitted robbery and series of other assaults . Man, linked to two assaults on women in the city, jailed for six years . </s>
By . Lee Moran . These are the 'Ghost' killer thugs pumped up on steroids who are proving key to keeping Syria's brutal President Bashar Assad in power. Covered in tattoos of images of their leader, they are blamed for roaming the nation massacring children and women by slitting their throats or shooting them at point-blank range. Wielding AK-47s and machetes, they are said to carry out the government's dirty work so officials can claim the rampages are not being sponsored by the state. Pumped up: Areen Al Assad, with a tattoo of Bashar Assad on his bicep, is said to be one of the 'Ghost' killers roaming Syria . Meat-head: Known as the 'Shabiha', they wear combat trousers and black t-shirts and are paid the massive sum of £130 per day . Known as the 'Shabiha', translating to 'Ghosts', they wear combat trousers and black t-shirts and are paid the massive sum of £130 per day. Their modus operandi sees them swarm in to towns after the army has stopped shelling. A source said: 'Their mission is to terrorise the civilian population and conduct ethnic cleansing.' A massacre of 108 civilians in Houla two weeks ago, including 49 children, has been blamed on the group who fanatically follow the Muslim Alawite sect. They are also reported to have shot dead 12 workers in Qusayr and 78 villagers in Qubair last week. Messing about: The 'Ghosts' modus operandi sees them swarm in to towns after the army has stopped shelling . Muscle man: Emergence of the death squad pictures comes after William Hague said yesterday he may have to send troops to Syria if the country spirals into a Bosnian-style civil war . Dr Mousab Azzawi, who runs the Syrian . Network for Human Rights from London but had treated some of the Shabiha . in Latakia, said recently: 'They were like monsters. 'They . had huge muscles, and big bellies and beards. They took steroids to . pump up their bodies. I had to talk to them like children as they like . people with low intelligence. Syria's large chemical weapons stocks could be trained on Israel, the latter's deputy military chief has warned. According to Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh, Syria has the largest arsenal of chemical weapons in the world. If the Syrians had the chance, he said, they would 'treat us the same way they treat their own people'. Syria has not declared its chemical weapons stocks so their exact size is not known. Among other things, Israel is worried that such weapons could fall into the hands of anti-Israel militants should the Syrian regime crumble. Israeli radio stations and newspapers carried Naveh's remarks today. He delivered them Sunday night at a ceremony in Jerusalem commemorating fallen soldiers. Syrian activists estimate more than 13,000 people have died since an uprising against the Syrian regime erupted 15 months ago, drawing a bloody crackdown. Israel has been watching the carnage in neighboring Syria with increasing concern. The two countries have fought major wars and multiple attempts to reach a peace deal failed. Syria has strong ties to Iran, Israel's most fearsome enemy, and to Palestinian and Lebanese militants that have warred with Israel. 'That is what makes them so terrifying — the combination of strength and blind allegiance to the regime.' Emergence of the death squad pictures . comes after William Hague said yesterday he may have to send troops to . Syria if the country spirals into a  Bosnian-style civil war. The . Foreign Secretary said Britain would have to 'greatly increase our . support for the opposition' if the current United Nations plan for a . ceasefire fails, as his office now fears. Mr Hague repeatedly refused to rule out military action yesterday if Syria descends into 'terrible' sectarian violence. And he twice compared the violence raging in the Arab state to the conflict in Bosnia, where 12,000 British soldiers were eventually sent, rather than Libya, where the Government resisted sending in ground troops. Mr Hague told the BBC: 'The reason I don’t rule things out is because we really don't know now how this situation is going to develop or how terrible it is going to become. 'Increasingly the analogy is not with Libya last year but with Bosnia in the 1990s. 'We are on the edge of that kind of sectarian murder on a large scale. So who knows what may be required from the international community to try to deal with that, if it gets going in that way.' As violence continued to rage yesterday, claiming at least 38 lives, Mr Hague reiterated his message on Sky News. He said Syria is now 'on the edge of a sectarian conflict in which neighbouring villages are attacking and killing each other so I don’t think we can rule anything out'. The Foreign Secretary's words will fuel concerns that Britain risks being sucked into another Middle East war with potentially devastating political and humanitarian consequences. Enforcers: Film footage shows the 'Ghosts' walking out and about . Action man: Pictured with guns, the Ghost poses for this photograph . But some diplomats believe the West will be compelled to act if the situation deteriorates and risks dragging in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Turkey. Security sources said one scenario under discussion would see troops deploy to protect aid convoys entering Syria, a task Western soldiers also carried out in the early years of the Bosnian war. Mr Hague gave credence to that theory by stressing the problems of providing aid to Syria yesterday. 'One of the great difficulties here is getting aid to them where fighting is going on and where the regime doesn’t provide access,' he said. The UK has already provided £8.5million of medical supplies and emergency aid via international agencies. Battered: The Ghosts filmed beating activists . Violence: A massacre of 108 civilians in Houla two weeks ago, including 49 children, has been blamed on the group who fanatically follow the Muslim Alawite sect . Mr Hague said he 'welcomed in principle' a Russian proposal for an international conference on Syria, but warned it must 'lead to a change and not just buy time for the regime to kill more people'. He said it would be hard to see how Iran could attend the conference - one of Russia's demands - as it had already given Syria technical support and advised the regime on how to suppress protests. Instead, he said the way forward was to adopt the peace plan of former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. Most diplomats, however, believe that plan is dead in the water, and the Foreign Secretary conceded: ‘Every other solution to the Syrian crisis involves a lot more death.’ Today Syrian troops attacked a rebel-held town in the centre of the country with helicopter gunships and shelled other restive areas across the country, activists said. The aerial assault targeted the strategic river crossing town of Rastan that has resisted repeated government offensives for months, they added. It is part of an escalation of violence in recent weeks that comes despite an internationally-brokered cease-fire that was supposed to go into effect on April 12 but never took hold. Destruction: Syrians sit next to a damaged house at the northern town of Ariha, on the outskirts of Idlib, yesterday . Patrol: Syrian troops deployed in Duma, in a suburb of Damascus . 'The regime is now using helicopters more after its ground troops suffered major losses,' said Rami Abdul-Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 'Dozens of vehicles have been destroyed or damaged since the end of May.' Syria's Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi recently said rebels are now using sophisticated anti-tank missiles. Videos posted by activists over the past week have shown many destroyed tanks and armored personnel carriers. The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees also reported government shelling in the central provinces of Homs and Hama, the southern region of Daraa, the northern province of Aleppo, and suburbs of the capital Damascus and Deir el-Zour in the east. The Observatory reported the deaths of four civilians and an army defector in shelling in the area of Ashara in Deir el-Zour, and said another eight unidentified bodies had been discovered nearby. It reported three dead in the Hama shelling. In Moscow, the Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Iran on Wednesday. Russia and Iran are Syrian President Bashar Assad's strongest allies. Moscow and China have vetoed two Security Council resolutions that threatened possible sanctions against Syria. The ministry said in a statement that Russia is not playing the role of advocate for certain Middle East regimes. 'We are speaking for the strict observance of the norms and principles of international law in the interest of supporting regional stability and security in the Near and Middle East and North Africa,' it said. Syrian activists say the violence has claimed the lives of more than 13,000 people.  UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said on the killings of children in Syria: 'How many more children need to die? 'Repeated calls for the protection of children by all parties in Syria have not yielded positive action. But we must voice again our outrage when seeing the murder of innocents, especially children and women, as reportedly the case in Al-Qubair village in Hama. 'UNICEF appeals once more: spare and protect the children who are in no way responsible for the violence and must not be its victims.'
They wield AK-47s and machetes to carry out the government's dirty work . Massacre of 108 in Houla blamed on deadly death squad . Syrian troops today attacking rebel strongholds with helicopter gunships . Activists say violence has claimed lives of more than 13,000 people .
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<s>[INST] By . Lee Moran . These are the 'Ghost' killer thugs pumped up on steroids who are proving key to keeping Syria's brutal President Bashar Assad in power. Covered in tattoos of images of their leader, they are blamed for roaming the nation massacring children and women by slitting their throats or shooting them at point-blank range. Wielding AK-47s and machetes, they are said to carry out the government's dirty work so officials can claim the rampages are not being sponsored by the state. Pumped up: Areen Al Assad, with a tattoo of Bashar Assad on his bicep, is said to be one of the 'Ghost' killers roaming Syria . Meat-head: Known as the 'Shabiha', they wear combat trousers and black t-shirts and are paid the massive sum of £130 per day . Known as the 'Shabiha', translating to 'Ghosts', they wear combat trousers and black t-shirts and are paid the massive sum of £130 per day. Their modus operandi sees them swarm in to towns after the army has stopped shelling. A source said: 'Their mission is to terrorise the civilian population and conduct ethnic cleansing.' A massacre of 108 civilians in Houla two weeks ago, including 49 children, has been blamed on the group who fanatically follow the Muslim Alawite sect. They are also reported to have shot dead 12 workers in Qusayr and 78 villagers in Qubair last week. Messing about: The 'Ghosts' modus operandi sees them swarm in to towns after the army has stopped shelling . Muscle man: Emergence of the death squad pictures comes after William Hague said yesterday he may have to send troops to Syria if the country spirals into a Bosnian-style civil war . Dr Mousab Azzawi, who runs the Syrian . Network for Human Rights from London but had treated some of the Shabiha . in Latakia, said recently: 'They were like monsters. 'They . had huge muscles, and big bellies and beards. They took steroids to . pump up their bodies. I had to talk to them like children as they like . people with low intelligence. Syria's large chemical weapons stocks could be trained on Israel, the latter's deputy military chief has warned. According to Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh, Syria has the largest arsenal of chemical weapons in the world. If the Syrians had the chance, he said, they would 'treat us the same way they treat their own people'. Syria has not declared its chemical weapons stocks so their exact size is not known. Among other things, Israel is worried that such weapons could fall into the hands of anti-Israel militants should the Syrian regime crumble. Israeli radio stations and newspapers carried Naveh's remarks today. He delivered them Sunday night at a ceremony in Jerusalem commemorating fallen soldiers. Syrian activists estimate more than 13,000 people have died since an uprising against the Syrian regime erupted 15 months ago, drawing a bloody crackdown. Israel has been watching the carnage in neighboring Syria with increasing concern. The two countries have fought major wars and multiple attempts to reach a peace deal failed. Syria has strong ties to Iran, Israel's most fearsome enemy, and to Palestinian and Lebanese militants that have warred with Israel. 'That is what makes them so terrifying — the combination of strength and blind allegiance to the regime.' Emergence of the death squad pictures . comes after William Hague said yesterday he may have to send troops to . Syria if the country spirals into a  Bosnian-style civil war. The . Foreign Secretary said Britain would have to 'greatly increase our . support for the opposition' if the current United Nations plan for a . ceasefire fails, as his office now fears. Mr Hague repeatedly refused to rule out military action yesterday if Syria descends into 'terrible' sectarian violence. And he twice compared the violence raging in the Arab state to the conflict in Bosnia, where 12,000 British soldiers were eventually sent, rather than Libya, where the Government resisted sending in ground troops. Mr Hague told the BBC: 'The reason I don’t rule things out is because we really don't know now how this situation is going to develop or how terrible it is going to become. 'Increasingly the analogy is not with Libya last year but with Bosnia in the 1990s. 'We are on the edge of that kind of sectarian murder on a large scale. So who knows what may be required from the international community to try to deal with that, if it gets going in that way.' As violence continued to rage yesterday, claiming at least 38 lives, Mr Hague reiterated his message on Sky News. He said Syria is now 'on the edge of a sectarian conflict in which neighbouring villages are attacking and killing each other so I don’t think we can rule anything out'. The Foreign Secretary's words will fuel concerns that Britain risks being sucked into another Middle East war with potentially devastating political and humanitarian consequences. Enforcers: Film footage shows the 'Ghosts' walking out and about . Action man: Pictured with guns, the Ghost poses for this photograph . But some diplomats believe the West will be compelled to act if the situation deteriorates and risks dragging in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Turkey. Security sources said one scenario under discussion would see troops deploy to protect aid convoys entering Syria, a task Western soldiers also carried out in the early years of the Bosnian war. Mr Hague gave credence to that theory by stressing the problems of providing aid to Syria yesterday. 'One of the great difficulties here is getting aid to them where fighting is going on and where the regime doesn’t provide access,' he said. The UK has already provided £8.5million of medical supplies and emergency aid via international agencies. Battered: The Ghosts filmed beating activists . Violence: A massacre of 108 civilians in Houla two weeks ago, including 49 children, has been blamed on the group who fanatically follow the Muslim Alawite sect . Mr Hague said he 'welcomed in principle' a Russian proposal for an international conference on Syria, but warned it must 'lead to a change and not just buy time for the regime to kill more people'. He said it would be hard to see how Iran could attend the conference - one of Russia's demands - as it had already given Syria technical support and advised the regime on how to suppress protests. Instead, he said the way forward was to adopt the peace plan of former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan. Most diplomats, however, believe that plan is dead in the water, and the Foreign Secretary conceded: ‘Every other solution to the Syrian crisis involves a lot more death.’ Today Syrian troops attacked a rebel-held town in the centre of the country with helicopter gunships and shelled other restive areas across the country, activists said. The aerial assault targeted the strategic river crossing town of Rastan that has resisted repeated government offensives for months, they added. It is part of an escalation of violence in recent weeks that comes despite an internationally-brokered cease-fire that was supposed to go into effect on April 12 but never took hold. Destruction: Syrians sit next to a damaged house at the northern town of Ariha, on the outskirts of Idlib, yesterday . Patrol: Syrian troops deployed in Duma, in a suburb of Damascus . 'The regime is now using helicopters more after its ground troops suffered major losses,' said Rami Abdul-Rahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 'Dozens of vehicles have been destroyed or damaged since the end of May.' Syria's Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi recently said rebels are now using sophisticated anti-tank missiles. Videos posted by activists over the past week have shown many destroyed tanks and armored personnel carriers. The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees also reported government shelling in the central provinces of Homs and Hama, the southern region of Daraa, the northern province of Aleppo, and suburbs of the capital Damascus and Deir el-Zour in the east. The Observatory reported the deaths of four civilians and an army defector in shelling in the area of Ashara in Deir el-Zour, and said another eight unidentified bodies had been discovered nearby. It reported three dead in the Hama shelling. In Moscow, the Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Iran on Wednesday. Russia and Iran are Syrian President Bashar Assad's strongest allies. Moscow and China have vetoed two Security Council resolutions that threatened possible sanctions against Syria. The ministry said in a statement that Russia is not playing the role of advocate for certain Middle East regimes. 'We are speaking for the strict observance of the norms and principles of international law in the interest of supporting regional stability and security in the Near and Middle East and North Africa,' it said. Syrian activists say the violence has claimed the lives of more than 13,000 people.  UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said on the killings of children in Syria: 'How many more children need to die? 'Repeated calls for the protection of children by all parties in Syria have not yielded positive action. But we must voice again our outrage when seeing the murder of innocents, especially children and women, as reportedly the case in Al-Qubair village in Hama. 'UNICEF appeals once more: spare and protect the children who are in no way responsible for the violence and must not be its victims.' [/INST] They wield AK-47s and machetes to carry out the government's dirty work . Massacre of 108 in Houla blamed on deadly death squad . Syrian troops today attacking rebel strongholds with helicopter gunships . Activists say violence has claimed lives of more than 13,000 people . </s>
Jonathan Burrows, who paid back £43,000 after admitting dodging rail fares, has been banned from working in the financial industry . A high-flying City executive who paid back nearly £43,000 after he was caught dodging rail fares has been banned from the financial industry. Jonathan Burrows, who reportedly earned £1 million a year, admitted his behaviour was 'foolish' saying the ban came after an unblemished 20-year career. Mr Burrows left his job as a managing director of BlackRock Asset Management Investor Services earlier this year after it emerged he dodged fares during his trip from the rural station of Stonegate, East Sussex to Cannon Street, central London. He was today banned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from performing any function in the industry it regulates 'for not being fit and proper' after the fare dodging, which was believed to have taken place over five years. Porsche-driving Burrows owns two huge, mortgage-free mansions in the East Sussex countryside – a £1million house near Wadhurst and his impressive home near the village of Stonegate, which he bought for £2.7million in 2011. He shares the Victorian property – which boasts acres of landscaped grounds, ponds and a tennis court – with his wife Louise and their young child in an isolated spot not far from Stonegate station . Tracey McDermott, FCA director of enforcement and financial crime, said: 'Burrows held a senior position within the financial services industry. His actions fell short of the standards we expect. 'Approved persons must act with honesty and integrity at all times and, where they do not, we will take action.' Mr Burrows was able to pay £42,550 for the dodged fares and £450 in legal costs within three days as part of an out-of-court settlement with rail firm Southeastern. The FCA said Mr Burrows admitted in an interview to evading his train fare on a number of occasions and had done so in the knowledge he had been breaking the law. He had also admitted that he did not disclose his behaviour to his employer. Mr Burrows said in a statement: 'I have always recognised that what I did was foolish. I have apologised to all concerned and reiterate that apology publicly today. 'The settlement I made with Southeastern in March 2014 was for an amount significantly in excess of the value of the fares not paid by me on the small number of occasions that I failed to pay. 'Indeed the size of the settlement could be said to have led to a distorted perception of the scale of my wrong-doing. However, that does not change the fact that what I did was wrong, and I accept that.' Mr Burrows insisted the money he paid back was 'significantly in excess' of what he had dodged . He added: 'In view of this, I have been told by the British Transport Police that they do not regard it as being in the public interest to pursue a case against me. 'While I respect the FCA's decision today, I also regret it, coming as it did after a 20-year career in the City that was without blemish. Mr Burrows carried out the ruse by boarding the London-bound train from Stonegate, a rural station with no barriers in East Sussex, without buying a ticket, before 'tapping out' using an Oyster card at Cannon Street. It meant he paid a £7.20 maximum Oyster fare rather than paying for a £21.50 train ticket for the one-hour 22-minute journey. He was eventually caught in November last year by a ticket inspector standing next to the barrier. 'I recognise that the FCA has on its plate more profound wrong-doing than mine in the financial services sector, and I am sorry that my case has taken up its time at this critical juncture for the future of the City and its reputation.' Burrows admitted having failed to use his Oyster card to tap in for five journeys between London Bridge – where he got off his train from East Sussex – and Cannon Street, which should have cost him just £2.30 a time. However, further inquiries revealed that until 2008 Burrows had been buying an annual season ticket from Stonegate, which has no ticket barriers, to Cannon Street, which costs around £4,500 a year for standard class. A standard daily single fare is £21.50. BlackRock said in a statement: 'Jonathan Burrows left BlackRock earlier this year. What he admitted to the FCA is totally contrary to our values and principles.' A spokesman for British Transport Police said: 'We conducted a full and thorough investigation following allegations that a rail traveller had repeatedly avoided paying the correct fare between Stonegate and central London. 'Following these inquiries detectives have concluded that, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to take further action.' Mr Burrow often travelled from the rural station of Stonegate, East Sussex into Cannon Street, London .
City executive paid back £43,000 after he was confronted by train firm . But he insisted he only dodged fares on a 'small number of occasions' Financial Conduct Authority have now banned him from working in finance . Watchdog says high-flier's actions 'fell short of the standards we expect'
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<s>[INST] Jonathan Burrows, who paid back £43,000 after admitting dodging rail fares, has been banned from working in the financial industry . A high-flying City executive who paid back nearly £43,000 after he was caught dodging rail fares has been banned from the financial industry. Jonathan Burrows, who reportedly earned £1 million a year, admitted his behaviour was 'foolish' saying the ban came after an unblemished 20-year career. Mr Burrows left his job as a managing director of BlackRock Asset Management Investor Services earlier this year after it emerged he dodged fares during his trip from the rural station of Stonegate, East Sussex to Cannon Street, central London. He was today banned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) from performing any function in the industry it regulates 'for not being fit and proper' after the fare dodging, which was believed to have taken place over five years. Porsche-driving Burrows owns two huge, mortgage-free mansions in the East Sussex countryside – a £1million house near Wadhurst and his impressive home near the village of Stonegate, which he bought for £2.7million in 2011. He shares the Victorian property – which boasts acres of landscaped grounds, ponds and a tennis court – with his wife Louise and their young child in an isolated spot not far from Stonegate station . Tracey McDermott, FCA director of enforcement and financial crime, said: 'Burrows held a senior position within the financial services industry. His actions fell short of the standards we expect. 'Approved persons must act with honesty and integrity at all times and, where they do not, we will take action.' Mr Burrows was able to pay £42,550 for the dodged fares and £450 in legal costs within three days as part of an out-of-court settlement with rail firm Southeastern. The FCA said Mr Burrows admitted in an interview to evading his train fare on a number of occasions and had done so in the knowledge he had been breaking the law. He had also admitted that he did not disclose his behaviour to his employer. Mr Burrows said in a statement: 'I have always recognised that what I did was foolish. I have apologised to all concerned and reiterate that apology publicly today. 'The settlement I made with Southeastern in March 2014 was for an amount significantly in excess of the value of the fares not paid by me on the small number of occasions that I failed to pay. 'Indeed the size of the settlement could be said to have led to a distorted perception of the scale of my wrong-doing. However, that does not change the fact that what I did was wrong, and I accept that.' Mr Burrows insisted the money he paid back was 'significantly in excess' of what he had dodged . He added: 'In view of this, I have been told by the British Transport Police that they do not regard it as being in the public interest to pursue a case against me. 'While I respect the FCA's decision today, I also regret it, coming as it did after a 20-year career in the City that was without blemish. Mr Burrows carried out the ruse by boarding the London-bound train from Stonegate, a rural station with no barriers in East Sussex, without buying a ticket, before 'tapping out' using an Oyster card at Cannon Street. It meant he paid a £7.20 maximum Oyster fare rather than paying for a £21.50 train ticket for the one-hour 22-minute journey. He was eventually caught in November last year by a ticket inspector standing next to the barrier. 'I recognise that the FCA has on its plate more profound wrong-doing than mine in the financial services sector, and I am sorry that my case has taken up its time at this critical juncture for the future of the City and its reputation.' Burrows admitted having failed to use his Oyster card to tap in for five journeys between London Bridge – where he got off his train from East Sussex – and Cannon Street, which should have cost him just £2.30 a time. However, further inquiries revealed that until 2008 Burrows had been buying an annual season ticket from Stonegate, which has no ticket barriers, to Cannon Street, which costs around £4,500 a year for standard class. A standard daily single fare is £21.50. BlackRock said in a statement: 'Jonathan Burrows left BlackRock earlier this year. What he admitted to the FCA is totally contrary to our values and principles.' A spokesman for British Transport Police said: 'We conducted a full and thorough investigation following allegations that a rail traveller had repeatedly avoided paying the correct fare between Stonegate and central London. 'Following these inquiries detectives have concluded that, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to take further action.' Mr Burrow often travelled from the rural station of Stonegate, East Sussex into Cannon Street, London . [/INST] City executive paid back £43,000 after he was confronted by train firm . But he insisted he only dodged fares on a 'small number of occasions' Financial Conduct Authority have now banned him from working in finance . Watchdog says high-flier's actions 'fell short of the standards we expect' </s>
It took 36 minutes for the first email to arrive. As the shockwaves from Rio de Janeiro were still reverberating, bookmakers began pumping out their blunt messages. Assessing how much of an impact Luis Suarez's suspension would have on Liverpool's ambitions for the new Barclays Premier League campaign, the words in the subject box from odds compilers had no ambiguity. 'Reds pushed out for title glory,' they proclaimed. They were delivering a calculated summary of where Liverpool stand without Suarez: not credible contenders. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Suarez bite Chiellini and Bakkal while at Ajax in 2010 . Good times: Luis Suarez was the Premier League Player of the Year last season but Liverpool could now sell . Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool's ambitious manager, would rail against that view. When it has been put to him in the past that his side were over-reliant on Suarez, he could list statistics and highlights to show why it wasn't just about this maverick soul from Salto. He had a point, too. When Suarez served a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013, Liverpool won seven times in all competitions, drew two and lost one. They were not short of goals, either, particularly from Daniel Sturridge. The reality, however, is different. Suarez transforms Liverpool. His presence scrambles the minds of opponents, inspires those around him and last season he gave supporters that priceless belief that, no matter what, he would score and Liverpool would win. Do not underestimate his worth. Happy days: Suarez celebrates winning the golden boot with his daughter Delfina and wife Sofia . As it stands now, Suarez will miss the . first nine Premier League matches and in the corresponding fixtures last . year, his influence was enough to secure Rodgers 10 extra points - the . difference, effectively, between finishing second and fourth. Suarez brings out the best in Liverpool but what is best for Liverpool now should not include Suarez. That might sound contradictory, given what his 31 goals helped achieve in 2013-14, but if he remains on Merseyside while serving his ban, he will cast a heavy, uncomfortable cloud. Shame: The Uruguay forward has been banned for four months after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup . Say he is still a Liverpool player in October. With some tricky assignments - such as trips to Manchester City and Spurs, as well as the Merseyside derby - Liverpool could find themselves outside the top four, particularly if their Champions League schedule is complicated. Questions to Rodgers then become about whether Liverpool can keep a player of his ability if they are not challenging for the honours he craves. Missing out: Suarez narrowly missed out on the title last season and could now be on his way to Barcelona . Put simply, Rodgers doesn't need it any more. The topic dominated last summer when Suarez was trying to engineer a move to Arsenal and Suarez's future was fast becoming an issue once more this month before his notoriety in Natal. Rodgers is trying to build Liverpool up into a position where they will not be one-season wonders; he wants the verve and the style and the winning sprees of last season's efforts to become normal. Having Suarez would obviously enhance their prospects but Suarez keeps letting Rodgers down. Tough times: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been let down by Suarez . VIDEO Suarez hands Liverpool problem . Liverpool did everything they could to help Suarez last season, from letting him bring his newborn son, Benjamin, on to the pitch before a game last October to making him captain in Steven Gerrard's absence and ensuring Dr Steve Peters' counsel was available to him at all times. In the main, it worked, but these latest events show he  cannot be trusted. As Jamie Carragher said in Sportsmail on Thursday, controversy will be just around the corner, waiting to trip Liverpool up -  so now is the time for ruthlessness. If Rodgers is going to create a title-winning team, he needs reliability and stability as well as talent. He is not afraid to make big decisions - one of his first acts as Liverpool manager was to send £35million Andy Carroll out to West Ham on loan - but the biggest is looming. Challenge: Rodgers showed with Andy Carroll that he is willing to make big decisions . Privately Rodgers may feel Suarez has reached the point where he causes more harm than good. If that is the case, a deal with Barcelona - who have not been put off by events in Brazil - should be done and the money used to make Liverpool stronger. Should he be able to do that, life without Suarez need not be as bleak as the bookmakers forecast.
As it stands now, Suarez will miss the . first nine Premier League matches of next season . If the striker remains on Merseyside while serving his four-month ban, he will cast a heavy cloud . Brendan Rodgers needs reliability and stability as well as talent to create title-winning team .
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<s>[INST] It took 36 minutes for the first email to arrive. As the shockwaves from Rio de Janeiro were still reverberating, bookmakers began pumping out their blunt messages. Assessing how much of an impact Luis Suarez's suspension would have on Liverpool's ambitions for the new Barclays Premier League campaign, the words in the subject box from odds compilers had no ambiguity. 'Reds pushed out for title glory,' they proclaimed. They were delivering a calculated summary of where Liverpool stand without Suarez: not credible contenders. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Suarez bite Chiellini and Bakkal while at Ajax in 2010 . Good times: Luis Suarez was the Premier League Player of the Year last season but Liverpool could now sell . Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool's ambitious manager, would rail against that view. When it has been put to him in the past that his side were over-reliant on Suarez, he could list statistics and highlights to show why it wasn't just about this maverick soul from Salto. He had a point, too. When Suarez served a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013, Liverpool won seven times in all competitions, drew two and lost one. They were not short of goals, either, particularly from Daniel Sturridge. The reality, however, is different. Suarez transforms Liverpool. His presence scrambles the minds of opponents, inspires those around him and last season he gave supporters that priceless belief that, no matter what, he would score and Liverpool would win. Do not underestimate his worth. Happy days: Suarez celebrates winning the golden boot with his daughter Delfina and wife Sofia . As it stands now, Suarez will miss the . first nine Premier League matches and in the corresponding fixtures last . year, his influence was enough to secure Rodgers 10 extra points - the . difference, effectively, between finishing second and fourth. Suarez brings out the best in Liverpool but what is best for Liverpool now should not include Suarez. That might sound contradictory, given what his 31 goals helped achieve in 2013-14, but if he remains on Merseyside while serving his ban, he will cast a heavy, uncomfortable cloud. Shame: The Uruguay forward has been banned for four months after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup . Say he is still a Liverpool player in October. With some tricky assignments - such as trips to Manchester City and Spurs, as well as the Merseyside derby - Liverpool could find themselves outside the top four, particularly if their Champions League schedule is complicated. Questions to Rodgers then become about whether Liverpool can keep a player of his ability if they are not challenging for the honours he craves. Missing out: Suarez narrowly missed out on the title last season and could now be on his way to Barcelona . Put simply, Rodgers doesn't need it any more. The topic dominated last summer when Suarez was trying to engineer a move to Arsenal and Suarez's future was fast becoming an issue once more this month before his notoriety in Natal. Rodgers is trying to build Liverpool up into a position where they will not be one-season wonders; he wants the verve and the style and the winning sprees of last season's efforts to become normal. Having Suarez would obviously enhance their prospects but Suarez keeps letting Rodgers down. Tough times: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been let down by Suarez . VIDEO Suarez hands Liverpool problem . Liverpool did everything they could to help Suarez last season, from letting him bring his newborn son, Benjamin, on to the pitch before a game last October to making him captain in Steven Gerrard's absence and ensuring Dr Steve Peters' counsel was available to him at all times. In the main, it worked, but these latest events show he  cannot be trusted. As Jamie Carragher said in Sportsmail on Thursday, controversy will be just around the corner, waiting to trip Liverpool up -  so now is the time for ruthlessness. If Rodgers is going to create a title-winning team, he needs reliability and stability as well as talent. He is not afraid to make big decisions - one of his first acts as Liverpool manager was to send £35million Andy Carroll out to West Ham on loan - but the biggest is looming. Challenge: Rodgers showed with Andy Carroll that he is willing to make big decisions . Privately Rodgers may feel Suarez has reached the point where he causes more harm than good. If that is the case, a deal with Barcelona - who have not been put off by events in Brazil - should be done and the money used to make Liverpool stronger. Should he be able to do that, life without Suarez need not be as bleak as the bookmakers forecast. [/INST] As it stands now, Suarez will miss the . first nine Premier League matches of next season . If the striker remains on Merseyside while serving his four-month ban, he will cast a heavy cloud . Brendan Rodgers needs reliability and stability as well as talent to create title-winning team . </s>
The owner of Obie, the formerly obese dachshund, is being investigated by the charitable activities section of the Oregon Attorney General's Office. Obie, who lives in Portland, Oregon, with owner Nora Vanatta, had previously tipped the scales at whopping 77lbs and to get him down to his target weight Vanatta appealed for donations. Money donated online funded specialty diet food for Obie, skin-reduction surgery, an exercise regime and legal bills to fight off a custody battle for the six-year-old. Scroll down for video . Nora Vanatta (pictured), the owner of Obie, the formerly obese dachshund, is being investigated by the charitable activities section of the Oregon Attorney General's Office . The pup, living in Portland, Oregon, with owner Nora Vanatta, had previously tipped the scales at whopping 77lbs and to get him down to his target weight Vanatta appealed for donations . But since January, the agency has been investigating how Vanatta used the funds and where she is donating the remainder. Vantatta, who adopted Obie after he was nearly fed to death by his doting elderly owners, told of the investigation on her Facebook page this week: 'Recently, someone filed a complaint with the Oregon State Attorney General's office because I accepted financial gifts on Obie's behalf. 'The Oregon AG contends that, by stating publicly that I would donate the funds over and above Obie's medical needs and the custody suit to recognized 501(c)3 organizations, I misrepresented myself as a charity and misled the folks who supported Obie with financial gifts. Vantatta adopted Obie after he was nearly fed to death by his doting elderly owners . In her post Vanatta details how the dispute was settled after four months but 'unfortunately, the settlement came at a price: over $15K of Obie's money was used to fight a frivolous lawsuit' 'This, the AG further contends, is proven by the reference to said gifts as "donations." 'This saddens me more than I can adequately express.' Soon after Vanatta adopted Obie he became the subject of a bitter custody battle with the Oregon Dachshund Rescue – the agency that coordinated with Vanatta to transfer Obie from the relative's custody to her home. They accused her of exploiting the dog for 'sensationalistic promotional value' and began fighting for custody. In her post Vanatta details how the lawsuit was settled after four months but 'unfortunately, the settlement came at a price: over $15K of Obie's money was used to fight a frivolous lawsuit.' Obie had to get a tummy tuck surgery to remove several pounds of loose skin from his slimmed down body . Obie could barely move after his owners fed him until he was obese . She writes: 'Many of you have purchased Obie's calendars. 'Again, I am grateful to you because the revenue from the calendar sales helped pay the $11,800 for the attorney who negotiated the settlement with the AG.' She finishes the post: 'The bottom line: the Oregon AG conceded that no wrong doing was found and I may keep a small amount of your gifts to put toward Obie’s future care, but the balance is to be either sent to the State, or to recognized charities that they approve.' Vanatta had hoped to send the money to animal rescue efforts and other owners which need to pay for surgery for their animals. Vanatta put Obie on a strict feeding regimen, which resulted in Obie losing 40lbs by May 2013 . The Attorney General began looking into the matter after receiving complaints and was focusing on how Vanatta was representing her use of the funds, spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson said reports Oregon Live. She said the agency is working on a final agreement and declined to disclose further details as the investigation continues. The story of the grossly overweight six-year-old pooch went viral last year when social media sites lit up with photos of a miserable-looking Obie lying on his back with his enormous belly chaffed from being dragged on the ground. Vanatta put Obie on a strict feeding regimen, which resulted in Obie losing 40lbs by May 2013. But the pup didn't stop there, continuing to shed pounds over the summer to reach his optimal weight. The pooch also had to undergo a cosmetic surgery to remove several pounds of loose skin from his now-svelte physique. In September, the rambunctious canine had to go under the knife again for an unrelated operation to remove cotton Obie apparently had been snacking on. Obie's numerous fans have been following his progress ever since the first pictures of Obie were posted on Facebook. The dog was so overweight that he needed to wear a special harness to prevent injury to his bulging stomach and chest. A dachshund normally has a maximum weight of 32 pounds and Obie is now down to a healthy 22 pounds.
Obie who now weighs 22 pounds lives with his owner Nora Vanatta . Weighed 77lbs - to get his weight down Vanatta appealed for donations . But agency has been investigating how Vanatta used the funds and where she is donating the remainder .
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<s>[INST] The owner of Obie, the formerly obese dachshund, is being investigated by the charitable activities section of the Oregon Attorney General's Office. Obie, who lives in Portland, Oregon, with owner Nora Vanatta, had previously tipped the scales at whopping 77lbs and to get him down to his target weight Vanatta appealed for donations. Money donated online funded specialty diet food for Obie, skin-reduction surgery, an exercise regime and legal bills to fight off a custody battle for the six-year-old. Scroll down for video . Nora Vanatta (pictured), the owner of Obie, the formerly obese dachshund, is being investigated by the charitable activities section of the Oregon Attorney General's Office . The pup, living in Portland, Oregon, with owner Nora Vanatta, had previously tipped the scales at whopping 77lbs and to get him down to his target weight Vanatta appealed for donations . But since January, the agency has been investigating how Vanatta used the funds and where she is donating the remainder. Vantatta, who adopted Obie after he was nearly fed to death by his doting elderly owners, told of the investigation on her Facebook page this week: 'Recently, someone filed a complaint with the Oregon State Attorney General's office because I accepted financial gifts on Obie's behalf. 'The Oregon AG contends that, by stating publicly that I would donate the funds over and above Obie's medical needs and the custody suit to recognized 501(c)3 organizations, I misrepresented myself as a charity and misled the folks who supported Obie with financial gifts. Vantatta adopted Obie after he was nearly fed to death by his doting elderly owners . In her post Vanatta details how the dispute was settled after four months but 'unfortunately, the settlement came at a price: over $15K of Obie's money was used to fight a frivolous lawsuit' 'This, the AG further contends, is proven by the reference to said gifts as "donations." 'This saddens me more than I can adequately express.' Soon after Vanatta adopted Obie he became the subject of a bitter custody battle with the Oregon Dachshund Rescue – the agency that coordinated with Vanatta to transfer Obie from the relative's custody to her home. They accused her of exploiting the dog for 'sensationalistic promotional value' and began fighting for custody. In her post Vanatta details how the lawsuit was settled after four months but 'unfortunately, the settlement came at a price: over $15K of Obie's money was used to fight a frivolous lawsuit.' Obie had to get a tummy tuck surgery to remove several pounds of loose skin from his slimmed down body . Obie could barely move after his owners fed him until he was obese . She writes: 'Many of you have purchased Obie's calendars. 'Again, I am grateful to you because the revenue from the calendar sales helped pay the $11,800 for the attorney who negotiated the settlement with the AG.' She finishes the post: 'The bottom line: the Oregon AG conceded that no wrong doing was found and I may keep a small amount of your gifts to put toward Obie’s future care, but the balance is to be either sent to the State, or to recognized charities that they approve.' Vanatta had hoped to send the money to animal rescue efforts and other owners which need to pay for surgery for their animals. Vanatta put Obie on a strict feeding regimen, which resulted in Obie losing 40lbs by May 2013 . The Attorney General began looking into the matter after receiving complaints and was focusing on how Vanatta was representing her use of the funds, spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson said reports Oregon Live. She said the agency is working on a final agreement and declined to disclose further details as the investigation continues. The story of the grossly overweight six-year-old pooch went viral last year when social media sites lit up with photos of a miserable-looking Obie lying on his back with his enormous belly chaffed from being dragged on the ground. Vanatta put Obie on a strict feeding regimen, which resulted in Obie losing 40lbs by May 2013. But the pup didn't stop there, continuing to shed pounds over the summer to reach his optimal weight. The pooch also had to undergo a cosmetic surgery to remove several pounds of loose skin from his now-svelte physique. In September, the rambunctious canine had to go under the knife again for an unrelated operation to remove cotton Obie apparently had been snacking on. Obie's numerous fans have been following his progress ever since the first pictures of Obie were posted on Facebook. The dog was so overweight that he needed to wear a special harness to prevent injury to his bulging stomach and chest. A dachshund normally has a maximum weight of 32 pounds and Obie is now down to a healthy 22 pounds. [/INST] Obie who now weighs 22 pounds lives with his owner Nora Vanatta . Weighed 77lbs - to get his weight down Vanatta appealed for donations . But agency has been investigating how Vanatta used the funds and where she is donating the remainder . </s>
Upheaval must suit Wasps. They were braced for mass protests at Adams Park on Sunday, after announcing a mid-season relocation to Coventry, but there was euphoria rather than anger as Bath were beaten. In the build-up to this Aviva Premiership match, there had been talk of demonstrations following the confirmation that Wasps will be based at the Ricoh Arena from December. Yet, any groundswell of angst was well disguised. There was one banner describing the nomadic club as a ‘franchise’, but even that had vanished by the second-half as Dai Young’s team stormed into a commanding lead. Ultimately, Wasps had to withstand a late Bath rear-guard action as the visitors recovered from 29-0 down to earn a losing bonus point, but there was a collective desperation among the home players to end a turbulent week on a high, which they duly did. Their feat was all the more remarkable as the controversy surrounding their imminent move was not the only disruption. Wasps captain James Haskell (right) celebrates his side's 29-22 victory over Bath on Sunday . Andy Goode kicks a penalty for Wasps during their win at Adams Park - he scored 16 points in total . Sailosi Tagicakibau slides and stretches out of the tackle from Anthony Watson to score for Wasps . Wasps celebrate after Sailosi Tagicakibau scores a try during their impressive victory over Bath . WASPS: Masi; Tagicakibau, Daly, Leiua (Bell, 61), Wade; Goode (Miller, 72), Simpson; Mullan, Festuccia, Cittadini (Cooper-Woolley, 61); Gaskell, Davies (Jones, 66); Johnson (Jackson, 70), Hughes, Haskell (capt). Tries: Penalty, Tagicakibau. Cons: Goode (2). Pens: Goode (4), Daly. BATH: Henson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Eastmond, Watson; Ford, Cook (Young, 45); James (Catt, 45), Webber (Batty, 49), Wilson (Thomas, 56); Hooper (capt. Day, 52), Attwood; Fa’osiliva, Houston, Mercer (Thomas, 46-56; Sisi, 65). Tries: Joseph, Young, Sisi. Cons: Ford (2). Pen: Ford. Yellow cards: Houston, Wilson, Young. REFEREE: JP Doyle. ATTENDANCE: 7,397. England lock Joe Launchbury was withdrawn from the team on Sunday morning after being involved in a car crash - just as his team-mate, Christian Wade, was last month. Young, the Wasps’ director of rugby, said: ‘There’s never a dull moment here. ‘Joe is fine. Him and his girlfriend were involved in car accident on the way to the game. They were a little bit shaken up. They went to hospital for a check-up and they’re both fine.’ So the last-minute loss of a key forward was a setback for Wasps, but they were glad to avoid the spectre of off-field unrest among their supporters. If anything, the announcement that they are off to the West Midlands seemed to have unexpectedly positive consequences - as they were vociferously backed by their biggest home attendance of the season. Captain James Haskell was evidently delighted by the reception accorded to he and his team-mates, saying: ‘I don’t know about protests - that’s the biggest crowd we’ve had this season. 'Perhaps we should say we’re moving somewhere else next week and we’ll get another big crowd.’ A Wasps fan holds a flag protesting against their move from Adams Park to Coventry's Ricoh Arena . Wasps supporters hold up a banner before the match against Bath at Adams Park on Saturday . Christian Wade (right) chases the ball for the line but is taken out by Micky Young, who was carded . England star Joe Launchbury missed Wasps' victory over Bath after he and his pregnant partner were involved in a car crash. Launchbury tweeted: 'Great win Wasps Rugby today. Gutted to have missed out. Thanks for all your messages of concern. 'Had to go to hospital and check all was ok with my pregnant partner and baby after someone crashed into us. Luckily all is good!' Young added: ‘I totally understood the frustrations of the supporters early in the week, but once we explained everything properly, I saw a real change in their attitude to the move. It was a tough week for them but they got behind the team today and they should be commended and thanked for that.’ If Wasps’ early matches in Coventry are as entertaining as this, they may soon attract decent crowds to the Ricoh Arena. They routed Bath at the scrum as Matt Mullan turned the screw on England’s current first-choice tighthead prop, David Wilson, and from that platform they surged into a 15-0 lead courtesy of four Andy Goode penalties and one long-range shot from Elliot Daly. The visitors were all at sea in the set piece and they were in deeper disarray when three of their players were sent to the sin bin - Leroy Houston, Wilson and Micky Young. The latter man’s off-the-ball tackle on Wade as he chased through a kick by Daly led to a penalty try for Wasps in the 47th minute and left Bath down to 13 men. Moments later, Haskell released the outstanding Ashley Johnson from the back of a lineout on halfway and the flanker's superb off-load sent Sailosi Tagicakibau through a gap and he tore away to score by the posts. Goode converted again and any prospect of protests had been blown away as Wasps seized a 29-0 lead. Kyle Eastmond jumps over the line to score a try for Bath's but they ultimately lost the game at Adams Park . Tempers flare early on in the game as the forwards get into a fight during the match at Adams Park . But Bath have spirit to go with their attacking artistry and they rallied impressively. Kyle Eastmond’s pass picked out Jonathan Joseph on the left and the in-form centre fended off James Gaskell to touch down. Sixteen minutes from time, the deficit was down to 17 points as Young swerved over from close range and George Ford converted. The West Country side kept coming - sensing a way back from a seemingly hopeless position - and after another thunderous drive by Houston, David Sisi scored. Again, Ford added the extras and he followed that up with a 76th-minute penalty, but Wasps held firm to deny their rivals a draw. Young was relieved, saying: ‘That’s pretty much us all over - we either start really poorly and come back, or we end poorly, like we did today. We’re still searching for an 80-minute performance, but for 65 minutes we were outstanding.’ Bath’s head coach, Mike Ford, added: ‘We were just a bit off today - we didn’t have that edge. Our scrum wasn’t as good as it has been for the last two years. They wanted it more than us.’ Bath's Leroy Houston drops Wasps' Joe Simpson past the horizontal and is sin binned as a result . Wasps' Andrea Masi (centre) gets sandwiched by Dave Atrwood (left) and Stuart Hooper (right) in a tackle . Bath's Alafoti Fa'osilva (left) hands off Wasps winger Wade as he tries to evade his tackle . Micky Young goes over to score for Bath as they added a burst of points during the second half . Wasps' Alapati Leiua is stopped by George Ford (left) and Semesa Rokoduguni (right) during the match . Wasps fans wave flags and sing the name of their club as they celebrate a try at Adams Park on Sunday . Wasps fans arrive at Adams Park before the match with Bath, one of the last before they most to Coventry .
Wasps ensured they ended a difficult week with a 29-22 victory over Bath . Their decision to relocate to Coventry caused some fan protests this week . But Andy Goode scored 16 points with the boot in win at Adams Park . Sailosi Tagicakibau scored try, Elliot Daly a penalty, as well as a penalty try . Jonathan Joseph, Micky Young and David Sisi scored tries for Bath . Bath shown three yellow cards to Young, David Wilson and Leroy Houston .
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<s>[INST] Upheaval must suit Wasps. They were braced for mass protests at Adams Park on Sunday, after announcing a mid-season relocation to Coventry, but there was euphoria rather than anger as Bath were beaten. In the build-up to this Aviva Premiership match, there had been talk of demonstrations following the confirmation that Wasps will be based at the Ricoh Arena from December. Yet, any groundswell of angst was well disguised. There was one banner describing the nomadic club as a ‘franchise’, but even that had vanished by the second-half as Dai Young’s team stormed into a commanding lead. Ultimately, Wasps had to withstand a late Bath rear-guard action as the visitors recovered from 29-0 down to earn a losing bonus point, but there was a collective desperation among the home players to end a turbulent week on a high, which they duly did. Their feat was all the more remarkable as the controversy surrounding their imminent move was not the only disruption. Wasps captain James Haskell (right) celebrates his side's 29-22 victory over Bath on Sunday . Andy Goode kicks a penalty for Wasps during their win at Adams Park - he scored 16 points in total . Sailosi Tagicakibau slides and stretches out of the tackle from Anthony Watson to score for Wasps . Wasps celebrate after Sailosi Tagicakibau scores a try during their impressive victory over Bath . WASPS: Masi; Tagicakibau, Daly, Leiua (Bell, 61), Wade; Goode (Miller, 72), Simpson; Mullan, Festuccia, Cittadini (Cooper-Woolley, 61); Gaskell, Davies (Jones, 66); Johnson (Jackson, 70), Hughes, Haskell (capt). Tries: Penalty, Tagicakibau. Cons: Goode (2). Pens: Goode (4), Daly. BATH: Henson; Rokoduguni, Joseph, Eastmond, Watson; Ford, Cook (Young, 45); James (Catt, 45), Webber (Batty, 49), Wilson (Thomas, 56); Hooper (capt. Day, 52), Attwood; Fa’osiliva, Houston, Mercer (Thomas, 46-56; Sisi, 65). Tries: Joseph, Young, Sisi. Cons: Ford (2). Pen: Ford. Yellow cards: Houston, Wilson, Young. REFEREE: JP Doyle. ATTENDANCE: 7,397. England lock Joe Launchbury was withdrawn from the team on Sunday morning after being involved in a car crash - just as his team-mate, Christian Wade, was last month. Young, the Wasps’ director of rugby, said: ‘There’s never a dull moment here. ‘Joe is fine. Him and his girlfriend were involved in car accident on the way to the game. They were a little bit shaken up. They went to hospital for a check-up and they’re both fine.’ So the last-minute loss of a key forward was a setback for Wasps, but they were glad to avoid the spectre of off-field unrest among their supporters. If anything, the announcement that they are off to the West Midlands seemed to have unexpectedly positive consequences - as they were vociferously backed by their biggest home attendance of the season. Captain James Haskell was evidently delighted by the reception accorded to he and his team-mates, saying: ‘I don’t know about protests - that’s the biggest crowd we’ve had this season. 'Perhaps we should say we’re moving somewhere else next week and we’ll get another big crowd.’ A Wasps fan holds a flag protesting against their move from Adams Park to Coventry's Ricoh Arena . Wasps supporters hold up a banner before the match against Bath at Adams Park on Saturday . Christian Wade (right) chases the ball for the line but is taken out by Micky Young, who was carded . England star Joe Launchbury missed Wasps' victory over Bath after he and his pregnant partner were involved in a car crash. Launchbury tweeted: 'Great win Wasps Rugby today. Gutted to have missed out. Thanks for all your messages of concern. 'Had to go to hospital and check all was ok with my pregnant partner and baby after someone crashed into us. Luckily all is good!' Young added: ‘I totally understood the frustrations of the supporters early in the week, but once we explained everything properly, I saw a real change in their attitude to the move. It was a tough week for them but they got behind the team today and they should be commended and thanked for that.’ If Wasps’ early matches in Coventry are as entertaining as this, they may soon attract decent crowds to the Ricoh Arena. They routed Bath at the scrum as Matt Mullan turned the screw on England’s current first-choice tighthead prop, David Wilson, and from that platform they surged into a 15-0 lead courtesy of four Andy Goode penalties and one long-range shot from Elliot Daly. The visitors were all at sea in the set piece and they were in deeper disarray when three of their players were sent to the sin bin - Leroy Houston, Wilson and Micky Young. The latter man’s off-the-ball tackle on Wade as he chased through a kick by Daly led to a penalty try for Wasps in the 47th minute and left Bath down to 13 men. Moments later, Haskell released the outstanding Ashley Johnson from the back of a lineout on halfway and the flanker's superb off-load sent Sailosi Tagicakibau through a gap and he tore away to score by the posts. Goode converted again and any prospect of protests had been blown away as Wasps seized a 29-0 lead. Kyle Eastmond jumps over the line to score a try for Bath's but they ultimately lost the game at Adams Park . Tempers flare early on in the game as the forwards get into a fight during the match at Adams Park . But Bath have spirit to go with their attacking artistry and they rallied impressively. Kyle Eastmond’s pass picked out Jonathan Joseph on the left and the in-form centre fended off James Gaskell to touch down. Sixteen minutes from time, the deficit was down to 17 points as Young swerved over from close range and George Ford converted. The West Country side kept coming - sensing a way back from a seemingly hopeless position - and after another thunderous drive by Houston, David Sisi scored. Again, Ford added the extras and he followed that up with a 76th-minute penalty, but Wasps held firm to deny their rivals a draw. Young was relieved, saying: ‘That’s pretty much us all over - we either start really poorly and come back, or we end poorly, like we did today. We’re still searching for an 80-minute performance, but for 65 minutes we were outstanding.’ Bath’s head coach, Mike Ford, added: ‘We were just a bit off today - we didn’t have that edge. Our scrum wasn’t as good as it has been for the last two years. They wanted it more than us.’ Bath's Leroy Houston drops Wasps' Joe Simpson past the horizontal and is sin binned as a result . Wasps' Andrea Masi (centre) gets sandwiched by Dave Atrwood (left) and Stuart Hooper (right) in a tackle . Bath's Alafoti Fa'osilva (left) hands off Wasps winger Wade as he tries to evade his tackle . Micky Young goes over to score for Bath as they added a burst of points during the second half . Wasps' Alapati Leiua is stopped by George Ford (left) and Semesa Rokoduguni (right) during the match . Wasps fans wave flags and sing the name of their club as they celebrate a try at Adams Park on Sunday . Wasps fans arrive at Adams Park before the match with Bath, one of the last before they most to Coventry . [/INST] Wasps ensured they ended a difficult week with a 29-22 victory over Bath . Their decision to relocate to Coventry caused some fan protests this week . But Andy Goode scored 16 points with the boot in win at Adams Park . Sailosi Tagicakibau scored try, Elliot Daly a penalty, as well as a penalty try . Jonathan Joseph, Micky Young and David Sisi scored tries for Bath . Bath shown three yellow cards to Young, David Wilson and Leroy Houston . </s>
By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:02 EST, 23 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:03 EST, 23 May 2013 . The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report. All states but West Virginia and North Dakota showed significant drops over five years. But the Mountain States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah saw rates fall by 30 percent or more. In 22 states, teen Hispanic birth rates plunged at least 40 percent, which was described as 'just amazing,' by the report's lead author, Brady Hamilton of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen birth rates: All states but West Virginia and North Dakota showed significant drops over five years. But the Mountain States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah saw rates fall by 30 percent or more . What's driving the declines? No one can say for sure. Experts believe the explanation is complicated and probably varies a bit from state to state. The national figure has been falling since 1991, aside from a brief interruption in 2006 and 2007. - Lowest rates of teen births are in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont, each with rates under 17 per 1,000. - . Highest rates overall continue to be in the South, led by Arkansas and . Mississippi, each with rates of about 50 per 1,000. In Arkansas, the . majority of teen births are to white moms. In Mississippi, the majority . are black. - White . teens continue to have the lowest birth rate nationally — about 22 . births per 1,000. Black teens saw a larger improvement, but their rate . was still more than twice the white rate, at 47 per 1,000. - Overall, the Hispanic rate plummeted from 75 to 49 per 1,000, now virtually a tie with the black rate. The CDC report released Thursday is . based on birth certificates for 2007 through 2011. Last year, the CDC . announced the overall improvement in teen births: a record low of 31 . births per 1,000 teens ages 15 to 19. That compares to 42 births per . 1,000 five years earlier. The teen drop in the last five years . coincided with an overall decline in births, which experts attribute to a . weak economy that dampened enthusiasm for having children. Hispanic . women have been part of that trend, possibly due to the economy and to . illegal immigration crackdowns in some states that reduce the number of . young Hispanic females entering the country from Mexico and other . nations, said John Santelli, a Columbia University professor of . population and family health. That . means new immigrants are having less impact on birth statistics, and . second- and third-generation families are having more influence. As time goes on, Hispanics — like other immigrant groups before them — tend to adopt American customs and practices. 'There . is more attention on education, career, and the future,' said Dr. Janet . Realini, head of Healthy Futures of Texas, a San Antonio-based . organization focused on preventing teen and unplanned pregnancies. Hispanic rates, though, continue to be . much higher than those for blacks and whites in most of the states with . the largest Hispanic populations, including California, Texas, New York, . New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Georgia. Young mother: Courtney Smith,18, prepares her daughter Kasiyah Buckner to go home from daycare at St. Paul Lutheran Childcare in St. Joseph, Mo. Texas has the highest number of teen births in the nation, with nearly 43,000 in 2011. Nearly two-thirds were to Hispanic moms. The overall improvement, though, is something to celebrate, said Bill Albert, chief program officer of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. 'Geography, politics, or policy alone simply cannot explain the widespread declines,' Albert said in an email. 'Credit goes to teens themselves who are clearly making better decisions about sex, contraception, and their future.'
Lowest rates are in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont . Highest rates are in the South, led by Arkansas and Mississippi . White teens continue to have the lowest birth rate nationally - about 22 births per 1,000 . Black teens saw a larger improvement, but their rate was still more than twice the white rate, at 47 per 1,000 . Overall, the Hispanic rate plummeted from 75 to 49 per 1,000, now virtually a tie with the black rate .
a4248eaf5dc57d283bedaa7b112e5086410a7153
<s>[INST] By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:02 EST, 23 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:03 EST, 23 May 2013 . The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report. All states but West Virginia and North Dakota showed significant drops over five years. But the Mountain States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah saw rates fall by 30 percent or more. In 22 states, teen Hispanic birth rates plunged at least 40 percent, which was described as 'just amazing,' by the report's lead author, Brady Hamilton of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen birth rates: All states but West Virginia and North Dakota showed significant drops over five years. But the Mountain States of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Utah saw rates fall by 30 percent or more . What's driving the declines? No one can say for sure. Experts believe the explanation is complicated and probably varies a bit from state to state. The national figure has been falling since 1991, aside from a brief interruption in 2006 and 2007. - Lowest rates of teen births are in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont, each with rates under 17 per 1,000. - . Highest rates overall continue to be in the South, led by Arkansas and . Mississippi, each with rates of about 50 per 1,000. In Arkansas, the . majority of teen births are to white moms. In Mississippi, the majority . are black. - White . teens continue to have the lowest birth rate nationally — about 22 . births per 1,000. Black teens saw a larger improvement, but their rate . was still more than twice the white rate, at 47 per 1,000. - Overall, the Hispanic rate plummeted from 75 to 49 per 1,000, now virtually a tie with the black rate. The CDC report released Thursday is . based on birth certificates for 2007 through 2011. Last year, the CDC . announced the overall improvement in teen births: a record low of 31 . births per 1,000 teens ages 15 to 19. That compares to 42 births per . 1,000 five years earlier. The teen drop in the last five years . coincided with an overall decline in births, which experts attribute to a . weak economy that dampened enthusiasm for having children. Hispanic . women have been part of that trend, possibly due to the economy and to . illegal immigration crackdowns in some states that reduce the number of . young Hispanic females entering the country from Mexico and other . nations, said John Santelli, a Columbia University professor of . population and family health. That . means new immigrants are having less impact on birth statistics, and . second- and third-generation families are having more influence. As time goes on, Hispanics — like other immigrant groups before them — tend to adopt American customs and practices. 'There . is more attention on education, career, and the future,' said Dr. Janet . Realini, head of Healthy Futures of Texas, a San Antonio-based . organization focused on preventing teen and unplanned pregnancies. Hispanic rates, though, continue to be . much higher than those for blacks and whites in most of the states with . the largest Hispanic populations, including California, Texas, New York, . New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Georgia. Young mother: Courtney Smith,18, prepares her daughter Kasiyah Buckner to go home from daycare at St. Paul Lutheran Childcare in St. Joseph, Mo. Texas has the highest number of teen births in the nation, with nearly 43,000 in 2011. Nearly two-thirds were to Hispanic moms. The overall improvement, though, is something to celebrate, said Bill Albert, chief program officer of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. 'Geography, politics, or policy alone simply cannot explain the widespread declines,' Albert said in an email. 'Credit goes to teens themselves who are clearly making better decisions about sex, contraception, and their future.' [/INST] Lowest rates are in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont . Highest rates are in the South, led by Arkansas and Mississippi . White teens continue to have the lowest birth rate nationally - about 22 births per 1,000 . Black teens saw a larger improvement, but their rate was still more than twice the white rate, at 47 per 1,000 . Overall, the Hispanic rate plummeted from 75 to 49 per 1,000, now virtually a tie with the black rate . </s>
From Hurricane Fly's fourth consecutive Irish Champion Hurdle victory to The New One brushing aside the opposition in Cheltenham’s International Hurdle, it has been an exciting year of racing. As 2014 nears its conclusion racing correspondent Marcus Townend reviews the past 12 months of racing, and picks his best race of each month. JANUARY . Paul Nicholls says main jockey Daryl Jacob is not keen to partner returning stable star Big Buck’s so the mount goes to Sam Twiston-Davies. It is the opening move in an almost inevitable sequence which ends up with Twiston-Davies appointed stable jockey. A £2million coup is landed with four horses all with links to legendary gambler Barney Curley. RACE OF THE MONTH: Hurricane Fly claims a fourth consecutive Irish Champion Hurdle, emulating the great Istabraq. Ruby Walsh, riding Hurricane Fly, clears the first flight of hurdles before winning Irish Champion Hurdle . FEBRUARY . Days after winning the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup with Last Instalment, it is revealed that trainer Philip Fenton is facing a court appearance after illegal drugs including Anabolic Steroids are discovered in a raid on his Co Tipperary stable. In one of the shocks of the year (not), Sheik Mohammed is distanced from Godolphin drug-cheat trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni in a report by ex-Met Police chief Lord Stevens commissioned by the Sheik’s team. RACE OF MONTH: 33-1 shot Splash of Ginge lands the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury under seven-pound conditional Ryan Hatch. Ryan Hatch riding Splash of Ginge clears the last to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury . MARCH . Jim Culloty, best known as jockey of three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate, becomes only the fifth man to also train the winner as Lord Windermere edges home under Davy Russell and then survives a stewards enquiry. But both Ruby Walsh and Jacob suffer season-ending Festival falls. Colleague Joe Tizzard announces his retirement. RACE OF THE MONTH: Sire De Grugy’s Champion Chase success at the Cheltenham Festival for the popular trainer-jockey combo of Gary and Jamie Moore. Jamie Moore and Sire de Grugy celebrate victory in the Champion Chase during at Cheltenham Festival . APRIL . Scepticism dissipates as the first Good Friday racing takes place at Musselburgh and Lingfield with almost 9,000 spectators descending on the latter venue for £1m All-Weather Championship day. AP McCoy, crowned champion jump jockey for 19th time, announces that he will carry on and on and on... RACE OF THE MONTH: Trainer Dr Richard Newland lands the Grand National with Leighton Aspell-ridden Pineau de Re. Pineau De Re ridden by Leighton Aspell clears a jump as they win the Grand National at Aintree . MAY . BHA confirm that 39 of the 40 jockeys who rode in the Grand National face an enquiry into their conduct after another start shambles. Never knowingly undersold, Aidan O’Brien saddles Epsom favourite with a mountainous reputation by saying ‘he’s a Derby horse like we have never had’. Kieren Fallon, fresh from his 2,000 Guineas win, joins what proves to be an ever changing Godolphin jockey roster. RACE OF THE MONTH: A tactical nightmare of a race but Night Of Thunder wins the 2,000 Guineas to give trainer Richard Hannon a Classic in his first season. Kieren Fallon (near) rides Night Of Thunder to victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May . JUNE . BHA announce a policy of zero tolerance to Anabolic Steroids but we will have to wait until March next year for the policy to fully come on stream. Grand National jockeys let off with a caution as starting procedure shown to be shambolic. Marginalised Godolphin jockey Mickael Barzalona heads back to France. McCoy reaches his fastest ever 50 wins and Paul Hanagan wins Oaks on Taghrooda, his first Classic. RACE OF MONTH: Australia goes some way to justifying the hype with a length and a half victory in the Derby. Joseph O'Brien riding Australia (centre) closes in on Derby victory at Epsom in June, 2014 . JULY . The Queen’s 2013 Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate is embarrassingly caught up in a spree of positive drugs test. The cases are linked to contamination of feed blamed on poppy seeds. Goodwood provoke widespread anger by allowing new sponsor 32Red to ditch the historic Stewards’ Cup race title and the BHA announce an investigation into whether ex-jockey Graham Bradley has been breaking rules by training his own horses within Brendan Powell’s stable. RACE Of MONTH: Raw, sizzling speed from Kingman in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. James Doyle rides Kingman to victory at the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood . AUGUST . BHA announce chief executive Paul Bittar is to leave while controversially confirming jockey Irish jockey Fergal Lynch, previously banned from Britain after admitting he ‘stopped’ a horse in 2004 can ride in this country again. Two-time champion jockey Jamie Spencer announces he is retiring from riding 24 hours before Andrea Atzeni is announced as his replacement as No 1 jockey for Sheik Fahad’s Qatar Racing. RACE OF THE MONTH: Sole Power pounces on the line to win the Nunthorpe Stakes under a typically audacious Richard Hughes ride. Sole Power ridden by Wayne Lorden wins the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes during the Yorkshire Ebor Festival . SEPTEMBER . Going to the dogs … Towcester sell seven of their 17 fixtures because they clash with meetings at its new greyhound track which opens in December while Newcastle’s plans to dig up its flat course and replace it with an all-weather circuit are blocked, temporarily at least, by the BHA. ‘Jock off of the year’ as Criquette Head-Maarek is granted her request to replace Frankie Dettori with veteran Thierry Jarnet on mis-firing Treve. RACE OF THE MONTH: Kingston Hill swoops in the St Leger for jockey Andrea Atzeni and trainer Roger Varian. Andrea Atzeni celebrates as Kingston Hill (centre) wins the St Leger Stakes in Doncaster . OCTOBER . Records smashed at Tattersalls as close to 80,000m guineas is splashed out on blue-blooded yearlings, almost a quarter of it from Sheik Mohammed as he signals his intent to hit back after a disappointing summer of results in Britain. Five months after his link up with Godolphin, the marginalised Kieren Fallon says he is considering quitting Britain to ride in America. Written off Treve storms to a second Arc win, is retired and unretired within six days. RACE OF THE MONTH: Lady Cecil’s Noble Mission produces the perfect finale to Champions Day at Ascot by emulating big brother Frankel with victory in the Champion Stakes. Lady Jane Cecil (left) and James Doyle celebrate with Noble Mission after winning Champion Stakes at Ascot . NOVEMBER . The BHA turn to the bookmaking industry by appointing Ladbrokes managing director Nick Rust their new chief executive. Godolphin’s ever-changing jockey arrangements ended as they appoint William Buick and James Doyle as their jockeys for 2015. BHA in blunderland … wrong race distances at Wetherby, ineligible The Young Master wins at Wetherby and a wrong race distance published at Towcester. The Philip Fenton saga ends with Ireland’s Turf Club banning him for three years. RACE OF THE MONTH: Many Clouds digs deep to win the Hennessy Gold Cup for trainer Oliver Sherwood and jockey Leighton Aspell. Leighton Aspell riding Many Clouds (left) win The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury racecourse on November 29 . DECEMBER . Jamie Spencer’s retirement does even last as long as Treve’s as he announces he is to carry on riding as a freelance in 2015. Despite being clear at his enquiry, the BHA signal they will continue to oppose Graham Bradley’s attempts to gain a trainer’s licence. Evolution or revolution? Six new directors, some unknown within the sport, are appointed to the BHA board. Their performances during 2015 will be closely monitored. RACE OF MONTH: The New One brushes aside the opposition in Cheltenham’s International Hurdle. The New One riden by Sam Twiston-Davies (right) clears the last and wins Cheltenham's International Hurdle .
Sportsmail's Marcus Townend reviews the last 12 months of racing . Racing correspondent picks his best race from each month of 2014 . From Hurricane Fly's Fourth consecutive  Irish Champion Hurdle win in January to The New One's Cheltenham International Hurdle victory .
097426421b5273fca155d7697662949276833ebd
<s>[INST] From Hurricane Fly's fourth consecutive Irish Champion Hurdle victory to The New One brushing aside the opposition in Cheltenham’s International Hurdle, it has been an exciting year of racing. As 2014 nears its conclusion racing correspondent Marcus Townend reviews the past 12 months of racing, and picks his best race of each month. JANUARY . Paul Nicholls says main jockey Daryl Jacob is not keen to partner returning stable star Big Buck’s so the mount goes to Sam Twiston-Davies. It is the opening move in an almost inevitable sequence which ends up with Twiston-Davies appointed stable jockey. A £2million coup is landed with four horses all with links to legendary gambler Barney Curley. RACE OF THE MONTH: Hurricane Fly claims a fourth consecutive Irish Champion Hurdle, emulating the great Istabraq. Ruby Walsh, riding Hurricane Fly, clears the first flight of hurdles before winning Irish Champion Hurdle . FEBRUARY . Days after winning the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup with Last Instalment, it is revealed that trainer Philip Fenton is facing a court appearance after illegal drugs including Anabolic Steroids are discovered in a raid on his Co Tipperary stable. In one of the shocks of the year (not), Sheik Mohammed is distanced from Godolphin drug-cheat trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni in a report by ex-Met Police chief Lord Stevens commissioned by the Sheik’s team. RACE OF MONTH: 33-1 shot Splash of Ginge lands the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury under seven-pound conditional Ryan Hatch. Ryan Hatch riding Splash of Ginge clears the last to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury . MARCH . Jim Culloty, best known as jockey of three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate, becomes only the fifth man to also train the winner as Lord Windermere edges home under Davy Russell and then survives a stewards enquiry. But both Ruby Walsh and Jacob suffer season-ending Festival falls. Colleague Joe Tizzard announces his retirement. RACE OF THE MONTH: Sire De Grugy’s Champion Chase success at the Cheltenham Festival for the popular trainer-jockey combo of Gary and Jamie Moore. Jamie Moore and Sire de Grugy celebrate victory in the Champion Chase during at Cheltenham Festival . APRIL . Scepticism dissipates as the first Good Friday racing takes place at Musselburgh and Lingfield with almost 9,000 spectators descending on the latter venue for £1m All-Weather Championship day. AP McCoy, crowned champion jump jockey for 19th time, announces that he will carry on and on and on... RACE OF THE MONTH: Trainer Dr Richard Newland lands the Grand National with Leighton Aspell-ridden Pineau de Re. Pineau De Re ridden by Leighton Aspell clears a jump as they win the Grand National at Aintree . MAY . BHA confirm that 39 of the 40 jockeys who rode in the Grand National face an enquiry into their conduct after another start shambles. Never knowingly undersold, Aidan O’Brien saddles Epsom favourite with a mountainous reputation by saying ‘he’s a Derby horse like we have never had’. Kieren Fallon, fresh from his 2,000 Guineas win, joins what proves to be an ever changing Godolphin jockey roster. RACE OF THE MONTH: A tactical nightmare of a race but Night Of Thunder wins the 2,000 Guineas to give trainer Richard Hannon a Classic in his first season. Kieren Fallon (near) rides Night Of Thunder to victory in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May . JUNE . BHA announce a policy of zero tolerance to Anabolic Steroids but we will have to wait until March next year for the policy to fully come on stream. Grand National jockeys let off with a caution as starting procedure shown to be shambolic. Marginalised Godolphin jockey Mickael Barzalona heads back to France. McCoy reaches his fastest ever 50 wins and Paul Hanagan wins Oaks on Taghrooda, his first Classic. RACE OF MONTH: Australia goes some way to justifying the hype with a length and a half victory in the Derby. Joseph O'Brien riding Australia (centre) closes in on Derby victory at Epsom in June, 2014 . JULY . The Queen’s 2013 Ascot Gold Cup winner Estimate is embarrassingly caught up in a spree of positive drugs test. The cases are linked to contamination of feed blamed on poppy seeds. Goodwood provoke widespread anger by allowing new sponsor 32Red to ditch the historic Stewards’ Cup race title and the BHA announce an investigation into whether ex-jockey Graham Bradley has been breaking rules by training his own horses within Brendan Powell’s stable. RACE Of MONTH: Raw, sizzling speed from Kingman in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. James Doyle rides Kingman to victory at the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood . AUGUST . BHA announce chief executive Paul Bittar is to leave while controversially confirming jockey Irish jockey Fergal Lynch, previously banned from Britain after admitting he ‘stopped’ a horse in 2004 can ride in this country again. Two-time champion jockey Jamie Spencer announces he is retiring from riding 24 hours before Andrea Atzeni is announced as his replacement as No 1 jockey for Sheik Fahad’s Qatar Racing. RACE OF THE MONTH: Sole Power pounces on the line to win the Nunthorpe Stakes under a typically audacious Richard Hughes ride. Sole Power ridden by Wayne Lorden wins the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes during the Yorkshire Ebor Festival . SEPTEMBER . Going to the dogs … Towcester sell seven of their 17 fixtures because they clash with meetings at its new greyhound track which opens in December while Newcastle’s plans to dig up its flat course and replace it with an all-weather circuit are blocked, temporarily at least, by the BHA. ‘Jock off of the year’ as Criquette Head-Maarek is granted her request to replace Frankie Dettori with veteran Thierry Jarnet on mis-firing Treve. RACE OF THE MONTH: Kingston Hill swoops in the St Leger for jockey Andrea Atzeni and trainer Roger Varian. Andrea Atzeni celebrates as Kingston Hill (centre) wins the St Leger Stakes in Doncaster . OCTOBER . Records smashed at Tattersalls as close to 80,000m guineas is splashed out on blue-blooded yearlings, almost a quarter of it from Sheik Mohammed as he signals his intent to hit back after a disappointing summer of results in Britain. Five months after his link up with Godolphin, the marginalised Kieren Fallon says he is considering quitting Britain to ride in America. Written off Treve storms to a second Arc win, is retired and unretired within six days. RACE OF THE MONTH: Lady Cecil’s Noble Mission produces the perfect finale to Champions Day at Ascot by emulating big brother Frankel with victory in the Champion Stakes. Lady Jane Cecil (left) and James Doyle celebrate with Noble Mission after winning Champion Stakes at Ascot . NOVEMBER . The BHA turn to the bookmaking industry by appointing Ladbrokes managing director Nick Rust their new chief executive. Godolphin’s ever-changing jockey arrangements ended as they appoint William Buick and James Doyle as their jockeys for 2015. BHA in blunderland … wrong race distances at Wetherby, ineligible The Young Master wins at Wetherby and a wrong race distance published at Towcester. The Philip Fenton saga ends with Ireland’s Turf Club banning him for three years. RACE OF THE MONTH: Many Clouds digs deep to win the Hennessy Gold Cup for trainer Oliver Sherwood and jockey Leighton Aspell. Leighton Aspell riding Many Clouds (left) win The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury racecourse on November 29 . DECEMBER . Jamie Spencer’s retirement does even last as long as Treve’s as he announces he is to carry on riding as a freelance in 2015. Despite being clear at his enquiry, the BHA signal they will continue to oppose Graham Bradley’s attempts to gain a trainer’s licence. Evolution or revolution? Six new directors, some unknown within the sport, are appointed to the BHA board. Their performances during 2015 will be closely monitored. RACE OF MONTH: The New One brushes aside the opposition in Cheltenham’s International Hurdle. The New One riden by Sam Twiston-Davies (right) clears the last and wins Cheltenham's International Hurdle . [/INST] Sportsmail's Marcus Townend reviews the last 12 months of racing . Racing correspondent picks his best race from each month of 2014 . From Hurricane Fly's Fourth consecutive  Irish Champion Hurdle win in January to The New One's Cheltenham International Hurdle victory . </s>
(CNN) -- Fifty years ago this month, I chanced to hear the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I was a mild-mannered kid with a speech impediment and a love of math. That day, I was focused on solving math problems, not issues of justice and equal rights. But King broke through to me when he said this: If the children of Birmingham march, Americans will see that what they are asking for is a better education. They will see that even the very young know the difference between right and wrong. I chose to march, and found myself among hundreds of children jailed for five terrifying days. Mind you, I was not a brave child. But even at 12 years old, I believed and hoped that my participation could make a difference. Twenty-five years later, I had made my way to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. My colleagues and I had an outrageous dream: Perhaps a young research university -- just 20 years old -- could alter the course of minority performance in higher education, particularly in the sciences. Baltimore philanthropists Robert and Jane Meyerhoff shared our vision. TED.com: How to escape education's death valley . And now people ask: What magic have we hit upon that has enabled us to become a national model for educating students of all races in a wide range of disciplines? How did we -- as a predominantly white university with a strong liberal arts curriculum -- become one of the top producers of minority scientists in the country? Rather than magic, there are a number of educational principles at work. And what my colleagues and I have found is that they all grow out of one key truth: The world does not always have to be as it is today. TED.com: Hey science teachers, make it fun . To start, we faced up to some particularly tough questions: Why weren't more students from traditionally underrepresented groups succeeding? In what ways was the university responsible? What questions weren't we even thinking to ask? The lessons we learned took shape in the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which has grown into a national model for producing minority students who earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. TED.com: Our failing schools -- enough is enough . In fact, a number of campuses across the nation have been replicating the program, including most recently the University of North Carolina and Penn State. Along the way, we discovered that the strategies that helped minority students initially could be just as effective in helping students across racial and economic groups and across the disciplines -- throughout the arts, humanities and social sciences: . Work from strengths and set high expectations. Too often, we focus on deficits. We see poor preparation or lack of family support, rather than seeing underdeveloped talent and tenacity. At UMBC, we look at a student's background as context, not as destiny. We set high expectations, and both challenge and support students to ensure their success. Build a community of scholars. We help students develop strong peer networks and encourage them to see one another as partners, rather than competitors. It is effective -- and powerful -- when students support and hold one another accountable. Engage students in meaningful research. When asked who contributed most to their academic success, students will almost always mention a faculty member. Faculty-student connections are critical, and it's especially important that faculty engage students in meaningful research. We like to say: It takes researchers to produce researchers. Hold yourself to quantifiable progress. We constantly evaluate the outcomes of our work, and that evaluation is data-driven, not anecdotal. For example, we know that the various features of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program -- peer support groups, intensive advising, early research experiences -- work in combination. UMBC's students graduate, and they go on in large numbers to earn Ph.D.s in science and engineering. But which elements of our approach are most critical and cost-effective? We're currently working on a project funded by the National Science Foundation to tease that out. If we don't look critically at what works -- and what does not -- we can't recalibrate and continue to improve. Keep at it. A graduate recently wrote me to share a quote from Aristotle: "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." To fuel that kind of persistence, hold fast to this one key truth: The world does not always have to be as it is today. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Freeman Hrabowski.
Freeman Hrabowski, longtime college president, started with an "outrageous dream" Inspired by memories of Martin Luther King, he sought to teach people of all backgrounds . University of Maryland, Baltimore County has been recognized for training minority scientists .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Fifty years ago this month, I chanced to hear the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I was a mild-mannered kid with a speech impediment and a love of math. That day, I was focused on solving math problems, not issues of justice and equal rights. But King broke through to me when he said this: If the children of Birmingham march, Americans will see that what they are asking for is a better education. They will see that even the very young know the difference between right and wrong. I chose to march, and found myself among hundreds of children jailed for five terrifying days. Mind you, I was not a brave child. But even at 12 years old, I believed and hoped that my participation could make a difference. Twenty-five years later, I had made my way to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. My colleagues and I had an outrageous dream: Perhaps a young research university -- just 20 years old -- could alter the course of minority performance in higher education, particularly in the sciences. Baltimore philanthropists Robert and Jane Meyerhoff shared our vision. TED.com: How to escape education's death valley . And now people ask: What magic have we hit upon that has enabled us to become a national model for educating students of all races in a wide range of disciplines? How did we -- as a predominantly white university with a strong liberal arts curriculum -- become one of the top producers of minority scientists in the country? Rather than magic, there are a number of educational principles at work. And what my colleagues and I have found is that they all grow out of one key truth: The world does not always have to be as it is today. TED.com: Hey science teachers, make it fun . To start, we faced up to some particularly tough questions: Why weren't more students from traditionally underrepresented groups succeeding? In what ways was the university responsible? What questions weren't we even thinking to ask? The lessons we learned took shape in the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which has grown into a national model for producing minority students who earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math. TED.com: Our failing schools -- enough is enough . In fact, a number of campuses across the nation have been replicating the program, including most recently the University of North Carolina and Penn State. Along the way, we discovered that the strategies that helped minority students initially could be just as effective in helping students across racial and economic groups and across the disciplines -- throughout the arts, humanities and social sciences: . Work from strengths and set high expectations. Too often, we focus on deficits. We see poor preparation or lack of family support, rather than seeing underdeveloped talent and tenacity. At UMBC, we look at a student's background as context, not as destiny. We set high expectations, and both challenge and support students to ensure their success. Build a community of scholars. We help students develop strong peer networks and encourage them to see one another as partners, rather than competitors. It is effective -- and powerful -- when students support and hold one another accountable. Engage students in meaningful research. When asked who contributed most to their academic success, students will almost always mention a faculty member. Faculty-student connections are critical, and it's especially important that faculty engage students in meaningful research. We like to say: It takes researchers to produce researchers. Hold yourself to quantifiable progress. We constantly evaluate the outcomes of our work, and that evaluation is data-driven, not anecdotal. For example, we know that the various features of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program -- peer support groups, intensive advising, early research experiences -- work in combination. UMBC's students graduate, and they go on in large numbers to earn Ph.D.s in science and engineering. But which elements of our approach are most critical and cost-effective? We're currently working on a project funded by the National Science Foundation to tease that out. If we don't look critically at what works -- and what does not -- we can't recalibrate and continue to improve. Keep at it. A graduate recently wrote me to share a quote from Aristotle: "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." To fuel that kind of persistence, hold fast to this one key truth: The world does not always have to be as it is today. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Freeman Hrabowski. [/INST] Freeman Hrabowski, longtime college president, started with an "outrageous dream" Inspired by memories of Martin Luther King, he sought to teach people of all backgrounds . University of Maryland, Baltimore County has been recognized for training minority scientists . </s>
Tourists are being blamed for the rise in dingo attacks on a Queensland island with photos of people taking selfies with the wild dogs rife on social media. Residents of Fraser Island, north of the Sunshine Coast, have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and try to feed dingoes following an attack on a man this week. Dane Allan, 25, suffered injuries to his head, legs and buttocks when he was attacked by three dingoes while on the beach at 10.30pm on Monday. Scroll down for video . Tourists are being blamed for the rise in dingo attacks on a Queensland island with photos of people taking selfies with the wild dogs rife on social media . Since 2001 there have been 986 reports about problems with dingoes, with 149 incidents considered 'high risk', which includes biting . The recent attack on the World Heritage sand island has residents accusing tourists and fisherman of encouraging the dingoes to act aggressively. A number of tourists have posted their selfies with dingoes in the background on social media and some are dangerously close to the wild dogs despite warnings around the island. Sailfish on Fraser hotel manager Julie Dunn, who was one of the first to respond when Mr Allan was attacked on Monday, has called for increased fines for those who interact with the animals. Residents of Fraser Island, north of the Sunshine Coast, have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and try to feed dingoes . A number of tourists have posted their selfies with dingoes in the background on social media and some are dangerously close to the wild dogs despite warnings around the island . A staff member from Fraser Island Retreat, Larry Ray, said the island would have dingo problems as long as people fed them . 'I think $300 is not enough. I think it should be increased to $5000,' she told the Courier Mail. 'The thing is people don’t understand the dingoes they come here to see. They are wild animals. 'Do people go to Africa to see the wild animals and try to feed them?' A staff member from Fraser Island Retreat, Larry Ray, said the island would have dingo problems as long as people fed them. 'The dogs that are causing the problems are caused by people interacting with them,' he said. 'I love the dogs and I get annoyed when this (attacks) happens because somewhere along the line it was humans causing the stupidity.' Tourists continue to pose with dingoes and feed them despite several warning posted around the island . Dane Allan, 25, suffered injuries to his head, legs and buttocks when he was attacked by three dingoes while on a beach at Fraser Island on Monday .
Residents of Queensland's Fraser Island have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and feed dingoes . A 25-year-old man was mauled by three dingoes on a beach on Monday . Tourists and fisherman have been accused of encouraging dogs to act out . A number of tourists have posted their dingo selfies to social media .
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<s>[INST] Tourists are being blamed for the rise in dingo attacks on a Queensland island with photos of people taking selfies with the wild dogs rife on social media. Residents of Fraser Island, north of the Sunshine Coast, have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and try to feed dingoes following an attack on a man this week. Dane Allan, 25, suffered injuries to his head, legs and buttocks when he was attacked by three dingoes while on the beach at 10.30pm on Monday. Scroll down for video . Tourists are being blamed for the rise in dingo attacks on a Queensland island with photos of people taking selfies with the wild dogs rife on social media . Since 2001 there have been 986 reports about problems with dingoes, with 149 incidents considered 'high risk', which includes biting . The recent attack on the World Heritage sand island has residents accusing tourists and fisherman of encouraging the dingoes to act aggressively. A number of tourists have posted their selfies with dingoes in the background on social media and some are dangerously close to the wild dogs despite warnings around the island. Sailfish on Fraser hotel manager Julie Dunn, who was one of the first to respond when Mr Allan was attacked on Monday, has called for increased fines for those who interact with the animals. Residents of Fraser Island, north of the Sunshine Coast, have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and try to feed dingoes . A number of tourists have posted their selfies with dingoes in the background on social media and some are dangerously close to the wild dogs despite warnings around the island . A staff member from Fraser Island Retreat, Larry Ray, said the island would have dingo problems as long as people fed them . 'I think $300 is not enough. I think it should be increased to $5000,' she told the Courier Mail. 'The thing is people don’t understand the dingoes they come here to see. They are wild animals. 'Do people go to Africa to see the wild animals and try to feed them?' A staff member from Fraser Island Retreat, Larry Ray, said the island would have dingo problems as long as people fed them. 'The dogs that are causing the problems are caused by people interacting with them,' he said. 'I love the dogs and I get annoyed when this (attacks) happens because somewhere along the line it was humans causing the stupidity.' Tourists continue to pose with dingoes and feed them despite several warning posted around the island . Dane Allan, 25, suffered injuries to his head, legs and buttocks when he was attacked by three dingoes while on a beach at Fraser Island on Monday . [/INST] Residents of Queensland's Fraser Island have called for tougher penalties for people who interact and feed dingoes . A 25-year-old man was mauled by three dingoes on a beach on Monday . Tourists and fisherman have been accused of encouraging dogs to act out . A number of tourists have posted their dingo selfies to social media . </s>
A mother in the advanced stages of labor thought she had just enough time to stop off and register her four-year-old son at a school en route to hospital. But she was mistaken. A school nurse and police officer helped Vanessa DeLeon deliver her fourth baby, Geovani Ezekiel, on Thursday at the campus clinic of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas. With no specialist medical equipment available, the newborn's umbilical cord was cut with string and school T-shirts were used as swaddling clothes. A school nurse helped Vanessa DeLeon (pictured) deliver her fourth baby, Geovani Ezekiel, on Thursday at Fisher Elementary School in Texas . Ms DeLeon says her contractions began . earlier Thursday but that she was intent on registering her son, Alexis, . for prekindergarten at Fisher before giving birth to her child. Commenting . on the chain of events, she told KHOU News: 'I walk [into the school] . and tell the lady, "Here is the immunization and the package filled out. Is there anything I'm missing because I have to go now. I'm in labor."' However, baby Geovani just couldn't wait to be born. Unexpected delivery: An image of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas, where Ms DeLeon gave birth . Doting mom: Ms DeLeon was at the school trying to register one of her other sons (pictured) in pre-kindergarten when she had to lie down and give birth . His . mother added: 'At first I was like, "Oh my God. I can't believe I'm one . of those ladies that has baby at one of those weird random places."' It was Ashleigh Morris' second day on the job as school nurse Fisher when she was faced with the task of delivering a baby. She said she was putting on her gloves when she saw the baby crowning and was forced to do the delivery bare-handed. Quick action: It was Ashleigh Morris' (pictured) second day on the job as school nurse Fisher when she was faced with the task of delivering a baby . New family member: Baby Geovani Ezekiel weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces . 'I had no choice, mom pushed and we pulled the baby out,' Ms Morris recalled. The mother and her newborn were doing well when they were later transferred to Bayshore Medical Center. Geovani weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces. Alexis also got a spot in pre-K. 'Pre-K is very limited and he was asking me to go to school,' Ms DeLeon concluded. 'It's important he goes to school and learns a lot rather than sitting at home watching TV.'
A school nurse helped Vanessa DeLeon deliver her fourth baby on Thursday at the clinic of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas . With no specialist medical equipment available, the newborn's umbilical cord was cut with string . Geovani Ezekiel weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces .
a94b63648b5078c89be402754f262c6f356334d3
<s>[INST] A mother in the advanced stages of labor thought she had just enough time to stop off and register her four-year-old son at a school en route to hospital. But she was mistaken. A school nurse and police officer helped Vanessa DeLeon deliver her fourth baby, Geovani Ezekiel, on Thursday at the campus clinic of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas. With no specialist medical equipment available, the newborn's umbilical cord was cut with string and school T-shirts were used as swaddling clothes. A school nurse helped Vanessa DeLeon (pictured) deliver her fourth baby, Geovani Ezekiel, on Thursday at Fisher Elementary School in Texas . Ms DeLeon says her contractions began . earlier Thursday but that she was intent on registering her son, Alexis, . for prekindergarten at Fisher before giving birth to her child. Commenting . on the chain of events, she told KHOU News: 'I walk [into the school] . and tell the lady, "Here is the immunization and the package filled out. Is there anything I'm missing because I have to go now. I'm in labor."' However, baby Geovani just couldn't wait to be born. Unexpected delivery: An image of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas, where Ms DeLeon gave birth . Doting mom: Ms DeLeon was at the school trying to register one of her other sons (pictured) in pre-kindergarten when she had to lie down and give birth . His . mother added: 'At first I was like, "Oh my God. I can't believe I'm one . of those ladies that has baby at one of those weird random places."' It was Ashleigh Morris' second day on the job as school nurse Fisher when she was faced with the task of delivering a baby. She said she was putting on her gloves when she saw the baby crowning and was forced to do the delivery bare-handed. Quick action: It was Ashleigh Morris' (pictured) second day on the job as school nurse Fisher when she was faced with the task of delivering a baby . New family member: Baby Geovani Ezekiel weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces . 'I had no choice, mom pushed and we pulled the baby out,' Ms Morris recalled. The mother and her newborn were doing well when they were later transferred to Bayshore Medical Center. Geovani weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces. Alexis also got a spot in pre-K. 'Pre-K is very limited and he was asking me to go to school,' Ms DeLeon concluded. 'It's important he goes to school and learns a lot rather than sitting at home watching TV.' [/INST] A school nurse helped Vanessa DeLeon deliver her fourth baby on Thursday at the clinic of Fisher Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas . With no specialist medical equipment available, the newborn's umbilical cord was cut with string . Geovani Ezekiel weighed a healthy six pounds, three ounces . </s>
(EW.com) -- It's all part of the plan. The twerking. The tongue. The tattoos. Miley Cyrus is a "strategic hot mess," and we love it. Chronicling her triumphs and struggles for four months, MTV took a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of Cyrus leading up to and after her controversial performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards for Wednesday's "Miley: The Movement." From the funny moments with her mom to catching up with Britney Spears, the documentary captured her most candid moments. Here are five things we learned from the "Bangerz" singer on her journey with MTV. Paula Patton reacts to Miley Cyrus' VMAs performance: 'I didn't get the big deal' 1. Miley's not transitioning, she's growing. Miley is still Miley. While critics have labeled her current phase as a "transition," the former "Hannah Montana" star maintains it's always been her. "I'm the same human, I've got the same heart I had five years ago," she says. "All the things about me are the same — same skin, same human — so it's not a transition. It's a movement, it's a growth, it's a change." 2. Miley has doubts too. Yes, Miley had some reservations along the way. After debuting her single "We Can't Stop," there was a moment when she questioned whether her single was going to break through. "You can never be sure when it comes to your first single," Cyrus said. "You can always think, 'this is going to be the biggest song in the world,' and it's not going to happen." However, Cyrus went into full promo for the song, and the rest is history, with "We Can't Stop" hitting No. 1. Miley Cyrus to 'Harper's Bazaar': 'I'm an adult and I'm acting like a kid' 3. Miley's mom is her homey. While it was questionable where then-fiancé Liam Hemsworth and dad Billy Ray Cyrus were in this documentary, the bond between Miley and Tish was evident. "My Mom is my homey! If I win, then she wins — not because she's my manager, but because she's my mom," the singer explained. "I think she keeps me, like, less anxious, because I do get so overwhelmed when I'm gonna perform, because everything has to be perfect." As Miley's antics were examined with a fine-tooth comb, Tish maintained her spot as Miley's support system. "Anyone that's ever said, 'Where's her mother?' the answer is 'right beside her,'" Tish said. "Through good, through bad, through arguments, through crying, through I don't care what — right there." 4. Pharrell Williams is Miley's mentor. Supporting Miley throughout her career, Pharrell was the one who suggested the singer chop off her locks. "You have to remember this a 20-year-old evolving," Williams said. "Her dad is Billy Ray Cyrus, her godmother is Dolly Parton, and she's raised in the era of 'hip-hop is king.' So when people go and look and ask, 'Why is she twerking, why is she doing this?' It's because she's a by-product of America." Miley Cyrus' VMA foam finger available for all your Halloween needs . 5. Miley is strategic and detail-oriented. Miley truly showcased her strong attention to detail as an artist when she grew frustrated after her plans for a grand entrance on the red carpet at the MTV VMAs fell apart. "Everything we do has to be a moment," Cyrus said. "If I'm going to do it, it has to be the best, so every detail seems much more magnified to me. I can easily let little things that don't matter to me that much shut me down completely."\ . There were a few questions still left to ponder: Where was Billy? Where was Liam? How did producer Mike Will Made It come into play? Did your opinions of Miley change? In the meantime check out EW's review of "Bangerz," which hits stores October 8. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.
MTV aired "Miley: The Movement" on October 2 . The program chronicled her triumphs and struggles over four months . It showed her life leading up to and following her MTV VMAs performance . The takeaways are that she's still growing, has her doubts and is close with her mom .
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<s>[INST] (EW.com) -- It's all part of the plan. The twerking. The tongue. The tattoos. Miley Cyrus is a "strategic hot mess," and we love it. Chronicling her triumphs and struggles for four months, MTV took a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of Cyrus leading up to and after her controversial performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards for Wednesday's "Miley: The Movement." From the funny moments with her mom to catching up with Britney Spears, the documentary captured her most candid moments. Here are five things we learned from the "Bangerz" singer on her journey with MTV. Paula Patton reacts to Miley Cyrus' VMAs performance: 'I didn't get the big deal' 1. Miley's not transitioning, she's growing. Miley is still Miley. While critics have labeled her current phase as a "transition," the former "Hannah Montana" star maintains it's always been her. "I'm the same human, I've got the same heart I had five years ago," she says. "All the things about me are the same — same skin, same human — so it's not a transition. It's a movement, it's a growth, it's a change." 2. Miley has doubts too. Yes, Miley had some reservations along the way. After debuting her single "We Can't Stop," there was a moment when she questioned whether her single was going to break through. "You can never be sure when it comes to your first single," Cyrus said. "You can always think, 'this is going to be the biggest song in the world,' and it's not going to happen." However, Cyrus went into full promo for the song, and the rest is history, with "We Can't Stop" hitting No. 1. Miley Cyrus to 'Harper's Bazaar': 'I'm an adult and I'm acting like a kid' 3. Miley's mom is her homey. While it was questionable where then-fiancé Liam Hemsworth and dad Billy Ray Cyrus were in this documentary, the bond between Miley and Tish was evident. "My Mom is my homey! If I win, then she wins — not because she's my manager, but because she's my mom," the singer explained. "I think she keeps me, like, less anxious, because I do get so overwhelmed when I'm gonna perform, because everything has to be perfect." As Miley's antics were examined with a fine-tooth comb, Tish maintained her spot as Miley's support system. "Anyone that's ever said, 'Where's her mother?' the answer is 'right beside her,'" Tish said. "Through good, through bad, through arguments, through crying, through I don't care what — right there." 4. Pharrell Williams is Miley's mentor. Supporting Miley throughout her career, Pharrell was the one who suggested the singer chop off her locks. "You have to remember this a 20-year-old evolving," Williams said. "Her dad is Billy Ray Cyrus, her godmother is Dolly Parton, and she's raised in the era of 'hip-hop is king.' So when people go and look and ask, 'Why is she twerking, why is she doing this?' It's because she's a by-product of America." Miley Cyrus' VMA foam finger available for all your Halloween needs . 5. Miley is strategic and detail-oriented. Miley truly showcased her strong attention to detail as an artist when she grew frustrated after her plans for a grand entrance on the red carpet at the MTV VMAs fell apart. "Everything we do has to be a moment," Cyrus said. "If I'm going to do it, it has to be the best, so every detail seems much more magnified to me. I can easily let little things that don't matter to me that much shut me down completely."\ . There were a few questions still left to ponder: Where was Billy? Where was Liam? How did producer Mike Will Made It come into play? Did your opinions of Miley change? In the meantime check out EW's review of "Bangerz," which hits stores October 8. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. [/INST] MTV aired "Miley: The Movement" on October 2 . The program chronicled her triumphs and struggles over four months . It showed her life leading up to and following her MTV VMAs performance . The takeaways are that she's still growing, has her doubts and is close with her mom . </s>
Hereford United have been wound up by the High Court. Owner Andy Lonsdale had promised to invest £1million in the club but he did not arrive at the hearing on time, reportedly claiming he was stuck in traffic. It was the 10th time Lonsdale had been ordered to appear at the High Court and, despite his barristers saying they had a statement that the money was in the bank, the judge was not satisfied there were sufficient funds. The winding-up petition was brought by HM Revenue and Customs, one of the club's creditors. Hereford United have been wound up by the High Court (Home ground Edgar Street pictured in 2008) It brings to an end a sorry saga for a club founded in 1924 and most famous for knocking Newcastle out of the FA Cup as a Southern League club in 1972. Hereford were elected to the Football League following that triumph and spent 31 seasons in the league in two spells before relegation to the Conference in 2012. This summer they were expelled from the Conference for financial irregularities and began this season in the Southern League Premier Division. Martin Watson, vice-chairman of the Hereford United Supporters' Trust, told BBC Hereford and Worcester: 'It's the end of something I've been a fan of for 30 years. It hurts but it had to be. Hereford goalscorers Ron Radford (left) and Rickey George in the dressing room after they stunned the football world by beating Newcastle United 2-1 in a third round FA Cup replay . 'We never thought we'd come to this. We were promised so much over the last few months and nothing was delivered. 'Hereford United will continue because we, the fans, are Hereford United. We'll think about it, we'll take a moment, then we'll pick the pieces up and start again.' Herefordshire Council, which owns Edgar Street, is seeking repossession of the ground as soon as possible. In a statement, the council said: 'As Hereford United Football Club (1939) Limited is in the process of being wound up and a liquidator will be appointed, this action triggers the council's right as landlord to forfeit the leases. Hereford Council, who own Edgar Street, is seeking repossession of the ground as soon as possible . 'The council will now pursue this and seek to gain formal repossession of all three sites leased to the club. 'Once the ground has been secured, the council will consider the appropriate process for procuring a new tenant to ensure the continuation of football. 'The council is unable to seek immediate possession of the ground, there is a prescribed legal process which the council must adhere to. At this point in time we understand that this process is likely to take a couple weeks.'
Owner Andy Lonsdale had promised to invest £1million into the club . Hereford are famous for knocking Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 . Martin Watson, vice-chairman of the Supporters' Trust, spoke of his hurt .
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<s>[INST] Hereford United have been wound up by the High Court. Owner Andy Lonsdale had promised to invest £1million in the club but he did not arrive at the hearing on time, reportedly claiming he was stuck in traffic. It was the 10th time Lonsdale had been ordered to appear at the High Court and, despite his barristers saying they had a statement that the money was in the bank, the judge was not satisfied there were sufficient funds. The winding-up petition was brought by HM Revenue and Customs, one of the club's creditors. Hereford United have been wound up by the High Court (Home ground Edgar Street pictured in 2008) It brings to an end a sorry saga for a club founded in 1924 and most famous for knocking Newcastle out of the FA Cup as a Southern League club in 1972. Hereford were elected to the Football League following that triumph and spent 31 seasons in the league in two spells before relegation to the Conference in 2012. This summer they were expelled from the Conference for financial irregularities and began this season in the Southern League Premier Division. Martin Watson, vice-chairman of the Hereford United Supporters' Trust, told BBC Hereford and Worcester: 'It's the end of something I've been a fan of for 30 years. It hurts but it had to be. Hereford goalscorers Ron Radford (left) and Rickey George in the dressing room after they stunned the football world by beating Newcastle United 2-1 in a third round FA Cup replay . 'We never thought we'd come to this. We were promised so much over the last few months and nothing was delivered. 'Hereford United will continue because we, the fans, are Hereford United. We'll think about it, we'll take a moment, then we'll pick the pieces up and start again.' Herefordshire Council, which owns Edgar Street, is seeking repossession of the ground as soon as possible. In a statement, the council said: 'As Hereford United Football Club (1939) Limited is in the process of being wound up and a liquidator will be appointed, this action triggers the council's right as landlord to forfeit the leases. Hereford Council, who own Edgar Street, is seeking repossession of the ground as soon as possible . 'The council will now pursue this and seek to gain formal repossession of all three sites leased to the club. 'Once the ground has been secured, the council will consider the appropriate process for procuring a new tenant to ensure the continuation of football. 'The council is unable to seek immediate possession of the ground, there is a prescribed legal process which the council must adhere to. At this point in time we understand that this process is likely to take a couple weeks.' [/INST] Owner Andy Lonsdale had promised to invest £1million into the club . Hereford are famous for knocking Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 . Martin Watson, vice-chairman of the Supporters' Trust, spoke of his hurt . </s>
By . Mark Duell . These photographs show how properties along the Thames have been ruined by river levels reaching a ten-year high on some stretches. The pictures from Surrey come as communities in the South were warned they were still at risk of flooding from swollen rivers and saturated ground. On Sunday, which was the peak of flooding along the Thames, around 400 tonnes of water per second flowed along the river at Windsor. And levels along many parts of the Thames - including Purley, Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead - reached a decade-long high. There are currently 18 Environment Agency flood warnings and 98 flood alerts in place for England and Wales, with the majority in the South. Difficult times: A man carries his shopping through flood water as he makes his way to his flooded home adjacent to the River Thames near Shepperton, Surrey . Troubled: The Environment Agency has recorded a 10-year high for the water level on several stretches of the River Thames. Sunbury in Surrey is pictured . Full of water: A greenhouse is flooded from high water from the Thames near Sunbury. Communities in the South were warned they were still at risk of flooding . Good time for a boat: The risk of flooding remains along the Thames (pictured), and river levels are still high in parts of Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire . The risk of flooding remains along the . Thames, and river levels are still high in parts of Hampshire, West . Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. Thames . warnings were out today for Horton, Chertsey, Old Windsor, Wraysbury, Purley, . Henley, Remenham, Medmenham, Shiplake and Wargrave. More . showers and some rain are forecast for this week - but far from what was . seen over Christmas, so the river levels were not expected to rise soon. There . is still concern in the Somerset Levels, where villages have been cut . off by floods, but levels have stabilised and are starting to fall in . some places. However, groundwater levels remain very high in Dorset and Wiltshire, and continue to rise in some southern areas. Carrying on: Pallets are used as a raised walkway into a flooded home adjacent to the River Thames near Sunbury . No play today: A playground is flooded from high water from the river Thames near Sunbury. More showers and some rain are forecast for this week . Thames floods: The latest estimates show that 640 homes and businesses had flooded in England since the beginning of January . Shepperton damage: The bad weather since the New Year followed a stormy Christmas period with high winds and heavy rain causing flooding and disruption . John Curtin, head of incident response at . the Environment Agency, said: ‘There is a continued risk of flooding in . southern England, especially Somerset and Wiltshire, and we urge people . to remain vigilant and prepared to take action. 'We urge people to remain vigilant and prepared to take action' John Curtin, Environment Agency . ‘Environment Agency teams are . out on the ground, maintaining flood defences, clearing watercourses and . deploying pumps and temporary defences to protect communities at risk.’ The latest estimates show that 640 homes and businesses had flooded in England since the beginning of January. The bad weather since the New Year . followed a stormy Christmas period with high winds and heavy rain . causing flooding and disruption. But . the EA said the Thames Barrier was shut 13 times in a row in early . January, defending £200billion-worth of property and infrastructure in . London. Broken fence: The rain forecast for this week is far from what was seen over Christmas, so the river levels are not expected to rise. Shepperton is pictured . Water levels: Environment Agency flood defences have protected more than 240,000 homes and businesses. Shepperton is pictured . Orange and red: There are currently 18 flood warnings and 98 flood alerts in place in England and Wales, with the majority in the South-East and South-West . Forecast: Tomorrow, it will be a bright and breezy day with sunny spells, but cloud may be more extensive across much of Scotland where fog may struggle to lift . Along with two closures in December, more than 10 per cent of all closures in . its 30-year history took place between early December and . mid-January. Tonight will be mostly cloudy across Britain with showery bursts of rain tracking eastwards, accompanied by thunder in the South. But the rain will ease away to the East during the early hours leaving a mixture of clear periods and scattered showers. Tomorrow, it will be a bright and breezy day with sunny spells, but cloud may be more extensive across much of Scotland where fog may struggle to lift. There will also be scattered heavy showers - most frequent in the South and West. Hail and thunder are possible in any heavier showers.
Communities in the South warned they are still at risk of flooding from swollen rivers and saturated ground . Sunday was peak of Thames flooding - with 400 tonnes of water per second flowing along river at Windsor . Levels along many parts of Thames including Purley, Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead reached ten-year high . Environment Agency issues 18 flood warnings and 98 flood alerts for England and Wales, with most in South .
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<s>[INST] By . Mark Duell . These photographs show how properties along the Thames have been ruined by river levels reaching a ten-year high on some stretches. The pictures from Surrey come as communities in the South were warned they were still at risk of flooding from swollen rivers and saturated ground. On Sunday, which was the peak of flooding along the Thames, around 400 tonnes of water per second flowed along the river at Windsor. And levels along many parts of the Thames - including Purley, Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead - reached a decade-long high. There are currently 18 Environment Agency flood warnings and 98 flood alerts in place for England and Wales, with the majority in the South. Difficult times: A man carries his shopping through flood water as he makes his way to his flooded home adjacent to the River Thames near Shepperton, Surrey . Troubled: The Environment Agency has recorded a 10-year high for the water level on several stretches of the River Thames. Sunbury in Surrey is pictured . Full of water: A greenhouse is flooded from high water from the Thames near Sunbury. Communities in the South were warned they were still at risk of flooding . Good time for a boat: The risk of flooding remains along the Thames (pictured), and river levels are still high in parts of Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire . The risk of flooding remains along the . Thames, and river levels are still high in parts of Hampshire, West . Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. Thames . warnings were out today for Horton, Chertsey, Old Windsor, Wraysbury, Purley, . Henley, Remenham, Medmenham, Shiplake and Wargrave. More . showers and some rain are forecast for this week - but far from what was . seen over Christmas, so the river levels were not expected to rise soon. There . is still concern in the Somerset Levels, where villages have been cut . off by floods, but levels have stabilised and are starting to fall in . some places. However, groundwater levels remain very high in Dorset and Wiltshire, and continue to rise in some southern areas. Carrying on: Pallets are used as a raised walkway into a flooded home adjacent to the River Thames near Sunbury . No play today: A playground is flooded from high water from the river Thames near Sunbury. More showers and some rain are forecast for this week . Thames floods: The latest estimates show that 640 homes and businesses had flooded in England since the beginning of January . Shepperton damage: The bad weather since the New Year followed a stormy Christmas period with high winds and heavy rain causing flooding and disruption . John Curtin, head of incident response at . the Environment Agency, said: ‘There is a continued risk of flooding in . southern England, especially Somerset and Wiltshire, and we urge people . to remain vigilant and prepared to take action. 'We urge people to remain vigilant and prepared to take action' John Curtin, Environment Agency . ‘Environment Agency teams are . out on the ground, maintaining flood defences, clearing watercourses and . deploying pumps and temporary defences to protect communities at risk.’ The latest estimates show that 640 homes and businesses had flooded in England since the beginning of January. The bad weather since the New Year . followed a stormy Christmas period with high winds and heavy rain . causing flooding and disruption. But . the EA said the Thames Barrier was shut 13 times in a row in early . January, defending £200billion-worth of property and infrastructure in . London. Broken fence: The rain forecast for this week is far from what was seen over Christmas, so the river levels are not expected to rise. Shepperton is pictured . Water levels: Environment Agency flood defences have protected more than 240,000 homes and businesses. Shepperton is pictured . Orange and red: There are currently 18 flood warnings and 98 flood alerts in place in England and Wales, with the majority in the South-East and South-West . Forecast: Tomorrow, it will be a bright and breezy day with sunny spells, but cloud may be more extensive across much of Scotland where fog may struggle to lift . Along with two closures in December, more than 10 per cent of all closures in . its 30-year history took place between early December and . mid-January. Tonight will be mostly cloudy across Britain with showery bursts of rain tracking eastwards, accompanied by thunder in the South. But the rain will ease away to the East during the early hours leaving a mixture of clear periods and scattered showers. Tomorrow, it will be a bright and breezy day with sunny spells, but cloud may be more extensive across much of Scotland where fog may struggle to lift. There will also be scattered heavy showers - most frequent in the South and West. Hail and thunder are possible in any heavier showers. [/INST] Communities in the South warned they are still at risk of flooding from swollen rivers and saturated ground . Sunday was peak of Thames flooding - with 400 tonnes of water per second flowing along river at Windsor . Levels along many parts of Thames including Purley, Henley, Marlow and Maidenhead reached ten-year high . Environment Agency issues 18 flood warnings and 98 flood alerts for England and Wales, with most in South . </s>
The view of the Eiffel Tower against the Paris skyline is breathtaking on an ordinary day, but the French capital was recently bathed in a rare horizontal rainbow. Across the city's horizon a clear spectrum of colours emerged for a short time, in a natural phenomenon known as a fire rainbow. Parisian Bertrand Kulik, 33, spotted the unusual display out of the window of his apartment in France's capital on March 17. A horizontal rainbow, known as a fire rainbow, is pictured above the Paris skyline by Parisian Bertrand Kulik . Horizontal rainbows, or circumhorizon arcs, occur when cirrus clouds are elevated enough to form plate-shaped ice crystals . Amateur photographer Mr Kulik said: . ‘I have never seen a rainbow like that before. This light phenomenon . looked like a rising aurora over Paris. 'When I saw it, I had to react . very fast. I was very impressed by this beauty and I knew that I could . not miss it.’ The display was only visible for a short time, but Mr Kulik quickly grabbed his camera and captured the rare sight. Fire rainbows are a common sight in the U.S. but are rarer in northern Europe because the sun is not often at the right angle to create the effect . The horizontal rainbow was brought on by heavy rainstorms abd stormy weather that lashed Paris last week . He . added: ‘It was only possible to see it for few minutes. Often I am . waiting to catch some weather pictures. Every day I hope to see some . atmospheric phenomenons like that. ‘The day was tormented with a stormy sky. Even in a big city it's possible to see some amazing natural phenomenon. ‘It was a very turbulent day and I will remember it for a long time.’ The horizontal rainbow was brought on by heavy rainstorms that lashed Paris last week. Fire . rainbows, known by the proper name of circumhorizon arc, occur when . cirrus clouds are far enough up in the air to form plate-shaped ice . crystals. They are not actually rainbows, but a halo effect, although they are commonly referred to as fire rainbows. When the sun is at the right angle it hits the top of these . plates and splits into different colours that are viewable on the . ground. Although such fire rainbows are . relatively common in the United States, they are a rarer sight in . northern Europe where the sun less frequently has the required elevation . needed for it to occur. The effect only lasted for a few minutes so Bertrand Kulik acted quickly to capture the skyline vista . Bertrand Kulik captured the dramatic skies of Paris during the storm which led to the rare fire rainbow over the city .
Horizontal 'fire rainbows' rarely seen in northern Europe but common in U.S. Appeared in Paris for just five minutes before disappearing again .
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<s>[INST] The view of the Eiffel Tower against the Paris skyline is breathtaking on an ordinary day, but the French capital was recently bathed in a rare horizontal rainbow. Across the city's horizon a clear spectrum of colours emerged for a short time, in a natural phenomenon known as a fire rainbow. Parisian Bertrand Kulik, 33, spotted the unusual display out of the window of his apartment in France's capital on March 17. A horizontal rainbow, known as a fire rainbow, is pictured above the Paris skyline by Parisian Bertrand Kulik . Horizontal rainbows, or circumhorizon arcs, occur when cirrus clouds are elevated enough to form plate-shaped ice crystals . Amateur photographer Mr Kulik said: . ‘I have never seen a rainbow like that before. This light phenomenon . looked like a rising aurora over Paris. 'When I saw it, I had to react . very fast. I was very impressed by this beauty and I knew that I could . not miss it.’ The display was only visible for a short time, but Mr Kulik quickly grabbed his camera and captured the rare sight. Fire rainbows are a common sight in the U.S. but are rarer in northern Europe because the sun is not often at the right angle to create the effect . The horizontal rainbow was brought on by heavy rainstorms abd stormy weather that lashed Paris last week . He . added: ‘It was only possible to see it for few minutes. Often I am . waiting to catch some weather pictures. Every day I hope to see some . atmospheric phenomenons like that. ‘The day was tormented with a stormy sky. Even in a big city it's possible to see some amazing natural phenomenon. ‘It was a very turbulent day and I will remember it for a long time.’ The horizontal rainbow was brought on by heavy rainstorms that lashed Paris last week. Fire . rainbows, known by the proper name of circumhorizon arc, occur when . cirrus clouds are far enough up in the air to form plate-shaped ice . crystals. They are not actually rainbows, but a halo effect, although they are commonly referred to as fire rainbows. When the sun is at the right angle it hits the top of these . plates and splits into different colours that are viewable on the . ground. Although such fire rainbows are . relatively common in the United States, they are a rarer sight in . northern Europe where the sun less frequently has the required elevation . needed for it to occur. The effect only lasted for a few minutes so Bertrand Kulik acted quickly to capture the skyline vista . Bertrand Kulik captured the dramatic skies of Paris during the storm which led to the rare fire rainbow over the city . [/INST] Horizontal 'fire rainbows' rarely seen in northern Europe but common in U.S. Appeared in Paris for just five minutes before disappearing again . </s>
By . Sarah Dean For Daily Mail Australia . and Aap . Horses have been banned from marching in the World War I centenary ANZAC parade in Albany due to safety concerns. Equestrians are outraged the chair of the event's organising committee, Major General Dave Chalmers said the horses were not allowed in the march because of the risk to the anticipated 60,000 visitors. Major General Chalmers said the troop march was not a re-enactment and would be restricted to serving and ex-serving defence force members and cadets. The WA Australian Light Horse Association has been banned from the Albany, WA, ANZAC march . But the light horse would be recognised at other events in Albany over the ANZAC weekend, he said. Australian Light Horse Association WA president Harry Ball said it was disappointing the committee had not discussed their concerns with the association before banning the horses. Mr Ball said the horses had taken part in the Albany ANZAC march every year for the past 25 years as well as at events in Perth without causing an accident. 'If they'd just discussed with us the safety issues or maybe included us in planning for the day we could have reassured them,' Mr Ball said. Members of the Australian light horse association are seen here in the old city of Beersheva, Israel in 2007 . WA members have taken part in ANZAC marches for 25 years . Mr Ball said the association was told the risk of people slipping on horse droppings had contributed to the ban. Several talkback callers told Fairfax radio on Thursday that they would voluntarily pick up the droppings if it meant the horses could take part. Only one Australian horse from the 136,000 sent overseas during World War I made it back.
The Australian Light Horse Association have been banned from a WW1 ANZAC parade in Albany, WA . Major General Dave Chalmers said the horses were not allowed in the march because of the risk to the anticipated 60,000 visitors . Horses have marched every year for the past 25 years .
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<s>[INST] By . Sarah Dean For Daily Mail Australia . and Aap . Horses have been banned from marching in the World War I centenary ANZAC parade in Albany due to safety concerns. Equestrians are outraged the chair of the event's organising committee, Major General Dave Chalmers said the horses were not allowed in the march because of the risk to the anticipated 60,000 visitors. Major General Chalmers said the troop march was not a re-enactment and would be restricted to serving and ex-serving defence force members and cadets. The WA Australian Light Horse Association has been banned from the Albany, WA, ANZAC march . But the light horse would be recognised at other events in Albany over the ANZAC weekend, he said. Australian Light Horse Association WA president Harry Ball said it was disappointing the committee had not discussed their concerns with the association before banning the horses. Mr Ball said the horses had taken part in the Albany ANZAC march every year for the past 25 years as well as at events in Perth without causing an accident. 'If they'd just discussed with us the safety issues or maybe included us in planning for the day we could have reassured them,' Mr Ball said. Members of the Australian light horse association are seen here in the old city of Beersheva, Israel in 2007 . WA members have taken part in ANZAC marches for 25 years . Mr Ball said the association was told the risk of people slipping on horse droppings had contributed to the ban. Several talkback callers told Fairfax radio on Thursday that they would voluntarily pick up the droppings if it meant the horses could take part. Only one Australian horse from the 136,000 sent overseas during World War I made it back. [/INST] The Australian Light Horse Association have been banned from a WW1 ANZAC parade in Albany, WA . Major General Dave Chalmers said the horses were not allowed in the march because of the risk to the anticipated 60,000 visitors . Horses have marched every year for the past 25 years . </s>
North Korea's December 12 rocket launch shows the reclusive Asian country has likely developed the technology to fire a warhead that could reach the U.S. West Coast from 6,200 miles away, South Korean officials said on Sunday. ‘As a result of analyzing the material of Unha-3 (North Korea's rocket), we judged North Korea had secured a range of more than 10,000 km in case the warhead is 500-600 kg,’ a South Korean Defense Ministry official said during a news briefing. North Korea has said the rocket launch was carried out to put a satellite in space for the first time. Critics say it was aimed at creating the kind of technology needed to mount a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile. But experts say North is still years away . from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to . mount on a missile. Scroll down for video . Warning sign: North Korea's December 12 rocket launch shows the country has likely developed the technology to fire a missile that could reach the U.S. West Coast . Not an immediate threat; But experts say North is still years away from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to mount on a missile . Banned: North Korea is banned from testing missile or nuclear technology under U.N. sanctions imposed after its 2006 and 2009 nuclear weapons tests and the U.N. Security Council condemned the launch . The rocket launch earlier this month caused an international frenzy. Britain, the United States, South Korea and Japan, among other countries, immediately condemned North Korea after it fired its long-range rocket. Britain's Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State William Hague MP was one of several international figures to describe the move – which defied a world ban on ballistic missile tests – as 'provocative'. North Korea is banned from testing missile or nuclear technology under U.N. sanctions imposed after its 2006 and 2009 nuclear weapons tests and the U.N. Security Council condemned the launch. 'Provocative': Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) have condemned North Korea's actions . On guard: South Korean Army soldiers were photographed patrolling along a barbed-wire fence at the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon, north of Seoul, on Thursday December 20, 2012 . Mr Hague summoned the North Korean . ambassador to the Foreign Office to demand an explanation following a . 'clear violation' of at least two United Nations Security Council . resolutions. 'This provocative act will increase . tensions in the region. I deplore the fact that the Democratic People's . Republic of Korea has chosen to prioritize this launch over improving . the livelihood of its people,' he said. Even China, North Korea's closest . ally, expressed regret that a rocket was launched 'in spite of the . extensive concerns of the international community.' It was a rare show of Chinese . solidarity with the White House, which labelled the rocket test 'a . highly provocative act that threatens regional security.' Blast off: A screen shows the Unha-3 (Milky Way 3) rocket being launched from a launch pad at the North Korea's West Sea Satellite Launch Site . The rocket was launched North Korea's satellite control centre in Cholsan county, North Pyongan province . Mission control: View of Unha-3 rocket launch at North Korea's space agency's General Launch Command Center on the outskirts of Pyongyang . Japan angrily demanded an emergency . meeting of the UN Security Council, which has punished North Korea . repeatedly for developing its nuclear program. But the angry reaction did little to . dampen spirits in the capital Pyongyang, where people danced in the . streets after vans mounted with loudspeakers drove around streets . announcing the news. Its Unha rocket, named after the . Korean word for 'galaxy', blasted off from the Sohae launch pad in . Tongchang-ri, north-west of Pyongyang, shortly before 1am UK time . yesterday. Pride in the scientific advancement appeared to outweigh the . fear of greater international punishment and isolation. Activity: A satellite image captured last month shows the Sohae Satellite Launch Station in Cholsan County, North Korea . A man watches a TV screen broadcasting news on North Korea's long-range rocket launch on December Wednesday . After three failed attempts, North . Korea, though struggling to feed its people, is now one of the few . countries to have successfully launched a satellite into space from its . own soil. Bitter rival South Korea is not on the . list, although it has tried. North Korean space officials insist the . rocket is meant to send a satellite into orbit that can study crops and . weather patterns. But Western experts note that  the . technology involved in a  satellite launch is similar to that needed to . develop a very long-range missile. The launch of a rocket similar in . design to one capable of carrying  an atomic-tipped warhead as far  as . California raises the stakes in  the international standoff over North . Korea's expanding atomic arsenal. KOREA-NORTH ROCKET/ - Map of East Asia locating trajectory of a North Korean rocket launched on Wednesday. (SIN01) Pyongyang is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs. However, experts believe the North . lacks the ability to make a warhead small enough to mount on a missile . that could threaten the United States. One part of the rocket landed . west of the Korean Peninsula and another part was expected to have . landed east of the Philippines, according to reports. American space expert Jonathan . McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said the . three-stage Unha-3 rocket delivered the satellite into orbit and . constituted 'a perfect success for North Korea.' He said that based on his own calculations an object identified by US space command was from the North Korean satellite. When North Korea announced its plans . to attempt to launch a long-range rocket earlier this month Washington . said such a move would be a 'highly provocative act'. The . North has said the purpose of its Unha rocket is to put a satellite in . orbit - but Washington regards the explanation as a cover for a test of . technology for missiles that could be used to strike the U.S. A . similar launch in April, which broke apart shortly after lift-off, was . widely condemned, and this latest move is expected to provoke a similar . reaction from the international community. 'It . was a surprise in terms of the timing,' said Bruce Bennett, senior . defense analyst with the RAND think tank. 'They had talked about . postponing for a week. To recover so quickly from technical problems . suggests they have gotten good at putting together a missile.' National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor called it 'another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behavior.' In a statement, Mr Vietor said the US 'remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations,' and will work with other nations and the UN Security Council 'to pursue appropriate action' against North Korea. Japan also branded the launch 'completely unacceptable.' Russia expressed 'deep regret' over the rocket launch on Wednesday, saying the reclusive nation had violated a U.N. Security Council resolution limiting its use of ballistic technology. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the North Korean launch had heightened instability in the region and called on other nations to refrain from further escalating tensions. 'The new rocket launch carried out by North Korea flaunts the opinion of the international community, including calls from the Russian side, and leaves us with deep regret,' it said. VIDEO: North Korea launches long-range rocket . Tough talk: South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, centre, presides over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council after North Korea's actions . The rocket launch was carried out on the orders of North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il died on December 17 last year. Ed Royce, incoming Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the launch showed that the new North Korean leader had no intention of giving up his nuclear weapons program. Royce also criticized U.S. policy toward Pyongyang, calling it a 'long-term failure.' 'The Obama administration's approach . continues to be unimaginative and moribund. We can either take a . different approach, or watch as the North Korean threat to the region . and the U.S. grows,' Royce said in a statement. Jubilant: Members of a North Korean military band perform in celebration - the rocket launch was carried out on the orders of North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il died . Rejoice: North Koreans dance to celebrate their country's rocket launch . Celebrating: North Koreans toast after hearing the news of a rocket launch with beer . Anger: South Korean protestors burn a mockup of a North Korean missile during an anti-North Korea rally against the launch of the long-range missile . Rally: South Korean protesters participate in an anti-North Korea rally . Rocket tests are seen as crucial to advancing North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions. Pyongyang . is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs, but is not . yet believed to be capable of building warheads small enough to mount on . a missile that could threaten the United States. North Korea has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range rocket. Experts say ballistic missiles and rockets in satellite launches share similar bodies, engines and other technology. This is the fifth attempt at a long-range launch since 1998, when Pyongyang sent a rocket hurtling over Japan. Previous launches of three-stage rockets ended in failure. Leader: It is the second rocket launch from North Korea since Kim Jong Un took power after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il . Washington sees North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as a threat to world security and to its Asian allies, Japan and South Korea. North Korea under its new leader has pledged to bolster its nuclear arsenal unless Washington scraps what Pyongyang calls a hostile policy. The UN Security Council has imposed two rounds of sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear tests, and a 2009 resolution orders the North not to conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology. The council condemned the failed North Korean launch in April and ordered seizure of assets of three North Korean state companies linked to financing, exporting and procuring weapons and missile technology. Under Security Council resolutions, nations are also barred from buying or selling weapons with North Korea, a key source of revenue for its authoritarian government. North Korea said it chose a safe flight path so debris would not endanger neighboring countries. But there are still concerns over falling debris, and Japan's defense minister issued an order to missile units to prepare to intercept the rocket if it or its fragments threatened to hit the country. Government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said that no debris hit Japanese territory. The government was still confirming if there was any damage on Japanese territory from the launch, he said. 'We had strongly urged North Korea to refrain from the launch, but they went ahead nonetheless. 'This is completely unacceptable,' he said. VIDEO: Celebrations in North Korea after long-range rocket launch .
North Korea could have U.S. West Coast within missile range, says South Korea . Experts say the reclusive Asian country is still years away . from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to . mount on a missile . The Unha-3 rocket launched on December 12 has sparked international condemnation . Foreign Secretary William Hague described the move as 'provocative' Washington also labeled the North Korean launch a 'highly provocative act' Russia said nation had violated UN Security Council resolution .
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<s>[INST] North Korea's December 12 rocket launch shows the reclusive Asian country has likely developed the technology to fire a warhead that could reach the U.S. West Coast from 6,200 miles away, South Korean officials said on Sunday. ‘As a result of analyzing the material of Unha-3 (North Korea's rocket), we judged North Korea had secured a range of more than 10,000 km in case the warhead is 500-600 kg,’ a South Korean Defense Ministry official said during a news briefing. North Korea has said the rocket launch was carried out to put a satellite in space for the first time. Critics say it was aimed at creating the kind of technology needed to mount a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile. But experts say North is still years away . from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to . mount on a missile. Scroll down for video . Warning sign: North Korea's December 12 rocket launch shows the country has likely developed the technology to fire a missile that could reach the U.S. West Coast . Not an immediate threat; But experts say North is still years away from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to mount on a missile . Banned: North Korea is banned from testing missile or nuclear technology under U.N. sanctions imposed after its 2006 and 2009 nuclear weapons tests and the U.N. Security Council condemned the launch . The rocket launch earlier this month caused an international frenzy. Britain, the United States, South Korea and Japan, among other countries, immediately condemned North Korea after it fired its long-range rocket. Britain's Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State William Hague MP was one of several international figures to describe the move – which defied a world ban on ballistic missile tests – as 'provocative'. North Korea is banned from testing missile or nuclear technology under U.N. sanctions imposed after its 2006 and 2009 nuclear weapons tests and the U.N. Security Council condemned the launch. 'Provocative': Foreign Secretary William Hague and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) have condemned North Korea's actions . On guard: South Korean Army soldiers were photographed patrolling along a barbed-wire fence at the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon, north of Seoul, on Thursday December 20, 2012 . Mr Hague summoned the North Korean . ambassador to the Foreign Office to demand an explanation following a . 'clear violation' of at least two United Nations Security Council . resolutions. 'This provocative act will increase . tensions in the region. I deplore the fact that the Democratic People's . Republic of Korea has chosen to prioritize this launch over improving . the livelihood of its people,' he said. Even China, North Korea's closest . ally, expressed regret that a rocket was launched 'in spite of the . extensive concerns of the international community.' It was a rare show of Chinese . solidarity with the White House, which labelled the rocket test 'a . highly provocative act that threatens regional security.' Blast off: A screen shows the Unha-3 (Milky Way 3) rocket being launched from a launch pad at the North Korea's West Sea Satellite Launch Site . The rocket was launched North Korea's satellite control centre in Cholsan county, North Pyongan province . Mission control: View of Unha-3 rocket launch at North Korea's space agency's General Launch Command Center on the outskirts of Pyongyang . Japan angrily demanded an emergency . meeting of the UN Security Council, which has punished North Korea . repeatedly for developing its nuclear program. But the angry reaction did little to . dampen spirits in the capital Pyongyang, where people danced in the . streets after vans mounted with loudspeakers drove around streets . announcing the news. Its Unha rocket, named after the . Korean word for 'galaxy', blasted off from the Sohae launch pad in . Tongchang-ri, north-west of Pyongyang, shortly before 1am UK time . yesterday. Pride in the scientific advancement appeared to outweigh the . fear of greater international punishment and isolation. Activity: A satellite image captured last month shows the Sohae Satellite Launch Station in Cholsan County, North Korea . A man watches a TV screen broadcasting news on North Korea's long-range rocket launch on December Wednesday . After three failed attempts, North . Korea, though struggling to feed its people, is now one of the few . countries to have successfully launched a satellite into space from its . own soil. Bitter rival South Korea is not on the . list, although it has tried. North Korean space officials insist the . rocket is meant to send a satellite into orbit that can study crops and . weather patterns. But Western experts note that  the . technology involved in a  satellite launch is similar to that needed to . develop a very long-range missile. The launch of a rocket similar in . design to one capable of carrying  an atomic-tipped warhead as far  as . California raises the stakes in  the international standoff over North . Korea's expanding atomic arsenal. KOREA-NORTH ROCKET/ - Map of East Asia locating trajectory of a North Korean rocket launched on Wednesday. (SIN01) Pyongyang is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs. However, experts believe the North . lacks the ability to make a warhead small enough to mount on a missile . that could threaten the United States. One part of the rocket landed . west of the Korean Peninsula and another part was expected to have . landed east of the Philippines, according to reports. American space expert Jonathan . McDowell, of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, said the . three-stage Unha-3 rocket delivered the satellite into orbit and . constituted 'a perfect success for North Korea.' He said that based on his own calculations an object identified by US space command was from the North Korean satellite. When North Korea announced its plans . to attempt to launch a long-range rocket earlier this month Washington . said such a move would be a 'highly provocative act'. The . North has said the purpose of its Unha rocket is to put a satellite in . orbit - but Washington regards the explanation as a cover for a test of . technology for missiles that could be used to strike the U.S. A . similar launch in April, which broke apart shortly after lift-off, was . widely condemned, and this latest move is expected to provoke a similar . reaction from the international community. 'It . was a surprise in terms of the timing,' said Bruce Bennett, senior . defense analyst with the RAND think tank. 'They had talked about . postponing for a week. To recover so quickly from technical problems . suggests they have gotten good at putting together a missile.' National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor called it 'another example of North Korea's pattern of irresponsible behavior.' In a statement, Mr Vietor said the US 'remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations,' and will work with other nations and the UN Security Council 'to pursue appropriate action' against North Korea. Japan also branded the launch 'completely unacceptable.' Russia expressed 'deep regret' over the rocket launch on Wednesday, saying the reclusive nation had violated a U.N. Security Council resolution limiting its use of ballistic technology. Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the North Korean launch had heightened instability in the region and called on other nations to refrain from further escalating tensions. 'The new rocket launch carried out by North Korea flaunts the opinion of the international community, including calls from the Russian side, and leaves us with deep regret,' it said. VIDEO: North Korea launches long-range rocket . Tough talk: South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, centre, presides over an emergency meeting of the National Security Council after North Korea's actions . The rocket launch was carried out on the orders of North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il died on December 17 last year. Ed Royce, incoming Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the launch showed that the new North Korean leader had no intention of giving up his nuclear weapons program. Royce also criticized U.S. policy toward Pyongyang, calling it a 'long-term failure.' 'The Obama administration's approach . continues to be unimaginative and moribund. We can either take a . different approach, or watch as the North Korean threat to the region . and the U.S. grows,' Royce said in a statement. Jubilant: Members of a North Korean military band perform in celebration - the rocket launch was carried out on the orders of North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who took power after his father Kim Jong Il died . Rejoice: North Koreans dance to celebrate their country's rocket launch . Celebrating: North Koreans toast after hearing the news of a rocket launch with beer . Anger: South Korean protestors burn a mockup of a North Korean missile during an anti-North Korea rally against the launch of the long-range missile . Rally: South Korean protesters participate in an anti-North Korea rally . Rocket tests are seen as crucial to advancing North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions. Pyongyang . is thought to have a handful of rudimentary nuclear bombs, but is not . yet believed to be capable of building warheads small enough to mount on . a missile that could threaten the United States. North Korea has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range rocket. Experts say ballistic missiles and rockets in satellite launches share similar bodies, engines and other technology. This is the fifth attempt at a long-range launch since 1998, when Pyongyang sent a rocket hurtling over Japan. Previous launches of three-stage rockets ended in failure. Leader: It is the second rocket launch from North Korea since Kim Jong Un took power after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il . Washington sees North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles as a threat to world security and to its Asian allies, Japan and South Korea. North Korea under its new leader has pledged to bolster its nuclear arsenal unless Washington scraps what Pyongyang calls a hostile policy. The UN Security Council has imposed two rounds of sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear tests, and a 2009 resolution orders the North not to conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology. The council condemned the failed North Korean launch in April and ordered seizure of assets of three North Korean state companies linked to financing, exporting and procuring weapons and missile technology. Under Security Council resolutions, nations are also barred from buying or selling weapons with North Korea, a key source of revenue for its authoritarian government. North Korea said it chose a safe flight path so debris would not endanger neighboring countries. But there are still concerns over falling debris, and Japan's defense minister issued an order to missile units to prepare to intercept the rocket if it or its fragments threatened to hit the country. Government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said that no debris hit Japanese territory. The government was still confirming if there was any damage on Japanese territory from the launch, he said. 'We had strongly urged North Korea to refrain from the launch, but they went ahead nonetheless. 'This is completely unacceptable,' he said. VIDEO: Celebrations in North Korea after long-range rocket launch . [/INST] North Korea could have U.S. West Coast within missile range, says South Korea . Experts say the reclusive Asian country is still years away . from mastering the technology needed to miniaturize a nuclear bomb to . mount on a missile . The Unha-3 rocket launched on December 12 has sparked international condemnation . Foreign Secretary William Hague described the move as 'provocative' Washington also labeled the North Korean launch a 'highly provocative act' Russia said nation had violated UN Security Council resolution . </s>
Last week, President Obama came to my country, Tanzania. President Kikwete and our people received him with great pride, but it is unlikely Obama heard anything about our government's plan to give a great chunk of land that has been the Maasai tribe's home for millennia, to a hunting company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The hunters want this land to kill our lions and leopards and this deal will take away 40% of our grasslands and forested mountains that we call home. It threatens the wildlife and the Maasai's very existence. We want Obama and the international community to know our story and help stop our eviction. Read also: Maasai fight government, game hunters for lands . These attempts to clean us out of our old homelands have been happening for decades. The British moved us 50 years ago from what is now the Serengeti park and subsequent governments have consistently restricted our grazing rights. A large amount of land next to our community near the Serengeti National Park has already been handed to the hunters from the UAE. We often see Arab royalty arriving in their jumbo jets and then driving around in jeeps shooting anything they see moving and they keep wanting more. The government uses our faces on tourism posters and brochures for Tanzania, yet President Kikwete has said that our way of life is a thing of the past and we should live in the modern world. But without our land and our traditions, what are we? Most people in Loliondo raise cows and goats to pay for food and education for our children. Without grazing lands, many Maasai men have felt pressured to move to the city to take jobs as security guards. The women are left behind to raise our children and grandchildren and despite their hardship they are fighting to preserve our way of life. Read more: Maasai boy scares off lions with flashy invention . This new threat of such a large-scale land clearance has gathered Tanzania's Maasai like never before. Thousands of our men, women and children have traveled for days to meet government officials to state our case. Three hundred Maasai women marched on the capital Dodoma to protest, and in May, all of our community elders camped outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital for three weeks, demanding the UAE deal be abandoned. We are sure our brothers and sisters across the world can help. After we started an international campaign with Avaaz more than 1.7 million people around the world joined our cause. Today we are at home in our lands but fear that tens of thousands of villagers in our community could soon be evicted. A commitment from Kikwete can easily save us from the terrible fate that has befallen so many great tribes of the world. We know that the battle for our lands will not be easy, but as long as the government knows that the world is watching we will be safe. With that kind of attention, we have hope that our ancient way of life on our traditional lands will yet survive in the 21st century.
Tanzanian government threatening to evict Maasai from traditional land . Maasai tribes in Loliondo campaigning to stay on land . The campaign has been supported by more than 1.7 million people worldwide .
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<s>[INST] Last week, President Obama came to my country, Tanzania. President Kikwete and our people received him with great pride, but it is unlikely Obama heard anything about our government's plan to give a great chunk of land that has been the Maasai tribe's home for millennia, to a hunting company from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The hunters want this land to kill our lions and leopards and this deal will take away 40% of our grasslands and forested mountains that we call home. It threatens the wildlife and the Maasai's very existence. We want Obama and the international community to know our story and help stop our eviction. Read also: Maasai fight government, game hunters for lands . These attempts to clean us out of our old homelands have been happening for decades. The British moved us 50 years ago from what is now the Serengeti park and subsequent governments have consistently restricted our grazing rights. A large amount of land next to our community near the Serengeti National Park has already been handed to the hunters from the UAE. We often see Arab royalty arriving in their jumbo jets and then driving around in jeeps shooting anything they see moving and they keep wanting more. The government uses our faces on tourism posters and brochures for Tanzania, yet President Kikwete has said that our way of life is a thing of the past and we should live in the modern world. But without our land and our traditions, what are we? Most people in Loliondo raise cows and goats to pay for food and education for our children. Without grazing lands, many Maasai men have felt pressured to move to the city to take jobs as security guards. The women are left behind to raise our children and grandchildren and despite their hardship they are fighting to preserve our way of life. Read more: Maasai boy scares off lions with flashy invention . This new threat of such a large-scale land clearance has gathered Tanzania's Maasai like never before. Thousands of our men, women and children have traveled for days to meet government officials to state our case. Three hundred Maasai women marched on the capital Dodoma to protest, and in May, all of our community elders camped outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital for three weeks, demanding the UAE deal be abandoned. We are sure our brothers and sisters across the world can help. After we started an international campaign with Avaaz more than 1.7 million people around the world joined our cause. Today we are at home in our lands but fear that tens of thousands of villagers in our community could soon be evicted. A commitment from Kikwete can easily save us from the terrible fate that has befallen so many great tribes of the world. We know that the battle for our lands will not be easy, but as long as the government knows that the world is watching we will be safe. With that kind of attention, we have hope that our ancient way of life on our traditional lands will yet survive in the 21st century. [/INST] Tanzanian government threatening to evict Maasai from traditional land . Maasai tribes in Loliondo campaigning to stay on land . The campaign has been supported by more than 1.7 million people worldwide . </s>
(CNN) -- A rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 321 civilians and abducted 250 others -- including at least 80 children -- in a previously unreported rampage late last year, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Saturday. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) carried out the brutal campaign in northeastern Congo over four days in December, the report said. LRA forces attacked at least 10 villages from December 14 to 17, killing and abducting hundreds of civilians -- including women and children, according to Human Rights Watch. LRA combatants tied up villagers in the nation's remote Makombo area and hacked them to death with machetes or crushed their skulls with axes and heavy wooden sticks, the report said. Most of those killed were adult men, but at least 13 women and 23 children were among the dead -- including a 3-year-old girl who was burned to death, according to Human Rights Watch. The LRA also killed those they abducted who walked too slowly or tried to escape, Human Rights Watch said. According to those who managed to escape, children captured by the LRA were forced to kill other children who had disobeyed the LRA's rules, the report said. In numerous cases, children were ordered to surround the victim in a circle and take turns beating the child on the head with a large wooden stick until the child died, the report said. "The Makombo massacre is one of the worst ever committed by the LRA in its bloody 23-year history, yet it has gone unreported for months," said Anneke Van Woudenberg, a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The four-day rampage demonstrates that the LRA remains a serious threat to civilians and is not a spent force, as the Ugandan and Congolese governments claim." CNN could not independently confirm the massacre. Human Rights Watch said that the roughly 1,000 United Nations peacekeeping troops in LRA-affected parts of northeastern Congo are insufficient to protect civilians. The peacekeeping force is considering removing some troops from the area under pressure from the Congolese government, a move Human Rights Watch warned against on Saturday. The U.N. Security Council is planning to visit Congo in mid-April to discuss the peacekeeping force's plans for withdrawal and the protection of civilians, Human Rights Watch said. The Congolese government denies that the LRA is still a serious threat in the country, which may have contributed to the absence of reports about the December massacre, Human Rights Watch said. "We have been forgotten," an 80-year-old Congolese man whose son was killed during the massacre told Human Rights Watch. "It's as if we don't exist." "The government says the LRA are no longer a problem, but I know that's not true," he said. "I beg of you, please talk to others about what has happened to us." The LRA is led by self-declared mystic and prophet Joseph Kony, who claims his insurgency -- which began in 1986 -- is aimed at replacing Uganda's government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, with a democracy based on the Bible's Ten Commandments. After being pushed out of Uganda in 2005, the LRA now operates in the remote border area between southern Sudan, Congo, and Central African Republic. In 2005, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for senior LRA leaders for crimes they committed in northern Uganda, but those indicted remain at large. The two commanders who perpetrated the December massacre report to one of those indicted leaders, according to Human Rights Watch. The Makombo massacre is the deadliest documented attack by the LRA since killing sprees around Christmas 2008 left scores of Congolese dead, but dozens of other attacks against civilians have been carried out in other areas in recent months, Human Rights Watch said.
A rebel group in Congo killed at least 321 civilians, Human Rights Watch said . The Lord's Resistance Army abducted 250 others including 80 children, the report said . LRA forces attacked at least 10 villages from December 14 to 17, the report claimed . CNN could not independently confirm reports of the massacre .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- A rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo killed at least 321 civilians and abducted 250 others -- including at least 80 children -- in a previously unreported rampage late last year, Human Rights Watch said in a report released Saturday. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) carried out the brutal campaign in northeastern Congo over four days in December, the report said. LRA forces attacked at least 10 villages from December 14 to 17, killing and abducting hundreds of civilians -- including women and children, according to Human Rights Watch. LRA combatants tied up villagers in the nation's remote Makombo area and hacked them to death with machetes or crushed their skulls with axes and heavy wooden sticks, the report said. Most of those killed were adult men, but at least 13 women and 23 children were among the dead -- including a 3-year-old girl who was burned to death, according to Human Rights Watch. The LRA also killed those they abducted who walked too slowly or tried to escape, Human Rights Watch said. According to those who managed to escape, children captured by the LRA were forced to kill other children who had disobeyed the LRA's rules, the report said. In numerous cases, children were ordered to surround the victim in a circle and take turns beating the child on the head with a large wooden stick until the child died, the report said. "The Makombo massacre is one of the worst ever committed by the LRA in its bloody 23-year history, yet it has gone unreported for months," said Anneke Van Woudenberg, a senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The four-day rampage demonstrates that the LRA remains a serious threat to civilians and is not a spent force, as the Ugandan and Congolese governments claim." CNN could not independently confirm the massacre. Human Rights Watch said that the roughly 1,000 United Nations peacekeeping troops in LRA-affected parts of northeastern Congo are insufficient to protect civilians. The peacekeeping force is considering removing some troops from the area under pressure from the Congolese government, a move Human Rights Watch warned against on Saturday. The U.N. Security Council is planning to visit Congo in mid-April to discuss the peacekeeping force's plans for withdrawal and the protection of civilians, Human Rights Watch said. The Congolese government denies that the LRA is still a serious threat in the country, which may have contributed to the absence of reports about the December massacre, Human Rights Watch said. "We have been forgotten," an 80-year-old Congolese man whose son was killed during the massacre told Human Rights Watch. "It's as if we don't exist." "The government says the LRA are no longer a problem, but I know that's not true," he said. "I beg of you, please talk to others about what has happened to us." The LRA is led by self-declared mystic and prophet Joseph Kony, who claims his insurgency -- which began in 1986 -- is aimed at replacing Uganda's government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, with a democracy based on the Bible's Ten Commandments. After being pushed out of Uganda in 2005, the LRA now operates in the remote border area between southern Sudan, Congo, and Central African Republic. In 2005, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for senior LRA leaders for crimes they committed in northern Uganda, but those indicted remain at large. The two commanders who perpetrated the December massacre report to one of those indicted leaders, according to Human Rights Watch. The Makombo massacre is the deadliest documented attack by the LRA since killing sprees around Christmas 2008 left scores of Congolese dead, but dozens of other attacks against civilians have been carried out in other areas in recent months, Human Rights Watch said. [/INST] A rebel group in Congo killed at least 321 civilians, Human Rights Watch said . The Lord's Resistance Army abducted 250 others including 80 children, the report said . LRA forces attacked at least 10 villages from December 14 to 17, the report claimed . CNN could not independently confirm reports of the massacre . </s>
(CNN) -- The four Georgia teens accused in the beating death of a fifth teen at a house party appeared in court on murder charges Monday morning. Horace Damon Coleman, 19, Emanuel Benjamin Boykins, 18, Quantez Devonta Mallory, 18, and Tracen Franklin, 19, face one felony murder count each, according to Lt. Bruce Ferguson with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. They are accused of killing Bobby Maurice Tillman, 18, at a house party in metro Atlanta early Sunday. Officials said the party got out of control. A judge at their initial hearing ordered no bail for the suspects until they can speak with an attorney. All but Franklin asked for court-appointed counsel. His mother told the judge she had already hired an attorney for her son. Before the attack, one of the teens reportedly told his friends he was going to hit the next person he saw, Ferguson said. Sheriff Phil Miller told CNN affiliate WSB the assault on Tillman was unprovoked. He was a "little guy, 18 years old, 5-foot-6, weighed 125 pounds," Miller said about the victim. "And they beat him up and stomped him and killed him," he added. Police arrived on scene early Sunday. They were called by the mother of the girl who had hosted the party, Ferguson said. Police took 57 witnesses in for questioning. Ed Stephens, who lives near where the party took place, watched the brutal attack from his bedroom window, WSB reported. "I just thought he was hurt. I never thought that his life was ending," Stephens said. CNN's Chuck Johnston and Tristan Smith contributed to this report.
They are accused of killing an 18-year-old at a house party in Atlanta early Sunday . The attack on Bobby Maurice Tillman was reportedly unprovoked . 57 witnesses were brought in for questioning .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The four Georgia teens accused in the beating death of a fifth teen at a house party appeared in court on murder charges Monday morning. Horace Damon Coleman, 19, Emanuel Benjamin Boykins, 18, Quantez Devonta Mallory, 18, and Tracen Franklin, 19, face one felony murder count each, according to Lt. Bruce Ferguson with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. They are accused of killing Bobby Maurice Tillman, 18, at a house party in metro Atlanta early Sunday. Officials said the party got out of control. A judge at their initial hearing ordered no bail for the suspects until they can speak with an attorney. All but Franklin asked for court-appointed counsel. His mother told the judge she had already hired an attorney for her son. Before the attack, one of the teens reportedly told his friends he was going to hit the next person he saw, Ferguson said. Sheriff Phil Miller told CNN affiliate WSB the assault on Tillman was unprovoked. He was a "little guy, 18 years old, 5-foot-6, weighed 125 pounds," Miller said about the victim. "And they beat him up and stomped him and killed him," he added. Police arrived on scene early Sunday. They were called by the mother of the girl who had hosted the party, Ferguson said. Police took 57 witnesses in for questioning. Ed Stephens, who lives near where the party took place, watched the brutal attack from his bedroom window, WSB reported. "I just thought he was hurt. I never thought that his life was ending," Stephens said. CNN's Chuck Johnston and Tristan Smith contributed to this report. [/INST] They are accused of killing an 18-year-old at a house party in Atlanta early Sunday . The attack on Bobby Maurice Tillman was reportedly unprovoked . 57 witnesses were brought in for questioning . </s>
(CNN) -- Federal accident investigators Tuesday pinned blame for a 2013 UPS cargo plane crash in Alabama squarely on the pilots, but some members saved caustic criticism for UPS, saying the company could have taken steps to prevent the deadly crash. "Yes, the pilots flew the airplane into the ground, there's no question," said National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt, a former airline pilot. Though the NTSB did not blame UPS in its formal report, Sumwalt pointedly told cargo company representatives: "You have got problems. Get them cleaned up." In a three-hour meeting in Washington, the NTSB cited a litany of errors the pilots made: The captain failed to correctly program an aircraft computer, failed to monitor the plane's altitude, didn't relay important information to his co-pilot, and failed to abort the landing when it became apparent the plane was in trouble. The first officer, meanwhile, failed to communicate altitudes to the pilot as the plane approached Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. In a conversation captured on the plane's cockpit voice recorder, the co-pilot also confessed to being fatigued, evidently after failing to use her off-duty time to get appropriate rest. Both pilots died in the pre-dawn incident August 13, 2013, when the Airbus A300-600 crashed a short distance from the Birmingham runway. But Sumwalt said UPS also failed to take actions that could have prevented the crash. The global delivery company did not update software on a ground proximity warning system, which could have given the crew an earlier indication they were too close to the ground, he said. If UPS officials had an iPhone, "I guarantee they would keep their software up to date," yet they failed to update software on a plane carrying two of its employees, he said. A UPS official called Sumwalt's claim "the speculative opinion of one member," saying the company's software met FAA standards, and that there is no evidence the upgrade would have prevented the accident. "Based on the rate of descent of this particular aircraft, it would be impossible to determine whether a software upgrade would have made a difference," Capt. Houston Mills, UPS director of airline safety, told CNN. He noted that the NTSB does not cite the software in its official finding. Sumwalt said the cargo carrier also did not provide all of the available weather information to the pilots. As a result, the pilots likely expected to see the airport after descending below clouds at 1,000 feet, but didn't clear the clouds until 350 feet. "Everything UPS does is about efficiency. They have guys running around with clipboards and stopwatches to make sure if an airplane is a minute late, someone will be held accountable for it. But the sad thing here -- this (technology) could have possibly prevented this accident." "If you're interested in efficiency, I can guarantee you on August 14 of last year, those packages on the airplanes did not get delivered by 10:30 in the morning," Sumwalt said. UPS' Mills acknowleged that known information about the cloud ceiling was not relayed to the pilots. But, he said, the pilots had been given a forecast that included a variable cloud ceiling, giving the pilots enough to plan and execute their approach. NTSB: No distress call prior to UPS cargo plane crash in Alabama . The board said the captain did not have a stabilized approach -- meaning the plane's speed, direction and descent were not within established standards -- in the final minutes. It was the same problem that led to the 2013 crash of an Asiana jetliner in San Francisco. "An unstabilized approach is a less safe approach," said NTSB Acting Chairman Christopher A. Hart. "When an approach is unstable, there is no shame in playing it safe by going around and trying again." The U.S. aviation industry has closely watched the UPS crash investigation largely because it highlights different FAA standards for commercial and cargo aircraft. In January of this year, the FAA required additional rest hours for commercial pilots, but it exempted cargo pilots. Cargo pilots say rest rules should be uniform, regardless of the type of aircraft flown. Wednesday, the NTSB concluded the pilots of Flight 1354 had been given an adequate opportunity to rest, even under the rule that applies to commercial pilots. The rule did not make a difference in this case, the board said. UPS pilots complained of fatigue before fatal crash . Asked if the UPS culture encourages pilots to call in fatigued when they are tired, 91% "strongly disagreed" or "somewhat disagreed," according to a survey conducted in March by the Independent Pilots Association, a union that represents UPS pilots. "You probably have some bias in here as it was issued by a (union)," Sumwalt said. "But when you have 2,202 people responding to that, they are trying to tell you something." UPS spokesman Malcolm Berkley said the union was "politicizing" the investigation in an effort to change pilot work hours. UPS pilots typically work 70 hours a month -- 30 in the air, Berkley said, less than the 55 hours the typical commercial pilot flies. The safety board approved more than 20 recommendations, including one that board member Mark Rosekind called "ground-breaking" that would require warnings about flying fatigued during pre-flight briefings on overnight flights.
In 3-hour meeting, NTSB cites a litany of errors the pilots made . NTSB: Captain failed to correctly program computer or monitor plane's altitude, more . But UPS has also "got problems" and must "get them cleaned up," says NTSB board member .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Federal accident investigators Tuesday pinned blame for a 2013 UPS cargo plane crash in Alabama squarely on the pilots, but some members saved caustic criticism for UPS, saying the company could have taken steps to prevent the deadly crash. "Yes, the pilots flew the airplane into the ground, there's no question," said National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt, a former airline pilot. Though the NTSB did not blame UPS in its formal report, Sumwalt pointedly told cargo company representatives: "You have got problems. Get them cleaned up." In a three-hour meeting in Washington, the NTSB cited a litany of errors the pilots made: The captain failed to correctly program an aircraft computer, failed to monitor the plane's altitude, didn't relay important information to his co-pilot, and failed to abort the landing when it became apparent the plane was in trouble. The first officer, meanwhile, failed to communicate altitudes to the pilot as the plane approached Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. In a conversation captured on the plane's cockpit voice recorder, the co-pilot also confessed to being fatigued, evidently after failing to use her off-duty time to get appropriate rest. Both pilots died in the pre-dawn incident August 13, 2013, when the Airbus A300-600 crashed a short distance from the Birmingham runway. But Sumwalt said UPS also failed to take actions that could have prevented the crash. The global delivery company did not update software on a ground proximity warning system, which could have given the crew an earlier indication they were too close to the ground, he said. If UPS officials had an iPhone, "I guarantee they would keep their software up to date," yet they failed to update software on a plane carrying two of its employees, he said. A UPS official called Sumwalt's claim "the speculative opinion of one member," saying the company's software met FAA standards, and that there is no evidence the upgrade would have prevented the accident. "Based on the rate of descent of this particular aircraft, it would be impossible to determine whether a software upgrade would have made a difference," Capt. Houston Mills, UPS director of airline safety, told CNN. He noted that the NTSB does not cite the software in its official finding. Sumwalt said the cargo carrier also did not provide all of the available weather information to the pilots. As a result, the pilots likely expected to see the airport after descending below clouds at 1,000 feet, but didn't clear the clouds until 350 feet. "Everything UPS does is about efficiency. They have guys running around with clipboards and stopwatches to make sure if an airplane is a minute late, someone will be held accountable for it. But the sad thing here -- this (technology) could have possibly prevented this accident." "If you're interested in efficiency, I can guarantee you on August 14 of last year, those packages on the airplanes did not get delivered by 10:30 in the morning," Sumwalt said. UPS' Mills acknowleged that known information about the cloud ceiling was not relayed to the pilots. But, he said, the pilots had been given a forecast that included a variable cloud ceiling, giving the pilots enough to plan and execute their approach. NTSB: No distress call prior to UPS cargo plane crash in Alabama . The board said the captain did not have a stabilized approach -- meaning the plane's speed, direction and descent were not within established standards -- in the final minutes. It was the same problem that led to the 2013 crash of an Asiana jetliner in San Francisco. "An unstabilized approach is a less safe approach," said NTSB Acting Chairman Christopher A. Hart. "When an approach is unstable, there is no shame in playing it safe by going around and trying again." The U.S. aviation industry has closely watched the UPS crash investigation largely because it highlights different FAA standards for commercial and cargo aircraft. In January of this year, the FAA required additional rest hours for commercial pilots, but it exempted cargo pilots. Cargo pilots say rest rules should be uniform, regardless of the type of aircraft flown. Wednesday, the NTSB concluded the pilots of Flight 1354 had been given an adequate opportunity to rest, even under the rule that applies to commercial pilots. The rule did not make a difference in this case, the board said. UPS pilots complained of fatigue before fatal crash . Asked if the UPS culture encourages pilots to call in fatigued when they are tired, 91% "strongly disagreed" or "somewhat disagreed," according to a survey conducted in March by the Independent Pilots Association, a union that represents UPS pilots. "You probably have some bias in here as it was issued by a (union)," Sumwalt said. "But when you have 2,202 people responding to that, they are trying to tell you something." UPS spokesman Malcolm Berkley said the union was "politicizing" the investigation in an effort to change pilot work hours. UPS pilots typically work 70 hours a month -- 30 in the air, Berkley said, less than the 55 hours the typical commercial pilot flies. The safety board approved more than 20 recommendations, including one that board member Mark Rosekind called "ground-breaking" that would require warnings about flying fatigued during pre-flight briefings on overnight flights. [/INST] In 3-hour meeting, NTSB cites a litany of errors the pilots made . NTSB: Captain failed to correctly program computer or monitor plane's altitude, more . But UPS has also "got problems" and must "get them cleaned up," says NTSB board member . </s>
MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Authorities do not plan to file charges against a Florida orange grove owner who fatally shot a 21-year-old woman, saying he is protected under the state's controversial "no retreat" law. Bullet holes pocked the windshield of the crashed SUV, and blood stained he passenger seat. But the woman's boyfriend faces second-degree murder charges in her death, because the woman was shot to death during an alleged felony -- the theft of an SUV. Tony Curtis Phillips, 29, didn't fire a single shot. He didn't even know his girlfriend, Nikki McCormick, was dead until police showed him an online news story. Police said McCormick accompanied Phillips as he attempted to steal the SUV from a barn in an orange grove near Wahneta, Florida, before daylight Tuesday. Grove owner Ladon "Jamie" Jones opened fire as the SUV approached him, according to an affidavit released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Phillips fled; McCormick was shot in the head and later died. Authorities said Jones is protected by Florida's "no retreat" law, which gives him the right to use lethal force if he reasonably believes his life is in danger. Phillips, however, faces charges because police allege he was committing felony grand theft auto at the time of McCormick's death. "Because his conduct caused her death, he gets charged with a felony," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. Phillips was arrested late Tuesday in Polk County, near Lakeland, after a day on the run. Police said he didn't believe McCormick was dead at first, telling officers, "Of all the times you've questioned me, this is a nasty trick you're playing on me this time." He agreed to cooperate if detectives could prove she was dead. Judd said detectives called up the shooting story on the local newspaper's Web site and "let him read it online, and that's when he broke down and cried, and gave us a confession," Judd said. According to the affidavit, Jones heard his Toyota Land Cruiser, parked in the barn at his orange grove, start up before daylight Tuesday. Jones told police he grabbed his gun, a 9mm that he keeps with him while working at the grove. He said he could see two people in the SUV as it backed out of the barn, according to the affidavit. He said he saw the passenger's arm reach outside the vehicle, and believed that person might be holding a gun. The Land Cruiser stopped directly in front of him, Jones said in the affidavit. He said he raised his gun and pointed it at the occupants, shouting "Stop," but the vehicle appeared to be moving directly toward him. "Fearing for his life, he then fired what he thought to be six to eight rounds into the front windshield of the vehicle," the affidavit stated. The vehicle backed up at high speed, crashed through a fence and ended up in a ditch. Jones told police a man jumped out of the SUV and ran away. Sheriff's deputies found McCormick inside the vehicle with a bullet wound to her head. She was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she died. Jones did not return a call from CNN seeking comment. Authorities will forward their information to prosecutors, Judd said, but are "not going to file any charges [against Jones] at this point, because we don't see any reason to arrest Mr. Jones," Judd said. "... It appears, at this point in the investigation, Mr. Jones was completely, legally justified in his actions." A Polk County judge on Thursday ordered Phillips held without bond. A public defender was appointed to his case. Polk County Public Defender J. Marion Moorman declined to comment on the charges to CNN. "We will, of course, be interviewing the client very soon, and will be undertaking his defense from there," he said. Phillips told police he assumed McCormick had also gotten out of the vehicle and run away, according to the affidavit. He said he was sorry for what happened "and said he knew he was partially responsible for her death," the affidavit said. Polk County State Attorney's Office spokesman Chip Thulberry said his office will review the case when the sheriff's investigation is completed. The Brady Campaign to prevent Gun Violence says Florida is one of 16 states that have enacted "no retreat" laws, which some call "shoot-first" laws. The laws extend the right to use deadly force beyond a person's home and into public places. "The shoot-first law is not needed," said Brian Malte of the Brady Campaign. "This person, regardless of the situation, may have done the right thing, but he cannot be prosecuted for doing something wrong if he hit an innocent bystander," he said. Other groups stand by the "no retreat" laws. "At the moment a crime occurs, victims don't have the luxury of time," said Andrew Arulanandam of the National Rifle Association. "They have seconds to decide on a course of action to protect their lives and their families. This law provides law-abiding people with options."
Tony Curtis Phillips, 29, charged in girlfriend's shooting death . He wasn't shooter but is charged because he allegedly was stealing SUV . Shooter probably won't be charged because he is covered by 'no retreat' law . Florida law says people can use lethal force if they fear for their lives .
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<s>[INST] MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Authorities do not plan to file charges against a Florida orange grove owner who fatally shot a 21-year-old woman, saying he is protected under the state's controversial "no retreat" law. Bullet holes pocked the windshield of the crashed SUV, and blood stained he passenger seat. But the woman's boyfriend faces second-degree murder charges in her death, because the woman was shot to death during an alleged felony -- the theft of an SUV. Tony Curtis Phillips, 29, didn't fire a single shot. He didn't even know his girlfriend, Nikki McCormick, was dead until police showed him an online news story. Police said McCormick accompanied Phillips as he attempted to steal the SUV from a barn in an orange grove near Wahneta, Florida, before daylight Tuesday. Grove owner Ladon "Jamie" Jones opened fire as the SUV approached him, according to an affidavit released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Phillips fled; McCormick was shot in the head and later died. Authorities said Jones is protected by Florida's "no retreat" law, which gives him the right to use lethal force if he reasonably believes his life is in danger. Phillips, however, faces charges because police allege he was committing felony grand theft auto at the time of McCormick's death. "Because his conduct caused her death, he gets charged with a felony," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. Phillips was arrested late Tuesday in Polk County, near Lakeland, after a day on the run. Police said he didn't believe McCormick was dead at first, telling officers, "Of all the times you've questioned me, this is a nasty trick you're playing on me this time." He agreed to cooperate if detectives could prove she was dead. Judd said detectives called up the shooting story on the local newspaper's Web site and "let him read it online, and that's when he broke down and cried, and gave us a confession," Judd said. According to the affidavit, Jones heard his Toyota Land Cruiser, parked in the barn at his orange grove, start up before daylight Tuesday. Jones told police he grabbed his gun, a 9mm that he keeps with him while working at the grove. He said he could see two people in the SUV as it backed out of the barn, according to the affidavit. He said he saw the passenger's arm reach outside the vehicle, and believed that person might be holding a gun. The Land Cruiser stopped directly in front of him, Jones said in the affidavit. He said he raised his gun and pointed it at the occupants, shouting "Stop," but the vehicle appeared to be moving directly toward him. "Fearing for his life, he then fired what he thought to be six to eight rounds into the front windshield of the vehicle," the affidavit stated. The vehicle backed up at high speed, crashed through a fence and ended up in a ditch. Jones told police a man jumped out of the SUV and ran away. Sheriff's deputies found McCormick inside the vehicle with a bullet wound to her head. She was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she died. Jones did not return a call from CNN seeking comment. Authorities will forward their information to prosecutors, Judd said, but are "not going to file any charges [against Jones] at this point, because we don't see any reason to arrest Mr. Jones," Judd said. "... It appears, at this point in the investigation, Mr. Jones was completely, legally justified in his actions." A Polk County judge on Thursday ordered Phillips held without bond. A public defender was appointed to his case. Polk County Public Defender J. Marion Moorman declined to comment on the charges to CNN. "We will, of course, be interviewing the client very soon, and will be undertaking his defense from there," he said. Phillips told police he assumed McCormick had also gotten out of the vehicle and run away, according to the affidavit. He said he was sorry for what happened "and said he knew he was partially responsible for her death," the affidavit said. Polk County State Attorney's Office spokesman Chip Thulberry said his office will review the case when the sheriff's investigation is completed. The Brady Campaign to prevent Gun Violence says Florida is one of 16 states that have enacted "no retreat" laws, which some call "shoot-first" laws. The laws extend the right to use deadly force beyond a person's home and into public places. "The shoot-first law is not needed," said Brian Malte of the Brady Campaign. "This person, regardless of the situation, may have done the right thing, but he cannot be prosecuted for doing something wrong if he hit an innocent bystander," he said. Other groups stand by the "no retreat" laws. "At the moment a crime occurs, victims don't have the luxury of time," said Andrew Arulanandam of the National Rifle Association. "They have seconds to decide on a course of action to protect their lives and their families. This law provides law-abiding people with options." [/INST] Tony Curtis Phillips, 29, charged in girlfriend's shooting death . He wasn't shooter but is charged because he allegedly was stealing SUV . Shooter probably won't be charged because he is covered by 'no retreat' law . Florida law says people can use lethal force if they fear for their lives . </s>
Major technical problems could become a regular occurrence for website users because the internet is running out of space, experts have warned. An online breakdown caused chaos on Tuesday, costing the economy millions of pounds in lost trade and effectively closing access to a number of huge websites. Online auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day, with buyers and sellers inundating the site with complaints about lost business after being unable to log onto their accounts. An online breakdown caused chaos on Tuesday, costing the economy millions of pounds in lost trade and effectively closing access to a number of huge website (file picture) Hundreds of thousands of users were unable to log on and the auction site was flooded with traders demanding compensation. The problem is understood to have been caused by the crucial ‘nuts and bolts’ of the internet – called the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Internet companies and large networks use this ‘route map’ - consisting of hundreds of thousands of complex paths through the web - to send information to each other. When visiting a website, users rely on machines called routers to remember how to navigate trusted routes through the ever-expanding internet. Steve Rawlinson, managing director of web hosting experts Tagadab answers the main questions about the internet outage. What caused this issue? As traffic travels around the internet, it's directed by routers which know where to send individual packets on the basis of a 'lookup table.' This table has groups of IP addresses to help direct traffic to the right places, like postcodes in a sorting office. The number of groups of IP addresses that can be held in the very fast type of memory required for this job is limited to 512,000 in some routers. Once this number is exceeded, those routers stop working properly. The cause of this issue was that a major American networking company took one large group of IP addresses and split it into 15,000 smaller groups. This took the total number of prefixes (packets of IP addresses) from about 500,000 to 515,000 so this pushed past the limit and meant that routing stopped working in parts of the US. This was fixed in about 10 minutes but it still caused significant disruption to internet users and some major sites like eBay.'Why were eBay and Amazon affected in particular?People take more notice when these high profile sites go down. Many more sites would have been affected, they just weren't as noticeable. 'We were always going to hit this limit, the prediction was that it would happen by October. Cisco, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of routers, notified all of its customers of this potential issue back in May. It's possible that internet service providers (ISPs) thought they still had more time before this would become an issue. Will it become more widespread? Will more websites be affected?The limit will certainly be reached again. Whether or not the web is brought to its knees depends on how many network providers make the necessary upgrades before the limit is reached permanently. IPv4 exhaustion is contributing to this problem because as IPv4 resources get more limited they are handed out in smaller groups which makes the number of prefixes increase. So the very slow take-up of IPv6 is having an indirect effect on the speed with which we hit this limit, and the likelihood of this issue happening again soon.What will happen if everyone does nothing, and will the situation get worse?'If this problem isn't fixed, we will see a catastrophic repeat on a much larger scale. This news might act as a catalyst for networking companies to act, but their track record on updates is far from encouraging. But older routers are finding it difficult to manage with newer technology – such as smartphones and tablets which have drastically increased the number of people online and the time spent online. They have imposed a huge volume of extra traffic onto the web, leaving some routers struggling with lack of memory and processing power. Some machines impose an arbitrary upper limit of 512,000 different routes, a number that experts say is out of date. The . system is similar to the human brain being unable to cope with . remembering ‘all the back streets’ on a long car journey, said Dr Joss . Wright, a research fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute. Online . auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day, with buyers and . sellers inundating the site with complaints about lost business (file . picture) In order to deal with the increase in web traffic, routers need to be updated with more memory and processing power. But experts said some machines are starting to become badly dated. Dr Wright told The Daily Telegraph: ‘It’s really a case of the routers being overloaded due to more and more devices and more and more fragmented Internet landscape of lots of little networks.’ James Gill, chief executive of Internet traffic monitoring firm GoSquared, said: ‘This is likely to happen more and more the devices there are and the less the infrastructure is going to be able to cope. This definitely won’t be the last we hear of BGP outages.’ Weekly Internet retail sales averaged £729 million in June - meaning more of these problems could see online retailers losing millions of pounds of trade in the future. Richard Perks, from the market analysts Mintel, said: ‘Online firms build up their reputations on trust, on delivering a flawless experience to their customers. ‘If such problems become a regular feature, then that is a serious problem both for firms and for the economy in general.’ Video courtesy of Maron Structure Technologies .
Technical problems could increase as web runs out of space, experts say . An online breakdown on Tuesday cost the economy millions of pounds . Auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day sparking complaints . Problem thought to have been caused by crucial 'nuts and bolts' of internet .
7ea6e9255f4465719808fd6f3980ce06f3278fae
<s>[INST] Major technical problems could become a regular occurrence for website users because the internet is running out of space, experts have warned. An online breakdown caused chaos on Tuesday, costing the economy millions of pounds in lost trade and effectively closing access to a number of huge websites. Online auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day, with buyers and sellers inundating the site with complaints about lost business after being unable to log onto their accounts. An online breakdown caused chaos on Tuesday, costing the economy millions of pounds in lost trade and effectively closing access to a number of huge website (file picture) Hundreds of thousands of users were unable to log on and the auction site was flooded with traders demanding compensation. The problem is understood to have been caused by the crucial ‘nuts and bolts’ of the internet – called the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Internet companies and large networks use this ‘route map’ - consisting of hundreds of thousands of complex paths through the web - to send information to each other. When visiting a website, users rely on machines called routers to remember how to navigate trusted routes through the ever-expanding internet. Steve Rawlinson, managing director of web hosting experts Tagadab answers the main questions about the internet outage. What caused this issue? As traffic travels around the internet, it's directed by routers which know where to send individual packets on the basis of a 'lookup table.' This table has groups of IP addresses to help direct traffic to the right places, like postcodes in a sorting office. The number of groups of IP addresses that can be held in the very fast type of memory required for this job is limited to 512,000 in some routers. Once this number is exceeded, those routers stop working properly. The cause of this issue was that a major American networking company took one large group of IP addresses and split it into 15,000 smaller groups. This took the total number of prefixes (packets of IP addresses) from about 500,000 to 515,000 so this pushed past the limit and meant that routing stopped working in parts of the US. This was fixed in about 10 minutes but it still caused significant disruption to internet users and some major sites like eBay.'Why were eBay and Amazon affected in particular?People take more notice when these high profile sites go down. Many more sites would have been affected, they just weren't as noticeable. 'We were always going to hit this limit, the prediction was that it would happen by October. Cisco, one of the world's biggest manufacturers of routers, notified all of its customers of this potential issue back in May. It's possible that internet service providers (ISPs) thought they still had more time before this would become an issue. Will it become more widespread? Will more websites be affected?The limit will certainly be reached again. Whether or not the web is brought to its knees depends on how many network providers make the necessary upgrades before the limit is reached permanently. IPv4 exhaustion is contributing to this problem because as IPv4 resources get more limited they are handed out in smaller groups which makes the number of prefixes increase. So the very slow take-up of IPv6 is having an indirect effect on the speed with which we hit this limit, and the likelihood of this issue happening again soon.What will happen if everyone does nothing, and will the situation get worse?'If this problem isn't fixed, we will see a catastrophic repeat on a much larger scale. This news might act as a catalyst for networking companies to act, but their track record on updates is far from encouraging. But older routers are finding it difficult to manage with newer technology – such as smartphones and tablets which have drastically increased the number of people online and the time spent online. They have imposed a huge volume of extra traffic onto the web, leaving some routers struggling with lack of memory and processing power. Some machines impose an arbitrary upper limit of 512,000 different routes, a number that experts say is out of date. The . system is similar to the human brain being unable to cope with . remembering ‘all the back streets’ on a long car journey, said Dr Joss . Wright, a research fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute. Online . auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day, with buyers and . sellers inundating the site with complaints about lost business (file . picture) In order to deal with the increase in web traffic, routers need to be updated with more memory and processing power. But experts said some machines are starting to become badly dated. Dr Wright told The Daily Telegraph: ‘It’s really a case of the routers being overloaded due to more and more devices and more and more fragmented Internet landscape of lots of little networks.’ James Gill, chief executive of Internet traffic monitoring firm GoSquared, said: ‘This is likely to happen more and more the devices there are and the less the infrastructure is going to be able to cope. This definitely won’t be the last we hear of BGP outages.’ Weekly Internet retail sales averaged £729 million in June - meaning more of these problems could see online retailers losing millions of pounds of trade in the future. Richard Perks, from the market analysts Mintel, said: ‘Online firms build up their reputations on trust, on delivering a flawless experience to their customers. ‘If such problems become a regular feature, then that is a serious problem both for firms and for the economy in general.’ Video courtesy of Maron Structure Technologies . [/INST] Technical problems could increase as web runs out of space, experts say . An online breakdown on Tuesday cost the economy millions of pounds . Auctioneer eBay was out of action for most of the day sparking complaints . Problem thought to have been caused by crucial 'nuts and bolts' of internet . </s>
Austin, Texas (CNN) -- In February 2009, Sam Bassett got called to Gov. Rick Perry's office. Bassett was then chairman of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, an agency set up in 2005 to regulate state crime labs after a series of embarrassing scandals. The first matter on its plate involved the 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham, whose murder conviction rested largely on testimony that many arson experts now call outdated and incorrect. Aides to Perry, who allowed Willingham's execution to go forward, started off with general questions about how things were going at the commission, a relatively new agency, Bassett said. But then they started asking about Willingham, questioning whether the commission's review of the evidence in his case was beyond its legal powers. "As soon as we started discussing the Willingham investigation, the meeting got more confrontational and more difficult," Bassett said. About six months later, Bassett's term on the commission was up -- and despite letters from members urging his reappointment, Perry replaced him and three other appointees. The move came at what Bassett calls a "critical point," two days before the commission was to hear from an expert who had delivered a scathing report on the Willingham case. The governor's new pick for chairman soon put the brakes on the investigation, raising some of the same questions about the commission's authority that Bassett said Perry's aides had. And in July, with Perry gearing up for a run for president, the state's attorney general delivered an opinion that appears to sharply limit the commission's authority. The Forensic Science Commission is meeting Thursday to decide what it can still do in light of that opinion. For Bassett, an Austin defense lawyer, it's the culmination of what he now calls a methodical campaign to shut down an investigation that might embarrass Perry. "At first, when I was replaced, I gave the governor the benefit of the doubt," he said. "But now that time has passed, I've seen this kind of endless drumbeat of strategies and actions to stop this investigation, and it's been terribly disappointing." Perry's campaign dismissed Bassett's accusations Wednesday, repeating the governor's characterization of Willingham as a "monster" who had sent his three young daughters to a fiery death. "The case has been scrutinized and reviewed by a jury, state and federal courts, the news media, anti-death penalty activists and the Forensic Science Commission," Perry spokesman Mark Miner told CNN in an e-mail. "Willingham was guilty of murdering his children." The statement did not directly address Bassett's accusations. Bassett's role in the matter ended in October 2009. He said Perry's office called him just days before the commission was slated to hear from the expert it hired to review the evidence in the Willingham case. He said a Perry aide thanked him for his service, but told him Perry "wants to take the commission in a different direction." Though the shakeup was controversial at the time, it was barely mentioned in Perry's 2010 re-election campaign. Perry is now seeking the Republican nomination for president, and Bassett says the Willingham case is a window into Perry's leadership. "He's not always open to any contradictory viewpoints that could actually be helpful," said Bassett, who describes himself as a Democratic-leaning supporter of capital punishment in some cases. When the Willingham last-minute plea for a stay came before him, "There was nobody at the helm to raise a flag and tell him, 'This is serious ... this guy may have been convicted on faulty science,' " Bassett said. Bassett said July's opinion from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott "provides Governor Perry with the cover he probably needs to totally squash the investigation." Representatives of the attorney general's office raised no concerns about the Forensic Science Commission's jurisdiction when the panel voted unanimously to take on the Willingham investigation, he said. The Corsicana man was put to death in February 2004. It was one of 234 executions Perry has overseen as the longest-serving U.S. governor and the head of the most death-penalty-friendly state. Authorities in Corsicana say they remain convinced of Willingham's guilt, arguing that other evidence beyond the now-challenged arson testimony supported his conviction. The state fire marshal's office has told the Forensic Science Commission it stands by the findings in his case. Bassett said the commission was never looking into whether Willingham was innocent -- but he said much of the evidence cited in his trial is now considered "junk science." Perry's campaign also noted that Willingham's ex-wife now believes in his guilt. And his state office told CNN that Willingham "had full access to every level of the appeals process, and his conviction was consistently upheld." "His conviction was reviewed and upheld by multiple levels of state and federal courts, including nine federal courts -- four times by the U.S. Supreme Court alone over the course of more than a decade," deputy press secretary Lucy Nashed said in a written response to questions by CNN. In Willingham's case, Perry's office says the governor was briefed on a last-minute filing by Austin-based fire science expert Gerald Hurst that found the deadly blaze was likely not arson, but he refused to grant a stay of execution for further investigation. Nashed told CNN that Hurst's review of investigators' findings in the Willingham fire was also reviewed by appeals courts and the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, which rebuffed a plea for clemency. State and federal appeals courts "agreed that the new opinion by Gerald Hurst was simply an opinion and did not merit reopening the case," she wrote. Two subsequent reviews have backed up Hurst's conclusions, finding that advances in the science of arson investigation since Willingham's trial rendered obsolete most of the signs that fire marshals pointed to as evidence of arson in the case. In the 1990s, researchers determined that several of the things cited in Willingham's trial were likely to be produced in fully involved accidental fires. The appearance of spider web-like cracks in panes of glass, once believed to have been the result of fires started with flammable liquids, turned out to be caused by the rapid cooling of windows sprayed with water. Experiments conducted during that period showed burn patterns once thought to show multiple points of origin -- another possible indicator of arson -- also appear when the intense heat of even an accidental blaze radiates downward and sets items like furniture and carpet afire. The most recent review was conducted by Maryland arson expert Craig Beyler at the request of the Forensic Science Commission. Beyler, then chairman of the International Association of Fire Safety Science, sharply criticized the testimony against Willingham and questioned whether it met even the standards of the day. Beyler ultimately appeared before the commission in January 2011, 15 months after he had been scheduled to answer questions about his report. The commission began looking into Willingham's conviction at the request of Willingham's family and The Innocence Project, which works on behalf of inmates it believes are wrongly convicted. The group has blasted Perry over his role in the issue, accusing him of trying to shut down the probe. Stephen Saloom, the group's policy director, told CNN that the investigation should go forward for the sake of hundreds of other prisoners now serving time for arson, some of whom also may have been convicted based on outdated fire science. "The Willingham case really demonstrates how severe the consequences can be when you use bad forensic evidence," Saloom said.
The former chairman of a state commission criticizes Gov. Rick Perry . Bassett says the case is a window into Rick Perry's leadership . Perry signed off on Cameron Todd Willingham's execution in 2004 . Arson experts say conviction was partly based on "junk science"
046bafde3d0612d2d093c083c48cb210701e2232
<s>[INST] Austin, Texas (CNN) -- In February 2009, Sam Bassett got called to Gov. Rick Perry's office. Bassett was then chairman of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, an agency set up in 2005 to regulate state crime labs after a series of embarrassing scandals. The first matter on its plate involved the 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham, whose murder conviction rested largely on testimony that many arson experts now call outdated and incorrect. Aides to Perry, who allowed Willingham's execution to go forward, started off with general questions about how things were going at the commission, a relatively new agency, Bassett said. But then they started asking about Willingham, questioning whether the commission's review of the evidence in his case was beyond its legal powers. "As soon as we started discussing the Willingham investigation, the meeting got more confrontational and more difficult," Bassett said. About six months later, Bassett's term on the commission was up -- and despite letters from members urging his reappointment, Perry replaced him and three other appointees. The move came at what Bassett calls a "critical point," two days before the commission was to hear from an expert who had delivered a scathing report on the Willingham case. The governor's new pick for chairman soon put the brakes on the investigation, raising some of the same questions about the commission's authority that Bassett said Perry's aides had. And in July, with Perry gearing up for a run for president, the state's attorney general delivered an opinion that appears to sharply limit the commission's authority. The Forensic Science Commission is meeting Thursday to decide what it can still do in light of that opinion. For Bassett, an Austin defense lawyer, it's the culmination of what he now calls a methodical campaign to shut down an investigation that might embarrass Perry. "At first, when I was replaced, I gave the governor the benefit of the doubt," he said. "But now that time has passed, I've seen this kind of endless drumbeat of strategies and actions to stop this investigation, and it's been terribly disappointing." Perry's campaign dismissed Bassett's accusations Wednesday, repeating the governor's characterization of Willingham as a "monster" who had sent his three young daughters to a fiery death. "The case has been scrutinized and reviewed by a jury, state and federal courts, the news media, anti-death penalty activists and the Forensic Science Commission," Perry spokesman Mark Miner told CNN in an e-mail. "Willingham was guilty of murdering his children." The statement did not directly address Bassett's accusations. Bassett's role in the matter ended in October 2009. He said Perry's office called him just days before the commission was slated to hear from the expert it hired to review the evidence in the Willingham case. He said a Perry aide thanked him for his service, but told him Perry "wants to take the commission in a different direction." Though the shakeup was controversial at the time, it was barely mentioned in Perry's 2010 re-election campaign. Perry is now seeking the Republican nomination for president, and Bassett says the Willingham case is a window into Perry's leadership. "He's not always open to any contradictory viewpoints that could actually be helpful," said Bassett, who describes himself as a Democratic-leaning supporter of capital punishment in some cases. When the Willingham last-minute plea for a stay came before him, "There was nobody at the helm to raise a flag and tell him, 'This is serious ... this guy may have been convicted on faulty science,' " Bassett said. Bassett said July's opinion from Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott "provides Governor Perry with the cover he probably needs to totally squash the investigation." Representatives of the attorney general's office raised no concerns about the Forensic Science Commission's jurisdiction when the panel voted unanimously to take on the Willingham investigation, he said. The Corsicana man was put to death in February 2004. It was one of 234 executions Perry has overseen as the longest-serving U.S. governor and the head of the most death-penalty-friendly state. Authorities in Corsicana say they remain convinced of Willingham's guilt, arguing that other evidence beyond the now-challenged arson testimony supported his conviction. The state fire marshal's office has told the Forensic Science Commission it stands by the findings in his case. Bassett said the commission was never looking into whether Willingham was innocent -- but he said much of the evidence cited in his trial is now considered "junk science." Perry's campaign also noted that Willingham's ex-wife now believes in his guilt. And his state office told CNN that Willingham "had full access to every level of the appeals process, and his conviction was consistently upheld." "His conviction was reviewed and upheld by multiple levels of state and federal courts, including nine federal courts -- four times by the U.S. Supreme Court alone over the course of more than a decade," deputy press secretary Lucy Nashed said in a written response to questions by CNN. In Willingham's case, Perry's office says the governor was briefed on a last-minute filing by Austin-based fire science expert Gerald Hurst that found the deadly blaze was likely not arson, but he refused to grant a stay of execution for further investigation. Nashed told CNN that Hurst's review of investigators' findings in the Willingham fire was also reviewed by appeals courts and the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, which rebuffed a plea for clemency. State and federal appeals courts "agreed that the new opinion by Gerald Hurst was simply an opinion and did not merit reopening the case," she wrote. Two subsequent reviews have backed up Hurst's conclusions, finding that advances in the science of arson investigation since Willingham's trial rendered obsolete most of the signs that fire marshals pointed to as evidence of arson in the case. In the 1990s, researchers determined that several of the things cited in Willingham's trial were likely to be produced in fully involved accidental fires. The appearance of spider web-like cracks in panes of glass, once believed to have been the result of fires started with flammable liquids, turned out to be caused by the rapid cooling of windows sprayed with water. Experiments conducted during that period showed burn patterns once thought to show multiple points of origin -- another possible indicator of arson -- also appear when the intense heat of even an accidental blaze radiates downward and sets items like furniture and carpet afire. The most recent review was conducted by Maryland arson expert Craig Beyler at the request of the Forensic Science Commission. Beyler, then chairman of the International Association of Fire Safety Science, sharply criticized the testimony against Willingham and questioned whether it met even the standards of the day. Beyler ultimately appeared before the commission in January 2011, 15 months after he had been scheduled to answer questions about his report. The commission began looking into Willingham's conviction at the request of Willingham's family and The Innocence Project, which works on behalf of inmates it believes are wrongly convicted. The group has blasted Perry over his role in the issue, accusing him of trying to shut down the probe. Stephen Saloom, the group's policy director, told CNN that the investigation should go forward for the sake of hundreds of other prisoners now serving time for arson, some of whom also may have been convicted based on outdated fire science. "The Willingham case really demonstrates how severe the consequences can be when you use bad forensic evidence," Saloom said. [/INST] The former chairman of a state commission criticizes Gov. Rick Perry . Bassett says the case is a window into Rick Perry's leadership . Perry signed off on Cameron Todd Willingham's execution in 2004 . Arson experts say conviction was partly based on "junk science" </s>
(CNN) -- The number of shark attacks last year dropped to a four-year low, but they were deadlier, a University of Florida report says. Worldwide, 10 people died in 72 shark attacks last year. That's higher than the average of 6.3 deaths over the past 10 years, said George Burgess, who conducts research on sharks at the University of Florida. The last time shark attacks were this low was 2009 when there were 67. Since 2001, fatal shark attacks have only been higher once -- in 2011 when there were 13. Shark attack hot spots include Western Australia with six deaths in the past four years and Reunion Island in the southwest Indian Ocean with five deaths in three years. Over the past century, shark attacks have been on the increase as more humans have ventured into the water, according to Burgess. "When sudden increases in shark attacks occur, usually human factors are involved that promote interactions between sharks and people," he said. With more people in the ocean, their interactions with sharks have increased. In the United States, there were 47 shark attacks last year, down from a peak of 54 attacks the previous year. Nearly half of those attacks occurred in Florida. The lone U.S. death involved a man fishing from a kayak off the coast of Hawaii. He was dangling his legs in the water when a shark took a bite. "Sharks have a lot more to fear from us than we do from them," Burgess said. "Statistically, shark attacks are extremely rare, especially considering the number of humans that enter the water each year." Burgess warned that entering the ocean is a "wilderness experience," just like hiking in the woods where bears or mountain lions might live. "One-on-one in the ocean, the shark has the advantage," he said. "But, by better understanding where and when it is safe to be in the ocean, we can better avoid those encounters."
There were 72 unprovoked shark attacks last year . More than half, 47, happened in the United States . Globally, 10 people died from shark attacks . "Sharks have a lot more to fear from us than we do from them," researcher says .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The number of shark attacks last year dropped to a four-year low, but they were deadlier, a University of Florida report says. Worldwide, 10 people died in 72 shark attacks last year. That's higher than the average of 6.3 deaths over the past 10 years, said George Burgess, who conducts research on sharks at the University of Florida. The last time shark attacks were this low was 2009 when there were 67. Since 2001, fatal shark attacks have only been higher once -- in 2011 when there were 13. Shark attack hot spots include Western Australia with six deaths in the past four years and Reunion Island in the southwest Indian Ocean with five deaths in three years. Over the past century, shark attacks have been on the increase as more humans have ventured into the water, according to Burgess. "When sudden increases in shark attacks occur, usually human factors are involved that promote interactions between sharks and people," he said. With more people in the ocean, their interactions with sharks have increased. In the United States, there were 47 shark attacks last year, down from a peak of 54 attacks the previous year. Nearly half of those attacks occurred in Florida. The lone U.S. death involved a man fishing from a kayak off the coast of Hawaii. He was dangling his legs in the water when a shark took a bite. "Sharks have a lot more to fear from us than we do from them," Burgess said. "Statistically, shark attacks are extremely rare, especially considering the number of humans that enter the water each year." Burgess warned that entering the ocean is a "wilderness experience," just like hiking in the woods where bears or mountain lions might live. "One-on-one in the ocean, the shark has the advantage," he said. "But, by better understanding where and when it is safe to be in the ocean, we can better avoid those encounters." [/INST] There were 72 unprovoked shark attacks last year . More than half, 47, happened in the United States . Globally, 10 people died from shark attacks . "Sharks have a lot more to fear from us than we do from them," researcher says . </s>
By . Simon Jones for MailOnline . Lassana Diarra has arrived in London for a medical with Queens Park Rangers. The French midfielder is hoping for a return to the Premier League and would become Harry Redknapp's seventh signing of the summer. Diarra, 29, was recently sacked by Lokomotiv Moscow and has previous experience of English football with Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth. VIDEO Scroll Harry Redknapp talks QPR transfers and admits one or two 'might go' Late mover: Former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Lassana Diarra has arrived in London for a medical . Big time: Diarra joined Real Madrid in 2008 and made 87 appearances for the Spanish giants . Silverware: Diarra (left) and Pedro Mendes celebrate with the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 . The 29-year-old has been in dispute with Lokomotiv coach Leonid Kuchuk and refused to turn up for training. Sportsmail revealed Rangers' interest earlier this month with the sticking point Diarra's £80,000-a-week salary. However, he is ready to compromise his demands to push through a deal and link up with Redknapp, who was his boss at Portsmouth. Diarra left Portsmouth in 2008 to sign for Real Madrid, where he made 87 appearances for the Spanish giants. Frenchman: Diarra first experienced English football with Chelsea after signing form Le Havre in 2005 . Gunner: The midfielder left Chelsea for Arsenal in 2007, but made just seven appearances for the club .
Harry Redknapp hoping to make midfielder his seventh summer signing . Lassana Diarra joined Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013 . He fell out with Lokomotiv coach Leonid Kuchuk and refused to train . Lokomotiv then sacked Diarra and he is heading to London to tie up a deal . He will have to lower his wage demands of £80,000-a-week to secure move . Frenchman has previously played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth .
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<s>[INST] By . Simon Jones for MailOnline . Lassana Diarra has arrived in London for a medical with Queens Park Rangers. The French midfielder is hoping for a return to the Premier League and would become Harry Redknapp's seventh signing of the summer. Diarra, 29, was recently sacked by Lokomotiv Moscow and has previous experience of English football with Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth. VIDEO Scroll Harry Redknapp talks QPR transfers and admits one or two 'might go' Late mover: Former Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Lassana Diarra has arrived in London for a medical . Big time: Diarra joined Real Madrid in 2008 and made 87 appearances for the Spanish giants . Silverware: Diarra (left) and Pedro Mendes celebrate with the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008 . The 29-year-old has been in dispute with Lokomotiv coach Leonid Kuchuk and refused to turn up for training. Sportsmail revealed Rangers' interest earlier this month with the sticking point Diarra's £80,000-a-week salary. However, he is ready to compromise his demands to push through a deal and link up with Redknapp, who was his boss at Portsmouth. Diarra left Portsmouth in 2008 to sign for Real Madrid, where he made 87 appearances for the Spanish giants. Frenchman: Diarra first experienced English football with Chelsea after signing form Le Havre in 2005 . Gunner: The midfielder left Chelsea for Arsenal in 2007, but made just seven appearances for the club . [/INST] Harry Redknapp hoping to make midfielder his seventh summer signing . Lassana Diarra joined Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in 2013 . He fell out with Lokomotiv coach Leonid Kuchuk and refused to train . Lokomotiv then sacked Diarra and he is heading to London to tie up a deal . He will have to lower his wage demands of £80,000-a-week to secure move . Frenchman has previously played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth . </s>
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:05 EST, 30 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:39 EST, 30 August 2013 . A former policeman who became a feared cartel boss has been arrested on suspicion of killing hundreds of people and dumping their bodies in mass graves. Mario Nunez, also known as 'M-10', was a key figure in Mexico's long-running drug war, and was accused of involvement with the murder of 350 people in 2011. Yesterday police in the northern state of Chihuahua detained the 39-year-old in the border city of Ciudad Juarez. Arrest: Mario Nunez has been detained on suspicion of helping to kill 350 people in Mexico's drug war . Nunez began working with the Juarez Cartel before joining the rival Sinaloa organsation led by Mexico's most-wanted man, Joaquin 'Shorty' Guzman. The government partially blames Nunez for an upsurge in drug violence that brought shootouts in broad daylight, ambushes of police and kidnappings to Ciudad Juarez, which is just over the border from El Paso, Texas. Court documents say Guzman hired Nunez and gave him the job of snatching the smuggling corridors into the U.S. from the local Juarez Cartel, through ordering gangs of hit men to carry out killings that included grisly mutilations and decapitations. The Juarez Cartel lost ground to the Sinaloa organisation in a three-year battle that wound down in 2011. Violence: Police are pictured outside a park after the latest flare-up of drug-related bloodshed . But Nunez's criminal career continued, according to the authorities. The Mexican government claims Nunez's power struggle with another drug boss in the spring of 2011 resulted in the killing of 350 people, whose bodies were unearthed in 23 mass graves in the state of Durango. 'Much of the violence seen in the states of Chihuahua and Durango is partially because of the actions carried out by this man,' a government spokesman said. Hunt: Mexican soldiers are pictured looking for poppy fields in operations aimed at the drug cartels . Nunez faces up to 40 years in prison if he is found guilty of the alleged offences. He is also wanted in the U.S. on charges drug trafficking, although it is not known whether American authorities will try to extradite him. Violence stemming from the actions of drug cartels reached a horrific peak during the presidency of Felipe Calderon, who vowed to crack down on the criminal gangs. It has calmed down somewhat since he left office last year, but 1,000 people still die as a result of drug-related violence every month.
Mario Nunez was lieutenant to Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin Guzman . Former police officer linked to mass killings in Durango state in 2011 .
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<s>[INST] By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:05 EST, 30 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:39 EST, 30 August 2013 . A former policeman who became a feared cartel boss has been arrested on suspicion of killing hundreds of people and dumping their bodies in mass graves. Mario Nunez, also known as 'M-10', was a key figure in Mexico's long-running drug war, and was accused of involvement with the murder of 350 people in 2011. Yesterday police in the northern state of Chihuahua detained the 39-year-old in the border city of Ciudad Juarez. Arrest: Mario Nunez has been detained on suspicion of helping to kill 350 people in Mexico's drug war . Nunez began working with the Juarez Cartel before joining the rival Sinaloa organsation led by Mexico's most-wanted man, Joaquin 'Shorty' Guzman. The government partially blames Nunez for an upsurge in drug violence that brought shootouts in broad daylight, ambushes of police and kidnappings to Ciudad Juarez, which is just over the border from El Paso, Texas. Court documents say Guzman hired Nunez and gave him the job of snatching the smuggling corridors into the U.S. from the local Juarez Cartel, through ordering gangs of hit men to carry out killings that included grisly mutilations and decapitations. The Juarez Cartel lost ground to the Sinaloa organisation in a three-year battle that wound down in 2011. Violence: Police are pictured outside a park after the latest flare-up of drug-related bloodshed . But Nunez's criminal career continued, according to the authorities. The Mexican government claims Nunez's power struggle with another drug boss in the spring of 2011 resulted in the killing of 350 people, whose bodies were unearthed in 23 mass graves in the state of Durango. 'Much of the violence seen in the states of Chihuahua and Durango is partially because of the actions carried out by this man,' a government spokesman said. Hunt: Mexican soldiers are pictured looking for poppy fields in operations aimed at the drug cartels . Nunez faces up to 40 years in prison if he is found guilty of the alleged offences. He is also wanted in the U.S. on charges drug trafficking, although it is not known whether American authorities will try to extradite him. Violence stemming from the actions of drug cartels reached a horrific peak during the presidency of Felipe Calderon, who vowed to crack down on the criminal gangs. It has calmed down somewhat since he left office last year, but 1,000 people still die as a result of drug-related violence every month. [/INST] Mario Nunez was lieutenant to Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin Guzman . Former police officer linked to mass killings in Durango state in 2011 . </s>
By . Paul Revoir Tv Correspondent . PUBLISHED: . 07:00 EST, 24 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:58 EST, 24 March 2013 . There was a time when films stood little chance of success unless there was something steamy going on at some point. These days, however, it seems movie moguls find sex one big turn-off. Experts say intimate love scenes have been vanishing from movie scripts in the last 18 months. Sexually explicit movies like Basic Instinct, starring Sharon Stone, are no longer popular . Special effects, such as in the film The Day After Tomorrow, are much more likely to appeal to viewers . This is not only because producers . want to avoid an adult-only rating, but also because women are . increasingly the ones who choose what film to watch when they go to the . cinema with their partner. It marks a huge shift from the days when films deliberately courted controversy with their sex scenes. Among the most famous examples of this . were Sharon Stone uncrossing her legs in Basic Instinct and 9½ Weeks, . which starred Kim Basinger. Vincent Bruzzese, president of the film . division of market research company Ipsos, said sex scenes were now . regularly removed from scripts by producers. The executive, whose company looks at . scripts for studios and filmmakers, said: ‘Sex scenes used to be . written, no matter the plot, to spice up a trailer. 'But all that does today is get a film . an adult-only rating and lose a younger audience. Today such scenes are . written out by producers before they are even shot.’ He told the Sunday Times: ‘They ask: . do we really need the sex? Can we fill the space with dazzling special . effects instead and keep the family-friendly rating.’ It was pointed out how this year’s best picture hopefuls at the Oscars contained a lot of violence but no explicit sex scenes. Kate Winslet in Titanic. Romantic plotlines feature less in modern films as they are more likely to incur R-rating . The Sessions, starring Helen Hunt, is one recent film featuring sex scenes that has failed to win big audiences . Nicole Kidman's film The Paperboy, in which she plays a trashy blonde, also flopped . Among recent films which have featured . sex scenes which have failed to win big audiences are The Sessions, . which stars Helen Hunt as a sex surrogate, and The Paperboy starring . Nicole Kidman as a trashy blonde with a sexual predilection for Death . Row prisoners. Film producers are now desperate to . avoid an adult-only rating because young people often drive the box . office success of movies. The trend has also been linked to a . report put together for Warner Bros, which suggested that women over 25 . are most likely to decide what film a couple watch. Research also shows the percentage of . adult-only films in the UK dropped to 8 per cent last year, as compared . with 12 per cent in 2001. Only two films containing sex and nudity made . the box office top ten last year. Adrian Lyne, who directed 9½ Weeks and Fatal Attraction, said these types of film would not be supported today. He told Entertainment Weekly: ‘I can’t . think of the last relationship piece that was a success... which is . apparently why I haven’t done something for quite a while now.’ Hollywood insiders also point out that . gratuitous sex scenes are not highly valued by audiences, notably in an . era where pornography is easily accessible on the internet.
Raunchy movies like Basic Instinct no longer a turn-on for film fans . Family-friendly films with handsome male leads now more lucrative . Movie producers want to avoid adult-only rating and appeal to women .
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<s>[INST] By . Paul Revoir Tv Correspondent . PUBLISHED: . 07:00 EST, 24 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:58 EST, 24 March 2013 . There was a time when films stood little chance of success unless there was something steamy going on at some point. These days, however, it seems movie moguls find sex one big turn-off. Experts say intimate love scenes have been vanishing from movie scripts in the last 18 months. Sexually explicit movies like Basic Instinct, starring Sharon Stone, are no longer popular . Special effects, such as in the film The Day After Tomorrow, are much more likely to appeal to viewers . This is not only because producers . want to avoid an adult-only rating, but also because women are . increasingly the ones who choose what film to watch when they go to the . cinema with their partner. It marks a huge shift from the days when films deliberately courted controversy with their sex scenes. Among the most famous examples of this . were Sharon Stone uncrossing her legs in Basic Instinct and 9½ Weeks, . which starred Kim Basinger. Vincent Bruzzese, president of the film . division of market research company Ipsos, said sex scenes were now . regularly removed from scripts by producers. The executive, whose company looks at . scripts for studios and filmmakers, said: ‘Sex scenes used to be . written, no matter the plot, to spice up a trailer. 'But all that does today is get a film . an adult-only rating and lose a younger audience. Today such scenes are . written out by producers before they are even shot.’ He told the Sunday Times: ‘They ask: . do we really need the sex? Can we fill the space with dazzling special . effects instead and keep the family-friendly rating.’ It was pointed out how this year’s best picture hopefuls at the Oscars contained a lot of violence but no explicit sex scenes. Kate Winslet in Titanic. Romantic plotlines feature less in modern films as they are more likely to incur R-rating . The Sessions, starring Helen Hunt, is one recent film featuring sex scenes that has failed to win big audiences . Nicole Kidman's film The Paperboy, in which she plays a trashy blonde, also flopped . Among recent films which have featured . sex scenes which have failed to win big audiences are The Sessions, . which stars Helen Hunt as a sex surrogate, and The Paperboy starring . Nicole Kidman as a trashy blonde with a sexual predilection for Death . Row prisoners. Film producers are now desperate to . avoid an adult-only rating because young people often drive the box . office success of movies. The trend has also been linked to a . report put together for Warner Bros, which suggested that women over 25 . are most likely to decide what film a couple watch. Research also shows the percentage of . adult-only films in the UK dropped to 8 per cent last year, as compared . with 12 per cent in 2001. Only two films containing sex and nudity made . the box office top ten last year. Adrian Lyne, who directed 9½ Weeks and Fatal Attraction, said these types of film would not be supported today. He told Entertainment Weekly: ‘I can’t . think of the last relationship piece that was a success... which is . apparently why I haven’t done something for quite a while now.’ Hollywood insiders also point out that . gratuitous sex scenes are not highly valued by audiences, notably in an . era where pornography is easily accessible on the internet. [/INST] Raunchy movies like Basic Instinct no longer a turn-on for film fans . Family-friendly films with handsome male leads now more lucrative . Movie producers want to avoid adult-only rating and appeal to women . </s>
(CNN) -- Since the infidelity scandal that took down the CIA chief David Petraeus broke last Friday, a scattered timeline of bizarre events have captivated, if not confused, the public. There is his mistress and biographer, Paula Broadwell. Then there is Jill Kelley, the Florida woman whose claim about anonymous e-mails questioning her character triggered an FBI probe that uncovered the Broadwell-Petraeus affair. Finally, there is Gen. John Allen, the man who commands U.S. forces in Afghanistan and whose nomination to become the NATO Supreme Allied Commander of Europe is now in question. Confused? Maybe laying it out -- by the numbers -- will help: . 4 - Number of stars, as a general, with which Petraeus retired. 38 - Four-star officers in the U.S. military, as of August 2012. 2 - Number of generals involved in the scandal. 5 - In which top percentage of his West Point class Petraeus graduated. 38 - Years Petraeus and his wife Holly have been married. 22 - Current and former directors of the Central Intelligence Agency. 197 - Amazon.com sales rank of Broadwell's book "All In: The Education of General David Petraeus" on Wednesday. 76,792 - Previous rank on Amazon.com before the scandal made the news. 20,000-30,000 - Number of documents -- many of them e-mails between Allen and Kelley -- that investigators are reviewing. 7,969 - Number of U.S. government requests for data on Gmail.com user accounts, according to a Google transparency report covering January to June of 2012. 6 - Number of minutes in which Petraeus and Broadwell were reportedly able to finish each mile on their runs together. 0 - Number of active "Friends of MacDill" Air Force Base visitor passes currently held by Kelley. Timeline of the Petraeus affair .
4 - Number of stars awarded Petraeus as U.S. Army general . 2 - Number of four-star generals involved in the scandal . Around 30,000 - Documents -- many of them emails -- investigators are looking at related to Allen and Kelley . 22 - Current and former directors of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Since the infidelity scandal that took down the CIA chief David Petraeus broke last Friday, a scattered timeline of bizarre events have captivated, if not confused, the public. There is his mistress and biographer, Paula Broadwell. Then there is Jill Kelley, the Florida woman whose claim about anonymous e-mails questioning her character triggered an FBI probe that uncovered the Broadwell-Petraeus affair. Finally, there is Gen. John Allen, the man who commands U.S. forces in Afghanistan and whose nomination to become the NATO Supreme Allied Commander of Europe is now in question. Confused? Maybe laying it out -- by the numbers -- will help: . 4 - Number of stars, as a general, with which Petraeus retired. 38 - Four-star officers in the U.S. military, as of August 2012. 2 - Number of generals involved in the scandal. 5 - In which top percentage of his West Point class Petraeus graduated. 38 - Years Petraeus and his wife Holly have been married. 22 - Current and former directors of the Central Intelligence Agency. 197 - Amazon.com sales rank of Broadwell's book "All In: The Education of General David Petraeus" on Wednesday. 76,792 - Previous rank on Amazon.com before the scandal made the news. 20,000-30,000 - Number of documents -- many of them e-mails between Allen and Kelley -- that investigators are reviewing. 7,969 - Number of U.S. government requests for data on Gmail.com user accounts, according to a Google transparency report covering January to June of 2012. 6 - Number of minutes in which Petraeus and Broadwell were reportedly able to finish each mile on their runs together. 0 - Number of active "Friends of MacDill" Air Force Base visitor passes currently held by Kelley. Timeline of the Petraeus affair . [/INST] 4 - Number of stars awarded Petraeus as U.S. Army general . 2 - Number of four-star generals involved in the scandal . Around 30,000 - Documents -- many of them emails -- investigators are looking at related to Allen and Kelley . 22 - Current and former directors of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency . </s>
By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 10:26 EST, 18 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:44 EST, 18 December 2012 . TalkTalk has finally shaken its title as the most complained-about broadband provider, having been replaced by Orange, according to the latest Ofcom figures. Complaints about Orange’s service spiked in September, apparently related to it withdrawing its free broadband offer unless customers bought line rental from the company. TalkTalk was the second most complained-about broadband provider, with BT also generating above-average complaints, the regulator’s figures for July to September show. Ofcom revealed that over 300 people a day are complaining about their broadband service - with Orange now the most complained- about service provider . Sky’s broadband service attracted the fewest complaints. An Ofcom spokesman said : 'Overall, . complaints levels are much lower for pay-TV and ‘pay-as-you-go’ mobile . telephone services than for broadband services, landline telephone and . ‘pay monthly’ mobile telephone services.' TalkTalk spokesman Charles Whitney claimed the firm had made 'significant improvements' during the year. He said: 'Complaints about landline . services are 50 per cent down year-on-year with broadband complaints . down 36 per cent in that period. 'We have invested in our online . customer support - which now accounts for over 70 per cent of customer . contacts , and offer more support when people move home. 'When issues do arise, we increasingly . fix them first time. 'We will continue to look for ways to better serve . our customers while continuing to provide the great value we are known . for.' Colourful: The inside of an Orange retail store. The firm's broadband service today became the most complained about in Britain . Ofcom said it received an average of 300 complaints a day about the range of communications providers, after customers had been unable to resolve their problems in the first instance with the company concerned. The seventh quarterly report, which aims to help consumers decide which service or provider to choose and incentivise suppliers, found TalkTalk generated the most complaints among landline providers, with complaints about BT also above the industry average. Virgin Media and Sky jointly achieved the fewest number of complaints among landline providers.Among pay TV providers, Ofcom received the most complaints about BT Vision - which remained six times greater than the industry average. Virgin Media also attracted above-average complaints, while Sky had the lowest number of complaints.
Regulator Ofcom says it receives over 300 calls a day from people unhappy with their broadband provider . Sky's broadband service attracted the fewest complaints .
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<s>[INST] By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 10:26 EST, 18 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:44 EST, 18 December 2012 . TalkTalk has finally shaken its title as the most complained-about broadband provider, having been replaced by Orange, according to the latest Ofcom figures. Complaints about Orange’s service spiked in September, apparently related to it withdrawing its free broadband offer unless customers bought line rental from the company. TalkTalk was the second most complained-about broadband provider, with BT also generating above-average complaints, the regulator’s figures for July to September show. Ofcom revealed that over 300 people a day are complaining about their broadband service - with Orange now the most complained- about service provider . Sky’s broadband service attracted the fewest complaints. An Ofcom spokesman said : 'Overall, . complaints levels are much lower for pay-TV and ‘pay-as-you-go’ mobile . telephone services than for broadband services, landline telephone and . ‘pay monthly’ mobile telephone services.' TalkTalk spokesman Charles Whitney claimed the firm had made 'significant improvements' during the year. He said: 'Complaints about landline . services are 50 per cent down year-on-year with broadband complaints . down 36 per cent in that period. 'We have invested in our online . customer support - which now accounts for over 70 per cent of customer . contacts , and offer more support when people move home. 'When issues do arise, we increasingly . fix them first time. 'We will continue to look for ways to better serve . our customers while continuing to provide the great value we are known . for.' Colourful: The inside of an Orange retail store. The firm's broadband service today became the most complained about in Britain . Ofcom said it received an average of 300 complaints a day about the range of communications providers, after customers had been unable to resolve their problems in the first instance with the company concerned. The seventh quarterly report, which aims to help consumers decide which service or provider to choose and incentivise suppliers, found TalkTalk generated the most complaints among landline providers, with complaints about BT also above the industry average. Virgin Media and Sky jointly achieved the fewest number of complaints among landline providers.Among pay TV providers, Ofcom received the most complaints about BT Vision - which remained six times greater than the industry average. Virgin Media also attracted above-average complaints, while Sky had the lowest number of complaints. [/INST] Regulator Ofcom says it receives over 300 calls a day from people unhappy with their broadband provider . Sky's broadband service attracted the fewest complaints . </s>
Demands: Albert Buitenhuis and his wife Marthie. The couple are being forced from their home as he is too over weight . This is the man who was told he is too fat to live in New Zealand, despite losing 66lb since moving there six years ago. Albert Buitenhuis, who weighs 20 stone six pounds, was told that it may place demands on the New Zealand health services. He and wife Marthie are now facing deportation from their Christchurch home and are living with his sister in Auckland as they fight the decision. New Zealand is the third most obese nation in the developed world, coming behind the US and Mexico. Albert is five feet ten inches tall and has a body mass index of 40, making him clinically obese. But, he weighed 25 stone two pounds when he arrived in New Zealand after gaining weight when he quit smoking. His wife Marthie said that his weight had not stopped Albert from working 40 hours a week as a chef. She added that their annual visas have been approved every year since 2007 with little problem. Marthie told The Press: ‘We applied for [them] year after year and there were no issues. They never mentioned Albert's weight or his health once and he was a lot heavier then. ‘We've committed no crime and did nothing wrong other than my husband being a foodie.’ But at the start of May the couple were told they must leave as Albert’s health was no longer acceptable. Immigration New Zealand said that an applicant’s BMI must be under 35. He and his wife Marthie are now facing deportation from their Christchurch, pictured, home (Stock image) A spokesman said: ‘INZ's medical assessors have to consider to what extent there might be indications of future high-cost and high-need demand for health services.’ They claim that his weight increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and fatty liver. He also has a knee injury which could cost up to $20,000 to replace. The Press reported that the couple’s doctor said he could bring his cholesterol and blood levels into the acceptable level within 26 weeks. They have made an appeal to New Zealand Associate Minister of Immigration Nikki Kaye.
Albert Buitenhuis was told he was too heavy to stay in new Zealand . Weighs 20 stone six pounds, five stone less than when he moved there . He and wife Marthie are facing deportation from their Christchurch home . Albert is five feet ten inches tall and has a Body Mass Index of 40 .
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<s>[INST] Demands: Albert Buitenhuis and his wife Marthie. The couple are being forced from their home as he is too over weight . This is the man who was told he is too fat to live in New Zealand, despite losing 66lb since moving there six years ago. Albert Buitenhuis, who weighs 20 stone six pounds, was told that it may place demands on the New Zealand health services. He and wife Marthie are now facing deportation from their Christchurch home and are living with his sister in Auckland as they fight the decision. New Zealand is the third most obese nation in the developed world, coming behind the US and Mexico. Albert is five feet ten inches tall and has a body mass index of 40, making him clinically obese. But, he weighed 25 stone two pounds when he arrived in New Zealand after gaining weight when he quit smoking. His wife Marthie said that his weight had not stopped Albert from working 40 hours a week as a chef. She added that their annual visas have been approved every year since 2007 with little problem. Marthie told The Press: ‘We applied for [them] year after year and there were no issues. They never mentioned Albert's weight or his health once and he was a lot heavier then. ‘We've committed no crime and did nothing wrong other than my husband being a foodie.’ But at the start of May the couple were told they must leave as Albert’s health was no longer acceptable. Immigration New Zealand said that an applicant’s BMI must be under 35. He and his wife Marthie are now facing deportation from their Christchurch, pictured, home (Stock image) A spokesman said: ‘INZ's medical assessors have to consider to what extent there might be indications of future high-cost and high-need demand for health services.’ They claim that his weight increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and fatty liver. He also has a knee injury which could cost up to $20,000 to replace. The Press reported that the couple’s doctor said he could bring his cholesterol and blood levels into the acceptable level within 26 weeks. They have made an appeal to New Zealand Associate Minister of Immigration Nikki Kaye. [/INST] Albert Buitenhuis was told he was too heavy to stay in new Zealand . Weighs 20 stone six pounds, five stone less than when he moved there . He and wife Marthie are facing deportation from their Christchurch home . Albert is five feet ten inches tall and has a Body Mass Index of 40 . </s>
(CNN) -- The son of the-highest ranking CIA officer ever to be sentenced for espionage was sentenced Tuesday to probation and community service for continuing his jailed father's espionage activities, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Portland, Oregon. Nathan Nicholson pleaded guilty last year to helping his father -- Harold James "Jim" Nicholson -- restart his spying career while the father was serving a 23-year-prison sentence. He was sentenced to serve five years on probation and complete 100 hours of community service, Gerri Badden, a spokeswoman for the US attorney in Portland. The elder Nicholson pleaded guilty in 1997 to spying for Russia, making him the highest-ranking CIA officer imprisoned for espionage. Last month he pleaded guilty to spying for the Russians once again by using his son as an intermediary. He faces sentencing in that case in January, 2010. According to court documents, Nathan Nicholson, 26, cooperated with prosecutors in their case against his father after FBI agents confronted him about frequent international travel, in which they suspected Nathan Nicholson of meeting with Russian intelligence agents. During the FBI questioning, Nicholson, who is a former U.S. Army paratrooper admitted to authorities that he had not gone overseas to visit "a battle buddy" as he had claimed previously. FBI agents then informed Nicholson that lying to them was a federal crime and offered him a chance to change his story, according to one agent's testimony. At that point, FBI Special Agent John Cooney testified, Nicholson became more "forthcoming" about his meetings with Russians. Nathan Nicholson told the agents that at his father's behest, he made trips to California, Mexico, Peru and Cyprus, where he met with Russian government representatives who gave him payments totaling over $35,000 in cash. During Nathan Nicholson¹s prison visits to his father, according to court records, "Harold Nicholson spent a significant amount of time advising defendant on how to conduct himself in a clandestine manner as he traveled to and from various international meeting locations. Harold Nicholson tried to impart his CIA training to defendant." Prosecutors alleged that the Russians paid the elder Nicholson back pay for his prior espionage activities and for information on how he was caught. "The Russian Federation was specifically interested in how Harold Nicholson got caught by the FBI," according to a government sentencing memo filed with the court. It added that the information concerned "who interrogated him after his arrest and the timing of his transfers as a CIA Officer prior to his arrest." According to court records, the elder Nicholson and his son put the plot into motion after Nathan Nicholson complained to his father that the family was in a precarious financial situation. The sentencing memo said that Nathan Nicholson provided crucial help in the prosecution of his father. The elder Nicholson pleaded guilty on the day that his trial was set to have begun last month and who now faces an additional 20 years in prison. In an October, 2010, psychological report entered into the court record by prosecutors, Nathan Nicholson took aim at his ex-spy father. "I wasn¹t aware of his selfish side," Nathan Nicholson said, according to the records. "I allowed myself to be blind-sided. I was like a lobster in a pot, heated slowly until it was too late."
The father is the highest-ranking CIA officer ever sentenced for espionage . The son pleaded guilty to helping his father restart his spying career from prison . The son cooperated with prosecutors . He was sentenced to five years on probation and 100 hours of community service .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The son of the-highest ranking CIA officer ever to be sentenced for espionage was sentenced Tuesday to probation and community service for continuing his jailed father's espionage activities, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Portland, Oregon. Nathan Nicholson pleaded guilty last year to helping his father -- Harold James "Jim" Nicholson -- restart his spying career while the father was serving a 23-year-prison sentence. He was sentenced to serve five years on probation and complete 100 hours of community service, Gerri Badden, a spokeswoman for the US attorney in Portland. The elder Nicholson pleaded guilty in 1997 to spying for Russia, making him the highest-ranking CIA officer imprisoned for espionage. Last month he pleaded guilty to spying for the Russians once again by using his son as an intermediary. He faces sentencing in that case in January, 2010. According to court documents, Nathan Nicholson, 26, cooperated with prosecutors in their case against his father after FBI agents confronted him about frequent international travel, in which they suspected Nathan Nicholson of meeting with Russian intelligence agents. During the FBI questioning, Nicholson, who is a former U.S. Army paratrooper admitted to authorities that he had not gone overseas to visit "a battle buddy" as he had claimed previously. FBI agents then informed Nicholson that lying to them was a federal crime and offered him a chance to change his story, according to one agent's testimony. At that point, FBI Special Agent John Cooney testified, Nicholson became more "forthcoming" about his meetings with Russians. Nathan Nicholson told the agents that at his father's behest, he made trips to California, Mexico, Peru and Cyprus, where he met with Russian government representatives who gave him payments totaling over $35,000 in cash. During Nathan Nicholson¹s prison visits to his father, according to court records, "Harold Nicholson spent a significant amount of time advising defendant on how to conduct himself in a clandestine manner as he traveled to and from various international meeting locations. Harold Nicholson tried to impart his CIA training to defendant." Prosecutors alleged that the Russians paid the elder Nicholson back pay for his prior espionage activities and for information on how he was caught. "The Russian Federation was specifically interested in how Harold Nicholson got caught by the FBI," according to a government sentencing memo filed with the court. It added that the information concerned "who interrogated him after his arrest and the timing of his transfers as a CIA Officer prior to his arrest." According to court records, the elder Nicholson and his son put the plot into motion after Nathan Nicholson complained to his father that the family was in a precarious financial situation. The sentencing memo said that Nathan Nicholson provided crucial help in the prosecution of his father. The elder Nicholson pleaded guilty on the day that his trial was set to have begun last month and who now faces an additional 20 years in prison. In an October, 2010, psychological report entered into the court record by prosecutors, Nathan Nicholson took aim at his ex-spy father. "I wasn¹t aware of his selfish side," Nathan Nicholson said, according to the records. "I allowed myself to be blind-sided. I was like a lobster in a pot, heated slowly until it was too late." [/INST] The father is the highest-ranking CIA officer ever sentenced for espionage . The son pleaded guilty to helping his father restart his spying career from prison . The son cooperated with prosecutors . He was sentenced to five years on probation and 100 hours of community service . </s>
By . Daily Mail Reporter . A drugs squad officer became hooked on heroin after posing as an addict for undercover operations. Robert Carroll, 40,  who lives in Huddersfield, claimed he 'inhaled fumes' from the class A drug while pretending to be a junkie to trap dealers. Manchester Crown Court heard how the lines between his real life and that of his undercover alter ego, 'Lee Taylor', became dangerously blurred as he began to smoke heroin every day. Jailed: Greater Manchester Police drugs squad officer Robert Carroll has been jailed after becoming hooked on heroin . Pc Carroll has now been jailed for 14 months by a judge who heard that he gave his drug dealer police issue weapons, and sneaked away from work to meet him in a police car. Carroll admitted charges of misconduct in public office and theft. The former officer, who was sacked by the Chief Constable earlier this year, claims Greater Manchester Police failed him by not protecting him from the risk of addiction or supporting him through his problems. GMP denies the claims. Carroll joined GMP in 2001 and trained as a 'test purchase' officer in 2006. By 2009 Carroll was using a wrap a day of heroin and was in touch with the drugs charity Lifeline . In 2008, he joined the force's Sigma unit - which is dedicated to rooting out drug dealers using covert tactics. Police have gone undercover as addicts in a number of crackdowns in recent years, most recently in Operation Cairo, which targeted street dealers in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Whilst working for the unit, he was commended for his work by his commanders and a judge. But by 2009, Carroll was using a wrap a day of heroin and was in touch with the drugs charity Lifeline. He was prescribed Subutex and attempted to wean himself off the drug, but by 2012 he had lapsed. In July of that year, a drug dealer's home was raided by police who found a GMP issue CS gas canister and a baton which had been issued to Carroll. At the time, Carroll was working at Oldham police station on 'restricted duties' after time off with depression. But twice in one morning he sneaked off his shift at the station to meet the dealer, raising bosses' suspicions. A raid at Carroll's home days later recovered a phone which revealed he had contacted the dealer 2,200 times in the previous four months. Carroll says he has now beaten his addiction . Carroll says he has now beaten his addiction - with the help of his police officer wife, who took charge of his money and booked hypnotherapy sessions. When he was sacked by Sir Peter Fahy earlier this year, the Chief Constable described it as an 'enormous tragedy' for a 'very hardworking officer' and his family, the court heard. In a statement Carroll said he 'simply needed help' - and got 'no support from the force'. Before he was jailed, the former officer told the M.E.N. he was distraught at what he had put his family through, and accused GMP of 'forgoing the handling of their most valuable equipment - people'. Jailing him, Judge Martin Steiger QC said: 'I fully recognise that the defendant became addicted through his police service and he's to be commended on the efforts he made in the interests of law and order. 'But where police officers suffer because of their duties it is incumbent upon them to obtain treatment and help. 'He did not do so - he did the very opposite - he continued his association with White. 'A significant sentence is called for to demonstrate the high standards the public expect from police.' After the case GMP dismissed some of Carroll's claims. Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley said: 'Whatever personal mitigation Carroll may have, it is not an excuse for such a wanton abuse of his position as a police officer. 'When someone becomes a police officer, they take an oath to protect the public and quite clearly, Carroll failed in that public duty. 'Carroll's drug addiction . significantly clouded his judgement, so much so that he passed a . prohibited weapon to a drug dealer in exchange for drugs. 'He . also seriously neglected his duties as a police officer leaving the . station while on duty and the force area so he could attempt to buy . drugs from Jermaine White. 'That . is not the sort of behaviour the public, or Greater Manchester Police, . expects from a serving officer and as a result, not only has he now been . convicted of a number of serious offences, but he has lost his . reputation and the respect of his colleagues. 'Greater . Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch is here to protect . the public. The branch has a crucial role to play in ensuring that . officers and staff uphold the very highest standards of behaviour and . when there is evidence of criminality or misconduct, we will take . action. 'We must always remember that we police with the consent of the public, so I want to both warn officers and staff, and reassure our communities, that if we uncover any evidence of any GMP employees engaging in criminal activities or committing misconduct, that we will carry out a thorough investigation and regardless of rank or position, we will pursue these matters through the courts.'
Judge jails Pc Robert Carroll of Greater Manchester Police for 14 months . The drugs officer, 40, became addicted to heroin in course of work . He 'blurred the lines' between his duties and alter ego 'Lee Taylor' Would sneak out of work and meet dealer nearby to get his fix . Carroll, who is now clean, said he received 'no support' from GMP . Force said the officer 'neglected his duties'
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<s>[INST] By . Daily Mail Reporter . A drugs squad officer became hooked on heroin after posing as an addict for undercover operations. Robert Carroll, 40,  who lives in Huddersfield, claimed he 'inhaled fumes' from the class A drug while pretending to be a junkie to trap dealers. Manchester Crown Court heard how the lines between his real life and that of his undercover alter ego, 'Lee Taylor', became dangerously blurred as he began to smoke heroin every day. Jailed: Greater Manchester Police drugs squad officer Robert Carroll has been jailed after becoming hooked on heroin . Pc Carroll has now been jailed for 14 months by a judge who heard that he gave his drug dealer police issue weapons, and sneaked away from work to meet him in a police car. Carroll admitted charges of misconduct in public office and theft. The former officer, who was sacked by the Chief Constable earlier this year, claims Greater Manchester Police failed him by not protecting him from the risk of addiction or supporting him through his problems. GMP denies the claims. Carroll joined GMP in 2001 and trained as a 'test purchase' officer in 2006. By 2009 Carroll was using a wrap a day of heroin and was in touch with the drugs charity Lifeline . In 2008, he joined the force's Sigma unit - which is dedicated to rooting out drug dealers using covert tactics. Police have gone undercover as addicts in a number of crackdowns in recent years, most recently in Operation Cairo, which targeted street dealers in Cheetham Hill, Manchester. Whilst working for the unit, he was commended for his work by his commanders and a judge. But by 2009, Carroll was using a wrap a day of heroin and was in touch with the drugs charity Lifeline. He was prescribed Subutex and attempted to wean himself off the drug, but by 2012 he had lapsed. In July of that year, a drug dealer's home was raided by police who found a GMP issue CS gas canister and a baton which had been issued to Carroll. At the time, Carroll was working at Oldham police station on 'restricted duties' after time off with depression. But twice in one morning he sneaked off his shift at the station to meet the dealer, raising bosses' suspicions. A raid at Carroll's home days later recovered a phone which revealed he had contacted the dealer 2,200 times in the previous four months. Carroll says he has now beaten his addiction . Carroll says he has now beaten his addiction - with the help of his police officer wife, who took charge of his money and booked hypnotherapy sessions. When he was sacked by Sir Peter Fahy earlier this year, the Chief Constable described it as an 'enormous tragedy' for a 'very hardworking officer' and his family, the court heard. In a statement Carroll said he 'simply needed help' - and got 'no support from the force'. Before he was jailed, the former officer told the M.E.N. he was distraught at what he had put his family through, and accused GMP of 'forgoing the handling of their most valuable equipment - people'. Jailing him, Judge Martin Steiger QC said: 'I fully recognise that the defendant became addicted through his police service and he's to be commended on the efforts he made in the interests of law and order. 'But where police officers suffer because of their duties it is incumbent upon them to obtain treatment and help. 'He did not do so - he did the very opposite - he continued his association with White. 'A significant sentence is called for to demonstrate the high standards the public expect from police.' After the case GMP dismissed some of Carroll's claims. Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley said: 'Whatever personal mitigation Carroll may have, it is not an excuse for such a wanton abuse of his position as a police officer. 'When someone becomes a police officer, they take an oath to protect the public and quite clearly, Carroll failed in that public duty. 'Carroll's drug addiction . significantly clouded his judgement, so much so that he passed a . prohibited weapon to a drug dealer in exchange for drugs. 'He . also seriously neglected his duties as a police officer leaving the . station while on duty and the force area so he could attempt to buy . drugs from Jermaine White. 'That . is not the sort of behaviour the public, or Greater Manchester Police, . expects from a serving officer and as a result, not only has he now been . convicted of a number of serious offences, but he has lost his . reputation and the respect of his colleagues. 'Greater . Manchester Police's Professional Standards Branch is here to protect . the public. The branch has a crucial role to play in ensuring that . officers and staff uphold the very highest standards of behaviour and . when there is evidence of criminality or misconduct, we will take . action. 'We must always remember that we police with the consent of the public, so I want to both warn officers and staff, and reassure our communities, that if we uncover any evidence of any GMP employees engaging in criminal activities or committing misconduct, that we will carry out a thorough investigation and regardless of rank or position, we will pursue these matters through the courts.' [/INST] Judge jails Pc Robert Carroll of Greater Manchester Police for 14 months . The drugs officer, 40, became addicted to heroin in course of work . He 'blurred the lines' between his duties and alter ego 'Lee Taylor' Would sneak out of work and meet dealer nearby to get his fix . Carroll, who is now clean, said he received 'no support' from GMP . Force said the officer 'neglected his duties' </s>
When President Barack Obama took to the podium for Thursday's news conference/cum-mea culpa on the disastrous Obamacare roll out, the commander-in-chief said repairing his damaged credibility was on him and no one else. John King: For Obama, a bad turn or a tipping point? The bloodletting was a near-acknowledgment that his presidency is at a tenuous point. The Obama administration's mismanagement of his signature legislative achievement threatens to sink the rest of his second-term agenda. With more than three years left in office, Obama teeters on the brink of lame-duckedness. But the problem of a tortured second term is not unique to the 44th President. Many before Obama triumphantly won reelection only to be sunk by a scandal, a debacle or a mistake. Obamacare: Now what? 3 hurdles Obamacare fix must overcome . For George W. Bush, public weariness over wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the debacle over the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, made his second term seem longer than four years. Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky and his impeachment by the House marked his second term. Those aren't the only instances. Ronald Reagan had the Iran-Contra scandal; Harry Truman's final years in office were dominated by the war in Korea and Richard Nixon resigned over Watergate. Related: Most former presidents look better through history's eyes . Such woes have become so commonplace that they are summed up with this moniker: the second-term curse. Gone is the energized A-team . When a President first takes office, political and other pros are lining up for jobs. The President can pick from the best and the brightest to make the wheels turn. "When you come into the White House, that is the moment of great promise," said Russell Riley, presidential scholar and associate professor at the University of Virginia's Miller Center. But ultimately the demands of working for a President take their toll and attrition sets in. "People get worn out," and leave, Riley said. "Over time, there tends to be some deterioration in the quality of the team that you are able to put together." Borger: How could Obama not have known? Obama: HealthCare.gov needs more than technical fixes . Riley points to the Reagan administration as an example. When Reagan was inaugurated in 1981, he brought with him three confidants who became "The Troika." James Baker, Ed Meese and Michael Deaver effectively ran the White House staff and it paid off with reelection and a historic 525 electoral votes in 1984. But then the team began to fray. Baker became Treasury Secretary and Meese, Attorney General, while Deaver left the White House for lobbying. Under new leadership, Act II of the Reagan White House did not hit on all cylinders. The Iran-Contra affair, in which the Reagan administration was fingered for selling arms to Iran and circumventing a congressional ban by using the proceeds to send arms and money to anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua, became a huge scandal. "It was disaster at the White House," Riley said. "That is not a mistake you make typically in a first term. It is case where you are trying to juggle the staffing apparatus later on." Digging for dirt and sensing a lame duck . To David Nichols, a presidential historian and expert on President Dwight Eisenhower, the reason for second-term woes is a combination of leverage and time. "Their leverage on lawmakers in the Congress and with the voters is just inevitably diminished," Nichols said, pointing out that once Congress begins to smell presidential weakness, they seize on it as a way to speed up the "lame duck" process. "The longer Presidents are around and when people get to know you well, they begin to know where your soft spots are and they know what you are good and what you aren't good at," Nichols said. "People eventually begin to figure out how to get to the Presidents. That is just a function of the number of years." To Nichols, this could already be happening with Obama. Cruz talks about 'vindication' Obamacare enrollment numbers give GOP second wind . Republicans in Congress have been attacking Obama since his 2009 inaugural. And while Obama has won some legislative victories, those have been hard fought. The health care law he championed and got with only Democratic support in Congress is off to a rocky start with the public, and Republicans are sensing weakness. Poll: Approval of Obamacare drops . And with that, Nichols said, comes Republican dreams of a larger majority in the House, control of the Senate and a pathway to the presidency in 2016. "For the opposition party, the more bad stuff they can dig up, the better they make it for themselves in the next election," Nichols said. "So tearing down the incumbent is a good way to prepare the way for a change and the American public tends to keep people for a while but quickly push them out." Clinton's experience is a good example. While accusations of infidelity plagued Clinton since his time as governor of Arkansas, it wasn't until years into his presidency that an accusation of impropriety was able to stick and severely damage him politically. The chickens come home to roost . When Obama ran for office in 2008, he made a number of promises: immigration reform, healthcare, ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, dealing with climate change. During his first term, he addressed some of those -- ending the war in Iraq and slowly drawing down the conflict in Afghanistan. His administration also won on Obamacare. 6 things presidents wish they hadn't said . But the implications of those promises were not felt right away, Riley said. Romney on Obamacare promise: 'It was not honest' "You make policy decisions in the first term and because it usually takes a while for these things to mature and to ripen and to get enacted, you can easily be in your fifth year before the full consequences of your first term become apparent," Riley said. "When you get to the second term, the days of reckoning appear." Riley's point is that when Obama promised to reform the health care system, he and his advisers had to know there was going to be pain involved with executing the law. But as with most administrations, Riley said, the White House also knew those problems weren't going to come about for years. "Presidents will always make decisions either to defer judgment on something or will make hard decisions, recognizing the consequences won't come down on them until after reelection," Riley said. "I think it is just a general pattern." The history of two terms . Although two terms is now the law, it was once just a tradition started by George Washington. After serving two terms, Washington declined to run again. "While choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it," Washington said, acknowledging he could have run again had he wanted to. He didn't and the tradition was formed and stood until Franklin Roosevelt ran and won four times, dying soon into his final term as World War II was drawing to a close. After FDR, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution set a two-term limit. Bachmann: 'I lost my insurance under Obamacare'
Obama news conference was a near-acknowledgment his presidency is at pivot point . Problems during a second term aren't unique to the 44th President . Historian points to staff changes as one cause for second-term drama . Two-term presidents are also considered "lame ducks" by Congress .
510a8fa6d0969fc760fe77223b4d483c3e889e5c
<s>[INST] When President Barack Obama took to the podium for Thursday's news conference/cum-mea culpa on the disastrous Obamacare roll out, the commander-in-chief said repairing his damaged credibility was on him and no one else. John King: For Obama, a bad turn or a tipping point? The bloodletting was a near-acknowledgment that his presidency is at a tenuous point. The Obama administration's mismanagement of his signature legislative achievement threatens to sink the rest of his second-term agenda. With more than three years left in office, Obama teeters on the brink of lame-duckedness. But the problem of a tortured second term is not unique to the 44th President. Many before Obama triumphantly won reelection only to be sunk by a scandal, a debacle or a mistake. Obamacare: Now what? 3 hurdles Obamacare fix must overcome . For George W. Bush, public weariness over wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the debacle over the government's response to Hurricane Katrina, made his second term seem longer than four years. Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky and his impeachment by the House marked his second term. Those aren't the only instances. Ronald Reagan had the Iran-Contra scandal; Harry Truman's final years in office were dominated by the war in Korea and Richard Nixon resigned over Watergate. Related: Most former presidents look better through history's eyes . Such woes have become so commonplace that they are summed up with this moniker: the second-term curse. Gone is the energized A-team . When a President first takes office, political and other pros are lining up for jobs. The President can pick from the best and the brightest to make the wheels turn. "When you come into the White House, that is the moment of great promise," said Russell Riley, presidential scholar and associate professor at the University of Virginia's Miller Center. But ultimately the demands of working for a President take their toll and attrition sets in. "People get worn out," and leave, Riley said. "Over time, there tends to be some deterioration in the quality of the team that you are able to put together." Borger: How could Obama not have known? Obama: HealthCare.gov needs more than technical fixes . Riley points to the Reagan administration as an example. When Reagan was inaugurated in 1981, he brought with him three confidants who became "The Troika." James Baker, Ed Meese and Michael Deaver effectively ran the White House staff and it paid off with reelection and a historic 525 electoral votes in 1984. But then the team began to fray. Baker became Treasury Secretary and Meese, Attorney General, while Deaver left the White House for lobbying. Under new leadership, Act II of the Reagan White House did not hit on all cylinders. The Iran-Contra affair, in which the Reagan administration was fingered for selling arms to Iran and circumventing a congressional ban by using the proceeds to send arms and money to anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua, became a huge scandal. "It was disaster at the White House," Riley said. "That is not a mistake you make typically in a first term. It is case where you are trying to juggle the staffing apparatus later on." Digging for dirt and sensing a lame duck . To David Nichols, a presidential historian and expert on President Dwight Eisenhower, the reason for second-term woes is a combination of leverage and time. "Their leverage on lawmakers in the Congress and with the voters is just inevitably diminished," Nichols said, pointing out that once Congress begins to smell presidential weakness, they seize on it as a way to speed up the "lame duck" process. "The longer Presidents are around and when people get to know you well, they begin to know where your soft spots are and they know what you are good and what you aren't good at," Nichols said. "People eventually begin to figure out how to get to the Presidents. That is just a function of the number of years." To Nichols, this could already be happening with Obama. Cruz talks about 'vindication' Obamacare enrollment numbers give GOP second wind . Republicans in Congress have been attacking Obama since his 2009 inaugural. And while Obama has won some legislative victories, those have been hard fought. The health care law he championed and got with only Democratic support in Congress is off to a rocky start with the public, and Republicans are sensing weakness. Poll: Approval of Obamacare drops . And with that, Nichols said, comes Republican dreams of a larger majority in the House, control of the Senate and a pathway to the presidency in 2016. "For the opposition party, the more bad stuff they can dig up, the better they make it for themselves in the next election," Nichols said. "So tearing down the incumbent is a good way to prepare the way for a change and the American public tends to keep people for a while but quickly push them out." Clinton's experience is a good example. While accusations of infidelity plagued Clinton since his time as governor of Arkansas, it wasn't until years into his presidency that an accusation of impropriety was able to stick and severely damage him politically. The chickens come home to roost . When Obama ran for office in 2008, he made a number of promises: immigration reform, healthcare, ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, dealing with climate change. During his first term, he addressed some of those -- ending the war in Iraq and slowly drawing down the conflict in Afghanistan. His administration also won on Obamacare. 6 things presidents wish they hadn't said . But the implications of those promises were not felt right away, Riley said. Romney on Obamacare promise: 'It was not honest' "You make policy decisions in the first term and because it usually takes a while for these things to mature and to ripen and to get enacted, you can easily be in your fifth year before the full consequences of your first term become apparent," Riley said. "When you get to the second term, the days of reckoning appear." Riley's point is that when Obama promised to reform the health care system, he and his advisers had to know there was going to be pain involved with executing the law. But as with most administrations, Riley said, the White House also knew those problems weren't going to come about for years. "Presidents will always make decisions either to defer judgment on something or will make hard decisions, recognizing the consequences won't come down on them until after reelection," Riley said. "I think it is just a general pattern." The history of two terms . Although two terms is now the law, it was once just a tradition started by George Washington. After serving two terms, Washington declined to run again. "While choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it," Washington said, acknowledging he could have run again had he wanted to. He didn't and the tradition was formed and stood until Franklin Roosevelt ran and won four times, dying soon into his final term as World War II was drawing to a close. After FDR, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution set a two-term limit. Bachmann: 'I lost my insurance under Obamacare' [/INST] Obama news conference was a near-acknowledgment his presidency is at pivot point . Problems during a second term aren't unique to the 44th President . Historian points to staff changes as one cause for second-term drama . Two-term presidents are also considered "lame ducks" by Congress . </s>
Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats... Here is all the information you need for West Brom's home clash with Everton... West Bromwich Albion vs Everton (The Hawthorns) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . West Brom 5/2 . Draw 12/5 . Everton 11/10 . Referee: Anthony Taylor . Managers: Alan Irvine (West Brom), Roberto Martinez (Everton) Head-to-head league record: West Brom wins 54, draws 34, Everton wins 60 . Team news . West Brom . Ben Foster is set to hand West Brom a boost for Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Everton after returning following his thumb injury. The goalkeeper withdrew from the England squad after aggravating an existing problem but trained with the Baggies on Thursday. Ben Foster (right) is back training with West Brom after pulling out the England squad . Joleon Lescott could make his debut after recovering from a knee injury while Georgios Samaras, Silvestre Valera and Sebastian Blanco may feature despite lacking match fitness. Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Graham Dorrans are available after shrugging off knocks suffered on international duty while Youssouf Mulumbu's hamstring injury and Victor Anichebe's hernia will be assessed. Provisional squad: Foster, Myhill, Pocognoli, Gamboa, Dawson, Lescott, McAuley, Olsson, Davidson, Wisdom, Baird, Morrison, Mulumbu, Brunt, Blanco, Valera, Sessegnon, Samaras, Ideye, Anichebe, Berahino. Everton . Everton manager Roberto Martinez will make a late check on midfielder Leon Osman and striker Samuel Eto'o ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. Osman (calf) was injured in a friendly earlier this week, while Eto'o has been hampered by a groin problem since the defeat to Chelsea before the international break. Everton could be without Samuel Eto'o who scored on his debut against Chelsea before the international break . Midfielder Ross Barkley (knee) is still a month away from regaining full fitness, but striker Arouna Kone (knee) and defender Bryan Oviedo (broken leg) are both edging closer to a return after playing in the behind-closed-doors game against Stoke in midweek. Provisional squad: Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, McGeady, Mirallas, Naismith, Lukaku, Robles, Stones, Alcaraz, Gibson, Osman, Besic, Pienaar, Eto'o. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) West Brom’s joint-biggest Premier League home win was a 4-0 drubbing of Everton in November 2005. Everton have only managed one clean sheet in eight previous Premier League trips to The Hawthorns. The Toffees have equalled the Premier League record for most goals conceded after three games (10, last equalled by Arsenal in 2011/12). Samuel Eto’o’s 10 Premier League goals have all come at home, with nine coming at Stamford Bridge and one at Goodison Park, against Chelsea last time out. Nathan Ellington scored twice in West Brom's 4-0 win over Everton in November 2005 . Everton have scored a 45th minute goal in all three of their Premier League games this season. Steven Naismith has scored three goals from three shots on target this season. England centre-back Phil Jagielka has made a league-high three errors leading to attempts this term. New Baggies’ signing Georgios Samaras scored his last two Premier League goals against Everton, whilst playing for Manchester City on New Year’s Day 2007. Romelu Lukaku is still to score a Premier League goal for a club that owns him; his 32 to date have all come whilst out on loan. Seven of the last 10 league games at The Hawthorns have ended level, with the Baggies winning one and losing two.
Ben Foster back in full training for West Bromwich Albion . Keeper pulled out of England squad with thumb injury . Joleon Lescott could make debut after recovering from knee injury . Georgios Samaras, Silvestre Valera and Sebastian Blanco could feature despite new WBA signings lacking match fitness . Everton to check on fitness of Leon Osman and Samuel Eto'o . Ross Barkley still a month away from fitness . Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo edging closer to return .
05796a6da6b5bf3fea59575237eb2c9688cb6409
<s>[INST] Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats... Here is all the information you need for West Brom's home clash with Everton... West Bromwich Albion vs Everton (The Hawthorns) Kick-off: Saturday 3pm . Odds (subject to change): . West Brom 5/2 . Draw 12/5 . Everton 11/10 . Referee: Anthony Taylor . Managers: Alan Irvine (West Brom), Roberto Martinez (Everton) Head-to-head league record: West Brom wins 54, draws 34, Everton wins 60 . Team news . West Brom . Ben Foster is set to hand West Brom a boost for Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Everton after returning following his thumb injury. The goalkeeper withdrew from the England squad after aggravating an existing problem but trained with the Baggies on Thursday. Ben Foster (right) is back training with West Brom after pulling out the England squad . Joleon Lescott could make his debut after recovering from a knee injury while Georgios Samaras, Silvestre Valera and Sebastian Blanco may feature despite lacking match fitness. Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Graham Dorrans are available after shrugging off knocks suffered on international duty while Youssouf Mulumbu's hamstring injury and Victor Anichebe's hernia will be assessed. Provisional squad: Foster, Myhill, Pocognoli, Gamboa, Dawson, Lescott, McAuley, Olsson, Davidson, Wisdom, Baird, Morrison, Mulumbu, Brunt, Blanco, Valera, Sessegnon, Samaras, Ideye, Anichebe, Berahino. Everton . Everton manager Roberto Martinez will make a late check on midfielder Leon Osman and striker Samuel Eto'o ahead of Saturday's trip to West Brom. Osman (calf) was injured in a friendly earlier this week, while Eto'o has been hampered by a groin problem since the defeat to Chelsea before the international break. Everton could be without Samuel Eto'o who scored on his debut against Chelsea before the international break . Midfielder Ross Barkley (knee) is still a month away from regaining full fitness, but striker Arouna Kone (knee) and defender Bryan Oviedo (broken leg) are both edging closer to a return after playing in the behind-closed-doors game against Stoke in midweek. Provisional squad: Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, McGeady, Mirallas, Naismith, Lukaku, Robles, Stones, Alcaraz, Gibson, Osman, Besic, Pienaar, Eto'o. Key match stats (supplied by Opta) West Brom’s joint-biggest Premier League home win was a 4-0 drubbing of Everton in November 2005. Everton have only managed one clean sheet in eight previous Premier League trips to The Hawthorns. The Toffees have equalled the Premier League record for most goals conceded after three games (10, last equalled by Arsenal in 2011/12). Samuel Eto’o’s 10 Premier League goals have all come at home, with nine coming at Stamford Bridge and one at Goodison Park, against Chelsea last time out. Nathan Ellington scored twice in West Brom's 4-0 win over Everton in November 2005 . Everton have scored a 45th minute goal in all three of their Premier League games this season. Steven Naismith has scored three goals from three shots on target this season. England centre-back Phil Jagielka has made a league-high three errors leading to attempts this term. New Baggies’ signing Georgios Samaras scored his last two Premier League goals against Everton, whilst playing for Manchester City on New Year’s Day 2007. Romelu Lukaku is still to score a Premier League goal for a club that owns him; his 32 to date have all come whilst out on loan. Seven of the last 10 league games at The Hawthorns have ended level, with the Baggies winning one and losing two. [/INST] Ben Foster back in full training for West Bromwich Albion . Keeper pulled out of England squad with thumb injury . Joleon Lescott could make debut after recovering from knee injury . Georgios Samaras, Silvestre Valera and Sebastian Blanco could feature despite new WBA signings lacking match fitness . Everton to check on fitness of Leon Osman and Samuel Eto'o . Ross Barkley still a month away from fitness . Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo edging closer to return . </s>
By . Kieran Corcoran . An 'audacious' gang dressed in burkas and posed as wealthy Muslim women to steal designer watches worth more than £1.4million from Selfridges, a court heard today. Customers and staff in the world famous department store on London’s Oxford Street were left 'terrified' by the smash and grab raid, the court was told. Some of the all-male gang, armed with axes and other equipment, also allegedly wore burkas to fleece a jewellery store in Windsor two months earlier. Scroll down for video . Smash and grab: An eyewitness films one of the burka-clad robbers fleeing Selfridges . Caught on camera: This cameraphone video shows one of the robbers running for the exit . Escape: The burka-clad raider clutches what appears to be an axe while fleeing the scene . Four men are standing trial over the attempted robbery at Kingston Crown Court, a year after four other men were convicted for their part in the event. Ramela Gordon, 18, Ritchie Graham, 24, Vincent Bellamy, 37 and Leon Wright, . 25, all from North Londoner, deny conspiracy to rob. Gordon and Graham are also accused the £170,000 of watch haul in Windsor. Roger Smart, prosecuting, told Kingston Crown Court that the gang first carried out a 'well-planned robbery' at Robert Gatward jewellers in King Edward Court, Windsor. Mr Smart said: 'The robbers, all of whom were male, wore burkas in order to disguise their identities and the equipment that they had taken with them in order to carry out the robbery. 'They smashed their way into display cabinets whilst staff and customers were inside the premises and bystanders looked on in fear as they carried out their well-executed plan. Response: The court heard how getaway drivers crashed and were apprehended . 'They stole a total of 19 Rolex watches with a value of between £3,000 and £31,650 per item. 'The robbers quickly made off, running through the streets of Windsor, one of them with an axe raised above his head, warding off anyone who may have sought to impede their escape, to a nearby parked getaway car that took them and their property back towards London from where they had first come.' As well as stealing £175,000 of watches, the thieves caused £41,361 worth of damage to the jewellers, meaning it suffered £216,361 worth of loss, the court heard. Mr Smart said that less than two months later the same gang, along with some new faces, 'doubtless buoyed by the success of the robbery in Windsor' targeted Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London on June 6th last year. He said: 'The plot to rob was audacious, well-planned and carried out with the same degree of professional execution as the previous robbery. 'They made their way inside the store and smashed at showcases containing high value watches of a variety of makes. 'Members of the public and staff were terrified by their actions. The robber used the burka to disguise their identities and hide their equipment. Destruction: A man looks at the damage left after an armed robbery at Selfridges on Oxford Street, London . Evidence: A forensic officer photographs the wreckage in Selfridges left after an armed robbery . Broken glass: The scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . Guns: Police officers at the scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . 'Such was their behaviour and appearance that it crossed the minds of many of those who were forced to witness the robbery that the men dressed in burkas were using them in order to hide their identities while perpetrating a terrorist atrocity.' The gang escaped using two motorbikes, a motor scooter and a BMW car, all of which were stolen.Sam Curtin, who was still wearing his burka, and Connor Groake, a getaway driver, were arrested when their moped crashed at the corner of Goodge Street junction with Charlotte Street and they were seized by passers by, the court heard. Mr Smart said: 'It was the quick thinking and bravery of members of the public that lead to both of them being detained, some of the watches being recovered and aided the police investigation.' The thieves stole 143 watches worth £1,496,280 and damaged others worth £1.1million. Onlookers: A crowd at the scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . Mr Smart added: 'The Windsor offence was a carefully planned, sophisticated and targeted robbery. 'The robbers carried out in advance reconnaissance of intended started on April 5 2013, and an aborted attempt on April 11, before the actual robbery on April 12. 'The sophisticated and targeted planning, the use of new tools and the choice of the disguises at the Selfridges robbery show the same preparation as before.' Mr Smart then showed the court the telephone cell site analysis of calls made by Murrain and Gordon during the reconnaissance mission on April 5th, together with data generated by automatic number plate recognition devices. Police on scene: Officers are seen in the iconic London department store . Targeted: The gang of armed robbers targeted Selfridges Department Store on Oxford Street in June 2013 . This showed both men had made a journey to Windsor from north London and back at the same time, while remaining in constant contact. He said: 'It is more than coincidence the telephones moved with the vehicles from the north London area to Windsor and the cells providing best coverage round Richard Gatward were used.' A ninth man, Andre Murrain, is also accused of involvement in both crimes, and will appear in court at a later date. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
Store on Oxford Street, central London was robbed last June, court hears . Four men accused of being in gang which tried to steal haul of watches . Kingston Crown Court hears they posed in burkas to steal designer gear . Strategy had allegedly worked for them before robbing a shop in Windsor . Four different men have previous been jailed for their parts in the raids . Defendants in this case have all deny conspiracy to rob .
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<s>[INST] By . Kieran Corcoran . An 'audacious' gang dressed in burkas and posed as wealthy Muslim women to steal designer watches worth more than £1.4million from Selfridges, a court heard today. Customers and staff in the world famous department store on London’s Oxford Street were left 'terrified' by the smash and grab raid, the court was told. Some of the all-male gang, armed with axes and other equipment, also allegedly wore burkas to fleece a jewellery store in Windsor two months earlier. Scroll down for video . Smash and grab: An eyewitness films one of the burka-clad robbers fleeing Selfridges . Caught on camera: This cameraphone video shows one of the robbers running for the exit . Escape: The burka-clad raider clutches what appears to be an axe while fleeing the scene . Four men are standing trial over the attempted robbery at Kingston Crown Court, a year after four other men were convicted for their part in the event. Ramela Gordon, 18, Ritchie Graham, 24, Vincent Bellamy, 37 and Leon Wright, . 25, all from North Londoner, deny conspiracy to rob. Gordon and Graham are also accused the £170,000 of watch haul in Windsor. Roger Smart, prosecuting, told Kingston Crown Court that the gang first carried out a 'well-planned robbery' at Robert Gatward jewellers in King Edward Court, Windsor. Mr Smart said: 'The robbers, all of whom were male, wore burkas in order to disguise their identities and the equipment that they had taken with them in order to carry out the robbery. 'They smashed their way into display cabinets whilst staff and customers were inside the premises and bystanders looked on in fear as they carried out their well-executed plan. Response: The court heard how getaway drivers crashed and were apprehended . 'They stole a total of 19 Rolex watches with a value of between £3,000 and £31,650 per item. 'The robbers quickly made off, running through the streets of Windsor, one of them with an axe raised above his head, warding off anyone who may have sought to impede their escape, to a nearby parked getaway car that took them and their property back towards London from where they had first come.' As well as stealing £175,000 of watches, the thieves caused £41,361 worth of damage to the jewellers, meaning it suffered £216,361 worth of loss, the court heard. Mr Smart said that less than two months later the same gang, along with some new faces, 'doubtless buoyed by the success of the robbery in Windsor' targeted Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London on June 6th last year. He said: 'The plot to rob was audacious, well-planned and carried out with the same degree of professional execution as the previous robbery. 'They made their way inside the store and smashed at showcases containing high value watches of a variety of makes. 'Members of the public and staff were terrified by their actions. The robber used the burka to disguise their identities and hide their equipment. Destruction: A man looks at the damage left after an armed robbery at Selfridges on Oxford Street, London . Evidence: A forensic officer photographs the wreckage in Selfridges left after an armed robbery . Broken glass: The scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . Guns: Police officers at the scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . 'Such was their behaviour and appearance that it crossed the minds of many of those who were forced to witness the robbery that the men dressed in burkas were using them in order to hide their identities while perpetrating a terrorist atrocity.' The gang escaped using two motorbikes, a motor scooter and a BMW car, all of which were stolen.Sam Curtin, who was still wearing his burka, and Connor Groake, a getaway driver, were arrested when their moped crashed at the corner of Goodge Street junction with Charlotte Street and they were seized by passers by, the court heard. Mr Smart said: 'It was the quick thinking and bravery of members of the public that lead to both of them being detained, some of the watches being recovered and aided the police investigation.' The thieves stole 143 watches worth £1,496,280 and damaged others worth £1.1million. Onlookers: A crowd at the scene of a smash and grab robbery in Selfridges on Oxford Street in central London . Mr Smart added: 'The Windsor offence was a carefully planned, sophisticated and targeted robbery. 'The robbers carried out in advance reconnaissance of intended started on April 5 2013, and an aborted attempt on April 11, before the actual robbery on April 12. 'The sophisticated and targeted planning, the use of new tools and the choice of the disguises at the Selfridges robbery show the same preparation as before.' Mr Smart then showed the court the telephone cell site analysis of calls made by Murrain and Gordon during the reconnaissance mission on April 5th, together with data generated by automatic number plate recognition devices. Police on scene: Officers are seen in the iconic London department store . Targeted: The gang of armed robbers targeted Selfridges Department Store on Oxford Street in June 2013 . This showed both men had made a journey to Windsor from north London and back at the same time, while remaining in constant contact. He said: 'It is more than coincidence the telephones moved with the vehicles from the north London area to Windsor and the cells providing best coverage round Richard Gatward were used.' A ninth man, Andre Murrain, is also accused of involvement in both crimes, and will appear in court at a later date. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. [/INST] Store on Oxford Street, central London was robbed last June, court hears . Four men accused of being in gang which tried to steal haul of watches . Kingston Crown Court hears they posed in burkas to steal designer gear . Strategy had allegedly worked for them before robbing a shop in Windsor . Four different men have previous been jailed for their parts in the raids . Defendants in this case have all deny conspiracy to rob . </s>
Ched Evans continues to divide Sheffield United fans over whether the club should re-sign the striker, who was convicted of raping a 19-year-old in 2011, following his release from jail this week. Fans chanted loudly in support of the 25-year-old, who continues to profess his innocence, as Sheffield United beat Bradford City 2-0 at Valley Parade in their first game since Evans was released from Wymott Prison, near Preston. But TV presenter and women’s rights campaigner Charlie Webster urged the club not to re-sign Evans, stating that she would quit her role as a Sheffield United patron if he was given his job back. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Sheffield United fans on re-signing Ched Evans . Charlie Webster says she will quit her role as Sheffield United patron if they re-sign Ched Evans . Sheffield United fans show their support for Ched Evans during Saturday's match at Bradford City . ‘This is my club that I was brought up in, watching games at the stadium since I was four years old,’ said Webster. ‘I also worked at the club as a patron for the foundation, which is about integrity and respect. ‘My club is about community. It has much more power than just football. ‘It influences the next generation and I don’t believe it is sending out the right message to employ a convicted rapist. ‘I won’t stand here and represent that. Not in my name, not in my community and not in my club.’ Sheffield United are deliberating bringing back the Welsh striker following his release . Webster, who was sexually assaulted as a teenager, is a lifelong Blades fan but stated that she would be deeply saddened if they recruited the Wales striker again. ‘He is a celebrity,’ she said, ‘They’re cheering him on. When I was four-years-old I cheered on a set of footballers, I was influenced by them and the people around them. ‘What is the influence going to be for the next generation, cheering on a convicted rapist — that he didn’t do anything wrong? ‘As much as I love my football club — which I 100 per cent do and support for United runs strongly in my family — it doesn’t run stronger than my morals.’ Evans, 25, scored 48 goals in 113 games for the Blades and was named in the Professional Footballers’ Association League One team of the year for the 2011-12 campaign, which was announced days after he was jailed for rape. His family, and the family of his girlfriend, Natasha Massey, who has stood by him throughout his trial and as he served half of a five-year sentence, have set up a website in support of the player. It emerged that attempts to have his rape conviction quashed are to be fast-tracked through the watchdog that examines possible miscarriages of justice. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is to make his case a priority. It would normally take around 18 months to examine a claim of miscarriage of justice. Instead, the commission has taken the unusual decision to examine Evans’ case within weeks. ‘We now expect our substantive investigation to begin within the next few weeks,’ said a spokesman. At Valley Parade, Sheffield United beat Bradford City courtesy of a 66th-minute wonder strike by Robert Harris from outside the box and an 83rd-minute clincher from Marc McNulty. The Welsh footballer, who last played for Sheffield United, was pictured leaving Wymott Prison . Bradford had been reduced to 10 men five minutes into the second half when Stephen Darby was dismissed for a second yellow card offence. In the TL Dallas Stand, which hosted the visiting fans, chants of ‘Super Chedwyn Evans,’ could be heard on several occasions during the match. One fan unfurled a banner of the Welsh Dragon with ‘that boy, Ched Evans’ emblazoned upon it. Webster was verbally abused on Twitter after speaking out against re-signing the player. Some of his supporters claimed she was being hypocritical, highlighting a tweet she sent last month about seeing Mike Tyson in a hotel lobby and wanting to ask for his autograph. Family and friends arrived at Evans' mother's house in North Wales following his release on Friday . Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and served half of a six-year sentence. Webster said she did not register his past at the time. ‘In hindsight, I’m not proud of that tweet but the response has been another unfortunate example of berating someone for speaking out against rape.’ Webster said that Evans should not be allowed to play for United, especially while he continues ‘not to accept any responsibility for what happened that night’. She added: ‘I’ve been abused for speaking out and the victim has had a hate campaign against her so I’m very sad and disappointed. ‘If that was their family, their daughter, their mother that had been raped, these people would not have that same opinion.’
Ched Evans was released from prison in the early hours on Friday . Sheffield United saying they are deliberating over bringing striker back . Patron Charlie Webster says she will quit her role if they re-sign him .
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<s>[INST] Ched Evans continues to divide Sheffield United fans over whether the club should re-sign the striker, who was convicted of raping a 19-year-old in 2011, following his release from jail this week. Fans chanted loudly in support of the 25-year-old, who continues to profess his innocence, as Sheffield United beat Bradford City 2-0 at Valley Parade in their first game since Evans was released from Wymott Prison, near Preston. But TV presenter and women’s rights campaigner Charlie Webster urged the club not to re-sign Evans, stating that she would quit her role as a Sheffield United patron if he was given his job back. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Sheffield United fans on re-signing Ched Evans . Charlie Webster says she will quit her role as Sheffield United patron if they re-sign Ched Evans . Sheffield United fans show their support for Ched Evans during Saturday's match at Bradford City . ‘This is my club that I was brought up in, watching games at the stadium since I was four years old,’ said Webster. ‘I also worked at the club as a patron for the foundation, which is about integrity and respect. ‘My club is about community. It has much more power than just football. ‘It influences the next generation and I don’t believe it is sending out the right message to employ a convicted rapist. ‘I won’t stand here and represent that. Not in my name, not in my community and not in my club.’ Sheffield United are deliberating bringing back the Welsh striker following his release . Webster, who was sexually assaulted as a teenager, is a lifelong Blades fan but stated that she would be deeply saddened if they recruited the Wales striker again. ‘He is a celebrity,’ she said, ‘They’re cheering him on. When I was four-years-old I cheered on a set of footballers, I was influenced by them and the people around them. ‘What is the influence going to be for the next generation, cheering on a convicted rapist — that he didn’t do anything wrong? ‘As much as I love my football club — which I 100 per cent do and support for United runs strongly in my family — it doesn’t run stronger than my morals.’ Evans, 25, scored 48 goals in 113 games for the Blades and was named in the Professional Footballers’ Association League One team of the year for the 2011-12 campaign, which was announced days after he was jailed for rape. His family, and the family of his girlfriend, Natasha Massey, who has stood by him throughout his trial and as he served half of a five-year sentence, have set up a website in support of the player. It emerged that attempts to have his rape conviction quashed are to be fast-tracked through the watchdog that examines possible miscarriages of justice. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is to make his case a priority. It would normally take around 18 months to examine a claim of miscarriage of justice. Instead, the commission has taken the unusual decision to examine Evans’ case within weeks. ‘We now expect our substantive investigation to begin within the next few weeks,’ said a spokesman. At Valley Parade, Sheffield United beat Bradford City courtesy of a 66th-minute wonder strike by Robert Harris from outside the box and an 83rd-minute clincher from Marc McNulty. The Welsh footballer, who last played for Sheffield United, was pictured leaving Wymott Prison . Bradford had been reduced to 10 men five minutes into the second half when Stephen Darby was dismissed for a second yellow card offence. In the TL Dallas Stand, which hosted the visiting fans, chants of ‘Super Chedwyn Evans,’ could be heard on several occasions during the match. One fan unfurled a banner of the Welsh Dragon with ‘that boy, Ched Evans’ emblazoned upon it. Webster was verbally abused on Twitter after speaking out against re-signing the player. Some of his supporters claimed she was being hypocritical, highlighting a tweet she sent last month about seeing Mike Tyson in a hotel lobby and wanting to ask for his autograph. Family and friends arrived at Evans' mother's house in North Wales following his release on Friday . Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and served half of a six-year sentence. Webster said she did not register his past at the time. ‘In hindsight, I’m not proud of that tweet but the response has been another unfortunate example of berating someone for speaking out against rape.’ Webster said that Evans should not be allowed to play for United, especially while he continues ‘not to accept any responsibility for what happened that night’. She added: ‘I’ve been abused for speaking out and the victim has had a hate campaign against her so I’m very sad and disappointed. ‘If that was their family, their daughter, their mother that had been raped, these people would not have that same opinion.’ [/INST] Ched Evans was released from prison in the early hours on Friday . Sheffield United saying they are deliberating over bringing striker back . Patron Charlie Webster says she will quit her role if they re-sign him . </s>
By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 08:06 EST, 26 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:37 EST, 26 December 2013 . An officer has died in violent clashes between police and anti-government protestors in Bangkok. The demonstrators, some armed with sling shots, threw rocks and attempted to break through police lines. Officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets but at least 66 people were injured, according to the government, several of which required hospitalisation. Scroll down for video . A protester hurls stones after police fired tear gas at the anti-government protesters who had tried to disrupt the electoral process . It is unclear how the policeman died but he was airlifted to hospital after receiving a bullet wound in the violence. Thailand's Election Commission urged the government to delay polls scheduled for February 2 after the unrest, adding to political uncertainty splitting the country. The government headed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is insisting the polls should go ahead, believing they will return her to power with a renewed mandate. Thai riot police fire rubber bullets at anti-government protesters during a rally at the Labor Ministry in Bangkok . An anti-government protester throws a tear gas canister towards policemen during clashes . But the protest movement seeking to oust her is demanding that the vote be delayed until she leaves office and reforms are implemented. They have vowed to disrupt the elections if they go ahead. In the past, the government has indicated it doesn't have the authority to delay elections, which constitutionally must be held between 45 to 60 days from the date that parliament is dissolved. Thailand has been wracked by political conflict since Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled by a 2006 military coup. An anti-government protester uses a slingshot to throw rocks at Thai riot police as they attack the Thai-Japan youth stadium in central Bangkok . The protesters accuse Yingluck of representing Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for a corruption conviction but still wields influence in the country. On Wednesday, Yingluck announced a proposal for a national reform council to come up with a compromise to the crisis, but it was rejected by the protesters. Earlier in the year the government proposed a plan which would allow Thaksin to return to Thailand a free man, which created further mistrust in the country's leaders.
Officer died after being airlifted to a hospital during day of unrest . Victim had been struck by a bullet during the clashes in Thailand capital . At least 60 people have been injured in the violent scenes .
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<s>[INST] By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 08:06 EST, 26 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:37 EST, 26 December 2013 . An officer has died in violent clashes between police and anti-government protestors in Bangkok. The demonstrators, some armed with sling shots, threw rocks and attempted to break through police lines. Officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets but at least 66 people were injured, according to the government, several of which required hospitalisation. Scroll down for video . A protester hurls stones after police fired tear gas at the anti-government protesters who had tried to disrupt the electoral process . It is unclear how the policeman died but he was airlifted to hospital after receiving a bullet wound in the violence. Thailand's Election Commission urged the government to delay polls scheduled for February 2 after the unrest, adding to political uncertainty splitting the country. The government headed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is insisting the polls should go ahead, believing they will return her to power with a renewed mandate. Thai riot police fire rubber bullets at anti-government protesters during a rally at the Labor Ministry in Bangkok . An anti-government protester throws a tear gas canister towards policemen during clashes . But the protest movement seeking to oust her is demanding that the vote be delayed until she leaves office and reforms are implemented. They have vowed to disrupt the elections if they go ahead. In the past, the government has indicated it doesn't have the authority to delay elections, which constitutionally must be held between 45 to 60 days from the date that parliament is dissolved. Thailand has been wracked by political conflict since Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was toppled by a 2006 military coup. An anti-government protester uses a slingshot to throw rocks at Thai riot police as they attack the Thai-Japan youth stadium in central Bangkok . The protesters accuse Yingluck of representing Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for a corruption conviction but still wields influence in the country. On Wednesday, Yingluck announced a proposal for a national reform council to come up with a compromise to the crisis, but it was rejected by the protesters. Earlier in the year the government proposed a plan which would allow Thaksin to return to Thailand a free man, which created further mistrust in the country's leaders. [/INST] Officer died after being airlifted to a hospital during day of unrest . Victim had been struck by a bullet during the clashes in Thailand capital . At least 60 people have been injured in the violent scenes . </s>
(CNN) -- If you often order a bloody Mary or tomato juice on a plane, yet rarely order them elsewhere, science may have just explained your bizarre in-flight urge. A bloody Mary could be one of the few drinks that actually tastes as it's supposed to in the air, according to the authors of a paper in the online journal Flavour, entitled "Airplane noise and the taste of umami." Previous studies have shown that loud noises, such as an aircraft engine, can reduce our ability to taste flavors by up to 30%. "Umami, however, is immune to this effect," authors Charles Spence, Charles Michel and Barry Smith write. "There is even some evidence to suggest that it ... may actually boost some of the other basic tastes." Umami has been called "the fifth taste," after salty, bitter, sweet and sour, and has been likened to a "savory" flavor. Umami effect . Spence et al suggest this might explain the popularity of tomato-based drinks on flights. "A key feature of tomatoes is that they are rich in umami ... perhaps all those travelers who order a bloody Mary after the seatbelt sign has been turned off have figured out intuitively what scientists are only now slowly coming to recognize empirically." They also say this could help chefs and diners plan their meals. "One might also want to recommend an umami-rich menu -- that is, foods such as Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms -- to all those vocal restaurant critics out there, especially it seems in North America, who have been complaining that the background noise in many restaurants is simply too loud nowadays." But don't forsake water for bloody Mary marathons just yet. The authors say more work is required to confirm their hypothesis.
Aircraft engine noises have been shown to impair taste reception by up to 30% . However umami, the so-called "fifth taste," may be immune to this effect . Umami-rich foods such as tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, good options for fliers .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- If you often order a bloody Mary or tomato juice on a plane, yet rarely order them elsewhere, science may have just explained your bizarre in-flight urge. A bloody Mary could be one of the few drinks that actually tastes as it's supposed to in the air, according to the authors of a paper in the online journal Flavour, entitled "Airplane noise and the taste of umami." Previous studies have shown that loud noises, such as an aircraft engine, can reduce our ability to taste flavors by up to 30%. "Umami, however, is immune to this effect," authors Charles Spence, Charles Michel and Barry Smith write. "There is even some evidence to suggest that it ... may actually boost some of the other basic tastes." Umami has been called "the fifth taste," after salty, bitter, sweet and sour, and has been likened to a "savory" flavor. Umami effect . Spence et al suggest this might explain the popularity of tomato-based drinks on flights. "A key feature of tomatoes is that they are rich in umami ... perhaps all those travelers who order a bloody Mary after the seatbelt sign has been turned off have figured out intuitively what scientists are only now slowly coming to recognize empirically." They also say this could help chefs and diners plan their meals. "One might also want to recommend an umami-rich menu -- that is, foods such as Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms -- to all those vocal restaurant critics out there, especially it seems in North America, who have been complaining that the background noise in many restaurants is simply too loud nowadays." But don't forsake water for bloody Mary marathons just yet. The authors say more work is required to confirm their hypothesis. [/INST] Aircraft engine noises have been shown to impair taste reception by up to 30% . However umami, the so-called "fifth taste," may be immune to this effect . Umami-rich foods such as tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, good options for fliers . </s>
By . Jack Doyle . PUBLISHED: . 20:03 EST, 10 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:05 EST, 10 June 2013 . Victims of rape and other horrific crimes will be spared the ordeal of brutal cross-examination in open court . Victims of rape and other horrific crimes will be spared the ordeal of brutal cross-examination in open court - by giving their evidence before the trial. They will be allowed to record their testimony on video in advance of the case going to court, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling will say today. The move follows a series of cases in which sex abuse victims have been put through hostile questioning by defence barristers. In one case a rape victim who was abused by a sex grooming gang from the age of 13 endured 12 days of questioning in a ‘forensic examination’. Another vulnerable victim in the same case had to read out line by line from a police statement she gave detailing alleged sexual abuse by her stepfather. A series of pilots will see vulnerable victims given the chance to give evidence out of court with the footage played to the jury. The announcement will please victims’ groups who have warned that children have been ‘thrown to the wolves’ in court. But the move could raise concerns among lawyers over whether defendants are getting a fair trial - and whether the evidence used against them is properly scrutinised. Mr Grayling said it was wrong for young and vulnerable victims to have to relive their experiences for days on end in an ‘aggressive and intimidating court atmosphere’. ‘The particularly hostile treatment of victims and witnesses in court has nothing to do with fairness or justice,’ he said. ‘It is simply not right that young and vulnerable victims are forced to relive the most traumatic experience they have ever had, often for days on end, when cross-examined in court. ‘I am adamant we must put a stop to this, but without compromising everyone’s right to a fair trial. ‘So for the first time we are going to spare these victims from the aggressive and intimidating court atmosphere by making sure they can give evidence and be cross-examined before the trial starts.’ Details of the treatment in court of several victims of a sex grooming gang sparked fury earlier this year. The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds (pictured), Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year . The 18-year-old, who had been attacked from the age of 13, was quizzed aggressively about her sex life during the harrowing trial over 12 days in the witness box. She broke down after being repeatedly accused of lying by lawyers acting for seven men on trial and at one point was accused of being ‘naughty’. One barrister reportedly walked out of the trial in disgust over the treatment of another witness at the Stafford Crown Court trial in 2011. The seven men were convicted of child sex offences against four girls in later retrials after the case collapsed. The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds, Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year. If successful, it will be extended to courts across England and Wales. Victims will still be cross examined, but via videolink and away from the drama and audience of a court trial, officials said. By separating testimony from the main court case, the move could give judges greater control over methods of cross-examination. However, there will still be no limit on the number of lawyers who can cross examine a victim or witness, how long they can be in the witness box or the material on which they can be questioned. Officials suggested it would also ensure victims could be given counselling earlier, without the long delays often found in the courts. The change in the law will affect all child victims and witnesses and adult victims seen as the ‘most vulnerable’, and allow them to escape a courtroom grilling in front of an audience. Questions were raised about cross-examination when a violinist killed herself after she was branded a liar and fantasist by her attacker’s lawyer. Frances Andrade, 48, died from an overdose half-way through the trial of choirmaster Michael Brewer , music director at Chetham’s School of Music in the mid-1990s, and his ex-wife Kay, both 68. Kate Blackwell, who represented Mr Brewer, told Mrs Andrade ‘you have told this jury a complete pack of lies about the visit to this house’. During one exchange, the victim said ‘this feels like rape all over again’. A week later she was found dead at home. Her family said they were convinced the court ordeal lead to her death. But the judge in the case said the barrister’s conduct had been exemplary and her questions ‘perfectly proper and completely professional’. Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: ‘This pilot is one step towards making courts child friendly and starting to remove the gladiatorial element of cross examination. It could also mean young people won’t have to testify years after they come forward allowing victims to start to rebuild their lives earlier. “Many young victims of abuse tell us how the current process can be almost as horrific as the abuse itself. ‘Cases have been dropped because the witnesses were too vulnerable to cope with the aggressive cross exanimation in court by several different barristers.’
They will be allowed to record their testimony on video in advance of the case going to court . The move follows a series of cases in which sex abuse victims have been put through hostile questioning by defence barristers . The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds, Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year .
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<s>[INST] By . Jack Doyle . PUBLISHED: . 20:03 EST, 10 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:05 EST, 10 June 2013 . Victims of rape and other horrific crimes will be spared the ordeal of brutal cross-examination in open court . Victims of rape and other horrific crimes will be spared the ordeal of brutal cross-examination in open court - by giving their evidence before the trial. They will be allowed to record their testimony on video in advance of the case going to court, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling will say today. The move follows a series of cases in which sex abuse victims have been put through hostile questioning by defence barristers. In one case a rape victim who was abused by a sex grooming gang from the age of 13 endured 12 days of questioning in a ‘forensic examination’. Another vulnerable victim in the same case had to read out line by line from a police statement she gave detailing alleged sexual abuse by her stepfather. A series of pilots will see vulnerable victims given the chance to give evidence out of court with the footage played to the jury. The announcement will please victims’ groups who have warned that children have been ‘thrown to the wolves’ in court. But the move could raise concerns among lawyers over whether defendants are getting a fair trial - and whether the evidence used against them is properly scrutinised. Mr Grayling said it was wrong for young and vulnerable victims to have to relive their experiences for days on end in an ‘aggressive and intimidating court atmosphere’. ‘The particularly hostile treatment of victims and witnesses in court has nothing to do with fairness or justice,’ he said. ‘It is simply not right that young and vulnerable victims are forced to relive the most traumatic experience they have ever had, often for days on end, when cross-examined in court. ‘I am adamant we must put a stop to this, but without compromising everyone’s right to a fair trial. ‘So for the first time we are going to spare these victims from the aggressive and intimidating court atmosphere by making sure they can give evidence and be cross-examined before the trial starts.’ Details of the treatment in court of several victims of a sex grooming gang sparked fury earlier this year. The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds (pictured), Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year . The 18-year-old, who had been attacked from the age of 13, was quizzed aggressively about her sex life during the harrowing trial over 12 days in the witness box. She broke down after being repeatedly accused of lying by lawyers acting for seven men on trial and at one point was accused of being ‘naughty’. One barrister reportedly walked out of the trial in disgust over the treatment of another witness at the Stafford Crown Court trial in 2011. The seven men were convicted of child sex offences against four girls in later retrials after the case collapsed. The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds, Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year. If successful, it will be extended to courts across England and Wales. Victims will still be cross examined, but via videolink and away from the drama and audience of a court trial, officials said. By separating testimony from the main court case, the move could give judges greater control over methods of cross-examination. However, there will still be no limit on the number of lawyers who can cross examine a victim or witness, how long they can be in the witness box or the material on which they can be questioned. Officials suggested it would also ensure victims could be given counselling earlier, without the long delays often found in the courts. The change in the law will affect all child victims and witnesses and adult victims seen as the ‘most vulnerable’, and allow them to escape a courtroom grilling in front of an audience. Questions were raised about cross-examination when a violinist killed herself after she was branded a liar and fantasist by her attacker’s lawyer. Frances Andrade, 48, died from an overdose half-way through the trial of choirmaster Michael Brewer , music director at Chetham’s School of Music in the mid-1990s, and his ex-wife Kay, both 68. Kate Blackwell, who represented Mr Brewer, told Mrs Andrade ‘you have told this jury a complete pack of lies about the visit to this house’. During one exchange, the victim said ‘this feels like rape all over again’. A week later she was found dead at home. Her family said they were convinced the court ordeal lead to her death. But the judge in the case said the barrister’s conduct had been exemplary and her questions ‘perfectly proper and completely professional’. Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: ‘This pilot is one step towards making courts child friendly and starting to remove the gladiatorial element of cross examination. It could also mean young people won’t have to testify years after they come forward allowing victims to start to rebuild their lives earlier. “Many young victims of abuse tell us how the current process can be almost as horrific as the abuse itself. ‘Cases have been dropped because the witnesses were too vulnerable to cope with the aggressive cross exanimation in court by several different barristers.’ [/INST] They will be allowed to record their testimony on video in advance of the case going to court . The move follows a series of cases in which sex abuse victims have been put through hostile questioning by defence barristers . The pilots will take place at three Crown Courts in Leeds, Kingston-upon-Thames and Liverpool from later this year . </s>
By . Alex Finnis for MailOnline . A Liberian boy who danced his way through the horrifying ordeal of coming down with killer disease Ebola and cheered up his fellow patients has made a full recovery and been discharged from the camp. Mamadee Sayon, 11, was battling the disease at a Doctors Without Borders case management centre in Foya. This heart-warming video shows how he brought a smile to the faces of all his fellow sufferers by dancing away the pain and always remaining in high spirits. Scroll down for video . Just dance: Dancing Ebola patient Mamadee Sayon, 11, has recovered from the disease and been discharged . He's got moves: Mamadee cheered up all the other patients with his high spirits and constant boogying . Nothing could break down his positive energy - Mamadee's sister was also admitted to the camp, and tragically passed away after a few days, but he remained determined to keep cheering everyone up. Even two weeks after his admission, Mamadee was still dancing, and now he has become one of the lucky few to recover from the devastating disease and be discharged. Around two-thirds of the patients at the Foya camp die from the virus. In the zone: Mamadee kept dancing even two weeks after being admitted to the Doctors Without Borders camp . Can't stop him now: Nothing could break the 11-year-old's spirits, even the death of his sister from the virus . Jig-hearted: Mamadee is one of the lucky few at the camp who survived Ebola - around two-thirds die . President Obama this week described the Ebola outbreak in West Africa as ‘a threat to global security’. His warning was echoed by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who said the epidemic could become a ‘global catastrophe with disastrous consequences’ without more humanitarian support. The US President announced plans this week to send 3,000 American troops to the region to help build new healthcare facilities. 'Today thousands of people in West Africa are infected. That number could rapidly grow to tens of thousands. And if the outbreak is not stopped now we could be looking at hundreds of thousands infected,' he said. 'This is an epidemic that is not just a threat to regional security. It’s a potential threat to global security if these countries break down, if their economies break down, if people panic.' Around 2,500 people have now died from the virus in West Africa.
Mamadee Sayon, 11, cheered up fellow patients with his high-spirited jigs . Was still dancing two weeks after being admitted, and has now recovered . His sister tragically died just a few days after being admitted to same camp . Was battling the killer virus at Doctors Without Borders centre in Foya .
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<s>[INST] By . Alex Finnis for MailOnline . A Liberian boy who danced his way through the horrifying ordeal of coming down with killer disease Ebola and cheered up his fellow patients has made a full recovery and been discharged from the camp. Mamadee Sayon, 11, was battling the disease at a Doctors Without Borders case management centre in Foya. This heart-warming video shows how he brought a smile to the faces of all his fellow sufferers by dancing away the pain and always remaining in high spirits. Scroll down for video . Just dance: Dancing Ebola patient Mamadee Sayon, 11, has recovered from the disease and been discharged . He's got moves: Mamadee cheered up all the other patients with his high spirits and constant boogying . Nothing could break down his positive energy - Mamadee's sister was also admitted to the camp, and tragically passed away after a few days, but he remained determined to keep cheering everyone up. Even two weeks after his admission, Mamadee was still dancing, and now he has become one of the lucky few to recover from the devastating disease and be discharged. Around two-thirds of the patients at the Foya camp die from the virus. In the zone: Mamadee kept dancing even two weeks after being admitted to the Doctors Without Borders camp . Can't stop him now: Nothing could break the 11-year-old's spirits, even the death of his sister from the virus . Jig-hearted: Mamadee is one of the lucky few at the camp who survived Ebola - around two-thirds die . President Obama this week described the Ebola outbreak in West Africa as ‘a threat to global security’. His warning was echoed by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who said the epidemic could become a ‘global catastrophe with disastrous consequences’ without more humanitarian support. The US President announced plans this week to send 3,000 American troops to the region to help build new healthcare facilities. 'Today thousands of people in West Africa are infected. That number could rapidly grow to tens of thousands. And if the outbreak is not stopped now we could be looking at hundreds of thousands infected,' he said. 'This is an epidemic that is not just a threat to regional security. It’s a potential threat to global security if these countries break down, if their economies break down, if people panic.' Around 2,500 people have now died from the virus in West Africa. [/INST] Mamadee Sayon, 11, cheered up fellow patients with his high-spirited jigs . Was still dancing two weeks after being admitted, and has now recovered . His sister tragically died just a few days after being admitted to same camp . Was battling the killer virus at Doctors Without Borders centre in Foya . </s>
Serena Williams was inspired by older sister Venus' progression to the fourth round of the Australian Open as she fought back from a set down against Elina Svitolina. Williams, who had to save three set points in the opening set against Vera Zvonareva in the previous round, fell behind this time to her Ukrainian opponent before going up through the gears to win 4-6 6-2 6-0. Serena Williams lost the first but recovered to race past Elina Svitolina to reach the fourth round in Melbourne . And the 33-year-old then revealed she had been inspired by seeing the score from her sister's match displayed on television screens inside Rod Laver Arena. 'I was a little upset coming out here because she was down a set and a break and I was destroyed,' Williams said. 'Then I looked up and she was 4-1 up so I thought, "Serena you can do it too". We always motivate each other.' Williams meets world No 24 Garbine Muguruza in the next round, who beat her at the French Open last year. Muguruza defeated Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. Svitolina made an excellent start but could not keep up her good form and faded down the stretch . Serena joined her sister Venus in the fourth round after the elder sibling's earlier victory .
Serena Williams lost the first set to Elina Svitolina in the third round match . But the world No 1 recovered to fight her way into the last 16 . Williams revealed she had been inspired by her sister Venus' victory .
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<s>[INST] Serena Williams was inspired by older sister Venus' progression to the fourth round of the Australian Open as she fought back from a set down against Elina Svitolina. Williams, who had to save three set points in the opening set against Vera Zvonareva in the previous round, fell behind this time to her Ukrainian opponent before going up through the gears to win 4-6 6-2 6-0. Serena Williams lost the first but recovered to race past Elina Svitolina to reach the fourth round in Melbourne . And the 33-year-old then revealed she had been inspired by seeing the score from her sister's match displayed on television screens inside Rod Laver Arena. 'I was a little upset coming out here because she was down a set and a break and I was destroyed,' Williams said. 'Then I looked up and she was 4-1 up so I thought, "Serena you can do it too". We always motivate each other.' Williams meets world No 24 Garbine Muguruza in the next round, who beat her at the French Open last year. Muguruza defeated Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 4-6, 6-0. Svitolina made an excellent start but could not keep up her good form and faded down the stretch . Serena joined her sister Venus in the fourth round after the elder sibling's earlier victory . [/INST] Serena Williams lost the first set to Elina Svitolina in the third round match . But the world No 1 recovered to fight her way into the last 16 . Williams revealed she had been inspired by her sister Venus' victory . </s>
By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 09:17 EST, 15 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:00 EST, 15 August 2013 . A Beijing theatre audience 'gasped in shock' after a banned image of a lone protestor blocking a line of Tanks in Tiananmen Square was shown on a giant screen during a Cirque Du Soleil show. The iconic image was flashed up for several seconds during the troupe's first night performance of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in the Chinese capital according to the South Morning China Post. The picture, showing a man standing in front of four tanks as they entered Tiananmen Square during a government crackdown on protests in June 1989, are banned by Chinese authorities along with any mention of the infamous massacre itself. Protest: The iconic Tiananmen Square Tank Man image that is banned from being shown in China but was flashed on a giant screen during a Cirque Du Soleil performance in Beijing . Opening night: The image was shown in a Cirque Du Soleil production of Michael Jackson: The Immortal. A promotional poster for the show is pictured . The editor of entertainment website That's Beijing, Stephen George, said in a blog post that the photo was shown on stage during a montage of famous protest images during the song They Don't Care About Us and resulted in 'an audible collective gasp from the audience.' According to CNN, he said: 'The very fact it was displayed, so publicly and on such a large movie theater screen in front of so many people -- and in Beijing, of all places -- felt genuinely quite radical. 'As my friend commented, "I can't imagine ever being witness to that image being shown in Beijing again, even if I stay here for another 50 years".' Mr George's post has since been deleted, according to reports. But show publicist Laura Silverman said that the art troupe had submitted the entire show to Chinese authorities for vetting prior to the performance but that they had not flagged the banned picture up. Popular show: Cirque du Soleil perform their interpretation of Billie Jean during the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour . The image was deleted from subsequent performances but the show, which was on a three night run in the city, went on as planned. The infamous image featuring the protestor who has become known as Tank Man, was taken in the Beijing Square during the infamous massacre in June 1989. Students and intellectuals protested communist rule for seven weeks in the square in 1989 in the face of a brutal security crackdown. Roughly 100,000 people are believed to have taken part in the protests - with up to 3,000 of those killed during the demonstrations. Protest song: The image was flashed up on stage during a performance of the Michael Jackson song They Don't Care About Us, pictured, during which a selection of protest images are shown . The Chinese Government considers the peaceful protest to have been a 'counter-revolutionary' revolt, and has previously defended the decision to send in tanks and troops. It has never provided an official death toll. Last month authorities in the country banned the phrase 'big yellow duck' as an internet search term after a prankster doctored the famous Tank Man image and replaced the tanks with giant ducks. The ban was part of an annual crackdown on efforts by families to commemorate the massacre. A number of internet search terms, including 'tomorrow', 'today', 'tonight' and 'June 4' were also banned.
The image was shown to an audience of 15,000 in a Beijing theatre . The art troupe were performing Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour . The show is said to have been vetted by Chinese authorities beforehand . Subsequent shows dropped the iconic picture from the performance .
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<s>[INST] By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 09:17 EST, 15 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:00 EST, 15 August 2013 . A Beijing theatre audience 'gasped in shock' after a banned image of a lone protestor blocking a line of Tanks in Tiananmen Square was shown on a giant screen during a Cirque Du Soleil show. The iconic image was flashed up for several seconds during the troupe's first night performance of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour in the Chinese capital according to the South Morning China Post. The picture, showing a man standing in front of four tanks as they entered Tiananmen Square during a government crackdown on protests in June 1989, are banned by Chinese authorities along with any mention of the infamous massacre itself. Protest: The iconic Tiananmen Square Tank Man image that is banned from being shown in China but was flashed on a giant screen during a Cirque Du Soleil performance in Beijing . Opening night: The image was shown in a Cirque Du Soleil production of Michael Jackson: The Immortal. A promotional poster for the show is pictured . The editor of entertainment website That's Beijing, Stephen George, said in a blog post that the photo was shown on stage during a montage of famous protest images during the song They Don't Care About Us and resulted in 'an audible collective gasp from the audience.' According to CNN, he said: 'The very fact it was displayed, so publicly and on such a large movie theater screen in front of so many people -- and in Beijing, of all places -- felt genuinely quite radical. 'As my friend commented, "I can't imagine ever being witness to that image being shown in Beijing again, even if I stay here for another 50 years".' Mr George's post has since been deleted, according to reports. But show publicist Laura Silverman said that the art troupe had submitted the entire show to Chinese authorities for vetting prior to the performance but that they had not flagged the banned picture up. Popular show: Cirque du Soleil perform their interpretation of Billie Jean during the Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour . The image was deleted from subsequent performances but the show, which was on a three night run in the city, went on as planned. The infamous image featuring the protestor who has become known as Tank Man, was taken in the Beijing Square during the infamous massacre in June 1989. Students and intellectuals protested communist rule for seven weeks in the square in 1989 in the face of a brutal security crackdown. Roughly 100,000 people are believed to have taken part in the protests - with up to 3,000 of those killed during the demonstrations. Protest song: The image was flashed up on stage during a performance of the Michael Jackson song They Don't Care About Us, pictured, during which a selection of protest images are shown . The Chinese Government considers the peaceful protest to have been a 'counter-revolutionary' revolt, and has previously defended the decision to send in tanks and troops. It has never provided an official death toll. Last month authorities in the country banned the phrase 'big yellow duck' as an internet search term after a prankster doctored the famous Tank Man image and replaced the tanks with giant ducks. The ban was part of an annual crackdown on efforts by families to commemorate the massacre. A number of internet search terms, including 'tomorrow', 'today', 'tonight' and 'June 4' were also banned. [/INST] The image was shown to an audience of 15,000 in a Beijing theatre . The art troupe were performing Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour . The show is said to have been vetted by Chinese authorities beforehand . Subsequent shows dropped the iconic picture from the performance . </s>
(CNN) -- Thursday's draw for the last 16 of the European Champions League threw up a series of mouthwatering ties between a number of the continent's top teams -- including a clash between past winners Real Madrid and Manchester United. The pairing, which means Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving United for the Spanish side in 2009, headlined a triol of standout ties after the draw was made at headquarters of European football's governing body UEFA in the Swiss city Nyon. "Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that'll be!! @Cristiano see u soon bro!!," tweeted United's former England captain Rio Ferdinand. Another Spanish club, four-time champions Barcelona, have been pitched into another heavyweight battle as they take on Italy's AC Milan, whose seven European crowns are second only to the nine boasted by Real. "We will play against Milan! It will be a great qualifying round!" tweeted Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The draw came on the same day that Barca coach Tito Vilanova was due to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Elsewhere, beaten 2012 finalists Bayern Munich will take on United's English Premier League rivals Arsenal -- whose striker Lukas Podolski will return to the German club where he struggled to make an impact between 2006 and 2009. "I think we enter this match as the slight favorites, but we can be making the mistake of underestimating them," Bayern chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge told UEFA's official website. "Arsenal have struggled at times in the league over the last few months, which a look upon the standings in the Premier League will tell you. But by no means will this be an easy game for us." Blog: Will Guardiola return to Barca? Many experts, including former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, are tipping Borussia Dortmund for glory this season and the Germans must beat Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk if they are to repeat their 1997 success. Scottish side Celtic, in the last 16 of the competition for only the third time, have been rewarded with a draw against Italian champions Juventus -- whose last European crown came back in 1996. In the three remaining ties, Galatasaray of Turkey take on the third German team into the knockout stage, Schalke, while 2004 champions Porto have been drawn against Champions League debutants Malaga and Spanish side Valencia will play big-spending French club Paris Saint-Germain . The first legs will be played between February 12-13 and 19-20, with the return legs taking place between March 5-6 and 12-13. Of the teams who dropped down to the Europa League after failing to progress from the group stage, European champions Chelsea will play Czech side Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the second-tier competition. Romania's Cluj take on 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan, Russia's Zenit Saint-Petersburg will play Liverpool and Portugal's Benfica will face Germany's Bayer Leverkusen. BATE Borisov of Belarus came out of the hat with Turkey's Fenerbahce, Greek side Olympiakos got Spain's Levante and Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev will play French team Bordeaux. Dutch side Ajax face fellow former European champions Steaua Bucarest of Romania. In other key ties, Spain's defending champions Atletico Madrid will play Russia's Rubin Kazan, English side Tottenham take on French team Lyon, while Italy's Lazio and Napoli are up against Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach and Czech club Plzen respectively. These matches will be played on February 14 and 21, while the last-16 ties are on March 7 and 14.
Real Madrid to play Manchester United in the last 16 of the European Champions League . The tie will be the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to United since leaving in 2009 . Barcelona drawn with AC Milan in another clash of past European champions . Celtic face Juventus while Bayern Munich play Arsenal .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Thursday's draw for the last 16 of the European Champions League threw up a series of mouthwatering ties between a number of the continent's top teams -- including a clash between past winners Real Madrid and Manchester United. The pairing, which means Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving United for the Spanish side in 2009, headlined a triol of standout ties after the draw was made at headquarters of European football's governing body UEFA in the Swiss city Nyon. "Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that'll be!! @Cristiano see u soon bro!!," tweeted United's former England captain Rio Ferdinand. Another Spanish club, four-time champions Barcelona, have been pitched into another heavyweight battle as they take on Italy's AC Milan, whose seven European crowns are second only to the nine boasted by Real. "We will play against Milan! It will be a great qualifying round!" tweeted Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The draw came on the same day that Barca coach Tito Vilanova was due to have surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. Elsewhere, beaten 2012 finalists Bayern Munich will take on United's English Premier League rivals Arsenal -- whose striker Lukas Podolski will return to the German club where he struggled to make an impact between 2006 and 2009. "I think we enter this match as the slight favorites, but we can be making the mistake of underestimating them," Bayern chairman Karl Heinz Rummenigge told UEFA's official website. "Arsenal have struggled at times in the league over the last few months, which a look upon the standings in the Premier League will tell you. But by no means will this be an easy game for us." Blog: Will Guardiola return to Barca? Many experts, including former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, are tipping Borussia Dortmund for glory this season and the Germans must beat Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk if they are to repeat their 1997 success. Scottish side Celtic, in the last 16 of the competition for only the third time, have been rewarded with a draw against Italian champions Juventus -- whose last European crown came back in 1996. In the three remaining ties, Galatasaray of Turkey take on the third German team into the knockout stage, Schalke, while 2004 champions Porto have been drawn against Champions League debutants Malaga and Spanish side Valencia will play big-spending French club Paris Saint-Germain . The first legs will be played between February 12-13 and 19-20, with the return legs taking place between March 5-6 and 12-13. Of the teams who dropped down to the Europa League after failing to progress from the group stage, European champions Chelsea will play Czech side Sparta Prague in the last 32 of the second-tier competition. Romania's Cluj take on 2010 Champions League winners Inter Milan, Russia's Zenit Saint-Petersburg will play Liverpool and Portugal's Benfica will face Germany's Bayer Leverkusen. BATE Borisov of Belarus came out of the hat with Turkey's Fenerbahce, Greek side Olympiakos got Spain's Levante and Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev will play French team Bordeaux. Dutch side Ajax face fellow former European champions Steaua Bucarest of Romania. In other key ties, Spain's defending champions Atletico Madrid will play Russia's Rubin Kazan, English side Tottenham take on French team Lyon, while Italy's Lazio and Napoli are up against Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach and Czech club Plzen respectively. These matches will be played on February 14 and 21, while the last-16 ties are on March 7 and 14. [/INST] Real Madrid to play Manchester United in the last 16 of the European Champions League . The tie will be the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to United since leaving in 2009 . Barcelona drawn with AC Milan in another clash of past European champions . Celtic face Juventus while Bayern Munich play Arsenal . </s>
By . Ian Drury . PUBLISHED: . 16:41 EST, 20 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:29 EST, 21 August 2013 . One of the Army’s highest-ranking female officers is facing jail after she admitted fiddling her military allowances. Lieutenant Colonel Angela Knock, whose nursing skills helped save hundreds of soldiers’ lives on the frontline in Afghanistan, is being court martialled after she pocketed thousands of pounds. The 49-year-old commander’s spectacular fall from grace came after she led a team of highly-skilled medics at the operating theatre of the trauma hospital at Camp Bastion. Dedicated: Angela Knock, left, helps a surgeon operate on a wounded British soldier in Helmand . Mother-of-three Knock, a member of the Territorial Army’s 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital, dealt with thousands of severely wounded casualties during her warzone deployment. The reservist worked under extreme pressure to treat harrowing injuries, including young soldiers with arms and legs blown off by roadside bombs. Knock, who also works as a theatre nurse at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, pleaded guilty last month to ten counts of false accounting and forgery. The charges are understood to involve sums of about £8,000 she fraudulently claimed for gardening services at her home between 2009 and 2011. She admitted the charges during a hearing at Catterick Military Court Centre in North Yorkshire. She is due to be sentenced in the autumn and faces military detention. She could also be stripped of her rank and thrown out of the military. Knock, a widow, was a highly-regarded officer with the Royal Army Medical Corps. She is thought to have served as a ‘weekend warrior’ for 20 years while following her civilian career as a nurse. She has served two tours of duty in Iraq and three in Afghanistan. Trauma: Nurse Major Angela Knock, right, faces jail and could be stripped of her rank and thrown out of the military . In 2011 she was deployed to work at the Role 3 Hospital in Camp Bastion, Britain’s main base in the Taliban heartland of Helmand province. She ran the operating theatre at the facility, widely acknowledged as the best in the world. Some 98 per cent of patients survive their injuries. The team of about 250 had to treat soldiers, civilians and even Taliban fighters – often several at a time – who had been badly injured by improvised explosive devices or in firefights. In an interview during her stint on the frontline, Knock, from Chapeltown, Sheffield, described the unique challenges of working at Camp Bastion. ‘A lot of the guys who come in, such as the triple amputees who suffer severe blood loss, would never have made it to hospital in Britain,’ she said. ‘They survive because of the speed of care from their colleagues and medics in the field, and the fact that when they arrive here, there are four or five surgeons in the emergency department waiting to start work. That doesn’t happen anywhere else.’ Fall from grace: Ms Knock, who lives in Chapeltown, South Yorkshire (pictured), has admitted ten counts of forgery and false accounting . More than a dozen people a day required operations during 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital’s deployment. One of the busiest days saw four critical cases, including a double amputee, triple amputee and an insurgent with shrapnel wounds who died on the operating table. Her team also battled against the odds to save a three-year-old Afghan girl who suffered catastrophic injuries in a Taliban bomb blast. Knock – whose sons are James, 22, Matthew, 20, and William, 18 –  said: ‘We deal predominantly with young men, some the same age as my sons. One of the worst was a triple amputee, whose pelvis had been disturbed, potentially damaging internal organs. We managed to stabilise him and he was flown back to the UK.’ Battle: Angela Knock served in Afghanistan where she frequently treated harrowing injuries . She also put her specialist skills to good use in 2010 carrying out life-changing surgery when Haiti was devastated by an earthquake. Knock worked with aid charity Merlin as part of an expert plastic surgery reconstruction team operating on victims. She told a local newspaper: ‘I’ve never been to a disaster zone before, but I cannot imagine any healthcare worker who would not love to be able to use their skills to help people who desperately need it.’ She said of the procedures, carried out in a makeshift operating theatre within an old tennis club: ‘Without skin grafting some of the wounds would have broken down, which would have led to infections and amputations. ‘By getting the skin covering them, although they will have another two weeks of dressings, they should be able to get back on with their normal lives.’
Angela Knock, 49, from Sheffield, admits forgery and false accounting . High-ranking officer led team of medics at trauma hospital in Camp Bastion . Faces military detention and being thrown out of the Forces .
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<s>[INST] By . Ian Drury . PUBLISHED: . 16:41 EST, 20 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:29 EST, 21 August 2013 . One of the Army’s highest-ranking female officers is facing jail after she admitted fiddling her military allowances. Lieutenant Colonel Angela Knock, whose nursing skills helped save hundreds of soldiers’ lives on the frontline in Afghanistan, is being court martialled after she pocketed thousands of pounds. The 49-year-old commander’s spectacular fall from grace came after she led a team of highly-skilled medics at the operating theatre of the trauma hospital at Camp Bastion. Dedicated: Angela Knock, left, helps a surgeon operate on a wounded British soldier in Helmand . Mother-of-three Knock, a member of the Territorial Army’s 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital, dealt with thousands of severely wounded casualties during her warzone deployment. The reservist worked under extreme pressure to treat harrowing injuries, including young soldiers with arms and legs blown off by roadside bombs. Knock, who also works as a theatre nurse at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, pleaded guilty last month to ten counts of false accounting and forgery. The charges are understood to involve sums of about £8,000 she fraudulently claimed for gardening services at her home between 2009 and 2011. She admitted the charges during a hearing at Catterick Military Court Centre in North Yorkshire. She is due to be sentenced in the autumn and faces military detention. She could also be stripped of her rank and thrown out of the military. Knock, a widow, was a highly-regarded officer with the Royal Army Medical Corps. She is thought to have served as a ‘weekend warrior’ for 20 years while following her civilian career as a nurse. She has served two tours of duty in Iraq and three in Afghanistan. Trauma: Nurse Major Angela Knock, right, faces jail and could be stripped of her rank and thrown out of the military . In 2011 she was deployed to work at the Role 3 Hospital in Camp Bastion, Britain’s main base in the Taliban heartland of Helmand province. She ran the operating theatre at the facility, widely acknowledged as the best in the world. Some 98 per cent of patients survive their injuries. The team of about 250 had to treat soldiers, civilians and even Taliban fighters – often several at a time – who had been badly injured by improvised explosive devices or in firefights. In an interview during her stint on the frontline, Knock, from Chapeltown, Sheffield, described the unique challenges of working at Camp Bastion. ‘A lot of the guys who come in, such as the triple amputees who suffer severe blood loss, would never have made it to hospital in Britain,’ she said. ‘They survive because of the speed of care from their colleagues and medics in the field, and the fact that when they arrive here, there are four or five surgeons in the emergency department waiting to start work. That doesn’t happen anywhere else.’ Fall from grace: Ms Knock, who lives in Chapeltown, South Yorkshire (pictured), has admitted ten counts of forgery and false accounting . More than a dozen people a day required operations during 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital’s deployment. One of the busiest days saw four critical cases, including a double amputee, triple amputee and an insurgent with shrapnel wounds who died on the operating table. Her team also battled against the odds to save a three-year-old Afghan girl who suffered catastrophic injuries in a Taliban bomb blast. Knock – whose sons are James, 22, Matthew, 20, and William, 18 –  said: ‘We deal predominantly with young men, some the same age as my sons. One of the worst was a triple amputee, whose pelvis had been disturbed, potentially damaging internal organs. We managed to stabilise him and he was flown back to the UK.’ Battle: Angela Knock served in Afghanistan where she frequently treated harrowing injuries . She also put her specialist skills to good use in 2010 carrying out life-changing surgery when Haiti was devastated by an earthquake. Knock worked with aid charity Merlin as part of an expert plastic surgery reconstruction team operating on victims. She told a local newspaper: ‘I’ve never been to a disaster zone before, but I cannot imagine any healthcare worker who would not love to be able to use their skills to help people who desperately need it.’ She said of the procedures, carried out in a makeshift operating theatre within an old tennis club: ‘Without skin grafting some of the wounds would have broken down, which would have led to infections and amputations. ‘By getting the skin covering them, although they will have another two weeks of dressings, they should be able to get back on with their normal lives.’ [/INST] Angela Knock, 49, from Sheffield, admits forgery and false accounting . High-ranking officer led team of medics at trauma hospital in Camp Bastion . Faces military detention and being thrown out of the Forces . </s>
A police force has raked in over £270,000 in the past year by selling confiscated goods on the online action website ebay. Leicestershire police became the first force in the country to use ebay to sell the seized assets of criminals which included flashy sports cars and designer jewellery. The items that were auctioned off included luxury cars, computers and clothing which the courts confirmed had been paid for with criminal cash. Haul: Detective Inspector Paul Wenlock at Police HQ holds up a stunning Rolex watch that was auctioned off on ebay . Online store: The unusual ebay shop opened in September 2009 and the total raised since then is more than £1.2 million. Motor: This flashy silver Bentley continental GT auto 2006 sold for £32,875,00 on the online site . All the money the site generates will go back to fund crime-fighting work. Leicestershire police said it hopes it will prevent criminals from benefiting from their loot. Many of the items were confiscated thanks to tip-offs from the public, who became suspicious of people who were living the high life despite having no obvious legitimate income. Some of the items included high-powered sports cars for tens of thousands of pounds, others included designer jewellery and DVDs. The unusual ebay shop opened in September 2009 and the total raised since then is more than £1.2 million. In the past year, it has sold an Aston Martin DB9 car for £63,000, an Audi A5 for £29,500 and a Range Rover for £15,500 and a Mercedes car for £7,751. Meanwhile, police sold a Rolex watch online for more than £13,000 and a signed autograph by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra was snapped up for £260. Paul Wenlock, head of Leicestershire Police's economic crime unit, said the site had been a 'huge success'. Watch: This rose gold Versace ladies watch with mother of pearl dial and three part rotating face had a white satin over leather strap and sold for £320 in 2011 . Diamonds: This Tiffany diamond set key pendant with a heart motif was 18 carat white gold, the pendant is suspended from a 46cm long fine chain necklace with a bolt ring clasp and sold for £621 . Loot: Detective Inspector Paul Wenlock, seen here, stands beside a crook's £95,000 car in the Highcross shopping centre, which was eventually auctioned off online . He said: 'The site is also a daily reminder we will take civil as well as criminal action to ensure criminals do not benefit from their crimes. 'In some cases, we have been able to seize goods and sell them where we have not managed to secure a criminal conviction. 'All the money the site generates goes back to fund crime-fighting work. 'Often the inquiry starts from information from members of the public. 'If you know anyone who appears to be living a lifestyle beyond their visible means, we would like to know. We can take both civil and criminal action to be sure they do not benefit from these activities.' Everything the force has sold had been seized and formally confiscated by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act after officers proved they were bought with criminal cash. Handbag: This leopard print Prada handbag sold for £511 and was just one of many luxury items on ebay . The cash is used to fund further crime-fighting, while some is donated to good causes, including organisations which support victims of crime. And thankfully the force's eBay seller rating – which reflects its customers' satisfaction levels – is 99.8 per cent . Police officers also use eBay to sell other items in its possession - they made £39,209 by selling surplus police equipment and £24,050 on unclaimed lost property. It's not known whether other police force's intend to follow suit.
Leicestershire police became the first force in the UK to sell goods online . The ebay shop opened in September 2009 and has raised £1.2 million . Police auctioned off cars and jewellery that were paid for with criminal cash . All of the money the site generates goes back to fund crime-fighting work .
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<s>[INST] A police force has raked in over £270,000 in the past year by selling confiscated goods on the online action website ebay. Leicestershire police became the first force in the country to use ebay to sell the seized assets of criminals which included flashy sports cars and designer jewellery. The items that were auctioned off included luxury cars, computers and clothing which the courts confirmed had been paid for with criminal cash. Haul: Detective Inspector Paul Wenlock at Police HQ holds up a stunning Rolex watch that was auctioned off on ebay . Online store: The unusual ebay shop opened in September 2009 and the total raised since then is more than £1.2 million. Motor: This flashy silver Bentley continental GT auto 2006 sold for £32,875,00 on the online site . All the money the site generates will go back to fund crime-fighting work. Leicestershire police said it hopes it will prevent criminals from benefiting from their loot. Many of the items were confiscated thanks to tip-offs from the public, who became suspicious of people who were living the high life despite having no obvious legitimate income. Some of the items included high-powered sports cars for tens of thousands of pounds, others included designer jewellery and DVDs. The unusual ebay shop opened in September 2009 and the total raised since then is more than £1.2 million. In the past year, it has sold an Aston Martin DB9 car for £63,000, an Audi A5 for £29,500 and a Range Rover for £15,500 and a Mercedes car for £7,751. Meanwhile, police sold a Rolex watch online for more than £13,000 and a signed autograph by legendary crooner Frank Sinatra was snapped up for £260. Paul Wenlock, head of Leicestershire Police's economic crime unit, said the site had been a 'huge success'. Watch: This rose gold Versace ladies watch with mother of pearl dial and three part rotating face had a white satin over leather strap and sold for £320 in 2011 . Diamonds: This Tiffany diamond set key pendant with a heart motif was 18 carat white gold, the pendant is suspended from a 46cm long fine chain necklace with a bolt ring clasp and sold for £621 . Loot: Detective Inspector Paul Wenlock, seen here, stands beside a crook's £95,000 car in the Highcross shopping centre, which was eventually auctioned off online . He said: 'The site is also a daily reminder we will take civil as well as criminal action to ensure criminals do not benefit from their crimes. 'In some cases, we have been able to seize goods and sell them where we have not managed to secure a criminal conviction. 'All the money the site generates goes back to fund crime-fighting work. 'Often the inquiry starts from information from members of the public. 'If you know anyone who appears to be living a lifestyle beyond their visible means, we would like to know. We can take both civil and criminal action to be sure they do not benefit from these activities.' Everything the force has sold had been seized and formally confiscated by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act after officers proved they were bought with criminal cash. Handbag: This leopard print Prada handbag sold for £511 and was just one of many luxury items on ebay . The cash is used to fund further crime-fighting, while some is donated to good causes, including organisations which support victims of crime. And thankfully the force's eBay seller rating – which reflects its customers' satisfaction levels – is 99.8 per cent . Police officers also use eBay to sell other items in its possession - they made £39,209 by selling surplus police equipment and £24,050 on unclaimed lost property. It's not known whether other police force's intend to follow suit. [/INST] Leicestershire police became the first force in the UK to sell goods online . The ebay shop opened in September 2009 and has raised £1.2 million . Police auctioned off cars and jewellery that were paid for with criminal cash . All of the money the site generates goes back to fund crime-fighting work . </s>
(CNN) -- It was certainly an unprecedented surprise when Saudi Arabia announced -- on 18 October, only a day after its election to one of the 10 rotating seats on the U.N. Security Council -- that it was turning down the chance to participate in the world's top forum for discussion of international issues. After all, the last few years have, if anything, seen an increase in Saudi Arabia's international profile -- particularly as a member of the G20 -- and in its regional activism. Traditionally, Saudis have preferred to work behind the scenes to promote their vision of regional stability, and to push back against what they see as the growing Iranian threat. They have been the leading proponent of greater Gulf Cooperation Council cohesion -- sometimes labelled as a "circling of the Sunni wagons" -- and they have recently ensured that a Saudi Arabian will take the top slot at the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Moreover, all the signs had been that they had seriously prepared for their role on the Security Council, including training their New York team in how best to make an impact. So what happened? The Saudi statement turning down the seat spoke of international double standards and the international community's failure to resolve key conflicts, homing in on the Syria crisis, the long-running sore of the Palestinian issue, and the failure to achieve a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. The Saudis demanded reforms to the Security Council, and said they would refrain from membership until that body was capable of discharging its responsibilities to maintain international peace and security. Of course, many countries outside the magic circle of the Permanent Five (the UK, U.S., France, Russia and China) have wanted to see Security Council reform, and some of the P5 countries have themselves worried that the Council's failure to reflect changing patterns of world power -- and the wider ability to open up the government of international bodies to new players -- will inevitably eat into the legitimacy and credibility of the U.N. And there is no mistaking the anger, however generally slow-burning, in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Arab world about the international community's failure to resolve the Palestinian issue and achieve the establishment of the long talked about Palestinian state. That ire is particularly focused on the West, above all Washington, and is driven by a sharp sense of Western double standards. How can it be, the Saudis ask, that the West supports self-determination and democracy everywhere except when it comes to the Palestinians? Given the extent of U.S. aid to Israel, surely if the Americans were serious the leverage exists to persuade the Israelis to make concessions? And how come Barack Obama talked such a good talk in his Cairo speech at the start of his first term, only to fail so spectacularly to deliver? Not far below the surface there is also a sense of Saudi vulnerability. The Kingdom is, after all, an ally of the West, especially when it comes to anything connected with Iran. So they feel particularly uncomfortable when the Iranians claim to be the leading flag-wavers of the Palestinian cause, with the message to the Arab street that Arab leaders are in hock with the West and only playing lip service to that cause, or have even betrayed it. The Saudis may generally be pragmatic international players, but there is no doubt that the Palestinian cause is for them a sacred one, and that they care deeply about the fate of Jerusalem and the Haram al-Sharif in particular. While one can also point to Saudi unhappiness with Western policy towards Egypt, it seems clear that it is above all the Saudi sense of Western failure over Syria which has driven their decision, as it did when Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud declined to address this year's U.N. General Assembly. At the start of the Syrian crisis, the Saudis hoped that President Bashar al-Assad would go far enough to meet the demands of the Syrian people so as to avoid a crisis. When Assad -- never in any case one of their heroes -- chose repression instead, there was no mistaking the note of genuine moral outrage which came from the very top of the Saudi system, from King Abdullah himself. The Saudi argument that steps should be taken to arm the Syrian opposition was driven by a belief that those being oppressed had a right to self-defence. But they were also keen to prevent a further hardening of the "'Shia Crescent" stretching from Iran via Iraq and Syria to Lebanon and Hezbollah. I believe nevertheless that they have tried to target their assistance towards non-extremist groups, having learnt better than almost anyone else the lesson of Afghan resistance against the Soviets -- that arms in the wrong al Qaeda hands will one day become a threat to the Kingdom itself. It is however also hard to guarantee in whose hands weapons will end up in such murky situations. From a Saudi perspective, the message the West and above all the Americans have sent through their handling of the chemical weapons crisis is that it is has lost the will to get tough (a message which they think will not have been lost on the Iranians); that it lacks consistency (not all that long ago Western spokesmen would say that Assad was toast, and now even Kerry is praising his government for its cooperation with the OPCW inspectors); that it is not concerned about the strategic consequences of the conflict and the risk of refugee flows and other pressures destabilizing Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq; and that it lacks morality. Surely, they would argue, the signal conveyed to Assad is that it is acceptable to shoot protesters, but not to use sarin against them. They remain to be convinced that the West will put in a serious effort to achieve a result at the Geneva II conference now scheduled for late November. They worry too -- inevitably, and ironically like Israel -- that Western limpness on the Syrian agenda prefigures a willingness to accept a less than satisfactory deal with Iran, cutting Tehran too much slack in the regional strategic equation. It could -- and I think should -- have been argued that the Saudis would have done better to make their voice heard in the Security Council. But the shock decision has certainly sent their allies a strong, and public, message about their feeling of betrayal. And it is a message to which the West should listen, if only in engaging with the Saudis in a more sustained and strategic way. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Tom Phillips.
Saudi Arabia blasts U.N. Security Council, rejects offer to join . Phillips: Saudis are deeply dissatisfied with U.N.'s handling of regional issues . Phillips: Saudis disappointed with U.N.'s failure to resolve Syria, Palestinian crisis . Saudis also worried that limp response to Syria will lead to capitulation with Iran .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- It was certainly an unprecedented surprise when Saudi Arabia announced -- on 18 October, only a day after its election to one of the 10 rotating seats on the U.N. Security Council -- that it was turning down the chance to participate in the world's top forum for discussion of international issues. After all, the last few years have, if anything, seen an increase in Saudi Arabia's international profile -- particularly as a member of the G20 -- and in its regional activism. Traditionally, Saudis have preferred to work behind the scenes to promote their vision of regional stability, and to push back against what they see as the growing Iranian threat. They have been the leading proponent of greater Gulf Cooperation Council cohesion -- sometimes labelled as a "circling of the Sunni wagons" -- and they have recently ensured that a Saudi Arabian will take the top slot at the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Moreover, all the signs had been that they had seriously prepared for their role on the Security Council, including training their New York team in how best to make an impact. So what happened? The Saudi statement turning down the seat spoke of international double standards and the international community's failure to resolve key conflicts, homing in on the Syria crisis, the long-running sore of the Palestinian issue, and the failure to achieve a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. The Saudis demanded reforms to the Security Council, and said they would refrain from membership until that body was capable of discharging its responsibilities to maintain international peace and security. Of course, many countries outside the magic circle of the Permanent Five (the UK, U.S., France, Russia and China) have wanted to see Security Council reform, and some of the P5 countries have themselves worried that the Council's failure to reflect changing patterns of world power -- and the wider ability to open up the government of international bodies to new players -- will inevitably eat into the legitimacy and credibility of the U.N. And there is no mistaking the anger, however generally slow-burning, in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Arab world about the international community's failure to resolve the Palestinian issue and achieve the establishment of the long talked about Palestinian state. That ire is particularly focused on the West, above all Washington, and is driven by a sharp sense of Western double standards. How can it be, the Saudis ask, that the West supports self-determination and democracy everywhere except when it comes to the Palestinians? Given the extent of U.S. aid to Israel, surely if the Americans were serious the leverage exists to persuade the Israelis to make concessions? And how come Barack Obama talked such a good talk in his Cairo speech at the start of his first term, only to fail so spectacularly to deliver? Not far below the surface there is also a sense of Saudi vulnerability. The Kingdom is, after all, an ally of the West, especially when it comes to anything connected with Iran. So they feel particularly uncomfortable when the Iranians claim to be the leading flag-wavers of the Palestinian cause, with the message to the Arab street that Arab leaders are in hock with the West and only playing lip service to that cause, or have even betrayed it. The Saudis may generally be pragmatic international players, but there is no doubt that the Palestinian cause is for them a sacred one, and that they care deeply about the fate of Jerusalem and the Haram al-Sharif in particular. While one can also point to Saudi unhappiness with Western policy towards Egypt, it seems clear that it is above all the Saudi sense of Western failure over Syria which has driven their decision, as it did when Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud declined to address this year's U.N. General Assembly. At the start of the Syrian crisis, the Saudis hoped that President Bashar al-Assad would go far enough to meet the demands of the Syrian people so as to avoid a crisis. When Assad -- never in any case one of their heroes -- chose repression instead, there was no mistaking the note of genuine moral outrage which came from the very top of the Saudi system, from King Abdullah himself. The Saudi argument that steps should be taken to arm the Syrian opposition was driven by a belief that those being oppressed had a right to self-defence. But they were also keen to prevent a further hardening of the "'Shia Crescent" stretching from Iran via Iraq and Syria to Lebanon and Hezbollah. I believe nevertheless that they have tried to target their assistance towards non-extremist groups, having learnt better than almost anyone else the lesson of Afghan resistance against the Soviets -- that arms in the wrong al Qaeda hands will one day become a threat to the Kingdom itself. It is however also hard to guarantee in whose hands weapons will end up in such murky situations. From a Saudi perspective, the message the West and above all the Americans have sent through their handling of the chemical weapons crisis is that it is has lost the will to get tough (a message which they think will not have been lost on the Iranians); that it lacks consistency (not all that long ago Western spokesmen would say that Assad was toast, and now even Kerry is praising his government for its cooperation with the OPCW inspectors); that it is not concerned about the strategic consequences of the conflict and the risk of refugee flows and other pressures destabilizing Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq; and that it lacks morality. Surely, they would argue, the signal conveyed to Assad is that it is acceptable to shoot protesters, but not to use sarin against them. They remain to be convinced that the West will put in a serious effort to achieve a result at the Geneva II conference now scheduled for late November. They worry too -- inevitably, and ironically like Israel -- that Western limpness on the Syrian agenda prefigures a willingness to accept a less than satisfactory deal with Iran, cutting Tehran too much slack in the regional strategic equation. It could -- and I think should -- have been argued that the Saudis would have done better to make their voice heard in the Security Council. But the shock decision has certainly sent their allies a strong, and public, message about their feeling of betrayal. And it is a message to which the West should listen, if only in engaging with the Saudis in a more sustained and strategic way. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Tom Phillips. [/INST] Saudi Arabia blasts U.N. Security Council, rejects offer to join . Phillips: Saudis are deeply dissatisfied with U.N.'s handling of regional issues . Phillips: Saudis disappointed with U.N.'s failure to resolve Syria, Palestinian crisis . Saudis also worried that limp response to Syria will lead to capitulation with Iran . </s>
An ex-husband who allegedly stabbed his former wife 84 times before putting a pig mask on her face told police he could not remember the savage attack. Anthony Novellino, 66, from Denville, New Jersey, was in court on Thursday for a hearing ahead of his murder trial. Two recorded interviews with Novellino were played to the Morristown court, the first time details of the grisly killing have been made public. Novellino is accused of stabbing to death his ex-wife Judith, 62, after she returned to their home to collect belongings, 11 days after their divorce in June 2010. Anthony Novellino, pictured in 2011, attended a pretrial hearing for the murder of his wife Judith in 2010, shortly after the New Jersey couple divorced . On the tapes, Novellino can be heard . saying he only remembers 'twice cutting her with the knife' and had 'no . intention at all' of hurting her, according to NJ.com. The 66-year-old suspect repeats . these claims during the five hours he was interviewed by police. He . also admitted that he had not wanted a divorce and blamed the separation . on his wife's sister. The . suspect claims that it was his ex-wife who pulled a knife on him in the . upstairs bathroom of their home on June 19, 2010 during an argument - . but said he did not remember subsequently stabbing her dozens of times. Novellino told police: 'I . didn’t do what you said I did. I don’t know who would do that because I . was the only one there.' He added: 'In 15 seconds, everything happens. Your whole life changes in 15 seconds', according to NJ.com. Anthony Novellino, from New Jersey, is on trial for the fatal stabbing of his ex-wife Judith in 2010 at their home . Judith Novellino was stabbed 84 times and a pig mask placed on her face when she went to collect belongings from her New Jersey home in 2010 following her divorce . Novellino claims that when he left the bathroom, he noticed a pig mask in a messy closet and 'picked it up and threw it in (the bathroom)'. He was asked why he did not try to revive his wife or call 911. Novellino said he was 'nervous'. Mrs Novellino, who has a daughter Christina and son Anthony, was found dead by a family member at the couple's detached suburban home. Novellino, who went on the run in Washington state following his ex-wife's murder, said he had not planned to kill the high school teacher. He was captured following a five-day manhunt. Judith Novellino was a teacher and librarian at Morris . Catholic High School. The pretrial hearing is due to begin again on Monday.
Anthony Novellino, 66, from Denville, New Jersey, was in court on Thursday for a hearing ahead of murder trial . Judith Novellino stabbed to death as she went to collect belongings at her home in June 2010 .
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<s>[INST] An ex-husband who allegedly stabbed his former wife 84 times before putting a pig mask on her face told police he could not remember the savage attack. Anthony Novellino, 66, from Denville, New Jersey, was in court on Thursday for a hearing ahead of his murder trial. Two recorded interviews with Novellino were played to the Morristown court, the first time details of the grisly killing have been made public. Novellino is accused of stabbing to death his ex-wife Judith, 62, after she returned to their home to collect belongings, 11 days after their divorce in June 2010. Anthony Novellino, pictured in 2011, attended a pretrial hearing for the murder of his wife Judith in 2010, shortly after the New Jersey couple divorced . On the tapes, Novellino can be heard . saying he only remembers 'twice cutting her with the knife' and had 'no . intention at all' of hurting her, according to NJ.com. The 66-year-old suspect repeats . these claims during the five hours he was interviewed by police. He . also admitted that he had not wanted a divorce and blamed the separation . on his wife's sister. The . suspect claims that it was his ex-wife who pulled a knife on him in the . upstairs bathroom of their home on June 19, 2010 during an argument - . but said he did not remember subsequently stabbing her dozens of times. Novellino told police: 'I . didn’t do what you said I did. I don’t know who would do that because I . was the only one there.' He added: 'In 15 seconds, everything happens. Your whole life changes in 15 seconds', according to NJ.com. Anthony Novellino, from New Jersey, is on trial for the fatal stabbing of his ex-wife Judith in 2010 at their home . Judith Novellino was stabbed 84 times and a pig mask placed on her face when she went to collect belongings from her New Jersey home in 2010 following her divorce . Novellino claims that when he left the bathroom, he noticed a pig mask in a messy closet and 'picked it up and threw it in (the bathroom)'. He was asked why he did not try to revive his wife or call 911. Novellino said he was 'nervous'. Mrs Novellino, who has a daughter Christina and son Anthony, was found dead by a family member at the couple's detached suburban home. Novellino, who went on the run in Washington state following his ex-wife's murder, said he had not planned to kill the high school teacher. He was captured following a five-day manhunt. Judith Novellino was a teacher and librarian at Morris . Catholic High School. The pretrial hearing is due to begin again on Monday. [/INST] Anthony Novellino, 66, from Denville, New Jersey, was in court on Thursday for a hearing ahead of murder trial . Judith Novellino stabbed to death as she went to collect belongings at her home in June 2010 . </s>
(CNN) -- The TV show of embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was canceled Tuesday, just one day after it debuted. He and his brother hosted "Ford Nation" on Canada's Sun News Network. "It beat our record of 100,000 viewers," but the time and production the show required does not make it a viable option, said Kory Teneycke, vice president of Sun News Network. The Ford brothers will appear as regular guests on Sun News programming, he said. The show debuted Monday, the same day the Toronto City Council voted to strip the mayor of most of his powers in a tumultuous meeting during which a charging Ford knocked down one of its members. Roughly two weeks after Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine in a "drunken stupor" -- an admission forced by a drug investigation that resulted in extortion charges against a friend -- the mayor said he was done apologizing. He called Monday's vote "a coup d'etat" and compared it to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, warning council members, "What goes around, comes around, friends." Undeterred, the council voted 36-5 to slash the budget of the mayor's office and transfer most of his duties to the deputy mayor. City Councilor Karen Stintz said Ford "doesn't understand the issues he's facing," and Monday's votes reduce him to "a figurehead." Ford says he didn't lie about crack use . The council already has called on Ford to take a leave of absence and voted to strip him of his emergency powers. In Monday's session, Ford and his brother, City Councilor Doug Ford, sparred with hecklers in the council gallery who chanted "Shame, shame, shame" during a recess. During that break, Rob Ford stomped over to his brother, knocking down Councilor Pam McConnell in the process, an apparently accidental act for which the mayor had to issue another apology. Opinion: Toronto mayor could be your neighbor . CNN's Shelia Steffen and Matt Smith contributed to this report.
"Ford Nation" was canceled one day after it debuted on Canada's Sun News Network . On Monday, the Toronto City Council voted to strip Ford of most of his powers . The mayor has admitted to smoking crack in a "drunken stupor"
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The TV show of embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford was canceled Tuesday, just one day after it debuted. He and his brother hosted "Ford Nation" on Canada's Sun News Network. "It beat our record of 100,000 viewers," but the time and production the show required does not make it a viable option, said Kory Teneycke, vice president of Sun News Network. The Ford brothers will appear as regular guests on Sun News programming, he said. The show debuted Monday, the same day the Toronto City Council voted to strip the mayor of most of his powers in a tumultuous meeting during which a charging Ford knocked down one of its members. Roughly two weeks after Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine in a "drunken stupor" -- an admission forced by a drug investigation that resulted in extortion charges against a friend -- the mayor said he was done apologizing. He called Monday's vote "a coup d'etat" and compared it to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, warning council members, "What goes around, comes around, friends." Undeterred, the council voted 36-5 to slash the budget of the mayor's office and transfer most of his duties to the deputy mayor. City Councilor Karen Stintz said Ford "doesn't understand the issues he's facing," and Monday's votes reduce him to "a figurehead." Ford says he didn't lie about crack use . The council already has called on Ford to take a leave of absence and voted to strip him of his emergency powers. In Monday's session, Ford and his brother, City Councilor Doug Ford, sparred with hecklers in the council gallery who chanted "Shame, shame, shame" during a recess. During that break, Rob Ford stomped over to his brother, knocking down Councilor Pam McConnell in the process, an apparently accidental act for which the mayor had to issue another apology. Opinion: Toronto mayor could be your neighbor . CNN's Shelia Steffen and Matt Smith contributed to this report. [/INST] "Ford Nation" was canceled one day after it debuted on Canada's Sun News Network . On Monday, the Toronto City Council voted to strip Ford of most of his powers . The mayor has admitted to smoking crack in a "drunken stupor" </s>
A mayor who spent £2.3 million of taxpayers' money imposing a 20mph speed limit across his city has been prosecuted - for speeding. George Ferguson was caught doing 35mph in a 30mph zone by a mobile speed camera. Critics slammed the 67-year-old after he installed 13,000 20mph speed limit signs across Bristol for wasting time and money. The project cost more than £2.3 million of taxpayers' money. Scroll down for video . Bristol mayor George Ferguson, who was instrumental in the introduction of a 20mph zones in the city, has been caught speeding . Mr Ferguson, who normally drives an electric-powered Smart car or uses a bicycle to get about the city, was at the wheel of an official fleet car hired by Bristol City Council. He has apologised for the 'inexcusable mistake,' which took place in Bristol on January 8, and said he would be paying the £100 fine immediately. 'I am shocked to have just discovered I exceeded the speed limit on the Portway last month,' he said. 'This was an inexcusable mistake on my part on one of the rare occasions when I have had to use a council fleet car. 'I am only too aware of the dangers of exceeding speed limits and commend the Avon and Somerset police for their vigilance. 'It serves as a sharp warning to me and I have blemished an otherwise clean licence and shall be paying the penalty charge willingly from my own pocket.' Mr Ferguson, who normally drivers an electric powered Smart Car or uses a bicycle, described the speeding as an 'inexcusable mistake' for speeding in the Ford Fiesta . The Independent mayor, known for driving a smart car, said it was a 'stupid miskt . The Independent mayor added: 'That is a stupid mistake. I shall pay the fine and I shall pay in a number of other ways I'm sure. 'I have an unblemished license now it'll have some endorsement on it and of course I personally pay the fine. 'But it was 35mph in a 30mph limit on the Portway I obviously wasn't concentrating. I just apologise. 'It is right that speed limits are there for a good purpose. We should respect them. I do respect them. I made a stupid mistake. I'm sorry. 'I make no excuse at all and I shall pay the fine and in my position I probably pay a lot more in reality.' A decision has not been made as to whether Mr Ferguson will take three penalty points or go on a speed awareness course, said a council spokesman. Mr Ferguson was elected in November 2012 and is serving a term of three-and-a-half years, with the next mayoral election in the city in 2016. Ironically, he was believed to have been returning from a visit to the Bloodhound project - a land vehicle attempting to exceed 1,000 miles per hour - when he was clocked at 5mph over the speed limit in the Ford Fiesta. Bristol City Council voted to introduce 20mph speed limits following a pilot scheme in July 2012. Mr Ferguson was a keen advocate of the scheme and imposed a city-wide roll out after taking office. Every street in the city - excluding dual carriageways and 40mph and 50mph roads - are being considered for the tough speed limit, although some other roads may be included on a local basis. Mr Ferguson, 67, was behind  a scheme to install 13,000 20mph speed limit signs across Bristol . Last month it emerged that 6,204 signs have been installed so far with another 7,160 set to be erected in the near future. Motoring groups and councillors have criticised the plans as an 'utterly stupid waste of money' as no authority will be routinely enforcing the new limit. Hugh Bladon of the Alliance of British Drivers, said: 'As far as I'm aware this scheme is a huge waste of money. '20mph zones are completely moronic because it is universally agreed that they are unenforceable and it's bringing other speed limits into question.'
George Ferguson installed 20mph speed signs across Bristol city centre . The 67-year-old spearheaded the scheme which cost £2.3 million . He was caught doing 35mph in 30mph zone by mobile speed camera . Bristol mayor has apologised for the 'inexcusable mistake' and paid a fine .
4c1a1042710fcff92e539093acc7aa4a470fee5f
<s>[INST] A mayor who spent £2.3 million of taxpayers' money imposing a 20mph speed limit across his city has been prosecuted - for speeding. George Ferguson was caught doing 35mph in a 30mph zone by a mobile speed camera. Critics slammed the 67-year-old after he installed 13,000 20mph speed limit signs across Bristol for wasting time and money. The project cost more than £2.3 million of taxpayers' money. Scroll down for video . Bristol mayor George Ferguson, who was instrumental in the introduction of a 20mph zones in the city, has been caught speeding . Mr Ferguson, who normally drives an electric-powered Smart car or uses a bicycle to get about the city, was at the wheel of an official fleet car hired by Bristol City Council. He has apologised for the 'inexcusable mistake,' which took place in Bristol on January 8, and said he would be paying the £100 fine immediately. 'I am shocked to have just discovered I exceeded the speed limit on the Portway last month,' he said. 'This was an inexcusable mistake on my part on one of the rare occasions when I have had to use a council fleet car. 'I am only too aware of the dangers of exceeding speed limits and commend the Avon and Somerset police for their vigilance. 'It serves as a sharp warning to me and I have blemished an otherwise clean licence and shall be paying the penalty charge willingly from my own pocket.' Mr Ferguson, who normally drivers an electric powered Smart Car or uses a bicycle, described the speeding as an 'inexcusable mistake' for speeding in the Ford Fiesta . The Independent mayor, known for driving a smart car, said it was a 'stupid miskt . The Independent mayor added: 'That is a stupid mistake. I shall pay the fine and I shall pay in a number of other ways I'm sure. 'I have an unblemished license now it'll have some endorsement on it and of course I personally pay the fine. 'But it was 35mph in a 30mph limit on the Portway I obviously wasn't concentrating. I just apologise. 'It is right that speed limits are there for a good purpose. We should respect them. I do respect them. I made a stupid mistake. I'm sorry. 'I make no excuse at all and I shall pay the fine and in my position I probably pay a lot more in reality.' A decision has not been made as to whether Mr Ferguson will take three penalty points or go on a speed awareness course, said a council spokesman. Mr Ferguson was elected in November 2012 and is serving a term of three-and-a-half years, with the next mayoral election in the city in 2016. Ironically, he was believed to have been returning from a visit to the Bloodhound project - a land vehicle attempting to exceed 1,000 miles per hour - when he was clocked at 5mph over the speed limit in the Ford Fiesta. Bristol City Council voted to introduce 20mph speed limits following a pilot scheme in July 2012. Mr Ferguson was a keen advocate of the scheme and imposed a city-wide roll out after taking office. Every street in the city - excluding dual carriageways and 40mph and 50mph roads - are being considered for the tough speed limit, although some other roads may be included on a local basis. Mr Ferguson, 67, was behind  a scheme to install 13,000 20mph speed limit signs across Bristol . Last month it emerged that 6,204 signs have been installed so far with another 7,160 set to be erected in the near future. Motoring groups and councillors have criticised the plans as an 'utterly stupid waste of money' as no authority will be routinely enforcing the new limit. Hugh Bladon of the Alliance of British Drivers, said: 'As far as I'm aware this scheme is a huge waste of money. '20mph zones are completely moronic because it is universally agreed that they are unenforceable and it's bringing other speed limits into question.' [/INST] George Ferguson installed 20mph speed signs across Bristol city centre . The 67-year-old spearheaded the scheme which cost £2.3 million . He was caught doing 35mph in 30mph zone by mobile speed camera . Bristol mayor has apologised for the 'inexcusable mistake' and paid a fine . </s>
By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 04:54 EST, 15 February 2012 . Two weeks after she was fitted for a prosthetic eye, model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs is picking up where she left off, and making a truly remarkable recovery. Over the weekend, Miss Scruggs posted two photographs to her Twitter page - one showing her and a friend wearing sunglasses and pouting, and another bundled up on the slopes watching ski jumping. In both pictures, the 23-year-old fashionista looks happy to be surrounded by those she loves, a far cry from last December when she lost both her left eye and her left hand after accidentally walking into a moving plane propeller. Out on the slopes: Lauren Scruggs posted this picture saying she was watching ski jumping . Remarkable recovery: Two months after the horrific plane propeller accident, Lauren Scruggs looks happy and healthy . Miss Scruggs is pictured in a white hat on the ski slopes, with her blonde hair brushed over her prosthetic eye. Her coat also covers the area where her hand was removed. She tweeted over the weekend: 'Such a fun weekend with sweet family and friends :)' and later wrote: 'Watching ski jumping!! Love it.' The second post was accompanied by the picture of Miss Scruggs on the snowy slopes, bundled up and smiling happily. The first was with her twin sister Brittany. Her parents, Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs took to social media as well, tweeting: 'Wonderful weekend with precious friends! Wow, what a blessing. Thank u' along with a picture of themselves, Lauren, and her twin sister Brittany. Miss Scruggs, 23, was nearly killed on . December 3 when she accidentally walked into a plane propeller after . taking a ride with a friend to see the Dallas Christmas lights from the . sky. Two weeks after the tragic accident, doctors decided that they had to remove Lauren's eye. Though . her parents have been actively updating her friends and family through . their Caring Bridge website and television appearances, Lauren made her . first public appearance on January 17. Sunny outlook: Lauren posted this picture of her and her twin sister Brittany accompanied by the tweet: 'Such a fun weekend with sweet family and friends' She . was seen walking out of Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas wearing a . patch over her missing eye and a Cowboys football hat pulled low. The prosthetic eye is a major step in her healing process, but she still has a long way to go. Her . mother Cheryl Scruggs said two weeks ago that while some of the physical . pain that she used to feel while trying to sleep- which she described as . 'ferocious' at the time- has begun to lessen, Lauren needs now to move . on to her other forms of recovery. Only last weekend, Miss Scruggs returned to her . BlogbyLolo.com site last weekend with musings on summer attire, designer . Prabal Gurung and New York City, where Fashion Week began last week. All in the family: Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs tweeted a group shot and wrote: 'Wonderful weekend with precious friends! Wow, what a blessing. Thank u' The blog post, entitled . 'inspired on sunday,' is Miss Scruggs' first entry since January 9, when . she thanked her supporters for their love amid the ordeal. She also took to Twitter last Sunday, bemoaning the loss of her preferred pair of jeans. 'My goal: to replace my first and favorite @truereligion jeans that were taken away in Dec! So hard to find the exact match!' The denim brand quickly responded: 'What jeans?! We want to help reconnect you with your favorite pair!' Fashion fanatic: Before the tragic plane accident last December, Lauren often visited New York Fashion Week and was building up her own fashion blog . 'Lo’s physical pain has subsided a great deal. It is now the emotional pain that is the tough one,' Mrs Scruggs wrote. The next hurdle for the burgeoning fashion blogger and model is the decision whether or not to be fitted with a prosthetic arm. 'We again met with the arm people this week. Again, another step,' Mrs Scruggs wrote Thursday. More details continue to emerge about the December 3 accident as the emergency 911 call was released in late January. 'A girl walked into an airplane prop - I need an ambulance immediately,' the female caller tells the 911 operator in the seven-minute recording obtained by TMZ.com. 'I think it cut her hand off.' In the call, placed at 8.48pm from the private airport near Dallas, the male caller described the model as conscious and breathing but bleeding badly with her face to the ground. Family: Lauren Scruggs pictured with her father, mother and twin sister - who was suffering 'sympathy pains' When asked exactly what part of her body she injured, the male caller says: 'We don’t know, we haven't turned her over.' Her cries and moans became louder throughout the call. Witnesses thought that Lauren must have been crossing in front of the plane to go thank the pilot Curt Richmond, who was trying to warn her to avoid the propeller. Mr Richmond put down his arm and turned away from her when he thought she had turned to walk away from the spinning propeller, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. But it's unclear whether she heard his warning over the roar of the engine. Moments later, someone on the ground screamed 'Stop! Stop!' and Mr Richmond saw her lying on the tarmac and he immediately cut the engine. Pilot: Curt Richmond, right, told investigators that he tried to warn Ms Scruggs about the danger of the propeller . Plane: The pilot's warning may have been lost in the roar of the engine, with tragic consequences . Mr Richmond, believed to be a friend of Lauren's, had left the engine running while new passengers filed into the small plane as he prepared another trip to the skies. The NTSB did not find fault with the pilot for the accident but air safety investigator Denny Kelly said Mr Richmond is ultimately responsible because he 'should have shut the engine down'. 'I don’t know how to thank each one of you, properly, for so much love during this difficult incident in my life,' Ms Scruggs wrote in January. 'My heart is so grateful beyond what I could ever imagine. 'Thank you dearly for the sweet encouragements, the precious words in letters and messages, the beautiful grace in pretty presents. 'But mostly I am so so thankful for you and your loving hearts and sweet spirits.'
Lauren Scruggs spent 'fun weekend with sweet family and friends' Tweeted pictures of her watching ski jumping . Suffered tragic injuries in Texas plane accident in December . She lost her left eye and hand - and is suffering 'ferocious' pain at night .
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<s>[INST] By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 04:54 EST, 15 February 2012 . Two weeks after she was fitted for a prosthetic eye, model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs is picking up where she left off, and making a truly remarkable recovery. Over the weekend, Miss Scruggs posted two photographs to her Twitter page - one showing her and a friend wearing sunglasses and pouting, and another bundled up on the slopes watching ski jumping. In both pictures, the 23-year-old fashionista looks happy to be surrounded by those she loves, a far cry from last December when she lost both her left eye and her left hand after accidentally walking into a moving plane propeller. Out on the slopes: Lauren Scruggs posted this picture saying she was watching ski jumping . Remarkable recovery: Two months after the horrific plane propeller accident, Lauren Scruggs looks happy and healthy . Miss Scruggs is pictured in a white hat on the ski slopes, with her blonde hair brushed over her prosthetic eye. Her coat also covers the area where her hand was removed. She tweeted over the weekend: 'Such a fun weekend with sweet family and friends :)' and later wrote: 'Watching ski jumping!! Love it.' The second post was accompanied by the picture of Miss Scruggs on the snowy slopes, bundled up and smiling happily. The first was with her twin sister Brittany. Her parents, Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs took to social media as well, tweeting: 'Wonderful weekend with precious friends! Wow, what a blessing. Thank u' along with a picture of themselves, Lauren, and her twin sister Brittany. Miss Scruggs, 23, was nearly killed on . December 3 when she accidentally walked into a plane propeller after . taking a ride with a friend to see the Dallas Christmas lights from the . sky. Two weeks after the tragic accident, doctors decided that they had to remove Lauren's eye. Though . her parents have been actively updating her friends and family through . their Caring Bridge website and television appearances, Lauren made her . first public appearance on January 17. Sunny outlook: Lauren posted this picture of her and her twin sister Brittany accompanied by the tweet: 'Such a fun weekend with sweet family and friends' She . was seen walking out of Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas wearing a . patch over her missing eye and a Cowboys football hat pulled low. The prosthetic eye is a major step in her healing process, but she still has a long way to go. Her . mother Cheryl Scruggs said two weeks ago that while some of the physical . pain that she used to feel while trying to sleep- which she described as . 'ferocious' at the time- has begun to lessen, Lauren needs now to move . on to her other forms of recovery. Only last weekend, Miss Scruggs returned to her . BlogbyLolo.com site last weekend with musings on summer attire, designer . Prabal Gurung and New York City, where Fashion Week began last week. All in the family: Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs tweeted a group shot and wrote: 'Wonderful weekend with precious friends! Wow, what a blessing. Thank u' The blog post, entitled . 'inspired on sunday,' is Miss Scruggs' first entry since January 9, when . she thanked her supporters for their love amid the ordeal. She also took to Twitter last Sunday, bemoaning the loss of her preferred pair of jeans. 'My goal: to replace my first and favorite @truereligion jeans that were taken away in Dec! So hard to find the exact match!' The denim brand quickly responded: 'What jeans?! We want to help reconnect you with your favorite pair!' Fashion fanatic: Before the tragic plane accident last December, Lauren often visited New York Fashion Week and was building up her own fashion blog . 'Lo’s physical pain has subsided a great deal. It is now the emotional pain that is the tough one,' Mrs Scruggs wrote. The next hurdle for the burgeoning fashion blogger and model is the decision whether or not to be fitted with a prosthetic arm. 'We again met with the arm people this week. Again, another step,' Mrs Scruggs wrote Thursday. More details continue to emerge about the December 3 accident as the emergency 911 call was released in late January. 'A girl walked into an airplane prop - I need an ambulance immediately,' the female caller tells the 911 operator in the seven-minute recording obtained by TMZ.com. 'I think it cut her hand off.' In the call, placed at 8.48pm from the private airport near Dallas, the male caller described the model as conscious and breathing but bleeding badly with her face to the ground. Family: Lauren Scruggs pictured with her father, mother and twin sister - who was suffering 'sympathy pains' When asked exactly what part of her body she injured, the male caller says: 'We don’t know, we haven't turned her over.' Her cries and moans became louder throughout the call. Witnesses thought that Lauren must have been crossing in front of the plane to go thank the pilot Curt Richmond, who was trying to warn her to avoid the propeller. Mr Richmond put down his arm and turned away from her when he thought she had turned to walk away from the spinning propeller, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. But it's unclear whether she heard his warning over the roar of the engine. Moments later, someone on the ground screamed 'Stop! Stop!' and Mr Richmond saw her lying on the tarmac and he immediately cut the engine. Pilot: Curt Richmond, right, told investigators that he tried to warn Ms Scruggs about the danger of the propeller . Plane: The pilot's warning may have been lost in the roar of the engine, with tragic consequences . Mr Richmond, believed to be a friend of Lauren's, had left the engine running while new passengers filed into the small plane as he prepared another trip to the skies. The NTSB did not find fault with the pilot for the accident but air safety investigator Denny Kelly said Mr Richmond is ultimately responsible because he 'should have shut the engine down'. 'I don’t know how to thank each one of you, properly, for so much love during this difficult incident in my life,' Ms Scruggs wrote in January. 'My heart is so grateful beyond what I could ever imagine. 'Thank you dearly for the sweet encouragements, the precious words in letters and messages, the beautiful grace in pretty presents. 'But mostly I am so so thankful for you and your loving hearts and sweet spirits.' [/INST] Lauren Scruggs spent 'fun weekend with sweet family and friends' Tweeted pictures of her watching ski jumping . Suffered tragic injuries in Texas plane accident in December . She lost her left eye and hand - and is suffering 'ferocious' pain at night . </s>
Dhaka, Bangladesh (CNN) -- Prominent retailers and clothing suppliers are scrambling to clarify their links to a garment factory in Bangladesh that caught fire over the weekend, killing more than 100 people. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday that the Tazreen Fashion factory in Ashulia, near the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, was no longer authorized to produce merchandise for its stores. But one of its suppliers "subcontracted work to this factory without authorization and in direct violation of our policies," Wal-Mart said in a statement. "Today, we have terminated the relationship with that supplier," it said, without identifying the company in question. The clothing factory, housed in a multistory building, caught fire Saturday night. More than 100 people were killed and at least 200 were injured as they rushed to escape, police said. The toll makes it "the most deadly factory fire in the history of the apparel industry in Bangladesh," according to the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF), a workers advocacy group. The range of international companies being linked to the Tazreen facility highlights the complex web of global supply chains in the clothing industry. Li & Fung, a large trading company that supplies international retailers, said that it had placed orders worth more than $100,000 with the Tazreen factory this year for Kids Headquarters, part of its U.S. subsidiary. But it said it had not made orders for other customers with Tazreen. Li & Fung, which is based in Hong Kong, said it was very distressed and saddened by the deaths of workers" at the factory. It said it was offering the equivalent of about $1,200 to the family of each victim of the blaze. It also said it was setting up a fund for the education of victims' children. Fire rips through clothing factory near Dhaka . The big loss of life has provoked anger among workers in Bangladesh's huge garment industry. Thousands of people from dozens of clothing factories in Ashulia took to the streets Monday to protest the way in which their colleagues died. The protesters blocked traffic and demonstrated for several hours, demanding compensation and a full investigation into what happened. The Bangladeshi government has ordered such an investigation, asking two committees to file reports within a week. Li & Fung said it would carry out its own investigation. A period of national mourning was also held Tuesday for those killed at the factory and for the victims from a recent overpass collapse in southeastern Bangladesh. Overpass collapse kills 11 in Bangladesh . All apparel factories were to be closed Tuesday, and special prayers offered at mosques, churches and temples. As well as Wal-Mart and Li & Fung, other big companies were dealing with the fallout from the disaster. The ILRF published a list of companies whose brand logos had been found on clothing and documents at the factory. They included Dickies, whose owner, Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co., said it had concluded its "production schedule" with Tazreen earlier this year. Williamson-Dickie aims to "ensure the global vendors and suppliers we work with provide a safe work environment in accordance with all applicable laws and fair labor practices," the company said. The ILRF also said that the True Desire brand sold at the retailer Sears was among those linked to the factory. Sears Holdings said that it does not source products from the Tazreen factory and recognizes the critical importance of fire safety. "Any merchandise found at that factory should NOT have been manufactured there and we are currently investigating further," the company said in a statement. Even as Bangladesh prepared to mourn the deaths from the weekend fire, firefighters battled a blaze at another apparel factory near Dhaka on Monday. Police and witnesses said the latest fire, at a 10-story clothing factory in the suburb of Uttara, began Monday morning, and firefighters took about four hours to bring it under control. "Firefighters have brought the flames under control, and no one died in the incident," Brig. Gen. Abu Nayeem Mohammad Shahidullah, director general of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, told reporters. Local police said at least 10 people were injured in Uttara as they jumped from windows to escape. They said the fire began on the second floor, where a large quantity of fabric and yarn were stored, and it spread immediately to the fourth floor. Bangladesh's ready-made garments make up 80% of the country's $24 billion in annual exports. The country has about 4,500 garment factories that make clothes for stores including Tesco, Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Kohl's and Carrefour. The sector earned $19 billion this year as of June. The state-run news agency, Sangbad Sangstha, recently reported that some 6,000 people die every year in fires in Bangladesh. The accounts of survivors from the blaze on Saturday night underlined the panic and chaos at the scene. "How the factory caught fire, I don't know. But when we heard 'fire,' we all rushed out and we were trying to get out of the factory," said Parul Begum, a survivor. "One factory worker broke a window and one of the workers pulled me through. After the fire, we tried to run out the door, but it was locked. When the floor (became) dark with smoke, the boys came to rescue me," she said. CNN's Atika Shubert and Jethro Mullen, and journalist Farid Ahmed contributed to this report.
The factory was not authorized to make merchandise for Wal-Mart, company says . The company cuts ties with a supplier that subcontracted work to the factory . A trading company based in Hong Kong offers financial aid to victims' families . More than 100 people were killed in the blaze in Bangladesh .
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<s>[INST] Dhaka, Bangladesh (CNN) -- Prominent retailers and clothing suppliers are scrambling to clarify their links to a garment factory in Bangladesh that caught fire over the weekend, killing more than 100 people. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday that the Tazreen Fashion factory in Ashulia, near the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, was no longer authorized to produce merchandise for its stores. But one of its suppliers "subcontracted work to this factory without authorization and in direct violation of our policies," Wal-Mart said in a statement. "Today, we have terminated the relationship with that supplier," it said, without identifying the company in question. The clothing factory, housed in a multistory building, caught fire Saturday night. More than 100 people were killed and at least 200 were injured as they rushed to escape, police said. The toll makes it "the most deadly factory fire in the history of the apparel industry in Bangladesh," according to the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF), a workers advocacy group. The range of international companies being linked to the Tazreen facility highlights the complex web of global supply chains in the clothing industry. Li & Fung, a large trading company that supplies international retailers, said that it had placed orders worth more than $100,000 with the Tazreen factory this year for Kids Headquarters, part of its U.S. subsidiary. But it said it had not made orders for other customers with Tazreen. Li & Fung, which is based in Hong Kong, said it was very distressed and saddened by the deaths of workers" at the factory. It said it was offering the equivalent of about $1,200 to the family of each victim of the blaze. It also said it was setting up a fund for the education of victims' children. Fire rips through clothing factory near Dhaka . The big loss of life has provoked anger among workers in Bangladesh's huge garment industry. Thousands of people from dozens of clothing factories in Ashulia took to the streets Monday to protest the way in which their colleagues died. The protesters blocked traffic and demonstrated for several hours, demanding compensation and a full investigation into what happened. The Bangladeshi government has ordered such an investigation, asking two committees to file reports within a week. Li & Fung said it would carry out its own investigation. A period of national mourning was also held Tuesday for those killed at the factory and for the victims from a recent overpass collapse in southeastern Bangladesh. Overpass collapse kills 11 in Bangladesh . All apparel factories were to be closed Tuesday, and special prayers offered at mosques, churches and temples. As well as Wal-Mart and Li & Fung, other big companies were dealing with the fallout from the disaster. The ILRF published a list of companies whose brand logos had been found on clothing and documents at the factory. They included Dickies, whose owner, Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co., said it had concluded its "production schedule" with Tazreen earlier this year. Williamson-Dickie aims to "ensure the global vendors and suppliers we work with provide a safe work environment in accordance with all applicable laws and fair labor practices," the company said. The ILRF also said that the True Desire brand sold at the retailer Sears was among those linked to the factory. Sears Holdings said that it does not source products from the Tazreen factory and recognizes the critical importance of fire safety. "Any merchandise found at that factory should NOT have been manufactured there and we are currently investigating further," the company said in a statement. Even as Bangladesh prepared to mourn the deaths from the weekend fire, firefighters battled a blaze at another apparel factory near Dhaka on Monday. Police and witnesses said the latest fire, at a 10-story clothing factory in the suburb of Uttara, began Monday morning, and firefighters took about four hours to bring it under control. "Firefighters have brought the flames under control, and no one died in the incident," Brig. Gen. Abu Nayeem Mohammad Shahidullah, director general of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense, told reporters. Local police said at least 10 people were injured in Uttara as they jumped from windows to escape. They said the fire began on the second floor, where a large quantity of fabric and yarn were stored, and it spread immediately to the fourth floor. Bangladesh's ready-made garments make up 80% of the country's $24 billion in annual exports. The country has about 4,500 garment factories that make clothes for stores including Tesco, Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Kohl's and Carrefour. The sector earned $19 billion this year as of June. The state-run news agency, Sangbad Sangstha, recently reported that some 6,000 people die every year in fires in Bangladesh. The accounts of survivors from the blaze on Saturday night underlined the panic and chaos at the scene. "How the factory caught fire, I don't know. But when we heard 'fire,' we all rushed out and we were trying to get out of the factory," said Parul Begum, a survivor. "One factory worker broke a window and one of the workers pulled me through. After the fire, we tried to run out the door, but it was locked. When the floor (became) dark with smoke, the boys came to rescue me," she said. CNN's Atika Shubert and Jethro Mullen, and journalist Farid Ahmed contributed to this report. [/INST] The factory was not authorized to make merchandise for Wal-Mart, company says . The company cuts ties with a supplier that subcontracted work to the factory . A trading company based in Hong Kong offers financial aid to victims' families . More than 100 people were killed in the blaze in Bangladesh . </s>
(CNN) -- If not for the Bible, the bullets would have gone right through his heart. A public transit bus driver in Dayton, Ohio, was attacked by three teenagers early Monday morning after his bus broke down on the side of the road, police told CNN affiliate WHIO. Rickey Wagoner, 49, was shot three times at point-blank range and stabbed in the arm, but survived because both bullets aimed at his chest were stopped by a New Testament devotional Bible in his front pocket, according to WHIO. The third bullet struck him in the leg. "There was obviously some kind of intervention involved in this incident, because he probably should not be here," Dayton Police Sgt. Michael Pauley told WHIO. Wagoner told police he believes the assault was part of a gang initiation. Wagoner said he heard one suspect tell another that he needed to "kill the polar bear" in order to be "all the way in the club," according to WHIO. Dayton police, however, said it was too early in the investigation to draw any conclusions about the motive. During the attack, Wagoner told police, he used an aluminum pen from his pocket to stab one of the teenage boys in the leg, according to WHIO. The suspects dropped the gun and fled as Wagoner picked up the weapon and opened fire. Wagoner was transported to a hospital and was being treated for a bullet wound to the leg, among other injuries, according to WHIO. His injuries are not life-threatening, police said. Police were searching for the three male suspects. The condition of the book, which police described as a religious devotional entitled "The Message," was unknown. "The Message" is a translation of the Bible into contemporary language by Eugene Peterson. Cell phone stops bullet aimed at gas station clerk .
Rickey Wagoner, 49, is shot by three teenage suspects, police say . New Testament devotional in Wagoner's pocket stops two shots . Police are still looking for the suspects .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- If not for the Bible, the bullets would have gone right through his heart. A public transit bus driver in Dayton, Ohio, was attacked by three teenagers early Monday morning after his bus broke down on the side of the road, police told CNN affiliate WHIO. Rickey Wagoner, 49, was shot three times at point-blank range and stabbed in the arm, but survived because both bullets aimed at his chest were stopped by a New Testament devotional Bible in his front pocket, according to WHIO. The third bullet struck him in the leg. "There was obviously some kind of intervention involved in this incident, because he probably should not be here," Dayton Police Sgt. Michael Pauley told WHIO. Wagoner told police he believes the assault was part of a gang initiation. Wagoner said he heard one suspect tell another that he needed to "kill the polar bear" in order to be "all the way in the club," according to WHIO. Dayton police, however, said it was too early in the investigation to draw any conclusions about the motive. During the attack, Wagoner told police, he used an aluminum pen from his pocket to stab one of the teenage boys in the leg, according to WHIO. The suspects dropped the gun and fled as Wagoner picked up the weapon and opened fire. Wagoner was transported to a hospital and was being treated for a bullet wound to the leg, among other injuries, according to WHIO. His injuries are not life-threatening, police said. Police were searching for the three male suspects. The condition of the book, which police described as a religious devotional entitled "The Message," was unknown. "The Message" is a translation of the Bible into contemporary language by Eugene Peterson. Cell phone stops bullet aimed at gas station clerk . [/INST] Rickey Wagoner, 49, is shot by three teenage suspects, police say . New Testament devotional in Wagoner's pocket stops two shots . Police are still looking for the suspects . </s>
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi soldiers have found a mass grave of mutilated bodies in a restive region north of Baghdad, a local security official told CNN Thursday. Mourners with the coffin of a relative killed by a triple car bombing Wednesday in the city of Amara. Elsewhere an Iraqi was killed and five people were wounded Thursday when a car bomb detonated near the Italian Embassy in northern Baghdad's Adhamiya neighborhood, an Interior Ministry official said. And 11 people were detained in coalition raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq and those who help foreign insurgents, the U.S. military said. Iraqi soldiers said 12 of the bodies found north of Baghdad were beheaded and four others were mutilated. The corpses, all male, were discovered Wednesday near Muqdadiya in Diyala province north of the capital, the official, from Diyala province, said on Thursday. He said police believe al Qaeda in Iraq left behind the mass grave. Diyala province -- which stretches north and east of the capital and borders Iran -- has been a major scene of fighting during the U.S. and Iraqi troop escalations this year. It is one of the Baghdad "belts" with a strong insurgent presence that have been targeted by coalition and Iraqi forces over the year. It is not the first mass grave found in and near Baghdad this autumn. Others include a mass grave of 17 Iraqi civilians believed kidnapped at fake police checkpoints, found under a house used by insurgents near Baquba, Diyala's provincial capital -- an area where al Qaeda in Iraq has had a strong presence. The decomposed bodies of 16 Iraqi civilians believed killed by al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists were found in early December in a shelter in central Baghdad's Fadl neighborhood. And U.S. and Iraqi troops found 22 corpses buried in the region around Iraq's Lake Tharthar, northwest of Baghdad, in both Anbar and Salaheddin provinces. Meanwhile the Italian Embassy confirmed the bombing in northern Baghdad's Adhamiya neighborhood which killed one person but had no further details about the incident. Three police were among the wounded when the parked car blew up, the official said. A predominantly Sunni neighborhood, Adhamiya is one of the areas in Baghdad where an "awakening" movement has been created to maintain security. The awakening movement is the name for the anti-al-Qaeda in Iraq Sunni groups that have emerged in Iraq over the year. The detention of the 11 people in coalition raids targeting netted, the U.S. military said, an al Qaeda in Iraq leader north of Hawija, believed to be responsible for facilitating finances and logistics for the terrorist network in the area". Five others were detained. A "wanted individual" and three others were detained in Mosul and another person was seized in Samarra. "Foreign terrorists who come to Iraq to support al Qaeda will find no safe haven from which they can operate," said Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multi-National Forces-Iraq spokesman. "While they struggle to rebuild their networks, we will continue to dismantle them." E-mail to a friend .
Mass grave found north of Baghdad, includes mutilated remains of at least 16 men . One Iraqi killed and five people wounded by a car bomb in northern Baghdad . Eleven people detained in countrywide coalition raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq .
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<s>[INST] BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi soldiers have found a mass grave of mutilated bodies in a restive region north of Baghdad, a local security official told CNN Thursday. Mourners with the coffin of a relative killed by a triple car bombing Wednesday in the city of Amara. Elsewhere an Iraqi was killed and five people were wounded Thursday when a car bomb detonated near the Italian Embassy in northern Baghdad's Adhamiya neighborhood, an Interior Ministry official said. And 11 people were detained in coalition raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq and those who help foreign insurgents, the U.S. military said. Iraqi soldiers said 12 of the bodies found north of Baghdad were beheaded and four others were mutilated. The corpses, all male, were discovered Wednesday near Muqdadiya in Diyala province north of the capital, the official, from Diyala province, said on Thursday. He said police believe al Qaeda in Iraq left behind the mass grave. Diyala province -- which stretches north and east of the capital and borders Iran -- has been a major scene of fighting during the U.S. and Iraqi troop escalations this year. It is one of the Baghdad "belts" with a strong insurgent presence that have been targeted by coalition and Iraqi forces over the year. It is not the first mass grave found in and near Baghdad this autumn. Others include a mass grave of 17 Iraqi civilians believed kidnapped at fake police checkpoints, found under a house used by insurgents near Baquba, Diyala's provincial capital -- an area where al Qaeda in Iraq has had a strong presence. The decomposed bodies of 16 Iraqi civilians believed killed by al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists were found in early December in a shelter in central Baghdad's Fadl neighborhood. And U.S. and Iraqi troops found 22 corpses buried in the region around Iraq's Lake Tharthar, northwest of Baghdad, in both Anbar and Salaheddin provinces. Meanwhile the Italian Embassy confirmed the bombing in northern Baghdad's Adhamiya neighborhood which killed one person but had no further details about the incident. Three police were among the wounded when the parked car blew up, the official said. A predominantly Sunni neighborhood, Adhamiya is one of the areas in Baghdad where an "awakening" movement has been created to maintain security. The awakening movement is the name for the anti-al-Qaeda in Iraq Sunni groups that have emerged in Iraq over the year. The detention of the 11 people in coalition raids targeting netted, the U.S. military said, an al Qaeda in Iraq leader north of Hawija, believed to be responsible for facilitating finances and logistics for the terrorist network in the area". Five others were detained. A "wanted individual" and three others were detained in Mosul and another person was seized in Samarra. "Foreign terrorists who come to Iraq to support al Qaeda will find no safe haven from which they can operate," said Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multi-National Forces-Iraq spokesman. "While they struggle to rebuild their networks, we will continue to dismantle them." E-mail to a friend . [/INST] Mass grave found north of Baghdad, includes mutilated remains of at least 16 men . One Iraqi killed and five people wounded by a car bomb in northern Baghdad . Eleven people detained in countrywide coalition raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq . </s>
By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 13:28 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:42 EST, 30 July 2013 . The girlfriend of Aaron Swartz has called an investigation into her late boyfriend's death a 'whitewash.' Aaron Swartz was a 26-year-old programming wunderkind who committed suicide in January while facing the prospect of a long prison sentence in a federal case related to his 2011 hacking of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's network. On January 6, 2011 Swartz broke into a MIT computer control room and tapped into the network to illegally download millions of scholarly articles from the database JSTOR, which requires a subscription. It was not clear what Swartz planned to do with the articles, but he had expressed in the past the need to make information free and open to everyone. MIT wrapped up an internal investigation into their role in the federal case against Swartz today, concluding that the university was unbiased in the federal case. Not responsible: Aaron Swartz committed suicide this past January when faced with the possibility of a long prison sentence for hacking into MIT's network . Trespassing: Swartz breaking into the MIT network closet in 2011 . The investigatory panel concluded that while they had concerns about policies and procedures, there as no wrongdoing on the university's part. MIT computer science and engineering professor Hal Abelson told reporters Tuesday that an independent review panel found that the school's involvement 'did not attempt to be judgmental.' Professor Abelson also said that MIT did not seek federal officials in the investigations, but rather Secret Service came with Cambridge police when they found and reported Swartz's laptop in a computer closet. He said that the school remained neutral in the case, helping neither the prosecution or the defense. Additionally, Professor Abelson said that they did not talk about potential punishments for the hacker. This is a point that Swartz's girlfriend Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman strongly disagrees with. Whitewashed: Swartz's girlfriend called the investigation a 'whitewash' saying the university helped the prosecution while denying any help to Swartz's legal team . She calls the investigation a 'whitewash' and said that MIT was definitely biased during the trial - in the support of Swartz's prosecution. Stinebrickner-Kauffman said that MIT's lawyers gave total access to witnesses and evidence, but refused the same for Swartz's legal team. Swartz's father also disagrees with the investigation. 'MIT claimed it was neutral,' Robert Swartz told the New York Times. 'and it was not - and besides, should have advocated on Aaron's behalf.' He hopes that the university will take the report and learn from Swartz's suicide. 'What's important is MIT's response to the report,' he said. Mr Swartz thinks MIT President L. Rafael Reif should work 'to drive real structural change at the university to make sure that this kind of tragedy never happens again.' Mr Reif said that the school's decisions were 'made in good faith.'
Internal investigation absolves MIT of any blame in federal case . The 26-year-old hacker committed suicide in January when faced with a long prison sentence . Swartz's girlfriend Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman said the investigation was wrong, and that the university helped the prosecution exclusively .
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<s>[INST] By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 13:28 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:42 EST, 30 July 2013 . The girlfriend of Aaron Swartz has called an investigation into her late boyfriend's death a 'whitewash.' Aaron Swartz was a 26-year-old programming wunderkind who committed suicide in January while facing the prospect of a long prison sentence in a federal case related to his 2011 hacking of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's network. On January 6, 2011 Swartz broke into a MIT computer control room and tapped into the network to illegally download millions of scholarly articles from the database JSTOR, which requires a subscription. It was not clear what Swartz planned to do with the articles, but he had expressed in the past the need to make information free and open to everyone. MIT wrapped up an internal investigation into their role in the federal case against Swartz today, concluding that the university was unbiased in the federal case. Not responsible: Aaron Swartz committed suicide this past January when faced with the possibility of a long prison sentence for hacking into MIT's network . Trespassing: Swartz breaking into the MIT network closet in 2011 . The investigatory panel concluded that while they had concerns about policies and procedures, there as no wrongdoing on the university's part. MIT computer science and engineering professor Hal Abelson told reporters Tuesday that an independent review panel found that the school's involvement 'did not attempt to be judgmental.' Professor Abelson also said that MIT did not seek federal officials in the investigations, but rather Secret Service came with Cambridge police when they found and reported Swartz's laptop in a computer closet. He said that the school remained neutral in the case, helping neither the prosecution or the defense. Additionally, Professor Abelson said that they did not talk about potential punishments for the hacker. This is a point that Swartz's girlfriend Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman strongly disagrees with. Whitewashed: Swartz's girlfriend called the investigation a 'whitewash' saying the university helped the prosecution while denying any help to Swartz's legal team . She calls the investigation a 'whitewash' and said that MIT was definitely biased during the trial - in the support of Swartz's prosecution. Stinebrickner-Kauffman said that MIT's lawyers gave total access to witnesses and evidence, but refused the same for Swartz's legal team. Swartz's father also disagrees with the investigation. 'MIT claimed it was neutral,' Robert Swartz told the New York Times. 'and it was not - and besides, should have advocated on Aaron's behalf.' He hopes that the university will take the report and learn from Swartz's suicide. 'What's important is MIT's response to the report,' he said. Mr Swartz thinks MIT President L. Rafael Reif should work 'to drive real structural change at the university to make sure that this kind of tragedy never happens again.' Mr Reif said that the school's decisions were 'made in good faith.' [/INST] Internal investigation absolves MIT of any blame in federal case . The 26-year-old hacker committed suicide in January when faced with a long prison sentence . Swartz's girlfriend Taren Stinebrickner-Kauffman said the investigation was wrong, and that the university helped the prosecution exclusively . </s>
(CNN) -- The U.S. Navy rescued a survivor from an Iranian cargo vessel that sank in the Persian Gulf, killing at least three other crew members, the military said Sunday. It was the latest incident in a string of rescues since the beginning of the year, against a backdrop of high tensions between the United States and Iran. The coastal patrol boat USS Firebolt and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Maui conducted a search and rescue mission for survivors of the capsized Iranian dhow -- a sailing vessel typically used to haul cargo -- on Saturday and Sunday, the Navy said in a statement. The Firebolt's crew also recovered the remains of three of those who had died in the sinking, the Navy said. One survivor was recovered and treated for shock and hypothermia. He said the dhow sank in bad weather Friday night with six mariners aboard. The sailor reported that four of his shipmates died and one was missing, according to the Navy. The U.S. ships searched for the possible survivor and the fourth body, in an effort that also included two Seahawk helicopters and the dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor. But they could not find them, and ultimately ended the search due to bad weather, the Navy said. The Iranian mariner was transferred to the Maui, and then to an Iranian Coast Guard vessel. In January, U.S. sailors from a carrier strike group rescued 13 Iranian sailors from a hijacked fishing boat, and the U.S. Coast Guard rescued six Iranian mariners from a flooded vessel at the northern end of the Gulf.
The Iranian dhow sank in bad weather, a survivor tells the U.S. Navy . Several ships searched for another possible survivor, to no avail . It was the latest in a string of rescues by U.S. personnel .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The U.S. Navy rescued a survivor from an Iranian cargo vessel that sank in the Persian Gulf, killing at least three other crew members, the military said Sunday. It was the latest incident in a string of rescues since the beginning of the year, against a backdrop of high tensions between the United States and Iran. The coastal patrol boat USS Firebolt and the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Maui conducted a search and rescue mission for survivors of the capsized Iranian dhow -- a sailing vessel typically used to haul cargo -- on Saturday and Sunday, the Navy said in a statement. The Firebolt's crew also recovered the remains of three of those who had died in the sinking, the Navy said. One survivor was recovered and treated for shock and hypothermia. He said the dhow sank in bad weather Friday night with six mariners aboard. The sailor reported that four of his shipmates died and one was missing, according to the Navy. The U.S. ships searched for the possible survivor and the fourth body, in an effort that also included two Seahawk helicopters and the dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor. But they could not find them, and ultimately ended the search due to bad weather, the Navy said. The Iranian mariner was transferred to the Maui, and then to an Iranian Coast Guard vessel. In January, U.S. sailors from a carrier strike group rescued 13 Iranian sailors from a hijacked fishing boat, and the U.S. Coast Guard rescued six Iranian mariners from a flooded vessel at the northern end of the Gulf. [/INST] The Iranian dhow sank in bad weather, a survivor tells the U.S. Navy . Several ships searched for another possible survivor, to no avail . It was the latest in a string of rescues by U.S. personnel . </s>
By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 24 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:28 EST, 24 November 2013 . Emma Thompson, pictured during filming of the Graham Norton Show, has lamented the pressure on young actresses to be skinny . Double Oscar-winner Emma Thompson has lamented the pressure on young actresses to be skinny and claimed she would never have stood for it when she was starting out. The 54-year-old, who will be the centre of attention at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts tonight, said managers, agents and handlers urge women in the industry to conform to a look. She said: 'It seems young actresses are under pressure to look a particular way. They . look the same, that’s the thing. And they’re all being photoshopped in . adverts for all sorts of (products), so maybe that’s difficult as well — . because you’ve got pictures of yourself looking perfect. 'They . have to be this specific model size, and if they get on to the red . carpet, they’re all having to walk like models and dress like models. I . think the pressure is terrible. 'I'd have told them where to . shove it. I’ve always been a card-carrying feminist. But in those days, . I was fierce, fierce, very angry. So I wouldn't have put up with a single bloody minute of that.' Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, the outspoken actress said she was 'glad to be working at all' following her 30-year screen career. Thompson, who is married to her second husband, 47-year-old actor Greg Wise, recently caused controversy with her 'sex handbook' for her 14-year-old daughter Gaia. In 2003 they also adopted Tindyebwa Agaba, then a 16-year-old Rwandan orphan, who now works as a human rights lawyer. Thompson is the daughter of actress Phyllida Law and the late stage director Eric Thompson, who wrote  and narrated The Magic Roundabout for the BBC. Her first marriage to Kenneth Branagh ended in 1995 after it emerged he had had an affair with Helena Bonham Carter. Speaking . about the episode for the first time recently she said: ‘Helena and I . made our peace years ago. You can’t hold on to something like that. I . haven’t got the energy for it.’ Thompson's . latest role tells the story of the creative struggle between Mary . Poppins author PL Travers and Walt Disney – played by Tom Hanks – over . the 1965 film adaptation of the book starring Julie Andrews. New role: Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers .
Thompson said managers, agents and handlers are to blame . She said: 'It seems actresses are under pressure to look a particular way' Outspoken actress said she was 'glad to be working at all' a the age of 54 .
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<s>[INST] By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 24 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:28 EST, 24 November 2013 . Emma Thompson, pictured during filming of the Graham Norton Show, has lamented the pressure on young actresses to be skinny . Double Oscar-winner Emma Thompson has lamented the pressure on young actresses to be skinny and claimed she would never have stood for it when she was starting out. The 54-year-old, who will be the centre of attention at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts tonight, said managers, agents and handlers urge women in the industry to conform to a look. She said: 'It seems young actresses are under pressure to look a particular way. They . look the same, that’s the thing. And they’re all being photoshopped in . adverts for all sorts of (products), so maybe that’s difficult as well — . because you’ve got pictures of yourself looking perfect. 'They . have to be this specific model size, and if they get on to the red . carpet, they’re all having to walk like models and dress like models. I . think the pressure is terrible. 'I'd have told them where to . shove it. I’ve always been a card-carrying feminist. But in those days, . I was fierce, fierce, very angry. So I wouldn't have put up with a single bloody minute of that.' Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, the outspoken actress said she was 'glad to be working at all' following her 30-year screen career. Thompson, who is married to her second husband, 47-year-old actor Greg Wise, recently caused controversy with her 'sex handbook' for her 14-year-old daughter Gaia. In 2003 they also adopted Tindyebwa Agaba, then a 16-year-old Rwandan orphan, who now works as a human rights lawyer. Thompson is the daughter of actress Phyllida Law and the late stage director Eric Thompson, who wrote  and narrated The Magic Roundabout for the BBC. Her first marriage to Kenneth Branagh ended in 1995 after it emerged he had had an affair with Helena Bonham Carter. Speaking . about the episode for the first time recently she said: ‘Helena and I . made our peace years ago. You can’t hold on to something like that. I . haven’t got the energy for it.’ Thompson's . latest role tells the story of the creative struggle between Mary . Poppins author PL Travers and Walt Disney – played by Tom Hanks – over . the 1965 film adaptation of the book starring Julie Andrews. New role: Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers . [/INST] Thompson said managers, agents and handlers are to blame . She said: 'It seems actresses are under pressure to look a particular way' Outspoken actress said she was 'glad to be working at all' a the age of 54 . </s>
John Bercow ran up a £177 fare for a four-mile limousine trip, and the taxpayer picked up the bill. The cost of the Commons Speaker's return journey from Parliament to Euston station in north London came to more than his rail fare to Lancaster and back. The extraordinary bill emerged as Mr Bercow admitted to being 'bumptious and pompous'. The cost of the Commons Speaker's return journey from Parliament to Euston station in north London came to more than his rail fare to Lancaster and back . Mr Bercow has been repeatedly criticised for his jet-set lifestyle, embarking on globe-trotting trips funded by the taxpayer. Since becoming Speaker he has enjoyed flights to Australia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, India, USA, South Africa, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Austria and Romania. But he now faces criticism for a short trip across London, which cost more than 10 times the price of travelling on the Tube. Latest figures show that Mr Bercow had his chauffeur-driven car take him from the Houses of Parliament to Euston station, and then picked up up and took him home at the end of the day. The four-mile round trip cost a total of £177, The Sun reported. The cost was higher than two train tickets, for Mr Bercow and an aide, to travel the 460-miles to Lancaster and back. The standard class rail far came to only £154 compared to £177.49 for the car. Detaiuls of his expenses also show that he charged £193.64 for a 24-mile return trip to Bromley, South East London and an eight-mile journey to and from Battersea was £138. Insight: The programme, by respected political documentary maker Michael Cockerell, to be broadcast on Tuesday, focuses on Mr Bercow's stormy clashes with MPs in the Commons (pictured) Andy Silvester, of The TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This is an outrageous waste. Why couldn't he have just hailed a black cab or, like most Londoners, jumped on the Tube?' A Commons spokesman said: 'Every effort is made to balance cost effectiveness and time efficiency.' However, some MPs have accused Mr Bercow of becoming too grand in his role. Now he has admitted that it cold be true. His frank admission comes in the final episode of Inside The Commons, the BBC2 fly-on-the-wall documentary. The programme, by respected political documentary maker Michael Cockerell, to be broadcast on Tuesday, focuses on Mr Bercow's stormy clashes with MPs in the Commons. It also covers his reportedly fraught relationship with ex-Commons Clerk Sir Robert Rogers who quit last year after allegedly being told to 'f*** off' by the Speaker. In this week's documentary, alongside clips of Mr Bercow berating misbehaving MPs, Mr Cockerell says: 'Many MPs say John Bercow is his own worst enemy because of his manner.' The Speaker admits: 'Some critics say I'm bumptious and can be pompous. If people say that, there may be truth in it.' He defends efforts to modernise the Commons, saying: 'It's not possible to make an omelette without breaking eggs.' But he admits he 'lost' his battle last year to replace Sir Robert with Australian parliamentary administrator Carol Mills amid protests she knew nothing about Commons procedure. Her appointment was blocked after a revolt by senior MPs. Mr Bercow says: 'There will be people who say, 'the Speaker lost'. Well, that is undeniable. She has not been appointed.'
Commons Speaker's bill for chauffeur-driven car to drive across London . Cost was more than rail fare for Bercow and aide to go to Lancaster . He admits that there is truth in claim he is 'bumptious and pompous' Bercow makes frank admission in final episode of Inside The Commons . The fly-on-the-wall documentary focuses on his stormy clashes with MPs .
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<s>[INST] John Bercow ran up a £177 fare for a four-mile limousine trip, and the taxpayer picked up the bill. The cost of the Commons Speaker's return journey from Parliament to Euston station in north London came to more than his rail fare to Lancaster and back. The extraordinary bill emerged as Mr Bercow admitted to being 'bumptious and pompous'. The cost of the Commons Speaker's return journey from Parliament to Euston station in north London came to more than his rail fare to Lancaster and back . Mr Bercow has been repeatedly criticised for his jet-set lifestyle, embarking on globe-trotting trips funded by the taxpayer. Since becoming Speaker he has enjoyed flights to Australia, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, India, USA, South Africa, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Austria and Romania. But he now faces criticism for a short trip across London, which cost more than 10 times the price of travelling on the Tube. Latest figures show that Mr Bercow had his chauffeur-driven car take him from the Houses of Parliament to Euston station, and then picked up up and took him home at the end of the day. The four-mile round trip cost a total of £177, The Sun reported. The cost was higher than two train tickets, for Mr Bercow and an aide, to travel the 460-miles to Lancaster and back. The standard class rail far came to only £154 compared to £177.49 for the car. Detaiuls of his expenses also show that he charged £193.64 for a 24-mile return trip to Bromley, South East London and an eight-mile journey to and from Battersea was £138. Insight: The programme, by respected political documentary maker Michael Cockerell, to be broadcast on Tuesday, focuses on Mr Bercow's stormy clashes with MPs in the Commons (pictured) Andy Silvester, of The TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'This is an outrageous waste. Why couldn't he have just hailed a black cab or, like most Londoners, jumped on the Tube?' A Commons spokesman said: 'Every effort is made to balance cost effectiveness and time efficiency.' However, some MPs have accused Mr Bercow of becoming too grand in his role. Now he has admitted that it cold be true. His frank admission comes in the final episode of Inside The Commons, the BBC2 fly-on-the-wall documentary. The programme, by respected political documentary maker Michael Cockerell, to be broadcast on Tuesday, focuses on Mr Bercow's stormy clashes with MPs in the Commons. It also covers his reportedly fraught relationship with ex-Commons Clerk Sir Robert Rogers who quit last year after allegedly being told to 'f*** off' by the Speaker. In this week's documentary, alongside clips of Mr Bercow berating misbehaving MPs, Mr Cockerell says: 'Many MPs say John Bercow is his own worst enemy because of his manner.' The Speaker admits: 'Some critics say I'm bumptious and can be pompous. If people say that, there may be truth in it.' He defends efforts to modernise the Commons, saying: 'It's not possible to make an omelette without breaking eggs.' But he admits he 'lost' his battle last year to replace Sir Robert with Australian parliamentary administrator Carol Mills amid protests she knew nothing about Commons procedure. Her appointment was blocked after a revolt by senior MPs. Mr Bercow says: 'There will be people who say, 'the Speaker lost'. Well, that is undeniable. She has not been appointed.' [/INST] Commons Speaker's bill for chauffeur-driven car to drive across London . Cost was more than rail fare for Bercow and aide to go to Lancaster . He admits that there is truth in claim he is 'bumptious and pompous' Bercow makes frank admission in final episode of Inside The Commons . The fly-on-the-wall documentary focuses on his stormy clashes with MPs . </s>
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A man in an Afghan military uniform killed three U.S. troops Friday in southern Afghanistan, the latest in a series of assaults against NATO soldiers by Afghans clad in security force garb. The man opened fire on the troops in the volatile Helmand province, said Maj. Lori Hodge, a spokeswoman for the International Assistance Security Force. Hodge did not immediately provide details about the attack, one of a handful in recent weeks to target NATO troops. A Defense Department official said the three troops killed were part of a Special Operations Forces mission to stabilize a village in the Sarwan Qala area. They were meeting with local officials. NATO and Afghan troops have been searching for the gunman. "It is too early to say that this latest incident is part of a stepped-up effort on the insurgents' part," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. "We know they are trying to maximize media exposure of these events but our military believes that the operational impact has been negligible. Nonetheless these incidents do concern us and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families." In the strikes, known as "green-on-blue" attacks, Afghan security forces or militants dressed as local police or soldiers target coalition troops. The problem has sapped troop morale, and coalition forces have been working to address it. Earlier this year, Gen. John Allen, commander of the NATO-led force, said the systems that Afghans and coalition forces had put in place to help prevent these attacks were having an effect. Allen said coalition officials were working on a new procedure to check the backgrounds of Afghans who sign up for the army or police force, and the Afghans "have taken a lot of steps themselves." Bill Roggio, a terrorism analyst, said Afghan security personnel have killed an estimated 93 ISAF soldiers since May 2007, and they have killed 31 this year alone across the country. These attacks have taken place in all areas in Afghanistan, not just in the south and east, said Roggio, managing editor of the Long War Journal blog, which reports and analyzes terror issues. Two other green-on-blue incidents occurred this week, Roggio said. One was the killing of a U.S. soldier Tuesday by two Afghans wearing army uniforms. On Thursday, U.S. troops killed an Afghan soldier who tried to gun them down at a training center in Laghman province. "The attack types are about split: About half seem to be Taliban infiltrators, or ANSF members who were turned by the Taliban," said Roggio. ANSF stands for Afghan National Security Forces. Remembering the Chinook crash, a year later . "The other half seem to be disgruntled security personnel who have turned on troops for some sort of grievance. It is very difficult to know exactly what is happening given that ISAF does not release a lot of information on these attacks." Afghan intelligence agents have started going undercover during recruit training to spot signs of extremist tendencies among the newcomers, military officials say. "The U.S. military has become so concerned with the green-on-blue attacks that it has ordered units to designate 'guardian angels' in each unit whose job is to provide security for troops working with Afghans. But the attacks have not abated," Roggio said. Elsewhere in Helmand, a vehicle struck a roadside mine Friday, killing six civilians and wounding five others, President Hamid Karzai's office said. Women and children were among the casualties in the bombing, which Karzai condemned. The British Defense Ministry announced Friday that one of its soldiers was killed in "enemy action" while on patrol in the Nad Ali district of Helmand on Thursday. High-profile insurgent attacks against NATO and Afghan targets persist as the United States reduces its troop strength ahead of an anticipated 2014 handover of responsibility to Afghan forces. In a separate incident, a strike Wednesday in Kunar province left five people dead -- USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei Abdelfattah, three ISAF service members and an Afghan civilian -- and injured a State Department Foreign Service officer. The Department of Defense said that the three American troops died "of wounds suffered when they encountered an insurgent who detonated a suicide vest." Violence has raged during the Afghan war in Kunar province, on the border with Pakistan. "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I have sent my deepest condolences to Ragaei's family and to the entire U.S. Mission in Afghanistan," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a written statement released late Thursday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying two bombers targeted the American soldier near the entrance of the compound of the province council in Asadabad, according to a statement released by spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. Mujahid said the attack occurred as the troops were exiting a military vehicle and gathering to enter the compound. The Taliban claimed to have killed 17 soldiers, though the group is known to routinely claim responsibility for attacks and inflate casualty numbers. The Defense Department identified the slain soldiers: . -- Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, the senior enlisted soldier of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colorado. -- Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, 35, of West Point, New York. -- Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, 38, of Conyers, Georgia. Kennedy served on the brigade staff, while Gray was a flight commander attached as a liaison to the brigade, according to their respective service records. Griffin, 45, of Laramie, Wyoming, was the brigade's senior ranking non-commissioned officer, the Defense Department said. He joined the Army in 1988 and participated in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, according to his service records. Griffin deployed twice more to Iraq, once in 2007 and again in 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan in March with a headquarters company of the brigade. Kennedy was commissioned as an officer in 2000. He served two tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. According to his service record, Kennedy deployed to Afghanistan on July 18. Gray was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Carson. An Afghan interpreter was also killed, the State Department said. Troops were also wounded in the attack, said Maj. Martyn Crighton, a NATO spokesman. He would not release the number of injured but said "all the seriously wounded were evacuated to Germany." Complete coverage on Afghanistan . CNN's Ben Brumfield, Samuel Gardner III, Greg Morrison, and Chris Lawrence contributed to this report. Carter and Sterling reported from Atlanta and Popalzai from Kabul.
Analyst says "green-on-blue" attackers are split between infiltrators, disgruntled security . Gunman in Afghan uniform killed 3 U.S. troops on a Special Operations Forces mission . In another incident, the British Defense Ministry said one of its soldiers died . Six civilians died in a roadside mine blast in Helmand .
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<s>[INST] Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A man in an Afghan military uniform killed three U.S. troops Friday in southern Afghanistan, the latest in a series of assaults against NATO soldiers by Afghans clad in security force garb. The man opened fire on the troops in the volatile Helmand province, said Maj. Lori Hodge, a spokeswoman for the International Assistance Security Force. Hodge did not immediately provide details about the attack, one of a handful in recent weeks to target NATO troops. A Defense Department official said the three troops killed were part of a Special Operations Forces mission to stabilize a village in the Sarwan Qala area. They were meeting with local officials. NATO and Afghan troops have been searching for the gunman. "It is too early to say that this latest incident is part of a stepped-up effort on the insurgents' part," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. "We know they are trying to maximize media exposure of these events but our military believes that the operational impact has been negligible. Nonetheless these incidents do concern us and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families." In the strikes, known as "green-on-blue" attacks, Afghan security forces or militants dressed as local police or soldiers target coalition troops. The problem has sapped troop morale, and coalition forces have been working to address it. Earlier this year, Gen. John Allen, commander of the NATO-led force, said the systems that Afghans and coalition forces had put in place to help prevent these attacks were having an effect. Allen said coalition officials were working on a new procedure to check the backgrounds of Afghans who sign up for the army or police force, and the Afghans "have taken a lot of steps themselves." Bill Roggio, a terrorism analyst, said Afghan security personnel have killed an estimated 93 ISAF soldiers since May 2007, and they have killed 31 this year alone across the country. These attacks have taken place in all areas in Afghanistan, not just in the south and east, said Roggio, managing editor of the Long War Journal blog, which reports and analyzes terror issues. Two other green-on-blue incidents occurred this week, Roggio said. One was the killing of a U.S. soldier Tuesday by two Afghans wearing army uniforms. On Thursday, U.S. troops killed an Afghan soldier who tried to gun them down at a training center in Laghman province. "The attack types are about split: About half seem to be Taliban infiltrators, or ANSF members who were turned by the Taliban," said Roggio. ANSF stands for Afghan National Security Forces. Remembering the Chinook crash, a year later . "The other half seem to be disgruntled security personnel who have turned on troops for some sort of grievance. It is very difficult to know exactly what is happening given that ISAF does not release a lot of information on these attacks." Afghan intelligence agents have started going undercover during recruit training to spot signs of extremist tendencies among the newcomers, military officials say. "The U.S. military has become so concerned with the green-on-blue attacks that it has ordered units to designate 'guardian angels' in each unit whose job is to provide security for troops working with Afghans. But the attacks have not abated," Roggio said. Elsewhere in Helmand, a vehicle struck a roadside mine Friday, killing six civilians and wounding five others, President Hamid Karzai's office said. Women and children were among the casualties in the bombing, which Karzai condemned. The British Defense Ministry announced Friday that one of its soldiers was killed in "enemy action" while on patrol in the Nad Ali district of Helmand on Thursday. High-profile insurgent attacks against NATO and Afghan targets persist as the United States reduces its troop strength ahead of an anticipated 2014 handover of responsibility to Afghan forces. In a separate incident, a strike Wednesday in Kunar province left five people dead -- USAID Foreign Service Officer Ragaei Abdelfattah, three ISAF service members and an Afghan civilian -- and injured a State Department Foreign Service officer. The Department of Defense said that the three American troops died "of wounds suffered when they encountered an insurgent who detonated a suicide vest." Violence has raged during the Afghan war in Kunar province, on the border with Pakistan. "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I have sent my deepest condolences to Ragaei's family and to the entire U.S. Mission in Afghanistan," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a written statement released late Thursday. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying two bombers targeted the American soldier near the entrance of the compound of the province council in Asadabad, according to a statement released by spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid. Mujahid said the attack occurred as the troops were exiting a military vehicle and gathering to enter the compound. The Taliban claimed to have killed 17 soldiers, though the group is known to routinely claim responsibility for attacks and inflate casualty numbers. The Defense Department identified the slain soldiers: . -- Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin, the senior enlisted soldier of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson, Colorado. -- Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy, 35, of West Point, New York. -- Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, 38, of Conyers, Georgia. Kennedy served on the brigade staff, while Gray was a flight commander attached as a liaison to the brigade, according to their respective service records. Griffin, 45, of Laramie, Wyoming, was the brigade's senior ranking non-commissioned officer, the Defense Department said. He joined the Army in 1988 and participated in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, according to his service records. Griffin deployed twice more to Iraq, once in 2007 and again in 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan in March with a headquarters company of the brigade. Kennedy was commissioned as an officer in 2000. He served two tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. According to his service record, Kennedy deployed to Afghanistan on July 18. Gray was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Carson. An Afghan interpreter was also killed, the State Department said. Troops were also wounded in the attack, said Maj. Martyn Crighton, a NATO spokesman. He would not release the number of injured but said "all the seriously wounded were evacuated to Germany." Complete coverage on Afghanistan . CNN's Ben Brumfield, Samuel Gardner III, Greg Morrison, and Chris Lawrence contributed to this report. Carter and Sterling reported from Atlanta and Popalzai from Kabul. [/INST] Analyst says "green-on-blue" attackers are split between infiltrators, disgruntled security . Gunman in Afghan uniform killed 3 U.S. troops on a Special Operations Forces mission . In another incident, the British Defense Ministry said one of its soldiers died . Six civilians died in a roadside mine blast in Helmand . </s>
The worst goal drought in Aston Villa’s history has wiped away the euphoria over the club’s best start to a Premier League campaign since 1998. Five consecutive goalless defeats have helped propel manager Paul Lambert to bookies’ favourite as the next Premier League sacking. Lambert might be expected to regard the new four-year contract in his back pocket as a guarantee of job security, given it was only signed in September. Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says he has never felt comfortable as a manager and always lives in fear . Lambert remains defiant against the criticism he has received following a run  of five straight goalless defeats . Yet the Villa boss heads into Sunday's home fixture against Tottenham disputing the presence of a safety net. Instead Lambert insists he is living in fear. ‘I enjoy living on the edge,’ said Lambert. ‘There are two ways of going about it: you can come in fighting or run. And I’m never going to run. ‘I know what the game is like. I have never felt comfortable as a manager. I always live in fear. That’s what I like. ‘You have to come through it. It goes from one manager to the next. If you look at which manager is under pressure it is one guy one week, the next the next and another the following week. Everyone gets a hit at it. ‘It’s just the way football works – you just have to turn it around.’ Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has chipped in with just two goals in eight Premier League appearances for Villa . Andreas Weimann joins Agbonlahor on the top scorers list at Villa but has not netted since the end of August . Christian Benteke continued his recovery from injury by starting a second consecutive league game at QPR . Owner Randy Lerner believed in Lambert six weeks ago but there is a fan base who increasingly need convincing. Losing tomorrow would begin to exert pressure on the chairman too. The argument from the manager is that Villa lost to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton before Monday’s damaging fifth defeat at then-bottom club QPR. ‘We’ve played nine games and this will be our sixth game against last year’s top six,’ added Lambert. The striker came close scoring at Loftus Road but is still in search of his first Premier League goal this season . ‘I’ve been in this position loads of times, even as a player. But you can’t wilt under the pressure. If you are not being criticised people don’t talk about you. You take it. ‘I’m not one to sit on my backside doing nothing. It’s not about monetary things or anything like that, I just want to do my best for this football club. I want to drive it on. ‘I’m not one for sitting comfortably, never.’
Aston Villa have failed to score a single league goal in their last five games . Villa boss Paul Lambert signed a four-year deal with the club in September . Lambert insists he is living in fear for his job going into Tottenham clash .
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<s>[INST] The worst goal drought in Aston Villa’s history has wiped away the euphoria over the club’s best start to a Premier League campaign since 1998. Five consecutive goalless defeats have helped propel manager Paul Lambert to bookies’ favourite as the next Premier League sacking. Lambert might be expected to regard the new four-year contract in his back pocket as a guarantee of job security, given it was only signed in September. Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert says he has never felt comfortable as a manager and always lives in fear . Lambert remains defiant against the criticism he has received following a run  of five straight goalless defeats . Yet the Villa boss heads into Sunday's home fixture against Tottenham disputing the presence of a safety net. Instead Lambert insists he is living in fear. ‘I enjoy living on the edge,’ said Lambert. ‘There are two ways of going about it: you can come in fighting or run. And I’m never going to run. ‘I know what the game is like. I have never felt comfortable as a manager. I always live in fear. That’s what I like. ‘You have to come through it. It goes from one manager to the next. If you look at which manager is under pressure it is one guy one week, the next the next and another the following week. Everyone gets a hit at it. ‘It’s just the way football works – you just have to turn it around.’ Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has chipped in with just two goals in eight Premier League appearances for Villa . Andreas Weimann joins Agbonlahor on the top scorers list at Villa but has not netted since the end of August . Christian Benteke continued his recovery from injury by starting a second consecutive league game at QPR . Owner Randy Lerner believed in Lambert six weeks ago but there is a fan base who increasingly need convincing. Losing tomorrow would begin to exert pressure on the chairman too. The argument from the manager is that Villa lost to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton before Monday’s damaging fifth defeat at then-bottom club QPR. ‘We’ve played nine games and this will be our sixth game against last year’s top six,’ added Lambert. The striker came close scoring at Loftus Road but is still in search of his first Premier League goal this season . ‘I’ve been in this position loads of times, even as a player. But you can’t wilt under the pressure. If you are not being criticised people don’t talk about you. You take it. ‘I’m not one to sit on my backside doing nothing. It’s not about monetary things or anything like that, I just want to do my best for this football club. I want to drive it on. ‘I’m not one for sitting comfortably, never.’ [/INST] Aston Villa have failed to score a single league goal in their last five games . Villa boss Paul Lambert signed a four-year deal with the club in September . Lambert insists he is living in fear for his job going into Tottenham clash . </s>
The amphibian-version of Nigella Kitchen appears to be a hit with these leopard frogs. A recent video shows the creatures in a frenzy after discovering an iPhone at the back of a shed. Footage of wiggling worms is then played to the crowd of hungry frogs who leap, pounce and hurl themselves at the glass. Scroll down for videos . The video (grab pictured) was uploaded to the YouTube by user Joe Myers. It shows an iPhone placed behind a sheet of glass. A clip of worms is then played on the device to a crowd of frogs . Throughout the video, the crowd increases in size and at one point there are more than 17 frogs all scrambling to get the best view. And it’s lucky the phone is shielded, because frogs have been known to pull three times their own body weight using just their tongue. While worms are part of their staple diet, leopard frog have also been known to eat other small frogs, and their large mouths can even swallow small birds and snakes. The video, which already has 12,000 hits on YouTube, was uploaded four days ago by Ohio-based Joe Myers. 'Quite a crowd gathers only moments after I put it on their favorite channel!' Mr Myers wrote on his Facebook page. 'I had to put the glass cover over it or they kept changing the channel.' Throughout the video (grab pictured) the crowd increases in size and at one point there are more than 17 frogs all scrambling to get their tongues on the worm. And it’s lucky the phone was shielded, because frogs have been known to pull three times its body weight using just its tongue . The leopard frog is most often recognised as the specimen used in science classes for dissection. Their name comes from the pattern of irregularly shaped dark spots that cover their backs and legs. They are greenish-brown in colour with a white underside and light-coloured ridges on either side of their backs. The frogs can reach lengths of three to five inches (7.6 to 12.7cm) with the males slightly larger than females. While worms are part of their staple diet, leopard frog have also been known to other small frogs, and their large mouths can even swallow small birds and snakes. It isn't the first time the animal kingdom has become engrossed in video footage. A recent study found monkeys in the wild not only love watching videos, but they also tend to copy the behaviour seen on screen. When scientists showed marmosets footage of a monkey opening a box to get a banana, they were able to replicate what they saw and open the box themselves. The study, undertaken in Pernambuco, Brazil, revealed new insights into how monkeys learn from each other in the wild, according to Austrian and Scottish researchers. While leopard frogs may be more enticed by flickering lights than footage of worms, scientists believe wild monkeys could prove that 'how-to' videos work just as well in the wild. ‘How-to’ videos have been a success when shown to monkeys in captivity, but this is the first time they were used to train creatures in the wild . Twelve of the marmosets were able to open the box, 11 of which had seen it done first in a video. One monkey could do it after just seeing the still image .
The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ohio-based user Joe Myers . It shows an iPhone behind glass playing a video of wiggling worms . At one point, more than 17 leopard frogs scramble to get best view . As well as worms, leopard frog sometimes eat small birds and snakes .
10216d615bd10252ad72c39b73c354139274c2f1
<s>[INST] The amphibian-version of Nigella Kitchen appears to be a hit with these leopard frogs. A recent video shows the creatures in a frenzy after discovering an iPhone at the back of a shed. Footage of wiggling worms is then played to the crowd of hungry frogs who leap, pounce and hurl themselves at the glass. Scroll down for videos . The video (grab pictured) was uploaded to the YouTube by user Joe Myers. It shows an iPhone placed behind a sheet of glass. A clip of worms is then played on the device to a crowd of frogs . Throughout the video, the crowd increases in size and at one point there are more than 17 frogs all scrambling to get the best view. And it’s lucky the phone is shielded, because frogs have been known to pull three times their own body weight using just their tongue. While worms are part of their staple diet, leopard frog have also been known to eat other small frogs, and their large mouths can even swallow small birds and snakes. The video, which already has 12,000 hits on YouTube, was uploaded four days ago by Ohio-based Joe Myers. 'Quite a crowd gathers only moments after I put it on their favorite channel!' Mr Myers wrote on his Facebook page. 'I had to put the glass cover over it or they kept changing the channel.' Throughout the video (grab pictured) the crowd increases in size and at one point there are more than 17 frogs all scrambling to get their tongues on the worm. And it’s lucky the phone was shielded, because frogs have been known to pull three times its body weight using just its tongue . The leopard frog is most often recognised as the specimen used in science classes for dissection. Their name comes from the pattern of irregularly shaped dark spots that cover their backs and legs. They are greenish-brown in colour with a white underside and light-coloured ridges on either side of their backs. The frogs can reach lengths of three to five inches (7.6 to 12.7cm) with the males slightly larger than females. While worms are part of their staple diet, leopard frog have also been known to other small frogs, and their large mouths can even swallow small birds and snakes. It isn't the first time the animal kingdom has become engrossed in video footage. A recent study found monkeys in the wild not only love watching videos, but they also tend to copy the behaviour seen on screen. When scientists showed marmosets footage of a monkey opening a box to get a banana, they were able to replicate what they saw and open the box themselves. The study, undertaken in Pernambuco, Brazil, revealed new insights into how monkeys learn from each other in the wild, according to Austrian and Scottish researchers. While leopard frogs may be more enticed by flickering lights than footage of worms, scientists believe wild monkeys could prove that 'how-to' videos work just as well in the wild. ‘How-to’ videos have been a success when shown to monkeys in captivity, but this is the first time they were used to train creatures in the wild . Twelve of the marmosets were able to open the box, 11 of which had seen it done first in a video. One monkey could do it after just seeing the still image . [/INST] The video was uploaded to YouTube by Ohio-based user Joe Myers . It shows an iPhone behind glass playing a video of wiggling worms . At one point, more than 17 leopard frogs scramble to get best view . As well as worms, leopard frog sometimes eat small birds and snakes . </s>
(CNN) -- Spirit Airlines isn't happy with the new airline price advertising rule. The big "Warning!" sign popping up on the carrier's website makes that pretty clear. The message: "New government regulations require us to HIDE taxes in your fares. This is not consumer friendly or in your best interest. It's wrong and you shouldn't stand for it." The rule, which requires airlines to roll mandatory per-passenger taxes and fees into the advertised fare, went into effect this week as part of a new package of Department of Transportation airline passenger protections. Before the rule, airlines could advertise the base fare or show it on the first screen of online fare results, adding taxes and fees later in the shopping process. Opinion: Truth in advertising is the best policy . Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, called Spirit's message to customers a "deliberate attempt to deceive the flying public" in a letter Thursday to Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza, urging him to take the warning off the airline's website and clarify its message to consumers. Spirit Airlines is disappointed by the letter, said spokeswoman Misty Pinson. "We would normally expect Senators to encourage (First) Amendment protection," Pinson said via e-mail. "We have always shown taxes before someone purchased. They now want them hidden. It is wrong and we will fight for consumers," Pinson said. Spirit's online message encourages customers to contact lawmakers to oppose the rule. Boxer's office isn't buying the airline's First Amendment argument. "Spirit Airlines seems to think it has a First Amendment right to deliberately mislead its own customers. I'm not sure that's what our founding fathers had in mind," said Boxer spokesman Andy Stone, noting that the Department of Transportation has fined Spirit in the past for deceptive price advertising. The Business Travel Coalition, a group advocating for transparency, calls Spirit's message "a disgraceful lie" employing "over-the-top fear tactics." Opinion: New rules make airfare seem higher . In messages to consumers, Spirit said the government has a "hidden agenda" to increase taxes. The Obama administration has proposed raising air travel taxes, which the DOT says is unrelated to the new regulation. "We are simply requiring airlines to post the full fare, and we leave it to them to break it down if they want," DOT spokesman Bill Mosley said. Spirit is not the only airline that objected to the new regulations. Spirit, Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air have all made legal appeals to have the price advertising rule overturned. Southwest said the rule singles out airlines. "Our main objection ... is that there is no justification for treating air travel differently from just about everything else that consumers purchase, i.e. they pay for the price of goods and services and then pay tax. And that's how everything is advertised, as the price of the item separately from the tax on that price," Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King told CNN last month. Southwest's message to passengers about the new rule takes a different tack, explaining the changes and assuring consumers that while fares look higher, the airline and subsidiary AirTran have not raised fares.
Airline to customers: Fare rule "wrong and you shouldn't stand for it" Sen. Barbara Boxer and advocacy group call Spirit's message deceitful . Rule requires airlines to roll mandatory taxes and fees into advertised fares .
feefabad062bf68516c8022630655d33e9d18a66
<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Spirit Airlines isn't happy with the new airline price advertising rule. The big "Warning!" sign popping up on the carrier's website makes that pretty clear. The message: "New government regulations require us to HIDE taxes in your fares. This is not consumer friendly or in your best interest. It's wrong and you shouldn't stand for it." The rule, which requires airlines to roll mandatory per-passenger taxes and fees into the advertised fare, went into effect this week as part of a new package of Department of Transportation airline passenger protections. Before the rule, airlines could advertise the base fare or show it on the first screen of online fare results, adding taxes and fees later in the shopping process. Opinion: Truth in advertising is the best policy . Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California, called Spirit's message to customers a "deliberate attempt to deceive the flying public" in a letter Thursday to Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza, urging him to take the warning off the airline's website and clarify its message to consumers. Spirit Airlines is disappointed by the letter, said spokeswoman Misty Pinson. "We would normally expect Senators to encourage (First) Amendment protection," Pinson said via e-mail. "We have always shown taxes before someone purchased. They now want them hidden. It is wrong and we will fight for consumers," Pinson said. Spirit's online message encourages customers to contact lawmakers to oppose the rule. Boxer's office isn't buying the airline's First Amendment argument. "Spirit Airlines seems to think it has a First Amendment right to deliberately mislead its own customers. I'm not sure that's what our founding fathers had in mind," said Boxer spokesman Andy Stone, noting that the Department of Transportation has fined Spirit in the past for deceptive price advertising. The Business Travel Coalition, a group advocating for transparency, calls Spirit's message "a disgraceful lie" employing "over-the-top fear tactics." Opinion: New rules make airfare seem higher . In messages to consumers, Spirit said the government has a "hidden agenda" to increase taxes. The Obama administration has proposed raising air travel taxes, which the DOT says is unrelated to the new regulation. "We are simply requiring airlines to post the full fare, and we leave it to them to break it down if they want," DOT spokesman Bill Mosley said. Spirit is not the only airline that objected to the new regulations. Spirit, Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air have all made legal appeals to have the price advertising rule overturned. Southwest said the rule singles out airlines. "Our main objection ... is that there is no justification for treating air travel differently from just about everything else that consumers purchase, i.e. they pay for the price of goods and services and then pay tax. And that's how everything is advertised, as the price of the item separately from the tax on that price," Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King told CNN last month. Southwest's message to passengers about the new rule takes a different tack, explaining the changes and assuring consumers that while fares look higher, the airline and subsidiary AirTran have not raised fares. [/INST] Airline to customers: Fare rule "wrong and you shouldn't stand for it" Sen. Barbara Boxer and advocacy group call Spirit's message deceitful . Rule requires airlines to roll mandatory taxes and fees into advertised fares . </s>
(CNN) -- Zac Brown is a foodie. He sings about fried chicken, pecan pie and cold beer. Food and music are two things that are very close to this Grammy-award-winner's heart. "I grew up singing as soon as I could talk. I grew up in the kitchen as soon as I could stand." Brown told CNN while sitting in his tour bus strumming his guitar before a recent show at Chicago's Wrigley Field. It was his love of music and food that got Brown thinking about a better experience for some fans at his shows. He thought the traditional "meet-and-greets" were impersonal and did not allow for a performer to really know fans. So, he teamed up with his friend and chef, Rusty Hamlin, to create the "Eat & Greet." Brown also throws a giant music and food festival . "What we love about the Eat & Greet is that it completely turns the table around on the fans" Brown said "We're eating with them and serving them, hanging out with them. That is the best fellowship we can create." So where does chef Rusty get enough food to feed 150 selected fans in a strange town with only a few hours to prepare? "My forte is to make a huge meal for a lot of people off the top of my head" Hamlin explained as he headed in to the open air Greencity Market in Chicago. "It is nerve-racking and it's very challenging, but why make it easy? This is my life, this is what we do." For nearly five hours the chef bobbed and weaved through the various tents sampling fresh ingredients and looking for inspiration for this night's feast. "Got some black garlic...it's fermented garlic"..."It's a rat-tail radish...It's got a really spicy kind of radish bite to it." Finally some inspiration rolled over Rusty and he dialed up one of his assistants back at the kitchen outside Wrigley. "How are you, buddy?" he asked the voice on the other end of the phone "We're gonna do a mixed beet salad today so I'm gonna need one of those large pots of water going." In his phone Rusty carries the menus from every Eat & Greet since 2009. He mixes and matches to come up with something new every night) Hamlin's stage is 54-foot semi that has been converted in to a state- of- the art kitchen with all of the bells and whistles. Her name is "Cookie". Throughout the afternoon, Hamlin directs a staff of cooks as they start making the meal that will feed 150 people before the concert. It is a show in and of itself. "Rusty's personality is way too big to be stuck back in a kitchen some place." Brown said when describing his friend before they went out to talk to the gathered crowd who would enjoy this meal. For over an hour band members stand behind tables spooning large helpings of Rusty's food on to fans plates and Zac Brown stands at the end of the line talking to each and every person as the pass by. They are not curt conversations. People linger and talk food and music. There is one rule. No pictures or autographs. Brown says he thinks that takes away from really listening to everyone. "I love that connection that is made and hopefully it's something they remember. A lot of times I'm playing and I walk out to the edge of the stage and people are looking at me through their phones so they're filming instead of being in the moment." Brown reflected. "It's kind of like going back to analog interaction, which I love." And for fans lucky enough to break bread with the Zac Brown Band a picture is the last thing they needed to take away. Lisa Dent who attended the Wrigley Eat & Greet had a rave review. "They had a rat-tail radish. I've never seen one, I've never consumed one. It was awesome!" When the lights dimmed and the band walked through the ivy covered walls of the 100-year-old Wrigley Field it was time put down the plates and pick up instruments and play. After nearly three hours the band was playing the last song of the night and, once again, singing about fried chicken, pecan pie and cold beer.
Grammy-winning musician wanted a better experience for some fans at his shows . Brown: "We're eating with them and serving them, hanging out with them" Chef Rusty Hamlin thrives on pressure of whipping up meals for 150 . No pictures or autographs; Brown says it takes away from really listening to each other .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Zac Brown is a foodie. He sings about fried chicken, pecan pie and cold beer. Food and music are two things that are very close to this Grammy-award-winner's heart. "I grew up singing as soon as I could talk. I grew up in the kitchen as soon as I could stand." Brown told CNN while sitting in his tour bus strumming his guitar before a recent show at Chicago's Wrigley Field. It was his love of music and food that got Brown thinking about a better experience for some fans at his shows. He thought the traditional "meet-and-greets" were impersonal and did not allow for a performer to really know fans. So, he teamed up with his friend and chef, Rusty Hamlin, to create the "Eat & Greet." Brown also throws a giant music and food festival . "What we love about the Eat & Greet is that it completely turns the table around on the fans" Brown said "We're eating with them and serving them, hanging out with them. That is the best fellowship we can create." So where does chef Rusty get enough food to feed 150 selected fans in a strange town with only a few hours to prepare? "My forte is to make a huge meal for a lot of people off the top of my head" Hamlin explained as he headed in to the open air Greencity Market in Chicago. "It is nerve-racking and it's very challenging, but why make it easy? This is my life, this is what we do." For nearly five hours the chef bobbed and weaved through the various tents sampling fresh ingredients and looking for inspiration for this night's feast. "Got some black garlic...it's fermented garlic"..."It's a rat-tail radish...It's got a really spicy kind of radish bite to it." Finally some inspiration rolled over Rusty and he dialed up one of his assistants back at the kitchen outside Wrigley. "How are you, buddy?" he asked the voice on the other end of the phone "We're gonna do a mixed beet salad today so I'm gonna need one of those large pots of water going." In his phone Rusty carries the menus from every Eat & Greet since 2009. He mixes and matches to come up with something new every night) Hamlin's stage is 54-foot semi that has been converted in to a state- of- the art kitchen with all of the bells and whistles. Her name is "Cookie". Throughout the afternoon, Hamlin directs a staff of cooks as they start making the meal that will feed 150 people before the concert. It is a show in and of itself. "Rusty's personality is way too big to be stuck back in a kitchen some place." Brown said when describing his friend before they went out to talk to the gathered crowd who would enjoy this meal. For over an hour band members stand behind tables spooning large helpings of Rusty's food on to fans plates and Zac Brown stands at the end of the line talking to each and every person as the pass by. They are not curt conversations. People linger and talk food and music. There is one rule. No pictures or autographs. Brown says he thinks that takes away from really listening to everyone. "I love that connection that is made and hopefully it's something they remember. A lot of times I'm playing and I walk out to the edge of the stage and people are looking at me through their phones so they're filming instead of being in the moment." Brown reflected. "It's kind of like going back to analog interaction, which I love." And for fans lucky enough to break bread with the Zac Brown Band a picture is the last thing they needed to take away. Lisa Dent who attended the Wrigley Eat & Greet had a rave review. "They had a rat-tail radish. I've never seen one, I've never consumed one. It was awesome!" When the lights dimmed and the band walked through the ivy covered walls of the 100-year-old Wrigley Field it was time put down the plates and pick up instruments and play. After nearly three hours the band was playing the last song of the night and, once again, singing about fried chicken, pecan pie and cold beer. [/INST] Grammy-winning musician wanted a better experience for some fans at his shows . Brown: "We're eating with them and serving them, hanging out with them" Chef Rusty Hamlin thrives on pressure of whipping up meals for 150 . No pictures or autographs; Brown says it takes away from really listening to each other . </s>
Djerba, Tunisia (CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Thursday he approved the use of U.S. military aircraft to help return to Egypt those Egyptian citizens who have fled to Tunisia to escape unrest in neighboring Libya as the United Nations called for stepped-up aid to refugees. Nearly 180,000 people, mainly foreign workers, have fled to the neighboring nations of Tunisia and Egypt amid fighting between government troops and rebels pushing to oust longtime strongman Moammar Gadhafi, the U.N. refugee agency reported. About 95,000 people have crossed into Tunisia and another 83,000 into Egypt, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimated. But it was the would-be migrants stuck in Libya that was most concerning to Abeer Etefa, who on the Tunisian side of the border with Libya. "We're worried about people on the other side of the border," said the spokeswoman for the U.N.'s World Food Programme. "We're calling for humanitarian safe passage to deliver food inside to people in Tripoli and elsewhere." She said she had heard stories from recent arrivals of food shortages "in many places of Libya." She praised the efforts of Tunisians along the border, but said their generosity had limits. "They've provided all they could," she said, adding that they "can't continue." In Washington, Obama told reporters that he also authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development to charter additional planes "to help people from other countries find their way home." "Tens of thousands of people from many different countries are fleeing Libya, and we commend the governments of Tunisia and Egypt for their response, even as they go through their own political transitions," Obama said. Zuheir Badr El-Din, the top airport official in the Tunisian city of Djerba, told CNN that France plans to fly chartered jets between that coastal city and Cairo six times a day for five days. Chaos has reigned on the Tunisian border for days as thousands have clamored to get out of Libya, and many have found themselves trapped in a no-man's land between the two countries. Thousands more were housed in tents provided by UNHCR and the Tunisian military, and many have little money and no travel documents with them. In Djerba, about 90 km (55 miles) from the border, hundreds of refugees waited Thursday for flights out. Some napped on the floor; others sat up against the walls waiting. But the process appeared orderly, given the number of would-be passengers, as airport officials moved them along in orderly lines with no pushing or shoving. The majority carried only small bags containing the bare necessities that they managed to escape with. One elderly man's luggage consisted of a tightly wrapped blanket -- the only possession that survived his journey out of Libya. Earlier Thursday, UNHCR sounded an urgent appeal to governments to help in the mass evacuation required to get people out. And after a call among Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and representatives of Middle Eastern, European and U.N. organizations, the world body called for help to avert a humanitarian disaster. "There is a strong need for urgent relief -- food, water, sanitation and shelter to the thousands on both sides of the Tunisian and Egyptian borders due to significant population movements, mainly of migrant workers," a U.N. statement warned. "It is also necessary to prepare for a further possible escalation of humanitarian needs should conditions deteriorate inside Libya." The participants in Thursday's talks, which included the Arab League, the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, urged Libya to allow "immediate and unimpeded access" to determine what was needed. "The situation here remains tense," said Firas Kayal, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency on the Tunisian border. "There is lots of congestion on this side of the border and we are hearing that many thousands are waiting on the Libyan side to come through. Village bakeries have increased production to feed the stranded, he said. "The local community has been so generous in providing food, medicines and places to stay, but the capacity of the local community is reaching its limit because the numbers are so huge," he said. The refugees include Bangladeshis, Vietnamese, Thais, Koreans, Malians, Ghanaians and Sudanese who had entered Libya seeking work. But most of the workers are Egyptian citizens, and that country's caretaker government has paid for flights from Djerba to Cairo to take them home. CNN's Raja Razek, Arwa Damon, Ivan Watson and Moni Basu and journalist Catriona Davies contributed to this report.
U.N. warns of "urgent" humanitarian needs . French charters join airlift from Tunisia . The border with Tunisia has been chaotic as people clamor to get out of Libya . Many are foreign workers who have little money and lack passports .
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<s>[INST] Djerba, Tunisia (CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Thursday he approved the use of U.S. military aircraft to help return to Egypt those Egyptian citizens who have fled to Tunisia to escape unrest in neighboring Libya as the United Nations called for stepped-up aid to refugees. Nearly 180,000 people, mainly foreign workers, have fled to the neighboring nations of Tunisia and Egypt amid fighting between government troops and rebels pushing to oust longtime strongman Moammar Gadhafi, the U.N. refugee agency reported. About 95,000 people have crossed into Tunisia and another 83,000 into Egypt, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees estimated. But it was the would-be migrants stuck in Libya that was most concerning to Abeer Etefa, who on the Tunisian side of the border with Libya. "We're worried about people on the other side of the border," said the spokeswoman for the U.N.'s World Food Programme. "We're calling for humanitarian safe passage to deliver food inside to people in Tripoli and elsewhere." She said she had heard stories from recent arrivals of food shortages "in many places of Libya." She praised the efforts of Tunisians along the border, but said their generosity had limits. "They've provided all they could," she said, adding that they "can't continue." In Washington, Obama told reporters that he also authorized the U.S. Agency for International Development to charter additional planes "to help people from other countries find their way home." "Tens of thousands of people from many different countries are fleeing Libya, and we commend the governments of Tunisia and Egypt for their response, even as they go through their own political transitions," Obama said. Zuheir Badr El-Din, the top airport official in the Tunisian city of Djerba, told CNN that France plans to fly chartered jets between that coastal city and Cairo six times a day for five days. Chaos has reigned on the Tunisian border for days as thousands have clamored to get out of Libya, and many have found themselves trapped in a no-man's land between the two countries. Thousands more were housed in tents provided by UNHCR and the Tunisian military, and many have little money and no travel documents with them. In Djerba, about 90 km (55 miles) from the border, hundreds of refugees waited Thursday for flights out. Some napped on the floor; others sat up against the walls waiting. But the process appeared orderly, given the number of would-be passengers, as airport officials moved them along in orderly lines with no pushing or shoving. The majority carried only small bags containing the bare necessities that they managed to escape with. One elderly man's luggage consisted of a tightly wrapped blanket -- the only possession that survived his journey out of Libya. Earlier Thursday, UNHCR sounded an urgent appeal to governments to help in the mass evacuation required to get people out. And after a call among Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and representatives of Middle Eastern, European and U.N. organizations, the world body called for help to avert a humanitarian disaster. "There is a strong need for urgent relief -- food, water, sanitation and shelter to the thousands on both sides of the Tunisian and Egyptian borders due to significant population movements, mainly of migrant workers," a U.N. statement warned. "It is also necessary to prepare for a further possible escalation of humanitarian needs should conditions deteriorate inside Libya." The participants in Thursday's talks, which included the Arab League, the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, urged Libya to allow "immediate and unimpeded access" to determine what was needed. "The situation here remains tense," said Firas Kayal, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency on the Tunisian border. "There is lots of congestion on this side of the border and we are hearing that many thousands are waiting on the Libyan side to come through. Village bakeries have increased production to feed the stranded, he said. "The local community has been so generous in providing food, medicines and places to stay, but the capacity of the local community is reaching its limit because the numbers are so huge," he said. The refugees include Bangladeshis, Vietnamese, Thais, Koreans, Malians, Ghanaians and Sudanese who had entered Libya seeking work. But most of the workers are Egyptian citizens, and that country's caretaker government has paid for flights from Djerba to Cairo to take them home. CNN's Raja Razek, Arwa Damon, Ivan Watson and Moni Basu and journalist Catriona Davies contributed to this report. [/INST] U.N. warns of "urgent" humanitarian needs . French charters join airlift from Tunisia . The border with Tunisia has been chaotic as people clamor to get out of Libya . Many are foreign workers who have little money and lack passports . </s>
(CNN) -- The dramatic developments in Gaza over the past three days have driven Arab citizens to the streets, where they have displayed anger directed first and foremost at their own governments. A Yemeni protester rips through an Israeli flag in the capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, December 28. In Yemen, thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital, Sanaa, shouting slogans in support of Gaza and its residents and burning Israeli and U.S. flags. They cried out against the League of Arab States, which delayed discussion on the crisis. One demonstrator told the Al-Jazeera network, "The Arab League is worthless. ... They're all worthless leaders, and they should all go home." Al-Jazeera is based in Doha, Qatar. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza for three days, in what they say is retaliation for repeated rocket attacks into southern Israel by Hamas. Hundreds of people have died, mostly Hamas militants, according to Palestinian security forces. In Sudan, the scene was similar. A woman wearing a Hamas banner around her forehead told Al-Manar TV, "Where are the Arab leaders? Where are their actions? Enough condemnation and finger-pointing. Show Gaza your support." Students at the University of Qatar boycotted their classes and demonstrated their support for Gaza. Watch a report from CNN's Octavia Nasr » . One student spoke about what he saw as his moral responsibility: "Our ancestors claimed that the news about the Palestinian disaster reached them late in 1948. We have a responsibility to our children and the future generations. We can't tell them we heard about the Gaza disaster of 2008 but didn't do anything." Jordan's parliament held a special session in solidarity with Gaza. But one parliamentarian defied the speaker's orders and burned the Israeli flag before stepping on it in the middle of applause from some of his colleagues. The images played repeatedly on Arab media. Egypt has been the recipient of much criticism in this crisis. Hamas supporters say Egypt has sold the Palestinians out by being too close and friendly with Israel and the United States. From Egypt, political analysts retaliated, blaming Hamas for ending the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire, thus inviting the Israeli airstrikes. One expert speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya blamed Hamas for "presenting Gazans on a silver plate to the Israeli monster." He then blamed Syria and Iran for not taking military action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.
In Yemen, thousands of people demonstrate in capital city of Sanaa . Citizens of Sudan also protest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza . Students at University of Qatar boycott their classes in support of Gaza . Some Arabs blame Egypt, saying it's too cozy with Israel and the United States .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- The dramatic developments in Gaza over the past three days have driven Arab citizens to the streets, where they have displayed anger directed first and foremost at their own governments. A Yemeni protester rips through an Israeli flag in the capital, Sanaa, on Sunday, December 28. In Yemen, thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital, Sanaa, shouting slogans in support of Gaza and its residents and burning Israeli and U.S. flags. They cried out against the League of Arab States, which delayed discussion on the crisis. One demonstrator told the Al-Jazeera network, "The Arab League is worthless. ... They're all worthless leaders, and they should all go home." Al-Jazeera is based in Doha, Qatar. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza for three days, in what they say is retaliation for repeated rocket attacks into southern Israel by Hamas. Hundreds of people have died, mostly Hamas militants, according to Palestinian security forces. In Sudan, the scene was similar. A woman wearing a Hamas banner around her forehead told Al-Manar TV, "Where are the Arab leaders? Where are their actions? Enough condemnation and finger-pointing. Show Gaza your support." Students at the University of Qatar boycotted their classes and demonstrated their support for Gaza. Watch a report from CNN's Octavia Nasr » . One student spoke about what he saw as his moral responsibility: "Our ancestors claimed that the news about the Palestinian disaster reached them late in 1948. We have a responsibility to our children and the future generations. We can't tell them we heard about the Gaza disaster of 2008 but didn't do anything." Jordan's parliament held a special session in solidarity with Gaza. But one parliamentarian defied the speaker's orders and burned the Israeli flag before stepping on it in the middle of applause from some of his colleagues. The images played repeatedly on Arab media. Egypt has been the recipient of much criticism in this crisis. Hamas supporters say Egypt has sold the Palestinians out by being too close and friendly with Israel and the United States. From Egypt, political analysts retaliated, blaming Hamas for ending the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire, thus inviting the Israeli airstrikes. One expert speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya blamed Hamas for "presenting Gazans on a silver plate to the Israeli monster." He then blamed Syria and Iran for not taking military action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. [/INST] In Yemen, thousands of people demonstrate in capital city of Sanaa . Citizens of Sudan also protest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza . Students at University of Qatar boycott their classes in support of Gaza . Some Arabs blame Egypt, saying it's too cozy with Israel and the United States . </s>
The New York Knicks were given a timely boost when their star player Carmelo Anthony boarded the flight to London for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Anthony has missed New York's last six games with a knee injury but is on course for an appearance at the O2 Arena this week after joining the team on their journey to England. The Knicks landed at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning and will practice at the arena on Wednesday before the game on Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony joined the New York Knicks as they arrived at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday . Anthony has missed the last six games but made the journey to London for Thursday's game . Jose Calderon and Pablo Prigioni are seen at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning shortly after landing . Olympic gold medallist Anthony signs some basketballs at the team's Four Seasons hotel . New York certainly need a lift right now in the middle of a 15-game losing streak, and having their superstar on board for the trip to London will help. Shortly after arriving, Anthony said: 'It’s great to be back. I have some wonderful memories here – winning gold with the US Men’s National Team at the 2012 Olympics and then playing for the Knicks at The O2 in 2013. 'The Olympics was one of the best experiences I’ve ever both on and off the court. I’ll always remember winning the gold medal here in London. The fans are great and I am looking forward to the game on Thursday.' New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning . Quincy Acy and Travis Wear on board the team's flight from JFK Airport in New York to London . Knicks player Amare' Stoudemire (left) arrives in London, as does legend Clyde Frazier (right) Tim Hardaway Jr added: “This is my first time in London. I am looking forward to the game and to getting a win. It will also be interesting to explore the city and the great tourist attractions. 'Some of the guys were here in 2013 and so they’ll be able to show us around and their experience will be useful on Thursday night.' The Milwaukee Bucks take on the New York Knicks at NBA Global Games London 2015 at The O2 on January 15. The game is live on BT Sport and on NBA LEAGUE PASS. To follow the NBA in the UK visit www.facebook.com/nbauk .
Carmelo Anthony joins New York Knicks on their journey to London . Knicks star has missed the last six games with a knee injury . Anthony won Olympic gold at London 2012 and played against Detroit Pistons at the O2 Arena in January 2013 . Knicks landed at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning .
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<s>[INST] The New York Knicks were given a timely boost when their star player Carmelo Anthony boarded the flight to London for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Anthony has missed New York's last six games with a knee injury but is on course for an appearance at the O2 Arena this week after joining the team on their journey to England. The Knicks landed at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning and will practice at the arena on Wednesday before the game on Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony joined the New York Knicks as they arrived at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday . Anthony has missed the last six games but made the journey to London for Thursday's game . Jose Calderon and Pablo Prigioni are seen at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning shortly after landing . Olympic gold medallist Anthony signs some basketballs at the team's Four Seasons hotel . New York certainly need a lift right now in the middle of a 15-game losing streak, and having their superstar on board for the trip to London will help. Shortly after arriving, Anthony said: 'It’s great to be back. I have some wonderful memories here – winning gold with the US Men’s National Team at the 2012 Olympics and then playing for the Knicks at The O2 in 2013. 'The Olympics was one of the best experiences I’ve ever both on and off the court. I’ll always remember winning the gold medal here in London. The fans are great and I am looking forward to the game on Thursday.' New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning . Quincy Acy and Travis Wear on board the team's flight from JFK Airport in New York to London . Knicks player Amare' Stoudemire (left) arrives in London, as does legend Clyde Frazier (right) Tim Hardaway Jr added: “This is my first time in London. I am looking forward to the game and to getting a win. It will also be interesting to explore the city and the great tourist attractions. 'Some of the guys were here in 2013 and so they’ll be able to show us around and their experience will be useful on Thursday night.' The Milwaukee Bucks take on the New York Knicks at NBA Global Games London 2015 at The O2 on January 15. The game is live on BT Sport and on NBA LEAGUE PASS. To follow the NBA in the UK visit www.facebook.com/nbauk . [/INST] Carmelo Anthony joins New York Knicks on their journey to London . Knicks star has missed the last six games with a knee injury . Anthony won Olympic gold at London 2012 and played against Detroit Pistons at the O2 Arena in January 2013 . Knicks landed at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning . </s>
Miami, Florida (CNN) -- A former Royal Caribbean Cruise Line employee has been arrested and charged with burglarizing the homes of 24 vacationers who were spending time at sea. Police in Palm Beach County say the employee accessed personal information about reservations to find out when the vacationers would be away. Bethsaida Sandoval, 38, a Royal Caribbean vacation planner, has been charged with 24 counts of burglary across Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Sandoval's husband, John Lopez, acted as her accomplice, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. According to the probable cause affidavit, Sandoval admitted that she and her husband were involved in the burglaries. Her position gave her full access to victims' home addresses. "People were on vacation, and when they returned home, they found they were burglarized," said Teri Barbera, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. "One common factor was that they were all on vacation with Royal Caribbean." Sandoval allegedly told police that she printed or wrote down personal information on customers and gave the information to Lopez. The affidavit says Sandoval stated that she and her husband would then go to the houses and burgle them. Lopez is being held on an unrelated charge in nearby Broward County. He's expected to be charged soon in the string of burglaries, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Investigators believe that the burglaries took place on the first night of the cruises, while the homeowners were at sea. The ships departed from the Port of Miami or Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, according to the probable cause affidavit. The sheriff's office says Royal Caribbean has fully cooperated with the investigation. A cruise line spokeswoman, Cynthia Martinez, said Sandoval was fired for her actions. "Royal Caribbean does not tolerate any form of criminal activity in its workforce or operations," it said in a statement. "This is a situation involving a former employee who appears to have taken advantage of their position for personal gain. Royal Caribbean cooperated fully with authorities during this investigation and will continue providing any assistance necessary to prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law." The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says the investigation, which took place over several months, revealed that high-dollar amounts of property, money and firearms were stolen. According to the affidavit, Sandoval was seen entering the Royal Caribbean building after hours, about 1 a.m. The time was documented by her door access swipe card and her computer login as she accessed the Royal Caribbean system. "This is not normal business practice and Bethsaida Sandoval should not be in the building, or accessing Royal Caribbean computer systems at that time of night," reads the affidavit. Authorities said Sandoval told them that she would drive and Lopez would get out of the car and use a center punch, a small tool for punching holes, to smash out the glass of a rear sliding-glass door. The affidavit says she gave the center punch to investigators. The cruise line said in its statement, "We regret this incident occurred and hope it does not overshadow the excellent work our more than 40,000 Royal Caribbean employees do every day to provide our guests with memorable and outstanding cruise vacation experiences." The cruise line says it is reaching out to apologize to all guests who were affected.
Former Royal Caribbean worker charged in 24 burglaries . Police say she used her position to access vacation information . Burglaries took place on first night of cruises, authorities say .
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<s>[INST] Miami, Florida (CNN) -- A former Royal Caribbean Cruise Line employee has been arrested and charged with burglarizing the homes of 24 vacationers who were spending time at sea. Police in Palm Beach County say the employee accessed personal information about reservations to find out when the vacationers would be away. Bethsaida Sandoval, 38, a Royal Caribbean vacation planner, has been charged with 24 counts of burglary across Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Sandoval's husband, John Lopez, acted as her accomplice, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. According to the probable cause affidavit, Sandoval admitted that she and her husband were involved in the burglaries. Her position gave her full access to victims' home addresses. "People were on vacation, and when they returned home, they found they were burglarized," said Teri Barbera, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. "One common factor was that they were all on vacation with Royal Caribbean." Sandoval allegedly told police that she printed or wrote down personal information on customers and gave the information to Lopez. The affidavit says Sandoval stated that she and her husband would then go to the houses and burgle them. Lopez is being held on an unrelated charge in nearby Broward County. He's expected to be charged soon in the string of burglaries, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Investigators believe that the burglaries took place on the first night of the cruises, while the homeowners were at sea. The ships departed from the Port of Miami or Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, according to the probable cause affidavit. The sheriff's office says Royal Caribbean has fully cooperated with the investigation. A cruise line spokeswoman, Cynthia Martinez, said Sandoval was fired for her actions. "Royal Caribbean does not tolerate any form of criminal activity in its workforce or operations," it said in a statement. "This is a situation involving a former employee who appears to have taken advantage of their position for personal gain. Royal Caribbean cooperated fully with authorities during this investigation and will continue providing any assistance necessary to prosecute this individual to the fullest extent of the law." The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office says the investigation, which took place over several months, revealed that high-dollar amounts of property, money and firearms were stolen. According to the affidavit, Sandoval was seen entering the Royal Caribbean building after hours, about 1 a.m. The time was documented by her door access swipe card and her computer login as she accessed the Royal Caribbean system. "This is not normal business practice and Bethsaida Sandoval should not be in the building, or accessing Royal Caribbean computer systems at that time of night," reads the affidavit. Authorities said Sandoval told them that she would drive and Lopez would get out of the car and use a center punch, a small tool for punching holes, to smash out the glass of a rear sliding-glass door. The affidavit says she gave the center punch to investigators. The cruise line said in its statement, "We regret this incident occurred and hope it does not overshadow the excellent work our more than 40,000 Royal Caribbean employees do every day to provide our guests with memorable and outstanding cruise vacation experiences." The cruise line says it is reaching out to apologize to all guests who were affected. [/INST] Former Royal Caribbean worker charged in 24 burglaries . Police say she used her position to access vacation information . Burglaries took place on first night of cruises, authorities say . </s>
Amanda Bynes has been placed under 51/50 psychiatric hold, TMZ reports. However, worryingly, just hours before the news broke, the troubled star revealed that she has been in touch with Sam Lutfi, the controversial ex-manager of Britney Spears, who was blamed for the singer's 2008 meltdown. 'you feel like a brother to me @SamLutfi i mean it. Thank you luuuuv,' Amanda wrote to Sam, who did not respond to her directly. Scroll down for video... Amanda Bynes 'was in touch with Britney Spears' controversial ex-manager Sam Lutfi' ...hours before she was placed under 5150 psychiatric hold on Friday . Sam followed up Bynes' tweet, responding to Perez Hilton, saying: 'She's in good hands now. Many thanks to all those that helped along the way.' And now Perez claims Bynes has told them: 'Last time I trusted Lutfi he put me in a conservatorship which ended in August I'm not stupid. 'You are all listening to my brain…I can handle Sam, he just flew me back to LA and I'm going to meet some sick lawyers.' Lutfi has strenuously denied any claims that he was responsible for Britney's meltdown. On his Twitter bio, he says he was 'FALSELY accused of doing horrible things by horrible people.' Britney's mother Lynne Spears blamed Lutfi for his involvement in her daughter's breakdown, when he managed her in 2007 and 2008. Worrying: Amanda Bynes tweets Sam Lutfi hours before she is hospitalized . Responding: Sam Lutfi appeared to confirm his involvement with Amanda Bynes, tweeting Perez Hilton saying she is 'in good hands now' History repeating itself? Britney Spears seen in 2007 with her controversial ex manager Sam Lutfi, shortly before she suffered a public breakdown . Troubled: Britney Spears in 2007 when she was managed by Sam Lutfi . Meanwhile, sources tell the TMZ that Amanda had a car service take her to The London Hotel, where her parents Lynne and Rick Bynes, as well as an attorney, persuaded her to go to hospital. She is said to have then been taken to a hospital in Pasadena where her lawyer Tamar Armiak was waiting with doctors. The 51/50 hold authorizes a qualified officer or clinician to involuntarily confine a person suspected to have a mental disorder that makes him or her a danger to himself or herself. She will be held at the hospital for 72 hours, but the hold can be extended for a further 14 days. It is expected that her parents will try to get another conservatorship. The news comes after a source had told MailOnline that at 6am Friday morning that Amanda, 28, tried unsuccessfully to buy a ticket out of Manhattan. According to the airport insider the actress then left the airport in a taxi cab hoping to be able to catch a flight out of JFK. When contacted by the MailOnline the Port Authority confirmed Amanda had been at the airport but a spokesman said 'there were no summons and no arrests' made over the incident. The star was pictured by a fan inside the terminal buying food and was carrying multiple bags. TMZ reports however, that the Easy A actress tried 'to force a ticket agent into re-routing a plane'. The website said: 'Law enforcement sources say the shouting match was all because Amanda wanted a direct flight as soon as possible... and wouldn't listen to the agent explain that planes have a specific route. Help at hand: Amanda Bynes is seen at LAX, shortly before heading to a hospital is Pasadena . Oops: The troubled star appeared to drop her phone as she walked through the terminal . Stopping traffic: Amanda pauses while crossing the road and she continues to talk on her phone . Send help: Hopefully Amanda will now be reunited with her worried parents Lynn and Rick . 'We're told things got so bad airport authorities had to step in to escort Bynes out of the building -- putting her into a cab outside to send Amanda on her way.' Amanda has not been seen since, and it is not known if she was able to get a flight out of JFK airport. With her whereabouts unknown, her parents Rick and Lynn are reportedly on their way into New York to try to get the actress into a mental health facility. Ttroubled Amanda Bynes landed safely back in LAX on Friday, clearly having found a way out of her predicament of not being able to get a flight . Wherever the star is, it is clear she has access to the internet or is not in the air as she spent most of Friday on Twitter. Around lunchtime in New York, Amanda posted a serious of disturbing tweets accusing her father of sexually abusing her. Explaining why she did not want to live with her father and mother in California - where she has been since been released from an inpatient psychiatric facility in December - the actress said on Twitter she could not be in the same house as her father. The embattled star wrote: 'My dad was verbally and physically abuse to me as a child. 'He called me ugly as a child and then asked me if I wanted to have sex with him and I did not know how to respond and I said no and then... I was forced to live with my dad which was a total nightmare.' Whereabouts unknown:The 28-year-old wore the same clothing as she did when she flew into the city last week, pictured, and was last seen headed to JFK airport . A few minutes later her tweets took an even more disturbing turn. She wrote to her more than 3 million followers: 'My dad fondled himself in front of me so many times that I started recording him on my phone in hopes of catching him... saying or doing something inappropriate around me so I could get him arrested & put in jail for the rest of his perverted life.' Two hours later, Amanda recanted her statements and, in doing so, revealed the extent of her mental illness. Taking the abusive comments back she said: 'My dad never did any of those things. The microchip in my brain made me say those things but he's the one that ordered them to microchip me.' But the damage was already done with her mother Lynn issuing a statement saying she was 'heartbroken' over what her daughter had said. While she took the comments back they had already done a lot of damage with the embattled star's mother Lynn telling Hollyscoop the family was heartbroken. Accusations: The actress had alleged her father, Rick, was abusive to her as a child but then recanted . 'Total nightmare': Explaining why she did not want to live with her father and mother Lynn in California, the actress said on Twitter she could not be in the same house as her father . She said in a statement: 'I am heartbroken today for my husband of 47 years. Rick has been the best father and husband a family can ask for. 'He has never abused Amanda or our other children [Tommy and Julian] physically or sexually. These accusations are absolutely horrible and could not be further from the truth!' Lynn said her daughter's mental illness is to blame for the claims. 'These allegations stem from Amanda's mental state at the moment. They have no basis in reality. It saddens me beyond belief that my husband's character could be slandered in such a way.' Disturbing turn: The 28-year-old went on to describe what she says her father did to her . Devastated: Mother Lynn, pictured 2004, said the family was 'heartbroken' that their daughter could accuse Rick (left) of doing such awful things . Their lawyer, Tamar Arminak, also told MailOnline: 'My clients are heartbroken by these false accusations. Their older children [Jillian and Tommy] are also horrified at the situation.' Arminak also spoke to TMZ on the siblings' behalf, who defender their father. Jillian O'Keefe and Tommy Bynes stated: 'We are disturbed beyond words that Amanda would come up with such a fabrication as a way to avoid getting much needed help or treatment. 'We are pained by [Amanda's] behavior but we absolutely give our full unconditional love and support to our wonderful parents.' On Friday, video of the star also emerged showing her dancing around and behaving unusually at boutique Pookie & Sebastian emerged. Erratic behaviour: On Friday, video of the star emerged of the star dancing to herself at boutique Pookie & Sebastian emerged two days prior . In the security footage, obtained by the MailOnline and filmed Wednesday, Amanda dances around and before dancing up against her bodyguard as he tried to help her get a fanny pack off after it got stuck on. Unable to get it off, the star has to buy the accessory, and leaves still behaving erratically. Just an hour later, the child star was accused of trying to shoplift from Barneys on New York's Madison Avenue after she reportedly tried to leave wearing a $200 hat that she had not purchased. The 28-year was allegedly detained by store security but later released, according to TMZ. Not well: The former child star, pictured October 6, has been seen out and about in New York acting bizarrely . Amanda has been struggling with mental illness since last year and is believed to have taken a turn for the worse after she moved out of her parents' home in Thousand Oaks, California, as soon as their conservatorship of her ended August. The troubled She's The Man actress was pulled over in the San Fernando Valley, just outside Los Angeles, on September 30 at 4 am and taken into custody, the California Highway Patrol confirmed with MailOnline. She was cited for being under the influence of a controlled substance while driving her Mercedes-Benz. The 28-year-old star was released at 12 noon that same day on $15,000 bail. The former child star is set to appear in court on October 23 in Van Nuys.
Amanda now claims Sam Lufti has 'flown her back to LA' Hours before being hospitalized Amanda tweeted her 'thanks' Sam Lutfi . Lutfi is the controversial ex-manager of Britney Spears, who was blamed for the singer's 2008 meltdown .
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<s>[INST] Amanda Bynes has been placed under 51/50 psychiatric hold, TMZ reports. However, worryingly, just hours before the news broke, the troubled star revealed that she has been in touch with Sam Lutfi, the controversial ex-manager of Britney Spears, who was blamed for the singer's 2008 meltdown. 'you feel like a brother to me @SamLutfi i mean it. Thank you luuuuv,' Amanda wrote to Sam, who did not respond to her directly. Scroll down for video... Amanda Bynes 'was in touch with Britney Spears' controversial ex-manager Sam Lutfi' ...hours before she was placed under 5150 psychiatric hold on Friday . Sam followed up Bynes' tweet, responding to Perez Hilton, saying: 'She's in good hands now. Many thanks to all those that helped along the way.' And now Perez claims Bynes has told them: 'Last time I trusted Lutfi he put me in a conservatorship which ended in August I'm not stupid. 'You are all listening to my brain…I can handle Sam, he just flew me back to LA and I'm going to meet some sick lawyers.' Lutfi has strenuously denied any claims that he was responsible for Britney's meltdown. On his Twitter bio, he says he was 'FALSELY accused of doing horrible things by horrible people.' Britney's mother Lynne Spears blamed Lutfi for his involvement in her daughter's breakdown, when he managed her in 2007 and 2008. Worrying: Amanda Bynes tweets Sam Lutfi hours before she is hospitalized . Responding: Sam Lutfi appeared to confirm his involvement with Amanda Bynes, tweeting Perez Hilton saying she is 'in good hands now' History repeating itself? Britney Spears seen in 2007 with her controversial ex manager Sam Lutfi, shortly before she suffered a public breakdown . Troubled: Britney Spears in 2007 when she was managed by Sam Lutfi . Meanwhile, sources tell the TMZ that Amanda had a car service take her to The London Hotel, where her parents Lynne and Rick Bynes, as well as an attorney, persuaded her to go to hospital. She is said to have then been taken to a hospital in Pasadena where her lawyer Tamar Armiak was waiting with doctors. The 51/50 hold authorizes a qualified officer or clinician to involuntarily confine a person suspected to have a mental disorder that makes him or her a danger to himself or herself. She will be held at the hospital for 72 hours, but the hold can be extended for a further 14 days. It is expected that her parents will try to get another conservatorship. The news comes after a source had told MailOnline that at 6am Friday morning that Amanda, 28, tried unsuccessfully to buy a ticket out of Manhattan. According to the airport insider the actress then left the airport in a taxi cab hoping to be able to catch a flight out of JFK. When contacted by the MailOnline the Port Authority confirmed Amanda had been at the airport but a spokesman said 'there were no summons and no arrests' made over the incident. The star was pictured by a fan inside the terminal buying food and was carrying multiple bags. TMZ reports however, that the Easy A actress tried 'to force a ticket agent into re-routing a plane'. The website said: 'Law enforcement sources say the shouting match was all because Amanda wanted a direct flight as soon as possible... and wouldn't listen to the agent explain that planes have a specific route. Help at hand: Amanda Bynes is seen at LAX, shortly before heading to a hospital is Pasadena . Oops: The troubled star appeared to drop her phone as she walked through the terminal . Stopping traffic: Amanda pauses while crossing the road and she continues to talk on her phone . Send help: Hopefully Amanda will now be reunited with her worried parents Lynn and Rick . 'We're told things got so bad airport authorities had to step in to escort Bynes out of the building -- putting her into a cab outside to send Amanda on her way.' Amanda has not been seen since, and it is not known if she was able to get a flight out of JFK airport. With her whereabouts unknown, her parents Rick and Lynn are reportedly on their way into New York to try to get the actress into a mental health facility. Ttroubled Amanda Bynes landed safely back in LAX on Friday, clearly having found a way out of her predicament of not being able to get a flight . Wherever the star is, it is clear she has access to the internet or is not in the air as she spent most of Friday on Twitter. Around lunchtime in New York, Amanda posted a serious of disturbing tweets accusing her father of sexually abusing her. Explaining why she did not want to live with her father and mother in California - where she has been since been released from an inpatient psychiatric facility in December - the actress said on Twitter she could not be in the same house as her father. The embattled star wrote: 'My dad was verbally and physically abuse to me as a child. 'He called me ugly as a child and then asked me if I wanted to have sex with him and I did not know how to respond and I said no and then... I was forced to live with my dad which was a total nightmare.' Whereabouts unknown:The 28-year-old wore the same clothing as she did when she flew into the city last week, pictured, and was last seen headed to JFK airport . A few minutes later her tweets took an even more disturbing turn. She wrote to her more than 3 million followers: 'My dad fondled himself in front of me so many times that I started recording him on my phone in hopes of catching him... saying or doing something inappropriate around me so I could get him arrested & put in jail for the rest of his perverted life.' Two hours later, Amanda recanted her statements and, in doing so, revealed the extent of her mental illness. Taking the abusive comments back she said: 'My dad never did any of those things. The microchip in my brain made me say those things but he's the one that ordered them to microchip me.' But the damage was already done with her mother Lynn issuing a statement saying she was 'heartbroken' over what her daughter had said. While she took the comments back they had already done a lot of damage with the embattled star's mother Lynn telling Hollyscoop the family was heartbroken. Accusations: The actress had alleged her father, Rick, was abusive to her as a child but then recanted . 'Total nightmare': Explaining why she did not want to live with her father and mother Lynn in California, the actress said on Twitter she could not be in the same house as her father . She said in a statement: 'I am heartbroken today for my husband of 47 years. Rick has been the best father and husband a family can ask for. 'He has never abused Amanda or our other children [Tommy and Julian] physically or sexually. These accusations are absolutely horrible and could not be further from the truth!' Lynn said her daughter's mental illness is to blame for the claims. 'These allegations stem from Amanda's mental state at the moment. They have no basis in reality. It saddens me beyond belief that my husband's character could be slandered in such a way.' Disturbing turn: The 28-year-old went on to describe what she says her father did to her . Devastated: Mother Lynn, pictured 2004, said the family was 'heartbroken' that their daughter could accuse Rick (left) of doing such awful things . Their lawyer, Tamar Arminak, also told MailOnline: 'My clients are heartbroken by these false accusations. Their older children [Jillian and Tommy] are also horrified at the situation.' Arminak also spoke to TMZ on the siblings' behalf, who defender their father. Jillian O'Keefe and Tommy Bynes stated: 'We are disturbed beyond words that Amanda would come up with such a fabrication as a way to avoid getting much needed help or treatment. 'We are pained by [Amanda's] behavior but we absolutely give our full unconditional love and support to our wonderful parents.' On Friday, video of the star also emerged showing her dancing around and behaving unusually at boutique Pookie & Sebastian emerged. Erratic behaviour: On Friday, video of the star emerged of the star dancing to herself at boutique Pookie & Sebastian emerged two days prior . In the security footage, obtained by the MailOnline and filmed Wednesday, Amanda dances around and before dancing up against her bodyguard as he tried to help her get a fanny pack off after it got stuck on. Unable to get it off, the star has to buy the accessory, and leaves still behaving erratically. Just an hour later, the child star was accused of trying to shoplift from Barneys on New York's Madison Avenue after she reportedly tried to leave wearing a $200 hat that she had not purchased. The 28-year was allegedly detained by store security but later released, according to TMZ. Not well: The former child star, pictured October 6, has been seen out and about in New York acting bizarrely . Amanda has been struggling with mental illness since last year and is believed to have taken a turn for the worse after she moved out of her parents' home in Thousand Oaks, California, as soon as their conservatorship of her ended August. The troubled She's The Man actress was pulled over in the San Fernando Valley, just outside Los Angeles, on September 30 at 4 am and taken into custody, the California Highway Patrol confirmed with MailOnline. She was cited for being under the influence of a controlled substance while driving her Mercedes-Benz. The 28-year-old star was released at 12 noon that same day on $15,000 bail. The former child star is set to appear in court on October 23 in Van Nuys. [/INST] Amanda now claims Sam Lufti has 'flown her back to LA' Hours before being hospitalized Amanda tweeted her 'thanks' Sam Lutfi . Lutfi is the controversial ex-manager of Britney Spears, who was blamed for the singer's 2008 meltdown . </s>
(CNN) -- Despite persistent and understandable questions about the cost of college in America today, the value of a college education is clear. But that value is not spread as equitably as it should be across the nation. College graduates earn considerably more over the course of their careers than do people with just a high school education, and they are much less likely to be unemployed. A study by the New York Federal Reserve found the rate of return on a college degree to be approximately 15% and, contrary to popular wisdom, it wasn't just the science and engineering majors who benefited. Graduates in the liberal arts also saw their degrees pay off. The benefits of a college diploma also go well beyond direct financial returns. College graduates have lower divorce rates, enjoy healthier lives, have higher rates of health insurance, and much lower rates of incarceration. They also have offspring who are more successful in school. But the United States is falling behind other developed countries when it comes to educating its citizens, and there is a widening gap between the number of college graduates coming from low-income families versus high-income families. In a knowledge-based economy, highly trained workers are key to global competitiveness. At current rates, by 2018 the U.S. will be 3 million college graduates short of what we need to fill expected jobs. By 2025, the shortage will be 16 million. The problem is particularly acute among African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and low-income Americans of all races and ethnicities. Students from high-income households are 10 times more likely to attain a college degree than are low-income students. The White House will shine a welcome spotlight on this issue Thursday with its second summit of university presidents and other higher education leaders. We are proud to be representing the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) at this gathering; alliance members are coming to town with plans that are already being put into action to address this troubling disparity in higher education attainment. Raising the degree attainment rate for all Americans, especially those from minority and low-income backgrounds, is vital to our nation's economic future. Universities -- especially public universities -- have a responsibility to find new ways to increase graduation rates for minorities and low-income Americans, so we can improve social mobility, narrow income gaps and produce the graduates required to grow the United States economy. That is why 11 public research universities, including our institutions, Arizona State University and Georgia State University, came together to announce the UIA in the fall. By collaborating instead of competing, we are committed to addressing this problem at scale and sharing strategies that proven to increase college graduation rates. The UIA's first large-scale initiative focuses on predictive analytics, which involves technology designed to mine student data for early signs that a student may be struggling and then reaching out to that student with additional support tailored to his or her specific needs. A great example of the power of this approach comes from Georgia State, where the monitoring of student performance coupled with proactive advising strategies increased semester-to-semester retention rates by 5% and reduced the time needed to earn degree by almost a half-semester. This means 1,200 more students are staying in school every year, and the class of 2014 saved $10 million in tuition and fees compared with graduates a year earlier. And because now students are graduating more quickly, Georgia taxpayers will save about $5 million in support costs for public education. If these same innovations were scaled across the 11 UIA institutions over the next five years, we could educate tens of thousands more students while saving almost $1.5 billion in educational costs to students and taxpayers. That is the kind of transformation higher education needs. At Arizona State, the introduction of technology-enhanced advising services has produced dramatic results: The four-year graduation rate at ASU increased by nearly 20 percentage points between 2002 and 2010, with the most dramatic increase occurring after the introduction of a system called eAdvisor, which allows students to plot their progress toward a degree in real time. Arizona State, like Georgia State, has made investments to boost graduation rates, such as the hiring of hundreds of tutors, the creation of focused learning communities on campus, the introduction of adaptive learning platforms that modify the presentation of educational materials according to a student's performance on tests, quizzes and other exercises (this is especially effective in math classes) and a "retention dashboard" that signals to administrators when a student needs additional support. Arizona State's six-year graduation rate stands at 62.5%, and the goal is to achieve a 75% rate by 2020. But these efforts are not about specific innovations at particular institutions. They are about creating opportunities for students and building a stronger society. UIA members are working together to develop and share solutions that will improve the entire higher education sector, because we believe every individual deserves an opportunity to receive a high-quality and affordable education. We know what going it alone can accomplish. It's time to discover what working together can do. We believe when universities collaborate, students win.
Two university presidents say studies show college is worth what it costs . Michael Crow, Mark Becker: Benefits aren't spread equally through society . White House is holding summit higher education leaders today . 11 U.S. universities in alliance are putting ideas to work, they say .
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<s>[INST] (CNN) -- Despite persistent and understandable questions about the cost of college in America today, the value of a college education is clear. But that value is not spread as equitably as it should be across the nation. College graduates earn considerably more over the course of their careers than do people with just a high school education, and they are much less likely to be unemployed. A study by the New York Federal Reserve found the rate of return on a college degree to be approximately 15% and, contrary to popular wisdom, it wasn't just the science and engineering majors who benefited. Graduates in the liberal arts also saw their degrees pay off. The benefits of a college diploma also go well beyond direct financial returns. College graduates have lower divorce rates, enjoy healthier lives, have higher rates of health insurance, and much lower rates of incarceration. They also have offspring who are more successful in school. But the United States is falling behind other developed countries when it comes to educating its citizens, and there is a widening gap between the number of college graduates coming from low-income families versus high-income families. In a knowledge-based economy, highly trained workers are key to global competitiveness. At current rates, by 2018 the U.S. will be 3 million college graduates short of what we need to fill expected jobs. By 2025, the shortage will be 16 million. The problem is particularly acute among African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and low-income Americans of all races and ethnicities. Students from high-income households are 10 times more likely to attain a college degree than are low-income students. The White House will shine a welcome spotlight on this issue Thursday with its second summit of university presidents and other higher education leaders. We are proud to be representing the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) at this gathering; alliance members are coming to town with plans that are already being put into action to address this troubling disparity in higher education attainment. Raising the degree attainment rate for all Americans, especially those from minority and low-income backgrounds, is vital to our nation's economic future. Universities -- especially public universities -- have a responsibility to find new ways to increase graduation rates for minorities and low-income Americans, so we can improve social mobility, narrow income gaps and produce the graduates required to grow the United States economy. That is why 11 public research universities, including our institutions, Arizona State University and Georgia State University, came together to announce the UIA in the fall. By collaborating instead of competing, we are committed to addressing this problem at scale and sharing strategies that proven to increase college graduation rates. The UIA's first large-scale initiative focuses on predictive analytics, which involves technology designed to mine student data for early signs that a student may be struggling and then reaching out to that student with additional support tailored to his or her specific needs. A great example of the power of this approach comes from Georgia State, where the monitoring of student performance coupled with proactive advising strategies increased semester-to-semester retention rates by 5% and reduced the time needed to earn degree by almost a half-semester. This means 1,200 more students are staying in school every year, and the class of 2014 saved $10 million in tuition and fees compared with graduates a year earlier. And because now students are graduating more quickly, Georgia taxpayers will save about $5 million in support costs for public education. If these same innovations were scaled across the 11 UIA institutions over the next five years, we could educate tens of thousands more students while saving almost $1.5 billion in educational costs to students and taxpayers. That is the kind of transformation higher education needs. At Arizona State, the introduction of technology-enhanced advising services has produced dramatic results: The four-year graduation rate at ASU increased by nearly 20 percentage points between 2002 and 2010, with the most dramatic increase occurring after the introduction of a system called eAdvisor, which allows students to plot their progress toward a degree in real time. Arizona State, like Georgia State, has made investments to boost graduation rates, such as the hiring of hundreds of tutors, the creation of focused learning communities on campus, the introduction of adaptive learning platforms that modify the presentation of educational materials according to a student's performance on tests, quizzes and other exercises (this is especially effective in math classes) and a "retention dashboard" that signals to administrators when a student needs additional support. Arizona State's six-year graduation rate stands at 62.5%, and the goal is to achieve a 75% rate by 2020. But these efforts are not about specific innovations at particular institutions. They are about creating opportunities for students and building a stronger society. UIA members are working together to develop and share solutions that will improve the entire higher education sector, because we believe every individual deserves an opportunity to receive a high-quality and affordable education. We know what going it alone can accomplish. It's time to discover what working together can do. We believe when universities collaborate, students win. [/INST] Two university presidents say studies show college is worth what it costs . Michael Crow, Mark Becker: Benefits aren't spread equally through society . White House is holding summit higher education leaders today . 11 U.S. universities in alliance are putting ideas to work, they say . </s>
By . Sam Greenhill . Last updated at 1:00 AM on 29th October 2011 . Colonel Gaddafi’s fugitive son Saif al-Islam is trying to reach a safe haven in Zimbabwe while also negotiating to surrender, officials said yesterday. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague confirmed it was in ‘indirect’ talks with the London-educated playboy. Saif, 39 - who was Gaddafi’s heir apparent - has been indicted for war crimes and is on the run in the Sahara desert. He has laid down conditions for handing himself in for trial, including being found a safe country to live in if he is acquitted or after serving a prison sentence. But double-dealing Saif is also in talks with mercenaries willing to find him a safe haven under the protection of another African despot such as Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. ‘We are having informal conversations with Saif Gaddafi in order to see if he can be surrendered to the court,’ Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the ICC, said in The Netherlands yesterday. Remarkable turnaround: Libyans gather at a market today in the grounds of the Bab al-Aziziya compound, formerly the HQ of ousted leader Colonel Gaddafi . But he said Saif was also trying to reach a country that did not cooperate with handing over suspects to the ICC. ‘We know he has a different option, because apparently there is a group of mercenaries willing to move him to a country, probably Zimbabwe,’ the prosecutor said. Some of the mercenaries may be from South Africa, he said. He said the court was urging other countries to prevent Saif’s escape by denying any plane carrying him permission to fly through their air space. Will he put his hands up? Saif al-Islam went on TV in August (above) to declare he would not surrender. He is wanted on charges of inciting crowds to murder during the early stages of the Libyan revolution . He said Saif – who would use any trial to grandstand about his relationships with Western leaders such as Tony Blair and Lord Mandelson – was making all sorts of demands. Successful mission: Nato says it will be able to quickly wind down operations in Libya since the death of Saif's father Colonel Gaddafi . He was pressing for clarifications about his fate should he be acquitted, said Mr Moreno-Ocampo, who said he has made it clear to the fugitive that he could ask the judges to send him to a country other than Libya. ‘He says he is innocent and he will prove his innocence,’ said the prosecutor. Saif is deep in the desert, believed to have crossed from Libya to Niger with escorts from Toureg herdsmen. Niger has said it would hand him over to the ICC, so Saif is unlikely to stay there long. His co-fugitive, Libya’s former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi, made the same journey a day earlier and ended up in eastern Mali, near Timbuktoo. But Mali’s Foreign Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga said yesterday: ‘Mali will respect its obligations in relation to the International Criminal Court. We are absolutely clear on that.’ In Libya, new Justice Minister Mohammed al-Lagi told the Daily Mail last night: ‘If Saif is captured in Libya, he will be tried in Libya.’
Nato says it will end air strikes on Monday . Operation 'one of the most successful in history', says secretary-general .
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<s>[INST] By . Sam Greenhill . Last updated at 1:00 AM on 29th October 2011 . Colonel Gaddafi’s fugitive son Saif al-Islam is trying to reach a safe haven in Zimbabwe while also negotiating to surrender, officials said yesterday. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague confirmed it was in ‘indirect’ talks with the London-educated playboy. Saif, 39 - who was Gaddafi’s heir apparent - has been indicted for war crimes and is on the run in the Sahara desert. He has laid down conditions for handing himself in for trial, including being found a safe country to live in if he is acquitted or after serving a prison sentence. But double-dealing Saif is also in talks with mercenaries willing to find him a safe haven under the protection of another African despot such as Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe. ‘We are having informal conversations with Saif Gaddafi in order to see if he can be surrendered to the court,’ Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the ICC, said in The Netherlands yesterday. Remarkable turnaround: Libyans gather at a market today in the grounds of the Bab al-Aziziya compound, formerly the HQ of ousted leader Colonel Gaddafi . But he said Saif was also trying to reach a country that did not cooperate with handing over suspects to the ICC. ‘We know he has a different option, because apparently there is a group of mercenaries willing to move him to a country, probably Zimbabwe,’ the prosecutor said. Some of the mercenaries may be from South Africa, he said. He said the court was urging other countries to prevent Saif’s escape by denying any plane carrying him permission to fly through their air space. Will he put his hands up? Saif al-Islam went on TV in August (above) to declare he would not surrender. He is wanted on charges of inciting crowds to murder during the early stages of the Libyan revolution . He said Saif – who would use any trial to grandstand about his relationships with Western leaders such as Tony Blair and Lord Mandelson – was making all sorts of demands. Successful mission: Nato says it will be able to quickly wind down operations in Libya since the death of Saif's father Colonel Gaddafi . He was pressing for clarifications about his fate should he be acquitted, said Mr Moreno-Ocampo, who said he has made it clear to the fugitive that he could ask the judges to send him to a country other than Libya. ‘He says he is innocent and he will prove his innocence,’ said the prosecutor. Saif is deep in the desert, believed to have crossed from Libya to Niger with escorts from Toureg herdsmen. Niger has said it would hand him over to the ICC, so Saif is unlikely to stay there long. His co-fugitive, Libya’s former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi, made the same journey a day earlier and ended up in eastern Mali, near Timbuktoo. But Mali’s Foreign Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga said yesterday: ‘Mali will respect its obligations in relation to the International Criminal Court. We are absolutely clear on that.’ In Libya, new Justice Minister Mohammed al-Lagi told the Daily Mail last night: ‘If Saif is captured in Libya, he will be tried in Libya.’ [/INST] Nato says it will end air strikes on Monday . Operation 'one of the most successful in history', says secretary-general . </s>
Part of the House of Lords has been searched by police investigating historic child sex abuse claims against a Labour peer. Up to eight officers from Leicestershire Police swooped on the office of Greville Janner as part of an ongoing inquiry linked to children’s homes in the county. Officers took the highly unusual step of entering Parliament to raid his office and seize computer equipment just weeks before submitting a dossier on the peer to the Crown Prosecution Service. The offices of Lord Janner were raided by officers from Leicestershire police in March, it has emerged . The move came after police spent several days searching the 85-year-old politician’s home in Golders Green, north-west London, in December. The widowed father of three, a Labour MP in Leicester from 1970 to 1997, has not been arrested in connection with the allegations and police have yet to send a full file of evidence to the CPS. But preliminary papers have been served to prosecutors who are advising detectives on the progress of the investigation which started last year after a man came forward claiming he was abused as a teenager in the 1970s by Lord Janner. The probe has been linked to pervert Frank Beck, who was found guilty of abusing more than 100 children in the 1970s and 1980s. Beck, who ran three children’s homes in Leicestershire, was given five life sentences and died behind bars. Two hundred children complained they had been abused by him over 13 years to 1986. In Beck’s 1991 trial, a 30-year-old man said he had been abused by Lord Janner, who was still an MP at the time, while he was in care aged 13. Lord Janner was not prosecuted and received cross-party support in the Commons when he said there was ‘not a shred of truth’ in the claims. Police rarely enter the Houses of Parliament because of the age-old principle of parliamentary privilege intended to guarantee politicians’ freedom of speech. It is highly unusual for police to enter the House of Parliament to carry out searches, because MPs and peers are usually protected by parliamentary privilege. In the past decade, searches of members’ offices have been carried out only a handful of times. The Commons office of former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans was raided last year by police investigating allegations of rape and sexual assault. He was later acquitted. In 2008 the Metropolitan Police searched the office of Tory immigration spokesman Damian Green over allegations he had leaked information from the Home Office. Mr Green denied this and in 2009 the CPS said it would not be bringing charges against him. To obtain permission to search a member’s office, police have to go through a lengthy process which involves getting a search warrant sanctioned by a judge before alerting the Clerk of the Parliaments and Black Rod, a senior officer in the Lords responsible for security. Yesterday Leicestershire Police refused to confirm what was seized during the raid which took place in March but was only made public yesterday. But a spokesman said the search was monitored by senior House of Lords officials, adding: ‘No arrests or charges have been made and enquiries continue.’ Two men aged 69 and 63 from Corby, Northamptonshire, have been quizzed in connection with the allegations but not arrested. Lord Janner, who was appointed a QC in 1971, is a prominent campaigner for Jewish rights and a former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. His legal team has confirmed he is helping with inquiries, but Lord Janner was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Leicestershire police carry out search of office in Houses of Parliament . It was part of an ongoing inquiry into non-recent child sexual abuse . Greville Janner was a Leicestershire Labour MP from 1970 to 1997 .
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<s>[INST] Part of the House of Lords has been searched by police investigating historic child sex abuse claims against a Labour peer. Up to eight officers from Leicestershire Police swooped on the office of Greville Janner as part of an ongoing inquiry linked to children’s homes in the county. Officers took the highly unusual step of entering Parliament to raid his office and seize computer equipment just weeks before submitting a dossier on the peer to the Crown Prosecution Service. The offices of Lord Janner were raided by officers from Leicestershire police in March, it has emerged . The move came after police spent several days searching the 85-year-old politician’s home in Golders Green, north-west London, in December. The widowed father of three, a Labour MP in Leicester from 1970 to 1997, has not been arrested in connection with the allegations and police have yet to send a full file of evidence to the CPS. But preliminary papers have been served to prosecutors who are advising detectives on the progress of the investigation which started last year after a man came forward claiming he was abused as a teenager in the 1970s by Lord Janner. The probe has been linked to pervert Frank Beck, who was found guilty of abusing more than 100 children in the 1970s and 1980s. Beck, who ran three children’s homes in Leicestershire, was given five life sentences and died behind bars. Two hundred children complained they had been abused by him over 13 years to 1986. In Beck’s 1991 trial, a 30-year-old man said he had been abused by Lord Janner, who was still an MP at the time, while he was in care aged 13. Lord Janner was not prosecuted and received cross-party support in the Commons when he said there was ‘not a shred of truth’ in the claims. Police rarely enter the Houses of Parliament because of the age-old principle of parliamentary privilege intended to guarantee politicians’ freedom of speech. It is highly unusual for police to enter the House of Parliament to carry out searches, because MPs and peers are usually protected by parliamentary privilege. In the past decade, searches of members’ offices have been carried out only a handful of times. The Commons office of former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans was raided last year by police investigating allegations of rape and sexual assault. He was later acquitted. In 2008 the Metropolitan Police searched the office of Tory immigration spokesman Damian Green over allegations he had leaked information from the Home Office. Mr Green denied this and in 2009 the CPS said it would not be bringing charges against him. To obtain permission to search a member’s office, police have to go through a lengthy process which involves getting a search warrant sanctioned by a judge before alerting the Clerk of the Parliaments and Black Rod, a senior officer in the Lords responsible for security. Yesterday Leicestershire Police refused to confirm what was seized during the raid which took place in March but was only made public yesterday. But a spokesman said the search was monitored by senior House of Lords officials, adding: ‘No arrests or charges have been made and enquiries continue.’ Two men aged 69 and 63 from Corby, Northamptonshire, have been quizzed in connection with the allegations but not arrested. Lord Janner, who was appointed a QC in 1971, is a prominent campaigner for Jewish rights and a former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. His legal team has confirmed he is helping with inquiries, but Lord Janner was unavailable for comment yesterday. [/INST] Leicestershire police carry out search of office in Houses of Parliament . It was part of an ongoing inquiry into non-recent child sexual abuse . Greville Janner was a Leicestershire Labour MP from 1970 to 1997 . </s>
There will be a party atmosphere at the Ricoh Arena today but Wasps are already in danger of becoming the noisy neighbours as they begin a new life in Coventry. Local rivals including Northampton and Worcester will not be welcoming the ex-London club with open arms, with new claims of franchising, under-priced tickets and council secrecy threatening to puncture the euphoria of the occasion. In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, Northampton chief executive officer Allan Robson accused Wasps, who announced their move from Adams Park in October, of showing a complete disregard for local clubs and a failure to consult relevant stakeholders. Tom Varndell crosses for a try during Wasps' last ever game at Adams Park in December . A young Wasps fan displays a farewell banner after Dai Young's side played their last game in London . Wasps skipper James Haskell signs autographs as his side bid farewell to their Adams Park home . Wasps director of rugby Dai Young poses for a photograph inside his team's new home at the Ricoh Arena . ADAMS PARK . Capacity: 10,516 . Opened: 1990 . Average attendance 2013/14: 5,862 . Other tenants: Wycombe Wanderers . RICOH ARENA . Capacity: 32,609 . Opened: 2005 . Other tenants: Coventry City . ‘We don’t welcome them,’ said Robson. ‘For the likes of Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, this has been our heartland and we really don’t feel threatened. But clubs like Worcester have had to work very hard to expand their territory for commercial benefits and could feel this very badly. ‘If I were Coventry (RFC), then I would be pretty miffed. I somehow don’t think this has been done in collusion in Coventry. There are other local clubs like Moseley, Solihull and Birmingham — I don’t think it’s a very nice thing to have done on Wasps’ part. ‘We knew nothing of it until the whole situation was public. As a partner in a very tight group of rugby clubs, I don’t think it was handled particularly well. It smacks of franchises and that’s not where rugby is currently.’ Shortly after the initial announcement, Worcester voiced concerns about the damaging impact the move could have on their £1.5million academy investment in the region and in 2016 there will be a potential opportunity for Wasps to move their talent catchment area to the Midlands. Wasps winger Varndell stretches his legs during his team's open training session at the Coventry stadium . Nick Eastwood, the Wasps CEO, said: ‘It’s up to the RFU how they draw the boundaries. There are a lot of anomalies all over the country —some clubs have huge areas and some are very small. We will not do anything whatsoever to put ourselves in breach of that law and we’ll comply with that. The RFU will do what they think is best for English rugby.’ For now, Wasps will continue to train in West London and travel to Coventry on match days. They expect an attendance of more than 27,000 for this afternoon’s match against London Irish. The same fixture attracted just 7,025 at Adams Park last season. ‘There has been a lot of fuss about their 27,000 crowd, but that’s not a sale of 27,000,’ said Robson. ‘They have given most of them away for free or at heavily discounted rates. The key in terms of their impact in that conurbation will be a season down the line, we’ll see what their average gates are then. ‘I feel sorry the Wasps supporters who have been following their club for a number of years, because the club have just turned their back on them.’ England lock Joe Launchbury (left) is one of the star attractions in the current Wasps line-up . Wasps insist they have given away only 3,000 tickets to local schoolchildren, with the lowest-priced ticket costing £15. With almost 24,000 tickets sold in advance, the club expect ticket revenue of more than £500,000 for Sunday’s match. In the longer term, the club hopes to improve on their average attendance of little more than 6,000. With a casino, hotel and restaurants already in place at the Ricoh, they are optimistic they can almost triple their annual turnover to more than £20m. ‘As long as we improve on our average attendance at Adams Park then we’re ahead,’ said Eastwood. ‘Because of the confidential nature of the agreement we were unable to say anything to fans in the lead-up to the sale. The first 48 hours after the announcement was tough but since we’ve had the opportunity to explain the decision I think most fans understand the reasoning. ‘It’s sad if we lose any fans because they’ve stuck through us through thick and thin. But to their credit I think they understand that if it’s the difference between not having a club or having a club in a different place they’d take the latter. Local school children embrace their new club at the Ricoh Arena during a Wasps training session . ‘It was a case of move or die. It may not have happened next week, or next month but at some point in the not-too-distant future we would have faced insurmountable debts. ‘No one’s going to say “we’d rather you went out of business”.’ The Aviva Premiership outfit are hoping to develop a new fanbase in the area, but that could have a damaging impact on National One side Coventry RFC. Their director of rugby, Phil Maynard, hopes to build a working relationship with Wasps but remains disappointed with the local council for their lack of communication over the relocation. ‘We had one meeting with them in October,’ Maynard said. ‘We didn’t really have much of a say — we were told they were probably going to relocate. If we’ve got a beef, it’s with Coventry City Council. Our beef isn’t with Wasps and it never has been. The issue we had is that the council kept us completely in the dark about it. If this is going to work, it’s important that we form a productive partnership.’
Wasps have moved to the Ricoh Arena from Adams Park . Northampton chief executive officer Allan Robson has accused Wasps of showing a complete disregard for local clubs . Robson also thinks Wasps failed to consult relevant stakeholders . Worcester have voiced concerns about the damaging impact of the move . The Aviva Premiership club hope to develop a new fanbase in the area .
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<s>[INST] There will be a party atmosphere at the Ricoh Arena today but Wasps are already in danger of becoming the noisy neighbours as they begin a new life in Coventry. Local rivals including Northampton and Worcester will not be welcoming the ex-London club with open arms, with new claims of franchising, under-priced tickets and council secrecy threatening to puncture the euphoria of the occasion. In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday, Northampton chief executive officer Allan Robson accused Wasps, who announced their move from Adams Park in October, of showing a complete disregard for local clubs and a failure to consult relevant stakeholders. Tom Varndell crosses for a try during Wasps' last ever game at Adams Park in December . A young Wasps fan displays a farewell banner after Dai Young's side played their last game in London . Wasps skipper James Haskell signs autographs as his side bid farewell to their Adams Park home . Wasps director of rugby Dai Young poses for a photograph inside his team's new home at the Ricoh Arena . ADAMS PARK . Capacity: 10,516 . Opened: 1990 . Average attendance 2013/14: 5,862 . Other tenants: Wycombe Wanderers . RICOH ARENA . Capacity: 32,609 . Opened: 2005 . Other tenants: Coventry City . ‘We don’t welcome them,’ said Robson. ‘For the likes of Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers, this has been our heartland and we really don’t feel threatened. But clubs like Worcester have had to work very hard to expand their territory for commercial benefits and could feel this very badly. ‘If I were Coventry (RFC), then I would be pretty miffed. I somehow don’t think this has been done in collusion in Coventry. There are other local clubs like Moseley, Solihull and Birmingham — I don’t think it’s a very nice thing to have done on Wasps’ part. ‘We knew nothing of it until the whole situation was public. As a partner in a very tight group of rugby clubs, I don’t think it was handled particularly well. It smacks of franchises and that’s not where rugby is currently.’ Shortly after the initial announcement, Worcester voiced concerns about the damaging impact the move could have on their £1.5million academy investment in the region and in 2016 there will be a potential opportunity for Wasps to move their talent catchment area to the Midlands. Wasps winger Varndell stretches his legs during his team's open training session at the Coventry stadium . Nick Eastwood, the Wasps CEO, said: ‘It’s up to the RFU how they draw the boundaries. There are a lot of anomalies all over the country —some clubs have huge areas and some are very small. We will not do anything whatsoever to put ourselves in breach of that law and we’ll comply with that. The RFU will do what they think is best for English rugby.’ For now, Wasps will continue to train in West London and travel to Coventry on match days. They expect an attendance of more than 27,000 for this afternoon’s match against London Irish. The same fixture attracted just 7,025 at Adams Park last season. ‘There has been a lot of fuss about their 27,000 crowd, but that’s not a sale of 27,000,’ said Robson. ‘They have given most of them away for free or at heavily discounted rates. The key in terms of their impact in that conurbation will be a season down the line, we’ll see what their average gates are then. ‘I feel sorry the Wasps supporters who have been following their club for a number of years, because the club have just turned their back on them.’ England lock Joe Launchbury (left) is one of the star attractions in the current Wasps line-up . Wasps insist they have given away only 3,000 tickets to local schoolchildren, with the lowest-priced ticket costing £15. With almost 24,000 tickets sold in advance, the club expect ticket revenue of more than £500,000 for Sunday’s match. In the longer term, the club hopes to improve on their average attendance of little more than 6,000. With a casino, hotel and restaurants already in place at the Ricoh, they are optimistic they can almost triple their annual turnover to more than £20m. ‘As long as we improve on our average attendance at Adams Park then we’re ahead,’ said Eastwood. ‘Because of the confidential nature of the agreement we were unable to say anything to fans in the lead-up to the sale. The first 48 hours after the announcement was tough but since we’ve had the opportunity to explain the decision I think most fans understand the reasoning. ‘It’s sad if we lose any fans because they’ve stuck through us through thick and thin. But to their credit I think they understand that if it’s the difference between not having a club or having a club in a different place they’d take the latter. Local school children embrace their new club at the Ricoh Arena during a Wasps training session . ‘It was a case of move or die. It may not have happened next week, or next month but at some point in the not-too-distant future we would have faced insurmountable debts. ‘No one’s going to say “we’d rather you went out of business”.’ The Aviva Premiership outfit are hoping to develop a new fanbase in the area, but that could have a damaging impact on National One side Coventry RFC. Their director of rugby, Phil Maynard, hopes to build a working relationship with Wasps but remains disappointed with the local council for their lack of communication over the relocation. ‘We had one meeting with them in October,’ Maynard said. ‘We didn’t really have much of a say — we were told they were probably going to relocate. If we’ve got a beef, it’s with Coventry City Council. Our beef isn’t with Wasps and it never has been. The issue we had is that the council kept us completely in the dark about it. If this is going to work, it’s important that we form a productive partnership.’ [/INST] Wasps have moved to the Ricoh Arena from Adams Park . Northampton chief executive officer Allan Robson has accused Wasps of showing a complete disregard for local clubs . Robson also thinks Wasps failed to consult relevant stakeholders . Worcester have voiced concerns about the damaging impact of the move . The Aviva Premiership club hope to develop a new fanbase in the area . </s>
By . Charles Walford . Last updated at 8:36 AM on 20th December 2011 . Jeremy Clarkson's comments last night have got the presenter in hot water again . Jeremy Clarkson is being investigated over his comments about striking public sector workers. The Top Gear presenter was forced to apologise after saying all striking workers 'should be shot'. TV watchdog Ofcom has now launched an investigation after the comments - made during The One Show on November 30 - led to more than 21,000 complaints to the BBC and almost 800 to Ofcom itself. The watchdog is looking at whether he breached broadcasting rules on 'generally accepted standards'. 'Ofcom has taken the decision to investigate comments made by Jeremy Clarkson on BBC1’s The One Show,' it said. 'We will make the outcome of the investigation known in due course.' The . TV regulator is also investigating other comments Clarkson made on The . One Show describing people who kill themselves at railway stations as . causing 'immense' disruption to commuters. The . remarks about strikers led to condemnation by union leaders and . politicians. Prime Minister David Cameron branded Clarkson’s comments as . 'silly'. His gaffe came as he appeared on the BBC1 show on the evening of Britain’s biggest public sector strikes for 30 years. Speaking . about the strikers, he said: 'I’d have them all shot. I would take them . outside and execute them in front of their families. 'I mean, how dare they go on strike . when they’ve got these gilt-edged pensions that are going to be . guaranteed while the rest of us have to work for a living?' Clarkson later said in a statement that his comments were not meant to have been taken seriously. Controversial: Clarkson said he wanted to see strikers shot when he appeared on the One Show last month . Awkward: Presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones squirmed as Clarkson made his comments on the live programme . 'I didn’t for a moment intend these remarks to be taken seriously - as I believe is clear if they’re seen in context,' he said. 'If the BBC and I have caused any offence, I’m quite happy to apologise for it alongside them.' But in a later interview he appeared to be taking the matter less seriously, when he also apologised to sparrows, after saying he did not like them during The One Show. The BBC said the item 'wasn’t perfectly judged'. Earlier this year the BBC apologised about an item on BBC2’s Top Gear which led to the Mexican ambassador complaining about the 'outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults' made about Mexicans by Clarkson and co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond. The BBC’s editorial complaints unit upheld criticisms of the show and ruled that it reinforced stereotypes. In February 2009, Clarkson famously called then-prime minister Gordon Brown a 'one-eyed Scottish idiot' and in November the previous year, the BBC received almost 2,000 complaints when he joked about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes. Clarkson made his comments on the day thousands of public sector workers walked out over their pensions .
BBC received 21,000 complaints over presenter's claim that those on strike should be shot .
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<s>[INST] By . Charles Walford . Last updated at 8:36 AM on 20th December 2011 . Jeremy Clarkson's comments last night have got the presenter in hot water again . Jeremy Clarkson is being investigated over his comments about striking public sector workers. The Top Gear presenter was forced to apologise after saying all striking workers 'should be shot'. TV watchdog Ofcom has now launched an investigation after the comments - made during The One Show on November 30 - led to more than 21,000 complaints to the BBC and almost 800 to Ofcom itself. The watchdog is looking at whether he breached broadcasting rules on 'generally accepted standards'. 'Ofcom has taken the decision to investigate comments made by Jeremy Clarkson on BBC1’s The One Show,' it said. 'We will make the outcome of the investigation known in due course.' The . TV regulator is also investigating other comments Clarkson made on The . One Show describing people who kill themselves at railway stations as . causing 'immense' disruption to commuters. The . remarks about strikers led to condemnation by union leaders and . politicians. Prime Minister David Cameron branded Clarkson’s comments as . 'silly'. His gaffe came as he appeared on the BBC1 show on the evening of Britain’s biggest public sector strikes for 30 years. Speaking . about the strikers, he said: 'I’d have them all shot. I would take them . outside and execute them in front of their families. 'I mean, how dare they go on strike . when they’ve got these gilt-edged pensions that are going to be . guaranteed while the rest of us have to work for a living?' Clarkson later said in a statement that his comments were not meant to have been taken seriously. Controversial: Clarkson said he wanted to see strikers shot when he appeared on the One Show last month . Awkward: Presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones squirmed as Clarkson made his comments on the live programme . 'I didn’t for a moment intend these remarks to be taken seriously - as I believe is clear if they’re seen in context,' he said. 'If the BBC and I have caused any offence, I’m quite happy to apologise for it alongside them.' But in a later interview he appeared to be taking the matter less seriously, when he also apologised to sparrows, after saying he did not like them during The One Show. The BBC said the item 'wasn’t perfectly judged'. Earlier this year the BBC apologised about an item on BBC2’s Top Gear which led to the Mexican ambassador complaining about the 'outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults' made about Mexicans by Clarkson and co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond. The BBC’s editorial complaints unit upheld criticisms of the show and ruled that it reinforced stereotypes. In February 2009, Clarkson famously called then-prime minister Gordon Brown a 'one-eyed Scottish idiot' and in November the previous year, the BBC received almost 2,000 complaints when he joked about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes. Clarkson made his comments on the day thousands of public sector workers walked out over their pensions . [/INST] BBC received 21,000 complaints over presenter's claim that those on strike should be shot . </s>
Manchester United risk losing another top talent, having failed to open talks with Brazil Under-20 star Andreas Pereira. It is another test of their commitment to young players after the loss of French star Paul Pogba to Juventus. Midfielder Pereira, who was named on the bench by Louis van Gaal against QPR last weekend, is able to talk to other clubs from January 1 as the clock runs down on his deal which expires next summer. Andreas Pereira in action for Manchester United during their Capital One Cup defeat against MK Dons . Andreas Pereira runs away from Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan during an Under 21 game last season . Still only 18, he is one of the development players promoted by Van Gaal to be part of the first-team squad this season in the belief he has the ability to make it at Old Trafford. He was picked by Brazil for an Under-20s tournament in China last summer — a rare accolade for a European-based player. The stand-off over his future has echoes of Pogba, who became a symbol for the lack of long-term planning at Old Trafford in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years when he was allowed to leave for nothing after failing to agree a new deal. Embarrassingly, United later considered buying him back for £50million after he’d gone on to become the best young midfield player in Europe. Pereira could be involved against Leicester today having scored for United Under 21s against Sunderland in midweek. He was born in Belgium to Brazilian parents. Andreas Pereira and Adnan Januzaj celebrate winning the Barclays Under 21 Elite Group trophy in May . I joined United from PSV aged 16. He was recently taken aside by Van Gaal for a pep talk with the United boss rating him alongside Adnan Januzaj, Tyler Blackett, James Wilson and Jesse Lingard as United’s best home-grown players. Van Gaal said last night: ‘The class of ’92 were guardians of the culture of the club. It is very important that a club like Manchester United have guardians and therefore you need a very good youth education. ‘It is very important and I did it with Barcelona. I gave debuts to Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes. ‘I want to do that but the youth player has to take their chance.’ Van Gaal’s big decision today is if and how he can squeeze his ‘famous five’ — Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Falcao, Angel di Maria and Juan Mata — into the same team. Like our Manchester United Facebook page.
Manchester United could lose youngster Andreas Pereira . The Red Devils have yet to open talks over a new contract with Pereira . The midfielder is able to talk to other clubs from January 1 with his current deal set to expire next summer .
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<s>[INST] Manchester United risk losing another top talent, having failed to open talks with Brazil Under-20 star Andreas Pereira. It is another test of their commitment to young players after the loss of French star Paul Pogba to Juventus. Midfielder Pereira, who was named on the bench by Louis van Gaal against QPR last weekend, is able to talk to other clubs from January 1 as the clock runs down on his deal which expires next summer. Andreas Pereira in action for Manchester United during their Capital One Cup defeat against MK Dons . Andreas Pereira runs away from Liverpool's Cameron Brannagan during an Under 21 game last season . Still only 18, he is one of the development players promoted by Van Gaal to be part of the first-team squad this season in the belief he has the ability to make it at Old Trafford. He was picked by Brazil for an Under-20s tournament in China last summer — a rare accolade for a European-based player. The stand-off over his future has echoes of Pogba, who became a symbol for the lack of long-term planning at Old Trafford in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years when he was allowed to leave for nothing after failing to agree a new deal. Embarrassingly, United later considered buying him back for £50million after he’d gone on to become the best young midfield player in Europe. Pereira could be involved against Leicester today having scored for United Under 21s against Sunderland in midweek. He was born in Belgium to Brazilian parents. Andreas Pereira and Adnan Januzaj celebrate winning the Barclays Under 21 Elite Group trophy in May . I joined United from PSV aged 16. He was recently taken aside by Van Gaal for a pep talk with the United boss rating him alongside Adnan Januzaj, Tyler Blackett, James Wilson and Jesse Lingard as United’s best home-grown players. Van Gaal said last night: ‘The class of ’92 were guardians of the culture of the club. It is very important that a club like Manchester United have guardians and therefore you need a very good youth education. ‘It is very important and I did it with Barcelona. I gave debuts to Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes. ‘I want to do that but the youth player has to take their chance.’ Van Gaal’s big decision today is if and how he can squeeze his ‘famous five’ — Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Falcao, Angel di Maria and Juan Mata — into the same team. Like our Manchester United Facebook page. [/INST] Manchester United could lose youngster Andreas Pereira . The Red Devils have yet to open talks over a new contract with Pereira . The midfielder is able to talk to other clubs from January 1 with his current deal set to expire next summer . </s>
Asian military officials may be staging a mass cover-up over missing flight MH370, because they do not want to expose gaping holes within their countries' air defences, a leading aviation expert has suggested. The Malaysian Airlines jet went missing 1.30am on Sunday, March 9. But it wasn't until the following Tuesday that the Malaysian Air Force reported they had spotted the aircraft on radar over the Strait of Malacca at 2.15am. Now Thailand's military say they detected a plane at 1.28am, eight minutes after MH370's communications went down, heading towards the Strait but didn't share the information because they were not asked for it. Spotted: Thai military say they picked up an unidentified aircraft on radar bearing off the flight path, heading left over Malaysia and towards the Strait of Malacca . The revelation comes on a day when it emerged the captain of flight MH370 is a relative of Malaysia's jailed opposition leader. After previously denying he . recognised the pliot's name, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim admitted . that Malaysia Airlines MH370 Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah is related to . his son-in-law. Intensive background checks on everyone aboard . had turned up no-one else with a political or criminal motive to crash or . hijack the plane. It was also revealed girlfriend of the co-pilot is holed up in a hotel with his family awaiting news of the plane's fate. Fariq Abdul Hamid, 27, was planning to marry his girlfriend Captain Nadira Ramli, 26, a fellow pilot from another airline. Writing on his blog, Aviation expert David Learmount said: 'Maybe these states’ air defences, like Malaysia’s, are not what they are cracked up to be. 'And maybe they wouldn’t want the rest of the world to know that.' Mr Learmount, a former pilot and now operations and safety editor at the respected Flight Global publication, points out that MH370 might have flown over several Asian countries including Thailand, Burma, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Holding back: Aviation expert David Learmount suggested some countries may be withholding radar information . He said said they may be withholding vital radar data about Flight MH370 for fear it would expose gaping holes in their multibillion pound air defences. If it emerges that an unidentified aircraft had been able to fly over a territory undetected and unchallenged it would amount to an embarrassing security failure. Regarding the Malaysian sighting Mr Learmount wrote: 'Clearly they had let an unidentified aircraft pass through Malaysian sovereign territory without bothering to identify it; not something they were happy to admit. 'The Malaysian government has called upon all the countries to the north-west as far as Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea to check their primary radar records for unidentified contacts in their airspace in the seven hours after the 777 went missing. 'Depending on the actual track the aircraft followed, if it had headed approximately north-west this could include some–if not all–of the following countries: Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. 'If the aircraft had gone that way, surely military primary radar in one of those countries–or several–would have picked up the signal from this unidentified aircraft, and the vigilant radar operator would have scrambled a fighter to intercept the intruder? 'Wouldn’t s/he? Or maybe not. Maybe these states’ air defences, like Malaysia’s, are not what they are cracked up to be. And maybe they wouldn’t want the rest of the world to know that.' For the critical first three days the seach was focused on the South China Sea. So when the Malaysian military reported the sighting over the the Strait of Malacca, it became clear that was the wrong search area. The missing plane, considered history's worst aviation disaster, went missing on March 8 with 239 people on board . 'Terrain masking', as illustrated here, is a technique used by pilots to avoid radar detection . Hunt: An Australian pilot scans the surface of the sea during the search operation for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 to the west of Peninsula Malaysia . Today Malaysian authorities said they were ceding control to other countries in the hunt for the airliner as they announced the search area now consists of 14 huge sections covering an area the size of Australia. Witnesses in the Maldives reported seeing what they described as a 'low-flying jumbo jet' around 6.15am. Maldivian news website Haveeru said the residents on the remote Maldives island of Kuda Huvadhoo in Dhaal Atoll said they saw a white aircraft, with red stripes across it like the planes operated by Malaysia Airlines. It would mean that MH370 continued for a further 2,000 miles flying westwards. Air Vice Marshal Montol Suchookorn of the Royal Thai . Air Force said an unidentified aircraft was detected at 1.28am, eight . minutes after MH370'S transponder stopped communicating. He said the plane was following a twisting path, turning towards . Butterworth, a Malaysian city along the Strait of Malacca. The radar . signal was infrequent and did not include any data such as the flight . number. He said he didn't know exactly when Thai . radar last detected the plane. Malaysian officials have said Flight 370 . was last detected by their own military radar at 2:14 a.m. heading toward the strait. When asked why it took so long to release the information, Montol said, 'Because we did not pay any attention to it. 'The . Royal Thai Air Force only looks after any threats against our country, . so anything that did not look like a threat to us, we simply look at it . without taking actions.' Clueless? Malaysian acting Transport Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, centre, director general of the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, right, and Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainudin during a MH370 press conference near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday . A man stands in front of a board with messages of hope and support for the passengers of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 at the departure hall of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport . The final picture: The missing jet is pictured here in February this year above Polish airspace . He said the plane never entered Thai . airspace and that Malaysia's initial request for information in the . early days of the search was not specific. 'When . they asked again and there was new information and assumptions from . (Malaysian) Prime Minister Najib Razak, we took a look at our . information again,' Montol said. 'It didn't take long for us to figure out, although it did take some experts to find out about it.' Flight . 370 took off from Kuala Lumpur at 12:40 a.m. Malaysian time and its . transponder, which allows air traffic controllers to identify and track . the airplane, ceased communicating at 1:20 a.m. Montol . said that at 1:28 a.m., Thai military radar 'was able to detect a . signal, which was not a normal signal, of a plane flying in the . direction opposite from the MH370 plane,' back toward Kuala Lumpur. The search area for the plane initially focused on the South China Sea, where ships and planes spent a week searching. Pings that a satellite detected from . the plane hours after its communications went down have led authorities . to concentrate instead on two vast arcs — one into central Asia and the . other into the Indian Ocean — that together cover an expanse as big as . Australia. Thai officials said radar equipment in southern Thailand detected the plane. Malaysian officials have said the plane . might ultimately have passed through northern Thailand, but Thai Air . Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told reporters Tuesday that the country's . northern radar did not detect it. Search: Sailors from the U.S. destroyer USS Kidd prepare to launch a helicopter in the hunt for flight MH370 . Thailand's failure to quickly share . possible information regarding the fate of the plane, and the 239 people . aboard it, may not substantially change what Malaysian officials know, . but it raises questions about the degree to which some countries are . sharing their defense information, even in the name of an urgent and . mind-bending aviation mystery. With . only its own radar to go on, it took Malaysia a week to confirm that . Flight 370 had entered the strait, an important detail that led it to . change its search strategy. The U.S. Navy says that it will use long-range naval aircraft to look for the plane, and send its destroyer, the USS Kidd, back to normal duties. Australia is leading the search efforts in the southern Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, furious Chinese families today . threatened to go on hunger strike until the Malaysian government tells . them the truth about the fate of their relatives aboard the flight which . went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Ten . days after the airliner vanished an hour into its flight, hundreds of . family members are still waiting for information in a Beijing hotel. Around two thirds of the 239 passengers on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are Chinese. Families . vented their pain and anger on Chinese representatives sent by the . airline to meet them on Tuesday and demanded to see the Malaysian . ambassador. 'What we want is the truth. Don't let . them become victims of politics. No matter what political party you . are, no matter how much power you have, if there isn't life, what's the . point? Where is compassion?' asked one middle-aged woman angrily. 'You're . always going back and forth. I think your government knows in their . heart why we want you to answer us. Because you're always tricking us, . telling us lies,' added one man. China . has repeatedly called on the Malaysian side to do a better job at . looking after the relatives of the Chinese passengers, and to provide . them with updated information.
MH370 spotted at 1.28am, eight minutes after it stopped communicating . Turned towards Butterworth, a Malaysian city along the Strait of Malacca . Malaysia detected MH370 on their military radar at 2:14am heading to strait . Thai air force did not report contact because 'it did not look like a threat' It meant precious time was being wasted searching in the wrong area . Malaysian cedes control to other countries in ongoing search operation . Search area consists of 14 sections covering . an area the size of Australia . Witnesses in Maldives report seeing a 'low-flying jumbo jet' around 6.15am . They said plane was white with red stripes like a Malaysia Airlines jet . It emerged the captain is related to Malaysia's jailed opposition leader . Families of the Chinese passengers are threatening to go on hunger strike .
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<s>[INST] Asian military officials may be staging a mass cover-up over missing flight MH370, because they do not want to expose gaping holes within their countries' air defences, a leading aviation expert has suggested. The Malaysian Airlines jet went missing 1.30am on Sunday, March 9. But it wasn't until the following Tuesday that the Malaysian Air Force reported they had spotted the aircraft on radar over the Strait of Malacca at 2.15am. Now Thailand's military say they detected a plane at 1.28am, eight minutes after MH370's communications went down, heading towards the Strait but didn't share the information because they were not asked for it. Spotted: Thai military say they picked up an unidentified aircraft on radar bearing off the flight path, heading left over Malaysia and towards the Strait of Malacca . The revelation comes on a day when it emerged the captain of flight MH370 is a relative of Malaysia's jailed opposition leader. After previously denying he . recognised the pliot's name, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim admitted . that Malaysia Airlines MH370 Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah is related to . his son-in-law. Intensive background checks on everyone aboard . had turned up no-one else with a political or criminal motive to crash or . hijack the plane. It was also revealed girlfriend of the co-pilot is holed up in a hotel with his family awaiting news of the plane's fate. Fariq Abdul Hamid, 27, was planning to marry his girlfriend Captain Nadira Ramli, 26, a fellow pilot from another airline. Writing on his blog, Aviation expert David Learmount said: 'Maybe these states’ air defences, like Malaysia’s, are not what they are cracked up to be. 'And maybe they wouldn’t want the rest of the world to know that.' Mr Learmount, a former pilot and now operations and safety editor at the respected Flight Global publication, points out that MH370 might have flown over several Asian countries including Thailand, Burma, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Holding back: Aviation expert David Learmount suggested some countries may be withholding radar information . He said said they may be withholding vital radar data about Flight MH370 for fear it would expose gaping holes in their multibillion pound air defences. If it emerges that an unidentified aircraft had been able to fly over a territory undetected and unchallenged it would amount to an embarrassing security failure. Regarding the Malaysian sighting Mr Learmount wrote: 'Clearly they had let an unidentified aircraft pass through Malaysian sovereign territory without bothering to identify it; not something they were happy to admit. 'The Malaysian government has called upon all the countries to the north-west as far as Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea to check their primary radar records for unidentified contacts in their airspace in the seven hours after the 777 went missing. 'Depending on the actual track the aircraft followed, if it had headed approximately north-west this could include some–if not all–of the following countries: Thailand, Myanmar/Burma, China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. 'If the aircraft had gone that way, surely military primary radar in one of those countries–or several–would have picked up the signal from this unidentified aircraft, and the vigilant radar operator would have scrambled a fighter to intercept the intruder? 'Wouldn’t s/he? Or maybe not. Maybe these states’ air defences, like Malaysia’s, are not what they are cracked up to be. And maybe they wouldn’t want the rest of the world to know that.' For the critical first three days the seach was focused on the South China Sea. So when the Malaysian military reported the sighting over the the Strait of Malacca, it became clear that was the wrong search area. The missing plane, considered history's worst aviation disaster, went missing on March 8 with 239 people on board . 'Terrain masking', as illustrated here, is a technique used by pilots to avoid radar detection . Hunt: An Australian pilot scans the surface of the sea during the search operation for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 to the west of Peninsula Malaysia . Today Malaysian authorities said they were ceding control to other countries in the hunt for the airliner as they announced the search area now consists of 14 huge sections covering an area the size of Australia. Witnesses in the Maldives reported seeing what they described as a 'low-flying jumbo jet' around 6.15am. Maldivian news website Haveeru said the residents on the remote Maldives island of Kuda Huvadhoo in Dhaal Atoll said they saw a white aircraft, with red stripes across it like the planes operated by Malaysia Airlines. It would mean that MH370 continued for a further 2,000 miles flying westwards. Air Vice Marshal Montol Suchookorn of the Royal Thai . Air Force said an unidentified aircraft was detected at 1.28am, eight . minutes after MH370'S transponder stopped communicating. He said the plane was following a twisting path, turning towards . Butterworth, a Malaysian city along the Strait of Malacca. The radar . signal was infrequent and did not include any data such as the flight . number. He said he didn't know exactly when Thai . radar last detected the plane. Malaysian officials have said Flight 370 . was last detected by their own military radar at 2:14 a.m. heading toward the strait. When asked why it took so long to release the information, Montol said, 'Because we did not pay any attention to it. 'The . Royal Thai Air Force only looks after any threats against our country, . so anything that did not look like a threat to us, we simply look at it . without taking actions.' Clueless? Malaysian acting Transport Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, centre, director general of the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, right, and Malaysian Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainudin during a MH370 press conference near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday . A man stands in front of a board with messages of hope and support for the passengers of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 at the departure hall of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport . The final picture: The missing jet is pictured here in February this year above Polish airspace . He said the plane never entered Thai . airspace and that Malaysia's initial request for information in the . early days of the search was not specific. 'When . they asked again and there was new information and assumptions from . (Malaysian) Prime Minister Najib Razak, we took a look at our . information again,' Montol said. 'It didn't take long for us to figure out, although it did take some experts to find out about it.' Flight . 370 took off from Kuala Lumpur at 12:40 a.m. Malaysian time and its . transponder, which allows air traffic controllers to identify and track . the airplane, ceased communicating at 1:20 a.m. Montol . said that at 1:28 a.m., Thai military radar 'was able to detect a . signal, which was not a normal signal, of a plane flying in the . direction opposite from the MH370 plane,' back toward Kuala Lumpur. The search area for the plane initially focused on the South China Sea, where ships and planes spent a week searching. Pings that a satellite detected from . the plane hours after its communications went down have led authorities . to concentrate instead on two vast arcs — one into central Asia and the . other into the Indian Ocean — that together cover an expanse as big as . Australia. Thai officials said radar equipment in southern Thailand detected the plane. Malaysian officials have said the plane . might ultimately have passed through northern Thailand, but Thai Air . Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told reporters Tuesday that the country's . northern radar did not detect it. Search: Sailors from the U.S. destroyer USS Kidd prepare to launch a helicopter in the hunt for flight MH370 . Thailand's failure to quickly share . possible information regarding the fate of the plane, and the 239 people . aboard it, may not substantially change what Malaysian officials know, . but it raises questions about the degree to which some countries are . sharing their defense information, even in the name of an urgent and . mind-bending aviation mystery. With . only its own radar to go on, it took Malaysia a week to confirm that . Flight 370 had entered the strait, an important detail that led it to . change its search strategy. The U.S. Navy says that it will use long-range naval aircraft to look for the plane, and send its destroyer, the USS Kidd, back to normal duties. Australia is leading the search efforts in the southern Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, furious Chinese families today . threatened to go on hunger strike until the Malaysian government tells . them the truth about the fate of their relatives aboard the flight which . went missing en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Ten . days after the airliner vanished an hour into its flight, hundreds of . family members are still waiting for information in a Beijing hotel. Around two thirds of the 239 passengers on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 are Chinese. Families . vented their pain and anger on Chinese representatives sent by the . airline to meet them on Tuesday and demanded to see the Malaysian . ambassador. 'What we want is the truth. Don't let . them become victims of politics. No matter what political party you . are, no matter how much power you have, if there isn't life, what's the . point? Where is compassion?' asked one middle-aged woman angrily. 'You're . always going back and forth. I think your government knows in their . heart why we want you to answer us. Because you're always tricking us, . telling us lies,' added one man. China . has repeatedly called on the Malaysian side to do a better job at . looking after the relatives of the Chinese passengers, and to provide . them with updated information. [/INST] MH370 spotted at 1.28am, eight minutes after it stopped communicating . Turned towards Butterworth, a Malaysian city along the Strait of Malacca . Malaysia detected MH370 on their military radar at 2:14am heading to strait . Thai air force did not report contact because 'it did not look like a threat' It meant precious time was being wasted searching in the wrong area . Malaysian cedes control to other countries in ongoing search operation . Search area consists of 14 sections covering . an area the size of Australia . Witnesses in Maldives report seeing a 'low-flying jumbo jet' around 6.15am . They said plane was white with red stripes like a Malaysia Airlines jet . It emerged the captain is related to Malaysia's jailed opposition leader . Families of the Chinese passengers are threatening to go on hunger strike . </s>