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(CNN) -- Silverstone, the host of the British Grand Prix, has unveiled a multi-million dollar revamp of their pit lane and paddock facilities called "The Wing." The $43m development began after Silverstone secured a 17-year contract to stage the British Grand Prix back in 2009. Part of the agreement stipulated the circuit must be upgraded and five former British world champions, including current McLaren driver Jenson Button, were on hand to help launch the new building. It has three floors and a distinctive wing at one end. Designed by the architects who were behind the London 2012 Olympic Stadium it includes 41 garages, a new media center, hospitality suites, a conference center and a new VIP spectator area. Button was joined by former British champions John Surtees (1964), Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973), Nigel Mansell (1992) and Damon Hill, the 1996 title holder, and head of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) which runs Silverstone. He said: "The official opening of the Silverstone Wing represents the culmination of many years hard work and gives a clear statement of intent for the future. "Silverstone has a significant historical legacy, but we maintain our place at the forefront of contemporary international motor sport, hosting an array of world class events and activities. "This is in no small measure because British competitors have consistently led the way at the highest level of global motor sport for over eighty years. "The BRDC is extremely proud of this new building, but we acknowledge that none of it would have been possible without our superb and exceptional Silverstone team. "Silverstone is a cornerstone of our industry and the BRDC will continue to develop the circuit to ensure that Britain has a world class home for motor sport and related technology." Silverstone staged the British Grand Prix from 1948 onwards but was stripped of the race in favor of Donington Park in 2008. After concerns the new venue would not be ready in time Silverstone was handed a 17-year contract a little over 12 months later. Formula One rights holder Bernie Ecclestone, who insisted on the pit lane development when re-awarding Silverstone the British GP, called the opening of 'The Wing' an "important day for Formula One." He added: "The new pit and paddock complex is a state-of-the-art facility and will form the backbone of Silverstone's plans to be a world class facility of its type. "I am delighted with the progress and prospects for the future of Silverstone. It is a great shame that it could not have been completed 10 years ago, but well done Silverstone."

Silverstone unveils a revamped multi-million dollar pit lane and paddock complex . 'The Wing' cost $43m and includes 41 garages, a new media center and VIP suites . Former British champs including Jenson Button and Jackie Stewart were at the launch . Bernie Ecclestone insisted on the changes when Silverstone was awarded British GP .

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By . Luke Garratt . PUBLISHED: . 11:34 EST, 27 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:41 EST, 27 February 2014 . Donna Matthews arriving at Blackburn Magistrates Court. She was convicted of using threatening behavior after trying to punch her daughter in the face in a 'drink-fuelled' brawl . A police officer was punched, kicked and bitten by a mob of school children after he tried to stop a mother and daughter from fighting outside in pyjamas. Donna Matthews, 46, was spotted by the officer trying to punch her daughter in the face, before banging her face on a stone step outside her house in Blackburn, Lancashire. The officer tried to break up the alcohol-fuelled brawl, but was attacked by three children aged seven, ten and 13, who proceeded to bite, punch and kick him at the moment he was pulling the mother away from the daughter. Defending, Jonathan Taylor told Blackburn Magistrates Court that she has had an alcohol problem since she was 16. She began arguing with her daughter after the pair had been drinking. The police officer saw the two women, one wearing a white vest and pyjama bottoms and the other wearing a white onesie, fighting at the front of the house. Mr Taylor said: 'The officer was outside another address attending an unrelated incident when he saw a fight spill out of the house. 'He witnessed both women punching each other and Matthews tried to smash her daughter’s face into stone steps. 'Her daughter tried to gouge her eyes out and Matthews was in an extreme amount of pain. 'They were exchanging blows during the scuffle. 'As the officer tried to break up the fight, he was attacked by three children of primary school age - something he has not witnessed in 12 years as a police officer.' He calmed the situation but when he later said he was going to arrest their mother, the children attacked him again. Mr Taylor said Matthews’ daughter did not have any significant injuries and accepted she was equally to blame for the behaviour. The police officer (not pictured) said he had never experience anything like the attack in 12 years of police work . Matthews suffered a black eye and a cut to her nose and pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour. Sentencing, magistrate Austin Molloy said: 'You followed your daughter outside and it was a prolonged incident. 'There was harm caused to both participants and there were vulnerable children present. 'You have not taken full responsibility in this case.' She was given an 18-month supervision order and given 100 hours of unpaid work. Matthews must also pay £85 court costs and a £60 victim sucharge to be paid at £5 per week out of her income support benefit.

Mother and daughter were fighting in pyjamas outside home in Blackburn . Officer intervened when daughter was trying to 'gouge eyes out' Mother Donna Matthews smashed daughter's head against step . Argument was drink fuelled, mother has had problems with alcohol in past . When police officer intervened, he was set upon by mob of children . Policeman said it was 'something he's not witnessed in 12 years' as pc . Matthews was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work . Has to pay £85 court costs and £60 victim costs, to come out of her benefit .

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NEW YORK (CNN) -- Nearly 27 years ago, amid a crowd of people in Central Park, Ruth Bendik's wallet was stolen. The culprit is still at large, but the wallet has been found -- in the hollow trunk of a cherry tree. Nearly 27 years ago, amid a crowd of people in Central Park, Ruth Bendik's wallet was stolen. The wallet was snatched on October 24, 1982, while Bendik, now 69, was in Central Park watching the New York marathon. She went to greet runners at the end of the race and, "when I got out of the crush of people, I realized my purse was much lighter," Bendik told CNN. "I was just so grateful not to have been harmed." Last week, Josh Galiley, tree-care supervisor for the Central Park Conservancy, was chopping down a hazardous black cherry tree near Rumsey Playfield when he discovered her blue leather wallet in the trunk of the tree, which he estimates is around 65 years old and 50 feet high. "I started poking in the soft stuff and this wallet turned up. Having been that low in the tree ... the location indicated it had been there for quite some time," Galiley told CNN. The old wallet was a unique find, he said. "When you're cutting a tree and it's hollow, you expect stuff inside, shreds of material, old marbles, really just knickknacks compared to this," he said, "Nothing with a story. ... We peeked in and there were dates from the early '80s. We figured this was different." After the wallet was recovered, Galiley said, officials were careful to inform Bendik properly. "We thought she may not want to relive it," he said. Bendik sang praises for the individuals who returned her wallet, including detective Frank Irizarry, who helped track her down. "The lengths they went to find me, the extent that they went through and the fact that they were concerned about my feelings really impressed me," she said. The wallet still contained her old driver's license and credit cards, she said, although $20 was missing. "Twenty dollars was a lot of money then," she said. After two decades, much more has changed. Referring to two of her old bank cards from Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank and Banker's Trust, Bendik said, "I was shocked that both banks had closed." But some things haven't changed. Bendik continues to have fond memories of Central Park. The Ohio native, who has lived in New York for 40 years, still describes the park as one of her favorite areas in the city. "It's a public place in an impersonal city," she said, "It brings everyone together in a pleasant way of reconnecting with nature and beauty." Today, Bendik smiles at the idea of her wallet buried in a cherry tree in Central Park for nearly 30 years, and she's happy to have it in her hands again. "After all these years it's still available as a time capsule of my life."

Ruth Bendik's wallet was snatched in 1982 during the New York marathon . Worker found wallet while chopping down a black cherry tree in Central Park . Wallet still contained driver's license and credit cards, but $20 was missing .

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By . Deni Kirkova . PUBLISHED: . 06:04 EST, 10 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:01 EST, 11 January 2013 . A fast food lover who ate takeaways every night has gone from fat to fit after she embarked upon a healthy eating regime and took up regular exercise. Now she is so addicted to working out that she has become a competitive body builder. Lola Adeoye, from Grays, Essex, who weighed 15st, completely abandoned her former unhealthy lifestyle, transforming her body to become a muscular bodybuilder. And last year, after losing seven stone, 43-year-old Lola began regularly competing in bodybuilding competitions for the first time. After starting with spin classes, Lola became a dedicated gym bunny, concentrating on weight training and diet . Lola, 43, said: 'I can't believe how much my life has changed. I went from eating takeaways every night to attending spin classes six times a week. 'I feel so much healthier, and I absolutely love competing. 'It's strange because when you do the work you don't immediately see the change in your body. But then I won Most Improved in Miss Galaxy International - the UK's first ever beauty and fitness pageant - and it spurred me on.' After starting with spin classes, Lola became a dedicated gym bunny, concentrating on weight training and diet - she even has an impressive six pack as proof of her hard work. Lola was forced to take control of her weight after an appointment at her local hospital. Lola was forced to take control of her weight after an appointment at her local hospital . 'I'd been in and out of hospital with gallstones and found out that I was going to need surgery to remove them. 'I went to the doctor for a pre-surgery consultation when I was asked to jump on the scales. 'I hated weighing myself anyway, but when I saw that I weighed almost 15st I was humiliated. 'Then the the doctor looked up at me and said 'Never mind, we'll get you back to your fish and chips in no time.' 'It was so embarrassing but it was the motivation I need to sort myself out, I knew right then and there that things need to change!' Just four months after she began weights Lola's trainer suggested she enter a competition . Lola vowed to start using the gym membership that she'd had for years, and two weeks after her surgery she finally attended her first class.'I had originally signed up to a legs, bums and tums class, but when I turned up I was the only one there. 'The instructor thought it was pointless to do a class on my own so she took me along to a spin class that was going on at the same time. 'As soon as I got on the bike I loved it! The lively music and great energy in the room just had me hooked. 'The music definitely helps you forget the pain you're in too!' In the space of just five months Lola had lost four dress sizes, going down from a size 20 to a size 12. She was at the gym so much that she even began teaching classes there. But Lola found she struggled to shift any more weight on exercise alone, and began a strict regime of clean eating to lose even more. 'Clean eating is where you only eat complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, lean protein and about four litres of water every day. Proud Lola is now teaching her own classes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps . 'It really worked for me and I lost even more weight.' But unhappy with her now very slender frame, Lola began weight training to give more shape to her body. 'When I was a size six I was so scrawny and just didn't feel comfortable. I was too slim and scrawny and I couldn't find any clothes to fit me. 'I started weight training just to give me a few extra curves, but I ended up really enjoying it. 'It meant I could eat even more too. I still keep to the clean eating diet, but I eat about 3,000 calories which includes seven small meals and four protein shakes. 'When I look back on what I was like before and I don't know how I let myself get into such bad shape' 'Four months after I began weights my trainer suggested I should enter a competition. I love a challenge so I jumped at the chance. 'I entered my first competition but I was told I needed time to build up my myself - so I took a break and this year I was ready to compete regularly. 'I won my first title, Most Improved, at Miss Galaxy Universe in May this year. 'It was incredible to be rewarded for all my hard work! 'I was self-conscious about my muscles at first, I know some people might think it strange for a woman to be so muscular, but as soon as people started complimenting me on my hard work I wasn't bothered at all. 'I feel really proud of what I've managed to achieve.' Lola now hopes teaching her own classes will inspire others to follow in her footsteps. 'When I tell my students how big I was before they don't believe me. 'They can't recognise me in pictures and are shocked at how I lost so much. 'But I'm living proof that it can be done, and I get so proud when I see people who have used me as their inspiration. 'I look back on what my life was like before and I don't know how I let myself get into such bad shape. 'People used to shout at me from across the street, and I was just dismissed as a fat girl. 'Now I'm confident, happy and most importantly healthy. I'm planning on continuing my fit life, and I can't for the next competition!' Lola's vital statistics . AGE: 35 . HEIGHT: 5'3" WEIGHT: 207.2 lbs . BODY FAT: 49% . AGE: 43 . HEIGHT: 5'3" WEIGHT: 116.8 lbs . BODY FAT: 12%        Thanks to Bodybuilding.com .

Lola Adeoye, 43, from Grays, Essex, gave up junk food after a humiliating visit to the doctor saw her weigh in at 15st . Lola swapped sofa surfing for gym visits - now she trains six nights a week . Took up bodybuilding to add curves to her size 6 frame after weight loss left her feeling skinny .

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Fat people live longer than their skinny counterparts because their brains get more nourishment under stress, a German obesity expert has claimed. Achim Peters says that overweight people are more suited to the stresses of modern life because their metabolisms are better able deal with it. Professor Peters, of Luebeck University in northern Germany and author of the book 'Overweight Myths - Why Fat People Live Longer,' has been studying the . brain and weight related issues for three decades. He says it is a . myth that fat people die sooner than their thin counterparts. Fat people live longer because their brains get more nourishment under stress, a leading obesity expert has claimed . He said: 'People react to a stressful, uncertain circumstances in two different ways. Some eat and become fat. 'The others refuse food and become thin. The ones who become really ill are the thin ones. The fat ones are, in comparison with the thin ones, much healthier.' He added that being thin in itself not a problem, but those who lose weight when under stress are in danger. 'We have to worry much more about the thin stressed people than about the fat stressed people. Yet they are not regarded widely as having a problem precisely because they are thin. But in fact they die earliest.' Professor Peters told a German newspaper that he and his colleagues studied 'toxic stress' brought on by factors outside of an individual's control, such as poverty, bullying, abuse, divorce, low self-esteem and trouble in the workplace. People who don't eat when they're stressed are in danger, as their brain gets nutrients from the muscles and organs, rather than food . Individuals who pile on the pounds under such circumstance 'get the nutrients they need to feed their brains. 'When the brain doesn't get them from external sources, it gets them from within - from muscles and even worse, from the organs. Thin stressed people are the least healthy people.' He went on: 'So far, only the relationship between being overweight and mortality has been studied. The cause of the mortality is not in just being overweight, it lies in stress.' He said that 'social imbalances' that lead to stress cannot be fixed with diets - rather, it is the duty of government to worry about taking away the stresses of modern day life to get people to shed some weight. 'Society needs to change, not fat people,' he added. Asked if there is an ideal weight, he said; 'No. Modern research speaks only of weight diversity. Every human being has the survival strategy ideal for his or her life. 'The ostracism of fatties puts pressure on fat people psychologically.' Indeed, he said, there are studies that prove that fat people earn less, are fired faster and are more often bullied. He added that the idea that slimness equals beauty 'contributes greatly to the misfortunes of the overweight'. 'If you look carefully there were or are stressful circumstances for fat people who do not seem stressed. But these people have found a solution. 'They have become stress tolerant and in return, get a balanced mood. But they have to pay a price for this - eating.' There are anti-stress therapies which he said were effective in the longer term and could alter eating behaviour and lead to weight loss.

People who don't eat when stressed are in danger, warns Achim Peters . Thin people's brains take nutrients from their muscles and organs . This is riskier for their health than being fat, and affects life expectancy . But fat people don't have such risks as they are better nourished .

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It seems that life really does begin at 40, if the latest string of celebrity romances is anything to go by. Cameron Diaz, George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston are just a few of the A-listers who have found love after the landmark birthday. Famed singleton Cameron, 42, who is known in the showbiz world as the eternal female bachelor, made waves when she finally tied the knot with Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, 35, at their mansion in Beverly Hills. Scroll down for video . Cameron Diaz, 42, once known as the eternal female bachelor, tied the knot with tattooed rocker Benji Madden after only eight months together - and she's not the only A-lister finding love later on in life . Cameron has had her pick of men for the past two decades, dating everyone from Matt Dillon and Jared Leto to Justin Timberlake and baseball player Alex Rodriguez. The actress had always been adamant that she has no desire to settle down and marry, but after an eight-month whirlwind romance, the Annie actress tied the knot last week. 'We couldn't be happier to begin our new journey together surrounded by our closest family and friends,' the couple said in a statement to People magazine. Only last year, Cameron told the May issue of InStyle magazine that women should never feel under pressure to get married, saying: 'A lot of people chase after it because they've been told, "This equals happiness". They chase it, they get it.' The actress, here with new husband Benji, has always been adamant that she had no desire to settle down . Benji Madden, holistic expert Vicky Vlachonis, and actress Cameron Diaz together at a party . A year earlier, she told a magazine: 'It [marriage] just wasn't the thing I was drawn to. I certainly didn't want it in my 20s. Or my 30s. 'I don't need to have the children in my life be a part of my literal flesh. And anyway, there's still a possibility of that, I ain't that old.' Jennifer Aniston, the queen of the romcom that many feared might never find lasting love in real life, engaged Justin Theroux in 2012, when she was 43 . And she's not the only star following this mantra. Her good friend Jennifer Aniston, the queen of the rom-com who many feared might never find lasting love in real life, became to engaged Justin Theroux in 2012 aged 43. The actress starred in a steady stream of romantic comedy films since the end of the phenomenal TV hit Friends yet seemed unable to find lasting love after the end of her marriage to Brad Pitt. But she has been dating Theroux, an actor and screenwriter, for the last few years, and recently declared: 'Yes, I'm very happy. I'm extremely lucky, and I'm extremely happy.' Following her marriage split, Miss Aniston's high-profile romances made the headlines, most notably her time with womanising rock singer John Mayer, nine years her junior. She previously had a long-term relationship with actor Vince Vaughn, her co-star in The Break Up, before their split in 2006. She then dated British model Paul Sculfor for a few months in 2007, before moving on to her on-off romance with Mayer, 34. Theroux, who has never been married, was first linked with Miss Aniston in May 2011. Miss Aniston at the time confessed to being annoyed by the fact that she was seen to be unlucky in love, adding: 'It's very narrow-minded, I think. It doesn't measure the level or my happiness or success in my life and my achievements or any of that.' Just before meeting Theroux, she said she did plan to become a mother, and admitted: 'I think people honestly just want to see me as a mom and married and barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. And I just want to say, “Everybody, relax! It's going to happen”.' George Clooney, 53, also once known as one of Hollywood's most famous bachelors, shocked fans when he married Amal Alamuddin last summer. Just a year before, he said he hadn't met the love of his life yet, but last summer, it seemed the search was well and truly over. Jennifer, with Justin Theroux, recently said: ' I'm very happy. I'm extremely lucky, and I'm extremely happy' George Clooney, pictured with wife Amal at the Golden Globes on Monday night, finally remarried aged 53 . After a whirlwind romance with the British human rights lawyer, George walked down the aisle in front of friends and family in Venice. George's love life before Amal was packed, with one of his first famous relationships being with actress Kelly Preston in 1987. George then entered into his most serious romance (up until Amal) when he reunited with his ex-girlfriend, fellow actress Talia Balsam, who he had already dated for three years. In 1989 the pair drove to Vegas in a Winnebago to tie the knot at a wedding officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator, but after three years the couple divorced reportedly over arguments about money. Clooney admitted in a Vanity Fair interview: 'I probably – definitely – wasn't someone who should have been married at that point. I just don't feel like I gave Talia a fair shot.' He then went on to date Kimberly Russell, Vendela Kirsebom, Celine Balitran and Lisa Snowdon before finding love with Amal at the age of 53. After a whirlwind romance with Amal, George wed in front of friends and family in Venice last September . Simon Cowell has also seemingly found true love at 55, after welcoming a baby son with girlfriend Lauren Silverman last summer. And, although they've been in a relationship for well over a year - and welcomed their son Eric into the world in February - it appears the honeymoon phase is certainly not over. The couple were pictured looking loved up during their month-long stay in Barbados this week. Salma Hayek, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful actresses of her generation - but she didn't settle down until the age of 42, when she tied the knot with French billionaire, Francois-Henri Pinault. The glamorous star, now 48, recently opened up about ageing and dressing to impress her husband in an interview with InStyle. Simon Cowell found love at 55, after welcoming a baby son with girlfriend Lauren Silverman last summer . Lauren SIlverman and Simon Cowell have been in a relationship for well over a year and have a baby son Eric . The mother-of-one also said: 'When I turned 40, I started thinking, "This is the last year," whenever I’d wear a strapless dress,' she said. 'I always thought you can’t wear them after a certain age, but I’m still getting away with it. 'I’m not really a fashionista,' she said. 'I have an eye. I can pull it together, but a lot of the effort I make is for my husband, because I want him to be attracted to me.' Elle DeGeneres also proves that you can find true love later in life. She met Ally McBeal actress Portia de Rossi in 2004 at the age of 44. The wed in 2008 after the overturn of the same-sex marriage ban in California. The talk show host denied divorce rumours to a March 2014 issue of People magazine, revealing: 'I love her so much it kills me. The truth is, and this is corny, I fall more in love with Portia all the time. I really do. 'She surprises me all the time. It's what anyone experiences when you find that person that gets you, wants to take care of you, wants the best for you. We're really lucky because we know how rare it is.' Salma Hayek didn't find love until the age of 42, when she married French billionaire, Francois-Henri Pinault . Salma, pictured at her 2009 wedding, makes an effort as she still wants her husband to be attracted to her . Speaking about finding love later in life, celebrity life coach, Sloan Sheridan-Williams (sloansw.com), said: 'Finding love after 40 need not be daunting. The truth is the common factor in your relationships is you and therefore your life experience now puts you in a much better place to choose your perfect match resulting in long lasting love. 'By the time you reach 40, unlike young love you have understood the concept that your happiness is not the responsibility of another person. 'This results in better choices. By taking personal responsibility in life you can put in place the steps that will move you forward to attracting, not only the right partner, but one that complements you. 'Celebrities over 40 already have their career path planned, so their focus can now turn to relationships. 'There is a whole society of individuals that do not gain significance from relationships but from their career instead and as such attracting lasting love has not been their first priority. 'Your brain provides you that which you focus on with intense emotion and as such if that focus is not pointed towards your love life then it takes a back seat. 'The good news is that science is actually on your side. As we get older it is suggested that gender differences often displayed earlier in life mellow. This is because brain biochemistry is rebalancing the sex hormones that affect our behaviour. 'There is also research to suggest that passion increases with age, so a change of perception and a shift of focus towards bringing out your passionate side will allow you to nurture love once it comes along to an even stronger level than perhaps you would have had embarking on the same relationship earlier on in life. 'The key to finding love is to take action towards meeting people, to learn lessons from past experiences and to use your knowledge to give the best to your partner and to yourself.' Elle DeGeneres met has Portia de Rossi in 2004 when she was 44 and the pair wed in 2008 .

Famed bachelorette Cameron tied knot with rocker Benji Madden aged 42 . Simon Cowell, Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney found love later in life . Ellen DeGeneres met wife Portia de Rossi aged 44 .

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In the words of one punter, 'Australia needs to get a better national dish'. Organisers of the 2015 Asian Cup put together a collage of each competitor's national meal of choice as part of its promotional efforts this month. Many of them were exotic dishes, such as Oman's Shuwa, Korean Naengmyeon and Saudi Kabsa - but Australia's was a meat pie with a squeeze of tomato sauce, bemusing many punters. 'What an embarrassment next to all these dishes,' punter Ben Jones wrote. 'Least pick an actual dish, not something you heat out the freezer'. Powered by meat pies? Asian Cup organisers described the meat pie as Australia's national dish . Asian Cup organisers put together this chart of each participating country's national dish . 'Should have been medium rare chicken parma!' said another fan, Vince Pham, referring to a chicken parmagiana - a dish which features cheese and tomato cooked onto a chicken schnitzel. 'All of these delicious looking meals and then Australia gets a meat pie?' questioned Kahlee Anderson. Others embraced the decision as a celebration of Australiana. 'We like football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars,' said Mike Curran. AFC cup organisers even felt it needed to describe the composition of a meat pie, writing that it is a 'pie with a filling of meat and/or other savoury ingredients'. Japan: Star player Keisuke Honda's national dish was sushi . Saudi Arabia: Nasser Al-Shamrani's national dish was kabsa, a type of spiced chicken . Oman: Ali Al-Habsi's national dish was suwah, a lamb-based dish . Statistics, however, show the AFC may have done its research. Each Australian eats an average of 12 meat pies a year, according to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) . That means the nation consumes some 270 million pies each year. Just last week, the Cup was criticised for leaving the entire continent of Australia off its map of Asia (although, the map has not been changed since Australia joined the competition in 2001. The tournament begins in Melbourne on January 9.

Asian Cup describes meat pie with sauce as Australia's national food . Social media users mocked it, claiming 'Aussies need to get a better dish' It was a more basic choice compared to some of the other gourmet foods . Australian's were complaining the meat pie was an embarrassing choice .

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By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 10:05 EST, 1 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:05 EST, 1 July 2013 . An astronaut aboard the International Space Station has become the first person ever to control a robot on earth from space. Flight engineer Chris Cassidy remotely controlled the K10 rover based in California from space to simulate deploying a radio telescope. The mini mission was designed to test how well a crew member in space can remotely control a robot, whether it is on the surface of a moon, planet or asteroid. Cassidy took the rover, based at the Ames Research Centre in California, on a remote test drive before using it to deploy the simulated antenna. NASA's K10 rover, based at the Ames Research Centre in California, performs a surface survey controlled by an astronaut on the International Space Station . Aboard the space station, he used live video from the rover and virtual terrain displays to give him a view of the rover's activities on Earth. The technology demonstration aimed to explore how communication delays over vast . distances affect an astronaut’s ability to take supervisory control of . an automated rover if it gets into a difficult area. Terry Fong, director of the Intelligent Robotics Group at Ames said: 'We successfully conducted the first "surface telerobotics" test session with the International Space Station. 'Cassidy used K10 to perform a surface site survey and to begin deploying a simulated Kapton film-based radio antenna.' Astronaut Chris Cassidy controls the rover from the Surface Telerobotics Workspace aboard the International Space Station . Cassidy uses the surface telerobotics technology (pictured) to drive the rover on earth before performing the delicate operation of deploying the simulated antenna. The demonstration aims to explore how the communication delays over vast distances affect an astronaut's ability to operate a robot . Fong told Space.com that further test drives between the rover and the space station will take place in July and August. They will concentrate on completing and inspecting the antenna deployment as well as studying the interaction between the human and the robot. The test is the first simulation of a human-robot 'waypoint' mission, which involves an idea to deploy a telescope on the far side of the moon. The concept is proposed by experts at the University of Colorado and Lockheed Martin, which is building the multi-purpose Orion spacecraft for Nasa. The K10 rover carries out a surface study using its cameras and on-board laser system. Such a robot could be used to deploy a radio telescope on the far side of the moon in the future . The proposed mission to the Earth-moon L2 position, would see astronauts on board an Orion spacecraft remotely place a low radio frequency telescope on the far side of the moon, using robots. The aim of the mission is to track down the 'cosmic dawn' of the universe that followed within 100 million years of the Big Bang. The location has been chosen as it is a 'radio quiet place' in the inner solar system, which will allow sensitive observations to be made about the first stars and galaxies. Cassidy was one of the astronauts to make a rare, hastily planned space walk from the International Space Station in May this year. He helped to replace a pump outside the station to plug a serious coolant leak. Ammonia coolant was leaking from the power system on board the International Space Station.

Chris Cassidy remotely controlled the K10 rover based in California from space to simulate deploying a radio telescope . The experiment was designed to see how well a person can operate a robot from such a vast distance . Test could contribute to a proposed mission to place telescope on the moon .

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ROME, Italy (CNN) -- When Anna Elisa Fattori arrives at work the first thing she does is to take off her clothes. All of them. For Fattori is a professional nude model working at Rome's art academy. Anna Elisa Fattori: "You are trying to give inspiration to the students." "It is a tough job!" she tells me just before beginning to pose for a group of students, eager to paint her gracious figure. There is something striking about her bright green eyes and wavy red hair. "It doesn't seem to be hard, but you know, try it! Put yourself in front of the mirror and then stay for a long time in a pose. You start: 'Oh my back, oh something is strange here...'" she says, mimicking pain on her lower back. Fattori is one of about 300 people in Italy who do this job, but only about 50 of them have full-time contracts. She makes the equivalent of about $1,500 each month, but only works three months per year. And that is why she and others recently went on strike, demanding a full-time wage for work they say not everyone can do. "It is not easy because you are naked, so you have to be very comfortable with your body and have a nice relationship with everybody," she says as the students look on, "but not too open and not too close. You are trying to give inspiration to the students. If we lose these artistic roots that are very important to Italy then we lose a big part of our identity." Italian Renaissance art is filled with naked men and women: Think of Michelangelo's David or Botticelli's Venus. But back then artists mostly used prostitutes and lovers as models and muses, often with the complicity of priests who wanted the walls of their churches painted by famous names. "Priests allowed prostitutes to use churches," explains Enrico Bruschini, one of Rome's best known art historians. "Officially it was to convert them, but the practical reason was to have the artist at the church." Bruschini says that the Saint Augustine church, a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, was a famous gathering point in Rome for Renaissance artists looking for "inspiration." Back then though professional modeling did not exist, and most would agree that the art didn't really suffer from its absence. So if Botticelli and Raphael could do without professional models, what is the big deal now? "It all started with the rise of art schools in the 19th and 20th centuries" says Fattori. "During the Renaissance you just thought that a prostitute can be a model or even a lover. But now we are here, so we need to move ahead." Art students hoping to become the next Michelangelo agree. "I think a person should have talent," argues Anastasia Kurakina, a first year student from Russia. "Because you, for example, you couldn't [model]... I don't know you, but Anna Elisa has talent." Anastasia is right, I certainly couldn't do it -- but unbeknownst to me she used me as a model while I was interviewing Fattori. Thankfully I was fully dressed, so all she drew was my head. And she didn't to a bad job at that. E-mail to a friend .

Italy's art models have gone on strike, demanding they get a full-time wage . Around 300 people do the job, but only about 50 of them are full-time . During the Italian Renaissance artists mostly used prostitutes and lovers as models . Priests let prostitutes use churches so it was possible to attract, employ name artists .

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(CNN) -- Hotel guests across the continent are not happy. At least that's the conclusion from a survey released Wednesday by J.D. Power and Associates. Right down the line, the 2012 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study ticks off a laundry list of items that are dragging the industry to its lowest satisfaction level since 2006: check-in/check-out, food and beverage, hotel services and facilities. One item in particular -- Internet costs and fees -- is pressing some guests' buttons, churning up "resentment, frustration and anger," says Stuart Greif, a J.D. Power vice president. "At the luxury level, where they're paying for a lot more, there's a feeling you should be giving more freebies, like Internet Wi-Fi, which many lower priced hotels offer for free." The anger is rooted in this cultural shift: We're at a tipping point where hotel guests value Internet access as they would a bed and hot water, says Greif. "You can't live without it." 10 budget all-inclusive resorts . To hammer the point home, let's state the obvious: Hotels are not going to be charging a fee to have a bed included in your room. "It matters to me," says Neil Glick, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate agent who says he always looks for hotel Wi-Fi, especially when vacationing overseas. It's not as important in the States, he says, because he can surf on his phone. But, "internationally it gets real expensive real fast to use 3G." For the data heads, here are the stats: J.D. Power gathered information from thousands of consumers about their overall satisfaction about hotel costs and fees. The rating plunged 76 points this year: 16 points lower than last year's survey. Power blames it on hotel Internet charges. Fifty-five percent of hotel guests use the Internet during their hotel stay, the study says, up from 20% in 2006. Of those, 87% connect by Wi-Fi. Eleven percent of guests who use the Internet said they paid an additional fee to connect. Rules and rates for luxury hotel Internet access are far from universal. Some luxury hotels offer Internet access for members of loyalty programs, like Ritz-Carlton's Club Level, although some Ritz-Carltons provide free Internet access in hotel lobbies. Wiring a hotel for Wi-Fi can be pricier than one might expect. A line capable of delivering 100 megabits of data per second can cost in the range of $3,000 to $4,000 per month, says Don O'Neal, a veteran hotel consultant for Internet infrastructure. He says an upscale New York hotel he's familiar with has two 20 megabit connections with a monthly cost between $700 to $800 each. "It is expensive," says Joe McInerney of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. "And somebody has to pay for it." He says high-end hotels aren't able to add another $15 or $20 to their room rates, which is why they charge the fees. "If you're not going to use it, then why should you pay for it?" Competition at budget and moderately priced hotels is more intense because consumers often make their hotel choices based solely on price. They expect rates with amenities rolled in. Wi-Fi is like breakfast. At a luxury hotel, breakfast will cost you. Budget hotels are likely to throw in coffee and a bagel. Confessions of a hotel mystery shopper . What really gets guests' goat, according to the survey, is when hotels charge for Internet via so-called "resort fees." Nickel and diming fuels resentment, Greif says, because guests feel like they're being charged extra for something they give away down the street at the neighborhood coffee shop. Industry experts see increased use of a tiered system of Web access, perhaps offering basic Internet free and then charging for higher data access for things like watching video or playing online games. Not only do hotel guests want more bandwidth, they also want to use more devices in their rooms -- cell phones, laptops and tablets. Many hotels seem to be behind the tech curve. "It's part of the whole catch-up," says Greif. "Hotels are still trying to run on the lower cost structure from the economic downturn." Consumer demands are bouncing back with the economy, he says, but hotels aren't catching up quickly enough. "Internet access is a big part of that." The cost and fees data is part of a larger survey of more than 61,000 hotel guests from the United States and Canada. Overall, the survey has a 1,000-point scale. This year's overall score is 757, which is down seven points from last year, measured across seven types of hotels, from economy/budget to extended stay to luxury. The Ritz-Carlton topped the survey in the luxury category with 864 points. In the economy/budget bracket, Jameson Inn received 751. Other top hotels in their categories included Omni Hotels & Resorts, Homewood Suites, Drury Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn. Customer satisfaction with guest rooms in the survey has dropped within a point of its lowest level in the past seven years. A new part of the annual survey examines opinions of hotel staff. Fifty-six percent of respondents said they had a high opinion of hotel staff, 34% said average and 10% said their opinion was low. Experts suggested that hotels were slow to respond to rising consumer expectations as the nation's economy improves. Do you pay for Wi-Fi at hotels? Is paying an Internet fee a deal breaker?

Study suggests luxury hotel guests angry about paying for Wi-Fi . Hotel industry: It's expensive and somebody has to pay for it . Satisfaction survey: Hotels playing "catch-up" after economic slump . Check-in/check-out, food/beverage, services/facilities at 6-year low .

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It will take about 11 trillion gallons of water (42 cubic kilometers) -- around 1.5 times the maximum volume of the largest U.S. reservoir -- to recover from California's continuing drought, according to a new analysis by Nasa. The space agency used satellite data to create an estimate of the water needed to end a drought for the first time. They say it will help planners, who recently found California's three year drought is the worst seen for over 1200 years. Scroll down for video . The dry bed of the Stevens Creek Reservoir in California: A combination of record high temperatures and sparse rainfall during California's three-year drought have produced the worst conditions in 1,200 years. NASA GRACE satellite data reveal the severity of California's drought on water resources across the state. This map shows the trend in water storage between September 2011 and September 2014. Image Credit: NASA JPL . The finding was presented by Nasa scientists at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco. 'Spaceborne and airborne measurements of Earth's changing shape, surface height and gravity field now allow us to measure and analyse key features of droughts better than ever before, including determining precisely when they begin and end and what their magnitude is at any moment in time,' Jay Famiglietti of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena said. 'That's an incredible advance and something that would be impossible using only ground-based observations.' A team of scientists used data from Nasa's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites to develop the first-ever calculation of this kind - the volume of water required to end an episode of drought. Earlier this year, at the peak of California's current three-year drought, the team found that water storage in the state's Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins was 11 trillion gallons below normal seasonal levels. Data collected since the launch of GRACE in 2002 shows this deficit has increased steadily. Since 2011, the Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins decreased in volume by four trillion gallons of water each year (15 cubic kilometers). That's more water than California's 38 million residents use each year for domestic and municipal purposes. About two-thirds of the loss is due to depletion of groundwater beneath California's Central Valley. In related results, early 2014 data from NASA's Airborne Snow Observatory indicate that snowpack in California's Sierra Nevada range was only half of previous estimates. The observatory is providing the first-ever high-resolution observations of snow water volume in the Tuolumne River, Merced, Kings and Lakes basins of the Sierra Nevada and Uncompahgre watershed in the Upper Colorado River Basin. To develop these calculations, the observatory measures how much water is in the snowpack and how much sunlight the snow absorbs, which influences how fast the snow melts. These data enable accurate estimates of how much water will flow out of a basin when the snow melts, which helps guide decision about reservoir filling and water allocation. The low water level of California's Lake Kaweah, February 5, 2014. Now in its third straight year of unprecedented drought, California is experiencing its driest year on record, dating back 119 years and possible the worst in the past 500 years. 'The 2014 snowpack was one of the three lowest on record and the worst since 1977, when California's population was half what it is now,' said Airborne Snow Observatory principal investigator Tom Painter of JPL. 'Besides resulting in less snow water, the dramatic reduction in snow extent contributes to warming our climate by allowing the ground to absorb more sunlight. This reduces soil moisture, which makes it harder to get water from the snow into reservoirs once it does start snowing again.' New drought maps show groundwater levels across the U.S. Southwest are in the lowest two to 10 percent since 1949. A combination of . record high temperatures and sparse rainfall during California's . three-year drought have produced the worst conditions in 1,200 . years, according to a study accepted for publication by the . American Geophysical Union (AGU). 'The current California drought is exceptionally severe in . the context of at least the last millennium and is driven by . reduced though not unprecedented precipitation and record high . temperatures,' the report's authors said in the study released . late Thursday. The study by the University of Minnesota and the Woods Hole . Oceanographic Institution said that warm, dry conditions have . shrunk the supply of surface water from reservoirs, streams and . the Sierra Nevada snowpack in the state, even as demand from . people and farms has gone up, resulting in unprecedented . scarcity. Daniel Griffin, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Society at the University of Minnesota, and Kevin Anchukaitis, an assistant scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, asked the question, 'How unusual is the ongoing California drought?' and collected new tree-ring samples from blue oak trees in southern and central California. 'We were genuinely surprised at the result,' says Griffin, a NOAA Climate & Global Change Fellow and former WHOI postdoctoral scholar. 'One thing is clear, drought is going to continue to happen. This is the kind of thing we get to see in the future.' The maps, developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, combine GRACE data with other satellite observations. 'Integrating GRACE data with other satellite measurements provides a more holistic view of the impact of drought on water availability, including on groundwater resources, which are typically ignored in standard drought indices,' said Matt Rodell, chief of the Hydrological Sciences Laboratory at Goddard. The scientists cautioned that while the recent California storms have been helpful in replenishing water resources, they aren't nearly enough to end the multi-year drought. 'It takes years to get into a drought of this severity, and it will likely take many more big storms, and years, to crawl out of it,' said Famiglietti.

Current short-term drought  worse than any previous span of consecutive years of drought without reprieve . Amount of water is 1.5 times maximum volume of the largest U.S. reservoir . Experts say there is 'no doubt' we are entering a new era where humans have changed the climate system .

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The body of a large man has been found in the boot of a burnt-out car on a quiet road on the outskirts of Melbourne. Firefighters and police were called to a blaze on the secluded Bulla-Diggers Rest Road just after midnight on Friday when motorists passing the burning car alerted authorities. The body was so badly burnt that police have not yet been able to identify it. But Victoria Police Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey has told media he was a 'large man - we'd say he was 100kg plus.' 'We don't know what he has died of at this point in time, but he has been fully engulfed in fire so identity is an issue,' he told AAP. Firefighters made a 'grizzly' discovery of a body in the boot of this Peugeot after being called to the car fire outside of Melbourne early Friday morning . The body of the 'large' man was so badly burnt police are yet to identify him . 'We're hoping we can use dental records to assist us in identifying the deceased, also DNA,' he told Nine News. 'There may be an opportunity for a (finger) print on one hand, but it is going to be difficult.' 'It would have been an extremely confronting and grizzly find for the CFA (Country Fire Authority) members who pulled that boot up early this morning,' said Det Sen Sgt Bailey. Police believe the car, a late-model, possibly yellow Peugeot 407 wagon, was travelling in an easterly direction along Bulla-Diggers Rest Road and was rammed into a fence before it stopped at Holden Bridge. 'That road takes you down under the Holden bridge where you'd be out of view, and I think that is where they've tried to get to, but the car was too badly damaged as a result of hitting the bollards,' said Det Sen Sgt Bailey. 'He has been fully engulfed in fire so identity is an issue': The burnt-out Peugeot on Bulla-Diggers Rest Road . Passing motorists alerted authorities to the burning car on the 'secluded' Bulla-Diggers Rest Road, outside of Melbourne . Police removing the body from the boot of the burnt out car on Friday . The car had its number plates removed - suggesting it had been stolen - and its engine number had partially melted in the blaze. The car was so badly burnt police believe an accelerant was used to set it alight. Police are working with Peugeot and Vic Roads to determine the car's owner and are reviewing security camera footage from petrol stations on the nearby Calder Freeway for clues. An autopsy is underway to determine the age and identity of the man and Victoria police are appealing to the public for information about the car. Police believe the car was stolen as it had its number plates had been removed . It is believed the drivers rammed the car into a fence in an attempt to drive under a bridge and out of view .

Victorian firefighters have found badly burnt body in the boot of a car after being called to a blaze on Melbourne's outskirts early Friday morning . The male body was so badly burnt police have been unable to identify it . The car is believed to have been stolen and set alight with an accelerant .

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(CNN) -- The U.S. Army said Monday it "regrets" an incident in which a U.S. solider was shot after allegedly refusing to stop for South Korean police, leading to a car chase through Seoul late Saturday night. The 23-year-old private first class was shot in the shoulder after midnight on Saturday during the incident, according to Yonhap, a government-affiliated South Korean news agency. South Korean police claim the soldier tried to run over a police officer on a dead-end street, according to Yonhap. The officer fired a warning shot and three shots into the car, but the car sped away and was later found near the Yongsan Garrison, home of the 8th U.S. Army in South Korea, Yonhap said. The shooting victim -- whose name has not been released -- is in stable condition at the Brian Allgood Community Hospital in Seoul, according to the 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs office. U.S. forces received a subpoena Monday morning for the two other individuals involved in the incident, U.S. military officials told CNN. The pair met with South Korean police later in the day, officials said. The U.S. Criminal Investigation Command, who is responsible for investigating criminal incidents among U.S. forces anywhere in the world, are helping the Korean National Police with the investigation, the spokesperson said. The serviceman was tested but "initial results do not indicate the presence of alcohol," the army said. "Although the details of this incident are unclear, we take all incidents involving U.S. service members in the local community very seriously and will work closely with the Korean National Police as they continue their investigation," said Brig. Gen. Chris Gentry, Eighth Army deputy commanding general, in a news release. The incident began when police received calls American soldiers were threatening people with an air rifle near Itaewon subway station, local police told Yonhap. The soldier, a U.S. Army staff sergeant and his wife then fled in a vehicle, beginning a high-speed pursuit with local police. A police officer and two bystanders suffered minor injuries and four cars were damaged in the chase, Yonhap reported. "Eighth Army's relationship with the Korean community is very important and we regret this unfortunate incident," the 8th U.S. Army Public Affairs office said in a news release. "We are thankful for the continued support to our soldiers and families by our Korean hosts as we continue to enforce the highest standards of professionalism among our service members." There are about 28,500 U.S. soldiers in South Korea, a military ally of Washington. U.S. troops have been in the region since the Korean War, in which an armistice was signed in 1953 but a peace treaty never ratified. Tensions still flare on the Korean peninsula, as seen by the recent North Korean rocket launch and underground nuclear testing.

The U.S. Army said Monday it "regrets" an incident in which a U.S. solider was shot . Yonhap: Soldier allegedly refused to stop for South Korean police and shot in shoulder . The solider and two others were involved in a late Saturday car chase through the streets of Seoul .

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Australian textbook rental startup Zookal will begin utilizing drones to make its deliveries in Australia next year, with ambitions of bringing the unique, unmanned delivery method to U.S. customers by 2015. The company says this marks the first commercial use of fully automated drones worldwide. It will fulfill deliveries in Sydney using six drones to start, dropping off textbook purchases at an outdoor location of the customer's choosing. To wipe away any potential privacy or surveillance fears, the drones aren't equipped with cameras. Instead, built-in anti-collision technology keeps them clear of trees, buildings, birds, and other potential obstacles. Both the location of the user and the drone's GPS coordinates are transmitted via a smartphone app, and Zookal claims deliveries can be completed in as little as two to three minutes once a drone takes flight. You can track the drone's progress from the app (which will only be available on Android at launch) and head outside once it's getting close. The drone never fully lowers itself to ground level, but rather hovers overhead and lowers its textbook delivery with the tap of a button on your smartphone. Watch: Flirtey Zookal flies . "As one of the few countries in the world to allow commercial drone activities, Australia is uniquely placed to create a new drone industry and shape the development of regulations in this space," said Zookal CEO Ahmed Haider. Flirtey, the company that's providing the drones for Zookal's ambitious plan, is in the process of seeking regulatory approval with Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). A test flight is slated for November, and if all goes according to plan, proper commercial deliveries will begin in March. The FAA will need first need to outline a clear policy for commercial drone usage before such a system can make its way to the US, something it hopes to do in 2015.

Textbook supplier Zookal will start to use unmanned drones in Australia next year . Smartphone users in Sydney can order books to be delivered directly to them . Plans to make service available in U.S.

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By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 05:53 EST, 4 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:25 EST, 4 March 2013 . She is one of the world's most beautiful and recognisable women, so painting an accurate portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge will never be easy. But one woman has been praised for her 'warm' portrait of Kate - weeks after the official one was slammed by critics. Artist Norren Denzil, 47, was inspired to paint her own picture of the former Kate Middleton after the official portrait by Paul Emsley was branded 'rotten' and 'unflattering'. Praised: Norren Denzil has been praised for her 'warm' portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge - after the official one was slammed by critics . She spent three weeks perfecting her portrait of the princess, showing her looking relaxed and beaming warmly. And now Norren has grand plans to show her hard work to the Duchess. 'The official portrait is technically brilliant but I don't think it captures the true natural beauty and personality of the Duchess,' said Noreen, who lives in Moulton, near Newmarket, Suffolk. Inspiration: Norren was inspired to paint her own picture of Kate after the official portrait by Paul Emsley was branded 'rotten' and 'unflattering' and she is very proud of the result . 'She has a great deal of warmth, which is why she is so popular and I wanted to show that in a portrait of my own. 'I'm pleased with the result and I've had a lot of good feedback, saying that my picture makes her look much more human.' Perfection: She spent three weeks perfecting her portrait of the princess and critics have claimed it shows Kate looking relaxed and 'warm' Noreen, whose past pictures have been snapped up by the chief executive of advertising agency Saatchi, used a series of photos of Kate as inspiration for her portrait. In the final portrait she is shown dressed in a red suit which she wore on the Royal trip to Calgary in Canada. Lady in red: Kate is shown dressed in a red suit which she wore on the Royal trip to Calgary in Canada . Noreen now hopes to sell the portrait for £2,000, with the proceeds going to a charity of the Duchess's choosing. She said: 'I am going to contact Clarence House as I would like the Duchess to see the portrait and choose a charity for the money to be donated to.' In the past Noreen has also painted Princess Diana, Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Daniel Craig, Bob Marley, Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix. Warmth: Norren believes that Kate has a great deal of warmth, which is what she wanted to show that in her portrait . When the first official portrait of . the Duchess of Cambridge was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in January it was greeted with a global eyebrow-raise you could . practically hear. Though . Kate herself, 31, said Paul Emsley's likeness of her was 'amazing' and . 'brilliant', and her husband Prince William told the artist it was . 'absolutely beautiful', critics dismissed it as unflattering, ageing and . even 'rotten'. Emsley even bit back at his critics, saying the aftermath of its unveiling . felt like a 'witch hunt', but that there is still 'nothing I would have . changed' about his painting. Critical: Paul Emsley's official portrait was met by much criticism, although both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were impressed . Speaking to Hello! magazine, he said: . 'Some of the words written about it were so personal. I'd be inhuman if . I said it didn't affect me. When you take on commissions like this it . is hazardous and you expect a bit of flak, but I expected nothing like . the criticism I have received. I didn't expect it to go to the levels it . did. 'It felt like a bit . of a witch hunt and people who have not even seen my portrait joined in . with what quickly became a circus. The worst thing is it was not only . destructive to me, but particularly upsetting for my two daughters and . my wife.' Emsley said that the praise of the . Duke and Duchess meant more to him 'than anything else said or written', . but that he would urge people to visit the National Portrait Gallery . since he feels 'half the problem is that the portrait doesn't photograph . well'. According to the . gallery, the number of people visiting since the painting went on . display on 11 January has risen from 24,000 over that weekend, up from . 17,000 the week before. The . Telegraph reported that postcards of the portrait are the . fastest-selling item in the history of the gallery's permanent . collection. Rotten: His portrait was described as 'rotten' and critics said that it aged the Duchess .

Norren Denzil, 47, was inspired to paint . her own picture of Kate after official portrait . by Paul Emsley was branded 'rotten' and 'unflattering' Hopes to sell for £2,000, with proceeds going to charity of Duchess's choosing . Denzil's earlier work has been purchased by chief executive of Saatchi .

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By . David Mccormack . PUBLISHED: . 09:14 EST, 26 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:24 EST, 26 July 2013 . Citizens in St. Louis might soon have to get used to drones flying in their skies after the local police chef applied to use the unmanned devices to help fight crime. Police chief Sam Dotson has written to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval and hopes to be using drones in the Missouri state capital within the next year. Dotson believes the unmanned devices are a cost effective way to aid his officers, especially with police chases and monitoring large open air events. Citizens in St. Louis might soon have to get used to drones in their skies after the local police chef applied to use the unmanned flying devices . A police chase earlier this week involving a helicopter cost the force $2.5 million, while a police drone would cost between $80,000 and $300,000, depending on features. ‘To help keep officers safe, to help keep the community safe,’ Dotson told KSDK, explaining his reason for requesting drones. ‘For monitoring public space, things like the upcoming Fair St. Louis, baseball games for terrorist, suspicious activity.’ But concerns have been voiced by the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri, which says there are too many unanswered questions without local laws in place to protect citizen's privacy. St. Louis Police Chef Sam Dotson says he wants to introduce drones as a money saving way to police chases and events in large open spaces . ‘This is a case where our technology has gotten far ahead of our laws and our ability to protect us from unwarranted government intrusion,’ ACLU executive director Jeffrey Mittman told KSDK. ‘What are we going to do with the information that we gather? Who will have access to it? How will we protect against improper access? How will we protect against hacking of the data?’ Dotson, who is expected to meet with ACLU officials on the matter, said the drones would be used in public spaces where there are already other types of surveillance cameras and so there is no expectation of privacy. Police chef Dotson claims drones can be a much more cost-effective way to police car chases compared to using helicopters .

Police chef Sam Dotson has applied to the FAA for approval to use drones over the city of St. Louis . He claims they are a cost effective alternative to helicopters when it comes to policing car chases and large events . The American Civil Liberties Union warns that the laws aren't currently in place to protect citizen's privacy .

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The star of the show did not appear -- and the film in question was not shown -- but Hillary Clinton's big-screen moment was all the talk Tuesday at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is tackling a First Amendment case involving a movie about Hillary Clinton. The justices heard arguments in a free-speech case over a 2008 documentary, shown in theaters, that was sharply critical of the onetime presidential candidate and current secretary of state. At issue was whether the 90-minute "Hillary: The Movie" and television ads to promote it should have been subject to strict campaign finance laws on political advocacy or should have been seen as a constitutionally protected form of commercial speech. The high court's decision will determine whether politically charged documentaries can be regulated by the government in the same way as traditional campaign commercials. A ruling is expect by late June. A conservative group behind the movie wanted to promote it during the heat of the presidential primary season last year, but a federal court had blocked any ads, as well as airings on cable TV video-on-demand. The film later aired in several theaters and was released on DVD, outlets that were not subject to federal regulation. The Supreme Court justices appeared divided on how to find balance between Congress' expressed desire to control the power of well-financed private groups to spread their political messages and concerns over the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. "This is targeted at a specific candidate for a specific office to be shown on a channel that says 'Election '08'," said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. "Now if that isn't an appeal to voters, I can't imagine what is." "There's a possibility," said Justice Antonin Scalia, "that the First Amendment interest is greater when what the government is trying to stifle is not just a speaker who wants to say something, but also a listener who wants to hear what the speaker has to say," noting that viewers would have paid to see the film on cable television. On its Web site, Citizens United promoted its film as featuring 40 interviews.as well as a "cast to end all casts." It promised, "If you want to hear about the Clinton scandals of the past and present, you have it here! 'Hillary: The Movie' is the first and last word in what the Clintons want America to forget!" The group, a Washington-based nonprofit corporation and advocacy organization, had balked at campaign finance rules that would have required them to disclose their financial backers and would have restricted when the film could air. The film was partially financed with corporate funds. A three-judge U.S. District Court panel last spring rejected the group's arguments that the documentary was more akin to news or information programs such as PBS' "Nova" or CBS' "60 Minutes." During Tuesday's oral arguments, the justices seemed uneasy about arguments from both sides. "This sounds to me like campaign advocacy," said Justice David Souter. But attorney Theodore Olson, representing Citizens United, said the law "smothered" free speech. He said groups like General Electric (which owns NBC News), National Public Radio and progressive financier George Soros (who often privately funds his political projects) could air such films in the name of informing the American people, but not his clients because of the film's perceived negative tone. "If it's all negative it can be prohibited, and it's a felony. Or if it's all favorable, you can go to jail. But if you did half and half, you couldn't" be convicted, said Olson, criticizing the law's "incomprehensible" regulations. Several on the court wondered whether a 90-minute message was different than a 30-second commercial. "It seems to me you can make the argument that 90 minutes is much more powerful in support or in opposition to a candidate," said Justice Anthony Kennedy. "We have no choice, really, but to say this is not issue advocacy, this is express advocacy saying don't vote for this person," which is subject to regulation," Souter said. "The difference between 90 minutes and one minute is a distinction that I just can't follow." The comprehensive 2002 McCain-Feingold law bans broadcast of "electioneering communication" by corporations, unions and advocacy groups if it would be aired close to election dates and would identify candidates by name or image. The law also requires an on-screen notice of the groups financing such ads, as well as public disclosure of all donors to the sponsoring organizations. Lawyers representing the Federal Election Commission urged the justices to subject the ads to the disclosure law, arguing that without it, voters would be "unable to know who's funding the ads." Justice Department attorney Malcolm Stewart called it "an easy case." Some on the bench were not sure, probing the limits of the definition of candidate advocacy. "So if Wal-Mart airs an advertisement that says we have candidate action figures for sale, come buy them, that counts as an electioneering communication," asked Chief Justice John Roberts. Justice Samuel Alito wondered about the differences between broadcast or cable TV, where the film could not be run, and the Internet or theaters where it could. When Stewart implied "additional media" could also be subject to future regulation, the newest justice replied, "That's pretty incredible. You think that if a book was published, a campaign biography that was the functional equivalent of express advocacy, that could be banned?" Most book publishers are corporations subject to campaign finance restrictions, he noted. Legal observers say Alito and Roberts' votes could be key to the case's outcome. At the time of the movie's premiere, Clinton was locked in a tough primary fight with then-Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president. Critics slammed her qualifications and character. People say, "Well, she's flipping, she's flopping. No, she's not flipping and flopping, she's lying," Bay Buchanan, a political commentator and regular analyst for CNN, said in the film. "We must never understate her chances of winning," warned Dick Morris, a former political adviser to President Clinton. "And we must never forget the fundamental danger that this woman poses to every value that we hold dear. You see, I know her." Ads for the movie were available on the Internet, which is not subject to federal regulation. "I've seen this movie," Justice Stephen Breyer wryly noted, "It's not a musical comedy." David Bossie, head of Citizens United and producer of the "Hillary" film, was also behind several conservative documentaries, including a rebuttal to Michael Moore's anti-Bush film "Fahrenheit 9/11." The case is Citizens United v. FEC (08-205).

Supreme Court takes up First Amendment case involving Hillary Clinton movie . Justices heard arguments over a 2008 documentary critical of then-candidate Clinton . Court determining if "Hillary: The Movie" should have faced campaign finance laws . The decision will determine whether political documentaries can be regulated .

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They've toured museums, hosted a trade conference and even watched a high tech toilet maker present his newest design, but King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are now on their way home to the Netherlands. Before they boarded the plane, however, the couple attended a farewell supper with their hosts: Japan's Emperor Akhito and Empress Michiko. Ever the style queen, Maxima pulled out all the stops for her final night on Japanese soil, turning out to meet the Japanese couple in a striking silver grey dress and a sparkling diamond brooch. Scroll down for video . Waving goodbye: The Dutch royal couple's three-day tour of Japan has now come to an end . Waving goodbye: The Dutch royals bid farewell to their Japanese counterparts as their tour comes to an end . Glamorous: Maxima was chic in a silver-grey ensemble as she said goodbye to the Japanese couple . Trade: The three-day tour was intended to boost trade relations between Japan and the Netherlands . Success: The Dutch and Japanese royal couples appeared to enjoy each other's company . The Dutch royal has won plaudits for her glamorous approach to all things fashion, and turned the Japanese visit into a sartorial tour-de-force courtesy of a wardrobe of well-chosen ensembles. Striking though Maxima's wardrobe is, the Dutch couple's visit was almost eclipsed by the unexpected appearance of Crown Princess Masako, who made her first public appearance for 11 years during a state dinner held in their honour. Masako, who was accompanied by her husband Crown Prince Naruhito for the event, had last appeared in public at a state dinner for the president of Mexico in 2003. Since then, the 50-year-old has lived largely as a recluse, after succumbing to a stress-related illness after giving birth to her daughter, Aiko, now 12. Surprise: Crown Princess Masako (left) made her first public appearance in 11 years during the tour . Stylish: Maxima has garnered plaudits for her glamorous - and slightly daring - sense of style . Final meeting: The Dutch royal couple have now boarded a plane bound for the Netherlands . Lovely: Queen Maxima was stylish in green for yesterday's investment development meeting . Japan boasts the oldest continual hereditary monarchy in the world, beginning with Emperor Jimmu who reigned from 660 BC. Since then, 125 emperors have come and gone, with the most recent, Hirohito, famous for being head of state during the Second World War. Unlike other members of the Japanese administration, he was not charged with war crimes and instead oversaw Japan's rebirth as a constitutional monarchy - a process continued by his son, Akhito. Maxima, who is the mother of three young children, has had no such problems and certainly appeared to enjoy the visit to Japan, which began on Wednesday. The three-day visit, which was designed to boost trade between Japan and the Netherlands, saw the royal couple take in a design museum, before taking part in an investment development meeting alongside Dutch officials. Unlike their Japanese counterparts, who have sat on the Chrysanthemum Throne since 1990 following the death of Emperor Hirohito, the Dutch royals are among the newest - and youngest - monarchs in the world. Willem-Alexander, 47, was one of the beneficiaries of a spate of abdications in 2013 which saw his mother Queen Beatrix step down along with King Albert II of Belgium and Pope Benedict XVI. Only Philippe and Mathilde of Belgium and Felipe and Letizia of Spain have been on the throne for a shorter period of time, with the latter two crowned in June following the abdication of Juan-Carlos. But while Letizia and Felipe's reign has so far gone smoothly, Maxima and her husband have had a rougher ride in recent months thanks in part to the MH17 tragedy, which left the Netherlands reeling. Nevertheless, since the crash, the popularity of the Argentina-born Dutch Queen has soared thanks to her tireless work on behalf of the MH17 families. She has also attended some of the repatriation ceremonies and was seen sobbing from her perch beside Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the first flight arrived back on Dutch soil. Interesting stuff: The couple also visited Tokyo University, where they were met by President Junichi Hamada . Big news: At the University, the Dutch royal couple took part in the 'Aging in Place' meeting . Fascinating stuff: The couple listened to a presentation from a high tech toilet maker during the visit . Engaging: Maxima sat next to Emperor Akhito during the welcome dinner at the Imperial Palace . Sumptuous: The Dutch royals were greeted by their Japanese counterparts ahead of the state dinner . Glittering: Maxima opted for an opulent gold gown which she wore with her royal sash and tiara . Warm: The two couples exchanged kisses as they were introduced to one another on day one . Stylish: Maxima pulled out all the stops for her meeting with Empress Michiko and opted for patriotic orange . More recently, the Dutch royals have found themselves cheered to the rafters during public appearances, most notably when they appeared on the balcony of the Noordeinde Palace in the Hague on Prinsjesdag [Prince's Day], along with the former Queen Beatrix, 76 . Maxima, 43, has also become a familiar sight at charity events around the Netherlands, with her most recent outing being at a symposium organised by women's rights activists in Amsterdam, which celebrated the 40th birthday of a Dutch law banning domestic violence. With her husband, she also enjoyed a successful trip to New York last month, where she was seen chatting with fellow queen Letizia during a meeting of the UN General Assembly. The pair were reiunited for the second time in a month two weeks ago, when the Spanish royals paid their Dutch counterparts a friendly visit in The Hague. Entertaining: The couple visited a design museum on the first day of their trip to Japan . Beautiful: After the visit to the museum, the couple enjoyed a quiet walk around its pretty garden . Quiet: Maxima, who was clutching a bouquet, and Willem-Alexander made their exit across a bridge .

Maxima, 43, was stylish in silver on the final night of the Dutch tour of Japan . She and Willem-Alexander, 47, have spent three days in the country . The couple met a high tech toilet maker and visited a design museum . They bid farewell to Japan's Emperor Akhito, 80, and Empress Michiko, 80 . Japanese royal couple have been on the Chrysanthemum Throne since 1990 . Akhito is the son of Emperor Hirohito, who died on the 7th January 1989 . Reclusive Crown Princess Masako also made a rare appearance during tour .

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By . Sophie Borland . PUBLISHED: . 16:00 EST, 28 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 20:55 EST, 28 September 2012 . Out-of-hours GPs are being left to care on their own for up to half a million patients. Cost-cutting NHS chiefs are routinely assigning just one family doctor to districts that stretch over hundreds of square miles. A third of primary care trusts, which manage GP services, have slashed night and weekend spending over the past 12 months. On call: A third of primary care trusts, which manage GP services, have cut night and weekend spending (file) In Cornwall, some nights have seen one GP looking after 535,000 patients. In Mid Essex just one doctor is in charge of 370,000 between 7pm and 8am. And after axing one of its two doctors, North East Essex has the same cover for the 325,000 patients on its books. Stuart Gray, a GP whose father was killed in 2008 by an incompetent locum doctor, said: ‘I am appalled but not surprised. ‘It would appear some trusts really don’t care about patient safety or put it high on their agenda. I fear many PCT managers are driven by their desire to balance the books. This is morally repugnant. ‘Patients are still put at unacceptable risk by apparently negligent practices.’ The standard of out-of-hours care has been under scrutiny since 2004 when a new contract enabled GPs to opt out of evening and weekend duties. Now only one in four works out of hours. 'Appalled but not surprised': Stuart Gray, a GP whose father was killed by an incompetent locum doctor . Many trusts have since outsourced the cover to private firms who hire locum – or temporary – doctors to fill the shifts. Trusts have been found to be employing doctors from overseas without checking they have the necessary skills or can even speak English. 'I fear many PCT managers are driven by their desire to balance the books. This is morally repugnant' Stuart Gray, GP whose father was killed by incompetent locum doctor . In 2008, Dr Gray’s pensioner father David, from Cambridgeshire, died after a German doctor, Daniel Ubani, gave him ten times the recommended dose of a painkiller. It later emerged Ubani had been hired by Take Care Now, a private firm which had not carried out any checks on him. Using the Freedom of Information Act, the Mail asked every PCT in England a series of questions about out-of-hours cover. Of the 90 that responded, 35 had slashed their out-of-hours budgets in the past year. The average cut was 10 per cent. Coverage: 11 trusts employed only one doctor at night to cover between 180,000 and 535,000 patients (file) And 11 trusts employed only one doctor at night to cover between 180,000 and 535,000 patients. Katherine Murphy, chief executive of The Patients Association, said: ‘These stark figures confirm what patients are telling us - it is incredibly difficult to get access to a GP out of hours either to talk by phone or to arrange a home visit.’ A spokesman from Serco, the private firm which runs out-of-hours cover in Cornwall, said there had been a ‘limited’ number of occasions in the past year when just one GP was on call. 'It is incredibly difficult to get access to a GP out of hours either to talk by phone or to arrange a home visit' Katherine Murphy, chief executive of The Patients Association . He said Serco now ensured there were at least two GPs on call at night to cover all of the county’s 1,316 square miles. In addition at least five nurses and paramedics are on duty in cars. Surgeries should provide a separate out-of-hours number and patients can also call NHS Direct. GPs now have to provide care between 8am and 6.30pm only. Usually locums are based at an out-of-hours clinic for the duration of the night and will only make a handful of home visits to more serious cases. A Department of Health spokesman said local NHS groups were obliged to ensure high quality care was in place and should take action over any failings.

A third of primary care trusts have slashed night and weekend spending . Just one GP left to look after 535,000 patients on some nights in Cornwall . One doctor in Mid Essex in charge of 370,000 patients from 7pm to 8am . Patients Association says it's 'incredibly difficult to get a GP out of hours'

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Editor's note: This story originally appeared on CNN.com on October 20. Barack Obama mentioned Ann Nixon Cooper on Tuesday in his presidential victory speech. Ann Nixon Cooper, 106 years old, lived during a time when blacks and women did not have the right to vote. ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Ann Nixon Cooper, 106 years old, has seen presidents come and go in her lifetime and has outlived most of them. On a sunny fall morning, she left her weathered but well-kept Tudor home in Atlanta, Georgia, to vote early -- this time for Barack Obama. The African-American centenarian remembers a time not long ago when she was barred from voting because of her race. Now she hopes to see the day that Obama is elected as the nation's first black president. "I ain't got time to die," Cooper said with a smile. "Even if he didn't win, I was happy for him just to be nominated," said the former socialite. "The first black president -- isn't that something, at 106 years old?" Watch Obama say 'Yes we can' » . At the Fulton County government center, Cooper was greeted by Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. "I thought that I would accompany her today to support her, but also to say to all people that this is a choice we have," Franklin said. "As all Americans, we should cherish the right to vote and take every opportunity we have to vote our opinions. She is an inspiration to me personally, but she is also quite an inspiration to all Atlanta." Watch Cooper talk about her life and experiences » . Cooper, in a wheelchair and helped by two caretakers, bypassed the long lines of early voters and headed right to the voting machine. Her 106-year-old hands reached out to the 21st-century touch screen to cast her vote for Obama. Back at her home, surrounded by the elegance of a bygone era, Cooper clutched the photo albums laid out on her dining room table. The longtime socialite and community leader has called Atlanta home since the 1920s. See images of Cooper's day » . She and her late husband, prominent dentist Dr. Albert Cooper, raised four children in this house. "Our days and nights were just social affairs," she said. The home was a center of Atlanta's black society and the scene of many parties. Celebrities, including the late singer Nat King Cole, dropped in to visit. "It's been a house with a heap of living going on in it," said Cooper. She wears a charm bracelet that former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young gave her when she turned 99. "He adds a charm every year," said friend and caretaker Sally Warner. "Andy says he will have to apply for a loan soon to keep up with Mrs. Cooper." Cooper danced the electric slide up until the age of 103. She has recently slowed down after suffering several heart attacks and a fractured hip. On a typical day, Cooper spends hours watching television in her wood-paneled sitting room. "Her favorite show is 'The Price is Right,' although she is getting used to Drew Carey as the new host," said Warner. Other favorite shows include "Oprah" and "Dancing with the Stars." When the weather is nice, Cooper spends afternoons on her screened porch, watching traffic go by and reminiscing about old times. Occasionally she leaves the house for an outing. Cooper was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee, in 1902. She grew up in Nashville with uncles and an aunt who worked as a domestic for wealthy whites. She married Albert Cooper in Nashville in 1922, and the couple moved to Atlanta. Three of Cooper's four children have died; her surviving daughter is 83. She has 14 grandchildren living and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. When asked about the secret to her longevity, Cooper said, "I don't know how it happened, but being cheerful had a lot to do with it. I've always been a happy person, a giggling person -- a wide-mouthed person!" To young people, Cooper offers this advice: "Keep smiling. No matter what, you get out and vote. Vote your choice."

106-year-old votes for Barack Obama; "Isn't that something?" she asks . Ann Cooper remembers an era when women, blacks were not allowed to vote . Centenarian was socialite, community leader in Atlanta's black society . Cooper's advice to younger generation: Be cheerful, get out and vote .

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By . Katy Winter . A Naomi Campbell lookalike who was bullied at school for being 'too tall and nerdy' says she can't walk down the road without being pestered for autographs. Lystra Adams was constantly teased while at school in Montserrat for being taller than everyone else in her school and looking like a geek. The name calling and snide whispering was so vicious that the young Lystra used to suffer panic attacks before going to class. Lystra now works as a lookalike for the supermodel and is regularly stopped for autographs in the street . Naomi, pictured here working as a professional model, is often hired to attend events and treated like a star . Lystra, pictured age 16, was constantly teased while at school in Montserrat for being taller than everyone else in her school and looking like a geek . Now the 37-year-old stunner has conquered the bullies and has carved out a successful career in modelling and being the supermodel's lookalike. Striking Lystra said: 'I was constantly bullied at school - I was always tall and used to tower above most of the older boys, let alone girls my age, and I worse these thick glasses. 'This one girl - who thought she was a top dog - was always calling me names like 'freak' and 'nerd' and she used to lead everyone in whispering behind my back. 'It doesn't sound much, but when you're younger and just want to fit in the constant whispering and teasing caused me to have panic attacks every day before school. 'It was horrible and really knocked my confidence at the time but looking back it has made me a stronger person - all I think now is look at me now!' Astonishingly when Lystra arrived from Montserrat in 1997 - the height of the supermodel's catwalk fame - she had no idea who Naomi Campbell was. At school the name calling and snide whispering was so vicious that the young Lystra used to suffer panic attacks before going to class . Lystra says that being compared to the supermodel and being able to work as her lookalike has hugely boosted her confidence . The then 20-year-old, originally from Guyana, found herself in Halifax, Yorkshire - a far cry from the runways of Paris, Milan and New York - but was still stared at in the street. Lystra, who now lives in Staffordshire, joked: 'When all these people stared at me I thought there was something wrong with me! 'I had no clue until one day, about a year after I'd arrived, this woman came up to me and told me I looked like Naomi Campbell. 'I just said "Who?!" but when I looked it up I was flattered and started doing lookalike work. 'I signed up with the Model Bank modelling agency in Birmingham, and I have been in work ever since. 'She's been a bit less of a diva recently though - I need her to throw some more phones so the calls start coming back in!' For the last 15 years she has been turning up at functions and events in stretch limos and being 'papped' on the red carpet. She laughs when describing one event where she was surrounded by bodyguards, who took their role so seriously they even followed her into the toilet. Lystra says that despite mixed reactions from people, she loves looking like the model and feels she has now beaten her school bullies . As the supermodel - the first black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue in 1988 - has calmed down and shied away from the press, lookalike work has slowed for Lystra. However she is still stopped in the street wherever she goes - even if she is just out shopping with her partner and her daughter Jasmine, 13. Lystra said: 'Still there isn't a day goes by where I'm not told I look like her - if I had a pound for every time that happened I'd have as much money as her! 'Whenever we go on holiday I'm always stopped for autographs - it probably doesn't help that I'm wearing sunglasses which makes me look more of a diva! 'I had one woman stop me in the airport and ask for my autograph for her daughter as she was a big fan - even after I told her I wasn't Naomi. 'On the other hand, another woman shouted at me at the races the other day because she didn't believe I wasn't Naomi and said I was lying and being a bitch and a diva! 'Sometimes I just can't win, but I try not to complain - there are worse people to look like!'

Lystra grew up on Caribbean island of Montserrat . The devoted student was bullied for her height and being a 'geek' Her fortunes changed when she moved to UK . She began being compared to supermodel Naomi Campbell . Lystra did not even know who the model was when she first arrived . Now works full time as a lookalike and is regular stopped in the street . Says being compared to the supermodel has boosted her confidence .

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(CNN) -- Fifty-two superheroes are getting a makeover, and comic book fans can't stop talking about it -- even though they've seen this sort of thing before. DC Comics announced Tuesday on its blog, and in exclusive interviews with USA Today, that come September, not only will many of its titles get a more modern look under respected artist Jim Lee's direction, but they'll also get renumbered, starting issue counts back at No. 1. (DC Comics, like CNN, is owned by parent company Time Warner.) For readers emotionally invested in the stories of superheroes like Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, this kind of announcement can be threatening. Based on fans' Twitter reaction, it's obvious that anxiety, or at the very least skepticism, has set in. "I've seen their attempts to revamp before," said David Whitehead, a 39-year-old client performance strategist who has been collecting comic books for 20 years. "So, I guess I'm going in with some guarded skepticism," he said. He wonders what kind of stories DC has up its sleeve, and how interesting they could be. He hopes the iconic publisher can pull it off, he said. "I was the biggest Jim Lee fan in the '90s, and then after seeing what he did to the Wonder Woman costume, I'm a little hesitant to see what he's done with the rest of the Justice League and the rest of the DC Universe," Whitehead said. Fans also know that any kind of reboot is, in part, a business decision for the comic book publisher. "What they're shooting for is the opportunity for readers to jump on at an issue No. 1," said Kathleen Saracen, manager of Titan Games and Comics in Smyrna, Georgia. "New readers feel like, 'Oh, it's a No. 1, I could start reading it now,'" she said. Comic book sales often jump up with a No. 1 issue, she said, "but I think it gets tiresome, from a collector's point of view, to constantly have to renumber your collection." With comic books, she explained, many titles order story lines by volumes. At the beginning of a new volume, the issue number of a comic book may or may not roll back to No. 1. So for hard-core, superorganized collectors who have been following one comic book for a long time, she said, the chronological order of their copies isn't always so logical. And renumbering hasn't always been appreciated in the past. "One book that comes to mind is Wonder Woman," said Erika Peterman, a DC Comics fan and blogger for girls-gone-geek.com. The Wonder Woman comic book was relaunched by DC in 2006, and by last year the new volume had reached issue No. 44. After a fan write-in campaign, DC revised the issue numbers to reflect the original starting date of the title, resulting in the next issue being numbered 600. "Fans were like, 'Yes! (Wonder Woman) deserves that high number because she's been around since the 1940s, this puts her right up there with Superman and Batman,'" said Peterman. Despite all the apprehension, fans say they want DC to be successful in this latest endeavor. They know that more people reading comic books means they get to keep collecting. So even if DC's across-the-board revamp isn't engineered to please loyal fans, it's a move that they understand -- because it's designed to bring new readers into the fold. For the most part, said Peterman, comic book collectors are in their mid-30s, which may surprise outsiders who think comic books are juvenile. Younger people are not collecting comic books the way they were 20 years ago, she said. Whitehead points out that comic books aren't generally available at the corner store anymore, so the impulse buys he made at the drug store in his youth are less likely to happen. These days, comic books are sold almost exclusively in comic book stores. That's where the second part of DC's announcement comes in: With the renumbering, they'll be offering day-and-date digital. That means that the same day new issues of comic books are in stores, they'll be available for download as well. Whitehead said he thinks younger readers are more likely to read comics electronically. "We're having a party," said DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza. "We want as many people coming to that party as possible. If day-and-date digital is a way to get more people involved in comics and see what we're doing, I think that's great." "It seems to be the way the whole world is going," he said. In addition to the announcement Tuesday that the comic book "Justice League" would be starting again at issue No. 1 in September, DC officials told CNN the publisher would also be renumbering and modernizing such titles as Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, The Fury of Firestorm, The Savage Hawkman, Green Arrow, Justice League International, Mister Terrific, Captain Atom and DC Universe Presents. The characters brought to the fore with the reboot will be interacting in ways they never have before in the DC universe, said DC Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras. "For me, I wanted to get into the Cyborg character, who will be part of the Justice League," Berganza said. "He's always been one of my favorites from the Titans and now to see him step up, really take his place among the bigger pantheon of heroes is excellent. He's such a cool character." "We're doing a book called 'Savage Hawkman' and to see the excitement between the artist (Philip Tan) and the writer (Tony Daniel), taking a classic DC character, and to see what they're doing with it is so amazing," said Harras of the energy he sees in the pages of the rebooted title. "It's an epic that we're putting together, and we're incredibly excited about it," he said. Even so, fans still have unanswered questions about the upcoming reboot. As DC continues to announce its 52 superhero titles getting the treatment, fans can't help but wonder what will change. For example, after giving Wonder Woman pants, what will Lee do to modernize DC's other heavy hitters, Batman and Superman? DC wouldn't tell CNN. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

DC Comics will be renumbering 52 of its superhero titles in September . New comics will be available for download same day they appear in stores . Fans react with skepticism, hope .

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No matter how hard the likes of Apple, HTC and Samsung try to boost the quality of their handsets’ sound, they are still lacking. The CandyShell Amped case offers a solution by promising to double the volume on the iPhone 5 and 5S without the use of cables, batteries or speakers. Instead, the case’s interior is carved with a horn-shaped waveguide that directs sound from the speakers on bottom up to a grill on the side. Scroll down for video . The CandyShell Amped (pictured) is fitted with a horn-shaped waveguide that redirects music from the speakers at the bottom of the iPhone 5 and 5S up to the side. It also has 'military-grade' protection, and adds 0.28-inch (7mm) depth to the phone . A 17-year-old student recently created . a similar case that not only mounts an iPhone securely to the . handlebars of any bike, it doubles up a speaker. The . Allo case lets cyclists listen to music, make calls and use navigation . apps completely hands-free, and without obstructing their hearing with . earbuds. Allo is powered by . two AAA batteries and has an output of up to 90 decibels - the same . sound as a train horn, for example, and louder than city traffic. This means navigational instructions and voice calls will be audible above road noises. This horn-shape does make the Amped thicker than standard cases, but Speck claims it only adds 0.28-inch (7mm) depth. The case, from California-based Speck, may not be able to improve the quality of the music, but by doubling the output without increasing the volume on the device, it means the sound is less tinny. The case also doesn’t use any extra battery life. In addition to amplifying sounds, the CandyShell Amped includes a dual layer shell with a rubberised interior. This is designed to absorb impacts if the phone is dropped, and a raised bezel protects the screen. According . to Speck, the sound power has been tested to acoustic sound quality . standards, while the shell meets military protection standards. However, . all these features come at a price and the Amped costs £44.95 in the UK . and $44.95 in the U.S, plus a £4.95/$4.95 delivery charge. Alternatively, the case is available from John Lewis in black, blue and pink. However, all these features come at a price and the case costs £44.95 in the UK and $44.95 in the U.S, plus a £4.95/$4.95 delivery charge. It is available in black with a grey interior (pictured left and right), blue, and pink . A 17-year-old student recently created a similar case that not only mounts an iPhone securely to the handlebars of any bike, it doubles up a speaker. The Allo case lets cyclists listen to music, make calls and use navigation apps completely hands-free, and without obstructing their hearing with earbuds. Allo is powered by two AAA batteries and has an output of up to 90 decibels - the same sound as a train horn, for example, and louder than city traffic. This means navigational instructions and voice calls will be audible above road noises.

CandyShell Amped case claims to double volume on an iPhone 5 and 5S . It doesn’t use cables, batteries, Bluetooth or external speakers . Instead, the case’s interior is carved with a horn-shaped waveguide . This redirects sound from the speakers on the bottom up to a side grill .

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Montecito, California (CNN) -- Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is officially hitched. And she wants the whole world to know. Well, make that the world wide web. A headline on Kardashian's website announced "We are officially married" on Saturday. Her representative confirmed to CNN that a People magazine report on her wedding is accurate. The couple, which has guarded details surrounding their wedding, has offered exclusives to E! television channel and People. E! will air wedding footage as part of a planned four-hour, two-part special in October. People nabbed the exclusive rights to the wedding photographs for an unknown amount. People.com: Wedding bells for Kim Kardashian . Hours before her wedding to New Jersey Nets basketball player Kris Humphries, Kardashian gushed on her blog, saying "I can't believe it's finally here!" The pair dated for about six months prior to their engagement in May. They tied the knot on a private estate in Montecito, California. Kardashian, star of the E! network's "Keeping up with the Kardashians," is a staple in celebrity magazines and social media. She has more than 9 million followers on Twitter, among the highest celebrity number. Two of her sisters -- Khloe and Kourtney, both fellow reality television stars and partners in retail and other projects -- took to social media to echo the bride-to-be's excitement. "My sister's getting married today!!!" Khloe Kardashian tweeted, later linking to a web posting dedicated to "Kimmie." "Since we were little girls, you have been dreaming about your perfect, fairytale wedding, and today we all get to watch as those dreams become your perfect reality," Khloe Kardashian wrote. "Watching you, the ultimate believer in true love, fall head over heels for your prince charming has been so special for everyone who knows and loves you. You deserve everything wonderful in the world, and I have no doubt that you will get exactly that after you walk down the aisle tonight." Khloe Kardashian's nuptials with Los Angeles Lakers' star Lamar Odom aired as a special on E!, pulling in 3.2 million viewers. CNN's Kareen Wynter and Jack Hanna contributed to this report.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries got engaged in May . The reality couple have their wedding in Montecito, California . Kardashian is the star of the E! network's "Keeping up with the Kardashians"

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By . Simon Jones . PUBLISHED: . 08:23 EST, 11 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:28 EST, 11 June 2013 . Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has underlined his need to leave Anfield despite his love for the club and accused the media and the FA of driving him out. The Uruguay star is in South America preparing for the Confederations Cup and Liverpool have insisted he is not for sale. But Suarez, who is serving a 10-game domestic ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, has again railed against his treatment from the media. Ready to say goodbye: Luis Suarez says he is being driven out of Liverpool . 'Ever since I arrived I have felt bad, they have never judged me for my play but with the attitude that he dives, protests, makes gestures, racism... everything,' Suarez told television show RR Gol. 'They have never spoken well of me. For that reason, when I was told I could win the Player of the Year award, I said, "I will not get excited as I know that I will never win an important award in England".' Suarez also feels the FA are against him, comparing his ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra with that of John Terry, who was suspended for half the amount of games after a similar incident with Anton Ferdinand. Suarez suggested the fact he is South American counted against him. Never given a chance: Suarez says he has been portrayed in a negative way by the media . 'Without any proof they gave me an eight-match ban, but with Terry, where they had proof, lip-readers, they gave him four. I'm South American and I think that's the root of all of this,' he added. 'Liverpool is a club that I dreamt about playing for as a boy. I have been with great players there, they know me and I would love to continue for many more years at Liverpool. The stadium is spectacular, the fans are phenomenal: people with tattoos of me, things that I could never have imagined. 'After the [Evra] suspension people would come up to me, this is something that really touched me and they would say, "Luis forget everything and stay." 'But I can't forget as it was something that I had to suffer, that my family had to suffer and away from football I have a family to support and who are hurt by these things.' Biting point: Luis Suarez sinks his teeth into Branislav Ivanovic's arm . Unfair: Suarez says his ban for racism against Patrice Evra was too harsh . Asked again where he sees himself going, should he leave he said: 'My agent said to remain calm rather than quiet, remain calm and when there is concrete interest you'll be the first to know.' Suarez also recounted a recent incident during a shopping trip, which affected him and his family. 'About a week ago I was walking in a shopping centre near Manchester and three or four guys asked me for a photo,' he revealed. 'While we were posing for it my wife said to me, "Luis, get out of the photo". She noticed they were making biting gestures. I was with my wife and my daughter. Things like that get on your nerves. My wife was on the brink of tears and the blokes ran off laughing. You get tired of stuff like that.' Is this the end? Suarez says he loves Liverpool but has to leave . Suarez has already said he would be open to a move to Real Madrid and added: 'I'm not sure if I see myself in the white (of Real Madrid), the only thing I know is that I have a contract,' he said. 'Any player would like to play for a great team and Real Madrid certainly are that. 'Every player wants to reach the very top and Real Madrid are at the very top, but everything that has been said is just rumours, I have had nothing concrete. 'Obviously Real Madrid is a great team . and every player dreams about them; Real Madrid is Real Madrid and it's . as high as you can go as a player and they will always tempt you.' The good and the bad: Suarez scored plenty of goals and was a favourite among Liverpool fans - but he drew criticism for his diving (below) Suarez says he and compatriot Edinson Cavani don't speak about their respective futures, with the Napoli striker also the subject of transfer interest. 'We have never really spoken about whether this club or that is interested. Obviously we talk about football; he asks me about the Premier League and I ask him about Italy,' he said. 'But we have never talked or even even joked about one of us going to one club or another. 'I would prefer to have him as a team-mate than a rival because he is a great player. Hopefully he will go to one of the four you dream of because he has great power.'

Accuses the media of only focusing on the bad aspects of his game . Claims The FA did not treat him the same as John Terry in his race case . Says he'd like to play for Real Madrid but claims no contact has been made .

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The U.S. government agreed to a police request to restrict more than 37 square miles of airspace surrounding Ferguson, Missouri, for 12 days in August for safety, but audio recordings show that local authorities privately acknowledged the purpose was to keep away news helicopters during violent street protests. On Aug. 12, the morning after the Federal Aviation Administration imposed the first flight restriction, FAA air traffic managers struggled to redefine the flight ban to let commercial flights operate at nearby Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and police helicopters fly through the area - but ban others. 'They finally admitted it really was to keep the media out,' said one FAA manager about the St. Louis County Police in a series of recorded telephone conversations obtained by The Associated Press. 'But they were a little concerned of, obviously, anything else that could be going on.' Scroll down for video . Shut out: The audio recordings raise questions about whether police were trying to suppress aerial images of the Ferguson demonstrations and the police response by violating the constitutional rights of journalists . Victim: Protests erupted after Michael Brown, pictured, was shot in an altercation with Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson . At another point, a manager at the FAA's Kansas City center said police 'did not care if you ran commercial traffic through this TFR (temporary flight restriction) all day long. They didn't want media in there.' FAA procedures for defining a no-fly area did not have an option that would accommodate that. 'There is really ... no option for a TFR that says, you know, "OK, everybody but the media is OK,"' he said. The managers then worked out wording they felt would keep news helicopters out of the controlled zone but not impede other air traffic. The conversations contradict claims by the St. Louis County Police Department, which responded to demonstrations following the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown, that the restriction was solely for safety and had nothing to do with preventing media from witnessing the violence or the police response. Police said at the time, and again as recently as late Friday to the AP, that they requested the flight restriction in response to shots fired at a police helicopter. But police officials confirmed there was no damage to their helicopter and were unable to provide an incident report on the shooting. On the tapes, an FAA manager described the helicopter shooting as unconfirmed 'rumors.' The AP obtained the recordings under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. They raise serious questions about whether police were trying to suppress aerial images of the demonstrations and the police response by violating the constitutional rights of journalists with tacit assistance by federal officials. Officer: Charges have so far not been filed against Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown . Blocked: Audio recordings show that local authorities privately acknowledged the purpose of the no-fly zone was to keep away news helicopters during violent street protests . Such images would have offered an unvarnished view of one of the most serious episodes of civil violence in recent memory. 'Any evidence that a no-fly zone was put in place as a pretext to exclude the media from covering events in Ferguson is extraordinarily troubling and a blatant violation of the press's First Amendment rights,' said Lee Rowland, an American Civil Liberties Union staff attorney specializing in First Amendment issues. An FAA manager urged modifying the flight restriction so that planes landing at Lambert still could enter the airspace around Ferguson. The less-restrictive change practically served the authorities' intended goal, an FAA official said: 'A lot of the time the (lesser restriction) just keeps the press out, anyways. They don't understand the difference. The Kansas City FAA manager then asked a St. Louis County police official if the restrictions could be lessened so nearby commercial flights wouldn't be affected. The new order allows 'aircraft on final (approach) there at St. Louis. It will still keep news people out. ... The only way people will get in there is if they give them permission in there anyway so they, with the (lesser restriction), it still keeps all of them out.' 'Yeah,' replied the police official. 'I have no problem with that whatsoever.' KMOV-TV News Director Brian Thouvenot told the AP that his station was prepared at first to legally challenge the flight restrictions, but was later advised that its pilot could fly over the area as long as the helicopter stayed above 3,000 feet. That kept the helicopter and its mounted camera outside the restricted zone, although filming from such a distance, he said, was 'less than ideal.' None of the St. Louis stations was advised that media helicopters could enter the airspace even under the lesser restrictions, which under federal rules should not have applied to aircraft 'carrying properly accredited news representatives.' The FAA's no-fly notice indicated the area was closed to all aircraft except police and planes coming to and from the airport. Issues: Ferguson police were widely criticized for their response following the death of Brown, who was shot by Wilson on August 9 . Aerial images of what was happening in Ferguson would have offered an unvarnished view of one of the most serious episodes of civil violence in recent memory . 'Only relief aircraft operations under direction of St. Louis County Police Department are authorized in the airspace,' it said. 'Aircraft landing and departing St. Louis Lambert Airport are exempt.' The same day that notice was issued, a county police spokesman publicly denied the no-fly zone was to prevent news helicopters from covering the events. 'We understand that that's the perception that's out there, but it truly is for the safety of pilots,' Sgt. Brian Schellman told NBC News. Ferguson police were widely criticized for their response following the death of Brown, who was shot by a city police officer, Darren Wilson, on Aug. 9. Later, under county police command, several reporters were arrested, a TV news crew was tear gassed and some demonstrators were told they weren't allowed to film officers. In early October, a federal judge said the police violated demonstrators' and news crews' constitutional rights. A police captain wanted the no-fly zone extended when officials were set to identify Wilson by name as the officer who shot Brown and because Brown's funeral would 'bring out the emotions,' the recordings show . 'Here in the United States of America, police should not be bullying and arresting reporters who are just doing their jobs,' President Barack Obama said Aug. 14, two days after police confided to federal officials the flight ban was secretly intended to keep media helicopters out of the area. 'The local authorities, including police, have a responsibility to be transparent and open.' The restricted flight zone initially encompassed airspace in a 3.4-mile radius around Ferguson and up to 5,000 feet in altitude, but police agreed to reduce it to 3,000 feet after the FAA's command center in Warrenton, Virginia, complained to managers in Kansas City that it was impeding traffic into St. Louis. The flight restrictions remained in place until Aug. 22, FAA records show. A police captain wanted it extended when officials were set to identify Wilson by name as the officer who shot Brown and because Brown's funeral would 'bring out the emotions,' the recordings show. 'We just don't know what to expect,' he told the FAA. 'We're monitoring that. So, last night we shot a lot of tear gas, we had a lot of shots fired into the air again. It did quiet down after midnight, but with that ... we don't know when that's going to erupt.' The recordings do not capture early conversations about the initial flight restriction imposed a day earlier, but they nonetheless show the FAA still approved and modified the flight restriction after the FAA was aware that its main intent was to keep the media away. One FAA official at the agency's command center asked the Kansas City manager in charge whether the restrictions were really about safety. 'So are (the police) protecting aircraft from small-arms fire or something?' he asked. 'Or do they think they're just going to keep the press out of there, which they can't do.'

The U.S. government agreed to a police request to restrict more than 37 square miles of airspace surrounding Ferguson, Missouri, for 12 days . Audio recordings show that local authorities privately acknowledged the purpose was to keep away news helicopters during violent street protests . The conversations contradict claims by the St. Louis County Police Department that the restriction was solely for safety .

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A gray wolf killed by a Utah hunter may . have been Echo - a female who attracted national attention . after wandering through several states to become the first of . the protected animals seen at Arizona's Grand Canyon in 70 . years, officials said on Tuesday. The hunter, who was not named by authorities, told Utah . wildlife officers on Sunday that he accidentally shot and killed . a wolf equipped with a radio collar near the Arizona border . after mistaking it for a coyote. Wolves in Utah are protected under the U.S. Endangered . Species Act, which bans killing of imperiled animals without a . special permit, but coyotes in the state are allowed to be shot . on sight. The Arizona Game and Fish Department released this photo in October of the gray wolf that was spotted at the Grand Canyon - the first sighting of the species in more than 70 years there. It is believed that a gray wolf killed on Sunday in Utah may be the same creature, named Echo . Wandering lone wolf: The three-year-old female's epic journey from the Rockies to the Grand Canyon sadly came to an end on Sunday when she was shot dead by a hunter in Utah . The incident, which is coming under sharp criticism by . conservationists, is being investigated by federal and state . conservation officers as a possible violation of U.S. and Utah . wildlife laws, authorities said. Information gleaned from the radio collar shows the wolf . killed in Utah was a three-year-old female that was captured and . collared in January in northwest Wyoming, said Utah Division of . Wildlife Resources spokesman Mark Martinez. The wolf spotted near the northern rim of the Grand Canyon . in October was also a young female, which had apparently roamed . hundreds of miles south from the Northern Rockies, . according to an analysis of droppings near where she was seen. It may be weeks before additional testing reveals whether . the wolf killed in Utah is the same one, which was nicknamed . Echo in a contest. Echo was the first gray wolf seen in the Grand Canyon and the adjacent national forest since . the 1940s, when the last wolf there was killed as part of an . extensive eradication campaign, said Chris Cline with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It also marked the species' farthest journey south. Wolves often roam vast distances in search of food and mates. But the farther they go, the less likely they are to find a mate, said Ed Bangs, who led recovery efforts for wolves in the Northern Rockies over two decades before retiring from the Fish and Wildlife Service in 2011. 'It's looking for love,' he said in October. 'It leaves the core population and doesn't know the love of its life is going to be right over the next hill, so it just keeps traveling.' Analysis of the animal's scat while it was in Arizona in October showed it had traveled hundreds of miles from the Northern Rockies in Wyoming . The gray wolf is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species . Act in most states. About 25 per cent of the roughly 1,700 wolves from the Northern Rockies are being tracked, wildlife officials said. They are distinguished from the Mexican gray wolves found in the Southwest by their more full bodies and less pointed ears. Utah regulations require hunters to properly identify their . target before shooting but cases of mistaken identity sometimes . happen, Martinez said. 'It's something we train people for in hunter education . classes but it's not a unique thing,' he said. The hunter who shot the wolf near the city of Beaver in . southwest Utah immediately contacted the state to report the . incident as required by law, Martinez said. He said several . coyotes in Utah have been equipped with radio collars tied to a . research project. Wildlife advocates said the death was shameful, whether or . not the wolf was Echo. 'It's very sad either way,' said Michael Robinson, . conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity.

A hunter claimed he accidentally shot and killed a wolf equipped with a radio collar near the Arizona border after mistaking it for a coyote . Wolves in Utah are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act . Information from radio collar shows the dead wolf was a three-year-old female that was captured and collared in January in northwest Wyoming .

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Each week Sportsmail gathers up the ratings from our team of reporters to provide the best Premier League starting XI of the day. Manchester United slipped up to Swansea while Arsenal were poor in their win against Crystal Palace, so their are several lesser-known gems in this team. Formation: 4-4-1-1 . GK: Hugo Lloris, Tottenham (vs West Ham), 8 . Matt Barlow at Upton Park . Hugo Lloris was inspired in the Spurs goal, making two brilliant second-half saves to deny Stewart Downing, the second shortly before Eric Dier’s winner. RB: Eric Dier, Tottenham (vs West Ham), 7 . Matt Barlow at Upton Park . A clean sheet as part of a 10-man team at Upton Park would have been enough for young debutant Eric Dier, but he also had the audacity to score the winner. The youngster, who started at the heart of defence, stormed forward from right-back to net the only goal in added time. Match winner: Young debutant Eric Dier scored the winner as Tottenham beat West Ham on Saturday . CB: Ashley Williams, Swansea (vs Manchester United), 7.5 . Adam Crafton at Old Trafford . Ashley Williams was superb in defence at Old Trafford, highlighted in the fact United's only goal came from a set-piece. The Welshman, who signed a contract extension in the summer, looks set to have another stellar season as captain in South Wales. CB: James Chester, Hull (vs QPR) 7.5 . Sami Mokbel at Loftus Road . Nets the winner and helps his team to a clean sheet, it can't get much better than that for a defender. Chester nipped in front of Rio Ferdinand for his goal as Steve Bruce's side got their season up and running. LB: Andrew Robertson, Hull (vs QPR), 8 . Sami Mokbel at Loftus Road . Robertson was a constant thorn in QPR's side down the left-hand side for Hull, bombing foward from wing-back. The Scottish debutant provided many crosses in the 1-0 win, and also cleared Steven Caulker's bullet header off the line. RM: Steven Naismith, Everton (vs Leicester), 7.5 . Rob Harris at the King Power Stadium . Another energetic performance from Naismith, who covered the most amount of ground (7.7 miles), but also showed fine technique for his goal. Volleying home off the bar to put Everton 2-1 up, the winger will be central to Roberto Martinez's plans this season. Great start: Steven Naismith started how he finished last season with a goal against Leicester . CM: Lee Cattermole, Sunderland (vs West Brom), 7.5 . Craig Hope at the Hawthorns . He may have scored just twice in 103 Premier League appearances for Sunderland, but Cattermole netted the goal of the day in the 2-2 draw. Five minutes had passed before the defensive midfielder's shot from long range flew past Ben Foster into the top corner. CM: Craig Gardner, West Brom (vs Sunderland), 7.5 . Craig Hope at the Hawthorns . Gardner excelled against his former club on Saturday. Constant energy in midfield gave Alan Irvine just the platform he was looking for. Supplied Saido Berahino's second goal with a wonderfully floated cross. LM: Gylfi Sigurdsson, Swansea (vs Manchester United), 8 . Adam Crafton at Old Trafford . Not many players can claim to be a match winner at Old Trafford, but Gylfi Sigurdsson capped a fine performance with a neat finish on Saturday. The Icelandic midfielder, in his second spell at the Swans, summoned Van Gaal to an humiliating opening day defeat. Shock: Manchester United's start to the season was ruined by Swansea playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson . CF: Marouane Chamakh, Crystal Palace (vs Arsenal), 7.5 . Jack Gaughan at the Emirates Stadium . Another man starting against his former club, the Moroccan played in an unfamiliar role on Saturday. Tasked with shutting down midfielders and stopping Arsenal finding their stride, Chamakh covered 7.2 miles at the Emirates Stadium, second behind Aaron Ramsey. ST: Saido Berahino, West Brom (vs Aston Villa), 8 . Craig Hope at the Hawthorns . We have an early frontrunner for the Golden Boot. Berahino was the only man to score more than once on Saturday, netting a penalty and a nice poacher's finish. Just a shame he wasn't the match winner. At the double: Saido Berahino was the star man on Saturday, netting two goals at the Hawthorns .

Dier scored winning goal for Tottenham against West Ham . James Chester keeps clean sheet and nets for Hull against QPR . Craig Gardner and Lee Cattermole unlikely midfield pairing . Gylfi Sigurdsson summons Manchester United to opening day defeat . Saido Berahinho only player to score more than once .

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By . Julian Robinson . A retired footballer has been ordered to pay a woman more than £2,500 in damages - after she stubbed her toe on a 'keep off the grass' sign outside his house. Former goalkeeper Malcolm White, 73, has also been hit with a £25,000 legal bill after he was successfully sued by Emma Grady. Miss Grady, 40, injured her left toe on a homemade wooden sign the pensioner had put on a grass verge outside his home in South Hykeham, Lincolnshire. Malcolm White, left, has been ordered to pay Emma Grady, right, more than £2,500 in damages after she stubbed her toe on a 'keep off the grass' sign outside his house . Emma Jane Grady made a claim against Malcolm White, after she said that she had tripped over a 'Do not park on the grass' sign that he had placed there. The signs can be seen here placed in the grass, circled in red, but they have since been removed . The sign, which measured 4ins by 10in, read ‘Please do not park on the grass’ and was erected outside hisdetached property. Mr White, who played for Lincoln City, Grimbsy Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, put it there as a favour for villagers who were fed up with parents parking on the grass verge when they collected their children from the local primary school. But he was taken to court after Miss Grady tore the nail off her left big toe on a rusty nail when she stumbled over the sign as she went to collect her daughter from school on November 12, 2012. Miss Grady, who lives half-a-mile away in the neighbouring village of High Hykeham, claimed it took six months for her toe nail to grow back but has been left deformed. A sign on the grass verge in South Hykeham, Lincolnshire said 'Please do not park on the grass' Mr White, who went on to play in America for Los Angeles Wolves, has been ordered to pay Miss Grady £2,541.35 in damages and £24,874.39 in court costs. He denied erecting the sign but his wife Valerie, 72, admitted he did put it up in a telephone conversation with Miss Grady’s solicitor Katherine Trafford. Passing judgement at Lincoln County Court, District Judge Chris Cooper said: 'This case comes down to whether or not Mr and Mrs White or Mrs Trafford is telling the truth. 'It is clear that the claimant suffered sizable injury after the accident. 'I am satisfied that it happened in the way that she said it did and she stubbed her toe on the offending sign. 'I am also satisfied that the signs caused a public nuisance. 'A pedestrian does not have to look at their feet when going about their business.' Mr White has now been forced to pay the cash from his own pocket because his insurance company will not cover his legal bills. In a statement after the hearing, the couple's solicitor Patrick Tedstone said: 'It’s a sad day for Mal and Val. 'They are leaving the village this week after more than 30 very, very happy years, to be closer to family. 'They are very disappointed with the judgement and with the costs, too, but they will respect the judge’s decision. Malcolm White played youth football for his hometown team Wolverhampton Wanderers before signing for Grimsby Town in the late 1950s. He enjoyed a successful trial with the club and stayed with the club for five years making nearly 70 first-team appearances from 1958 to 1963. He went on to play for Walsall, Lincoln City, Bradford City and Halifax Town before going to America to star for Los Angeles Wolves in the late 1960s. Speaking in 2011, he told how, playing for Grimsby, he once saved a penalty from the legendary Brian Clough - who went on to win two consecutive European Cups as manager of Nottingham Forrest. He said: 'When we were in the Second Division, we were competing with the likes of Sunderland, Newcastle, Chelsea, Leeds and Middlesbrough. 'Against Sunderland, I saved a penalty from Brian Clough in front of 46,000 - mind you, he scored a hat-trick in the same game.' 'They wish everyone in the village well.' A friend added: 'They are gutted. It’s a barmy ruling because the sign was put on the verge to stop parents churning it up with their cars. 'The land is publicly owned but was being turned into a car park by inconsiderate parents. I feel very sorry for them. This should never have gone to court.' Miss Grady said: 'I am relieved this is all over. 'I have been through 18 months of hell. My foot will never be the same again. I am satisfied with the result.'

Malcolm White put sign up next to his home in South Hykeham, Lincolnshire . Wooden sign said 'Please do not park on the grass' as 'favour' to residents . Emma Grady injured her toe on sign as she was picking up child from school . Retired footballer, Mr White, 73, ordered to pay her £2,500 in damages . He has also been hit with a £25,000 legal bill after being sued by Miss Grady .

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Did you ever wonder what happens to your old laptop or cellphone when you throw it away? Chances are some of your old electronic junk will end up in China. According to a recent United Nations report, "China now appears to be the largest e-waste dumping site in the world." E-waste, or electronic waste, consists of everything from scrapped TVs, refrigerators and air conditioners to that old desktop computer that may be collecting dust in your closet. Many of these gadgets were initially manufactured in China. Through a strange twist of global economics, much of this electronic junk returns to China to die. "According to United Nations data, about 70% of electronic waste globally generated ended up in China," said Ma Tianjie, a spokesman for the Beijing office of Greenpeace. "Much of [the e-waste] comes through illegal channels because under United Nations conventions, there is a specific ban on electronic waste being transferred from developed countries like the United States to countries like China and Vietnam." For the past decade, the southeastern town of Guiyu, nestled in China's main manufacturing zone, has been a major hub for the disposal of e-waste. Hundreds of thousands of people here have become experts at dismantling the world's electronic junk. On seemingly every street, laborers sit on the pavement outside workshops ripping out the guts of household appliances with hammers and drills. The roads in Guiyu are lined with bundles of plastic, wires, cables and other garbage. Different components are separated based on their value and potential for re-sale. On one street sits a pile of green and gold circuit boards. On another, the metal cases of desktop computers. At times, it looks like workers are reaping some giant plastic harvest, especially when women stand on roadsides raking ankle-deep "fields" of plastic chips. In one workshop, men sliced open sacks of these plastic chips, which they then poured into large vats of fluid. They then used shovels and their bare hands to stir this synthetic stew. "We sell this plastic to Foxconn," one of the workers said, referring to a Taiwanese company that manufactures products for many global electronics companies, including Apple, Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Dirty, dangerous work . This may be one of the world's largest informal recycling operations for electronic waste. In one family-run garage, workers seemed to specialize in sorting plastic from old televisions and cars into different baskets. "If this plastic cup has a hole in it, you throw it away," said a man who ran the operation, pointing to a pink plastic mug. "We take it and re-sell it." But recycling in Guiyu is dirty, dangerous work. "When recycling is done properly, it's a good thing for the environment," said Ma, the Greenpeace spokesman in Beijing. "But when recycling is done in primitive ways like we have seen in China with the electronic waste, it is hugely devastating for the local environment." According to the April 2013 U.N. report "E-Waste in China," Guiyu suffered an "environmental calamity" as a result of the wide-scale e-waste disposal industry in the area. Much of the toxic pollution comes from burning circuit boards, plastic and copper wires, or washing them with hydrochloric acid to recover valuable metals like copper and steel. In doing so, workshops contaminate workers and the environment with toxic heavy metals like lead, beryllium and cadmium, while also releasing hydrocarbon ashes into the air, water and soil, the report said. For first-time visitors to Guiyu, the air leaves a burning sensation in the eyes and nostrils. Toxic tech . Studies by the Shantou University Medical College revealed that many children tested in Guiyu had higher than average levels of lead in their blood, which can stunt the development of the brain and central nervous system. Piles of technological scrap had been dumped in a muddy field just outside of town. There, water buffalo grazed and soaked themselves in ponds surrounded by piles of electronic components with labels like Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Epson and Dell. The enormous animals casually stomped through mounds of sheet glass, which clearly had been removed from video monitors. Flat screen displays often use mercury, a highly toxic metal. "Releases of mercury can occur during the dismantling of equipment such as flat screen displays," wrote Greenpeace, in a report titled "Toxic Tech." "Incineration or landfilling can also result in releases of mercury to the environment...that can bioaccumulate and biomagnify to high levels in food chains, particularly in fish." Most of the workers in Guiyu involved in the e-waste business are migrants from destitute regions of China and poorly educated. Many of them downplayed the potential damage the industry could cause to their health. They asked only to use their family names, to protect their identity. "Of course it isn't healthy," said Lu, a woman who was rapidly sorting plastic shards from devices like computer keyboards, remote controls and even computer mice. She and her colleagues burned plastic using lighters and blow-torches to identify different kinds of material. "But there are families that have lived here for generations ... and there is little impact on their health," she said. Several migrants said that while the work is tough, it allows them more freedom than working on factory lines where young children are not permitted to enter the premises and working hours are stringent. Used to be worse . Despite the environmental degradation and toxic fumes permeating the air, many in Guiyu said that conditions have improved dramatically over the years. "I remember in 2007, when I first came here, there was a flood of trash," said Wong, a 20-year-old man who ferried bundles of electronic waste around on a motorcycle with a trailer attached to it. "Before people were washing metals, burning things and it severely damaged people's lungs," Wong added. "But now, compared to before, the [authorities] have cracked down pretty hard." But residents who did not work in the e-waste business offered a very different take on the pollution in Guiyu. A group of farmers who had migrated from neighboring Guangxi province to cultivate rice in Guiyu told CNN they did not dare drink the local well water. They claimed if they tried to wash clothes and linens with the water, it turned fabrics yellow. The head of the group, who identified himself as Zhou, had another shocking admission. "It may not sound nice, but we don't dare eat the rice that we farm because it's planted here with all the pollution," Zhou said, pointing at water-logged rice paddy next to him. Asked who did eat the harvested rice, Zhou answered: "How should I know? A lot of it is sold off ... they don't dare label the rice from here as 'grown in Guiyu.' They'll write that its rice from some other place." Not that surprising considering that the latest food scandal to hit the country earlier this month is cadmium-laced rice. Officials in Guangzhou city, roughly 400 kilometers away from Guiyu, found high rates of cadmium in rice and rice products. According to the city's Food and Drug Administration samples pulled from a local restaurant, food seller and two university canteens showed high levels of cadmium in rice and rice noodles. Officials did not specify how the contaminated rice entered the city's food supply. CNN made several attempts to contact the Guiyu town government. Government officials refused to comment on the electronic waste issue and hung up the phone. However, it did appear that government efforts to restrict imports of foreign waste are reducing the flow of e-trash here. "Why are they stopping the garbage from reaching us?" asked one man who ran a plastic sorting workshop. "Of course it's hurting our business," he added. Domestic e-waste grows . The Chinese government had some success regulating e-waste disposal with a "Home Appliance Old for New Rebate Program," which was tested from 2009 to 2011. With the help of generous government subsidies, the program collected tens of millions of obsolete home appliances, according to the U.N. Even if Chinese authorities succeed in limiting smuggled supplies of foreign garbage, the U.N. warns that the country is rapidly generating its own supply of e-waste. "Domestic generation of e-waste has risen rapidly as a result of technological and economic development," the U.N. reported. It cited statistics showing an exponential surge in sales of TV's, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and computers in China over a 16-year period. To avoid a vicious cycle of pollution, resulting from both the manufacture and disposal of appliances, Greenpeace has lobbied for manufacturers to use fewer toxic chemicals in their products. The organization also has a message for consumers who seem to swap their phones, tablets and other computer devices with increasing frequency. "Think about where your mobile phone or where your gadgets go," said Ma, the Greenpeace activist. "When you think about changing [your phone], or buying a new product, always think about the footprint that you put on this planet."

U.N. report: "China now appears to be the largest e-waste dumping site in the world" Products originally produced in China are now finding their way back as electronic junk . The small town of Guiyu as been a major hub for the disposal of e-waste . "When recycling is done in primitive ways ... it is hugely devastating for the local environment"

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Bayern Munich fans gathered in their thousands to celebrate their team's 2-0 German Cup win against Borussia Dortmund while getting a glimpse of the double winners. The Bayern players were presented to the fans from the Munich city hall as each squad member took his turn to raise both the Bundesliga shield and the DFB-Pokal cup. Fans were serenaded by Bayern midfielder Thomas Muller before seeing their favourite players and boss Pep Guardiola enjoy the limelight. Gold: Franck Ribery (centre) raises the German Cup trophy during Bayern Munich' celebrations . Leader: Bayern coach Pep Guardiola holds the trophy during the presentation at the Munich city hall . Safe hands: Manuel Neuer (left) and Dante get their hands on the big golden cup . Showtime: Bayern players wait in the wings before being presented to their fans . Guardiola's side secured their tenth domestic double on Saturday night after the 2-0 win against Dortmund after extra-time. Arjen Robben tapped in at the far post in the 107th minute after the country's top two teams slugged it out in a goalless but entertaining 90 minutes. Muller then raced clear deep in stoppage time to complete the win over their bitter rivals immediately after Marco Reus had missed a chance to equalise. Party time: Thomas Muller (right) sings with the Bayern fans in Berlin . Support: Bayern fans at Marienplatz wait for their team to present the trophy after winning the DFB Cup final . Team to beat: Bayern have won the domestic double in Germany having already picked up the Bundesliga title . Former Barcelona coach Guardiola had a tough act to follow when he took over this season following Bayern’s treble-winning campaign under former coach Jupp Heynckes. 'This was a very difficult year for me, my first in Germany. So four titles is good,' he said after their 2-0 Cup win over Dortmund. Guardiola quickly led Bayern to the UEFA Super Cup and the club World Cup title when he took over before racing to the quickest ever Bundesliga title with seven games to spare. 'When a team wins the league title then it is already a good season,' Guardiola told reporters. 'But we are happy to have achieved this season. The German Cup was a big title.' Double: Arjen Robben (right) holds the German Cup trophy as Dieter Reiter holds the Bundesliga shield . Star man: Muller has enjoyed another impressive season with the German champions . All smiles: Bastian Schweinsteiger (left) shares a joke with Dante during the presentation .

Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to win the German Cup . Pep Guardiola's team also raced to the quickest ever Bundesliga title in March with seven games to spare . Bundesliga shield and DFB-Pokal cup domestic double adds to UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup triumphs in Pep's first season .

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(CNN) -- A big landslide has ripped through a village in a remote area of Papua New Guinea, killing at least 40 people and leaving 20 others missing, authorities said Wednesday. The country's National Disaster Office said that 40 bodies had been recovered from the debris and search and rescue officers were at the site on Wednesday to assist with the recovery of others. The landslide happened Tuesday in the Komo area in in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, near one of the country's major liquified natural gas fields. Bill Yomba, an official at the National Disaster Office said that the agency thought that excavations carried out by Esso Highlands, a division of the oil company ExxonMobil, for a natural gas project could have set off the landslide. "This is a very huge landslide that covered a 1 kilometer area," said Yomba. "We are still trying to find out the cause but at this stage we believe the gas project run by Esso Highlands Limited was a contributor because they had been digging for limestone in the area." The office of Esso Highlands in Papua New Guinea did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment Wednesday.

The landslide takes places near one of the country's largest natural gas fields . The National Disaster Office says the authorities have recovered 40 bodies with 20 people still missing . The disaster office says earthworks for a liquified gas project may have contributed to the landslide .

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A heartbreaking image shows an eight-year-old boy hugging a purple teddy bear for comfort as he arrives at hospital after losing his parents and baby sister in a horrific car crash. The boy, suffering from head and abdominal injuries, and his other sister - whose third birthday was on the day of Sunday's crash - were orphaned when the family car slammed into a tree near Lake Mundi by Victoria's western border. The 39-year-old father, who was driving at the time, died in hospital on Sunday afternoon after being trapped in the car for a number of hours. The two remaining children were airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and survived with injuries. Scroll down for video . A heartbreaking image shows an eight-year-old boy holding a teddy bear for comfort as he arrives at the hospital after losing his parents and baby sister in a horrific car crash . Three people, including a woman and her baby girl, are dead after their car slammed into a tree in Victoria . The father and driver of the car, 39, was trapped in the car for a number of hours but later died in hospital . The 29-year-old mother and her baby girl died at the scene of the crash, which happened about 7.30am on Casterton-Penola Road, near Lake Mundi. The boy arrived in hospital with critical injuries but it has since been revealed he is now in a stable condition, Nine News reported. He is suffering from head and abdominal injuries according to Fairfax Media. His surviving sister escaped the accident with only minor injuries on what was believed to be her birthday. The family are believed to be from Congolese, from Central Africa, but now living in South Australia. Two children, a boy, 8, and a girl, 3,  have been left orphaned by the tragic accident . They arrived in Mount Gambier just 18 months ago, and had returned from a reunion with family in the Congo just hours before the accident, according to The Advertiser. The family reportedly flew to Melbourne early on Sunday morning, immediately attempting the six hour drive home just after they stepped off the plane. The Conglonese community in Mount Gambier held a vigil in memory of the young family on Sunday night, and a woman who works at the son's school spoke on behalf of the family. 'They are absolutely destroyed ... they are just grieving because it was such a sudden accident,' Inna Tucker told The Advertiser. The family are believed to be from Congolese, from Central Africa, but now living in South Australia . The accident takes Victoria's road toll to 39, compared to 36 at the same time last year . 'They’d already been through so much as refugees, endured so much trauma ... they came here for a better and brighter future and it has ended up like this,' she said. Superintendent Don Downs told the ABC it was a 'tragic collision' and part of a 'horror start' to the year in the area. 'People think they can drive in these back roads and there's not a big risk, but there is a big risk,' he said. 'When you come out to jobs like this it's heart-wrenching. Heart-wrenching on the community and heart-wrenching on the members who attended.' Victoria police say they think the driver may have missed a turn off, and fatigue may have been a factor in the crash. It takes Victoria's road toll to 39, compared to 36 at the same time last year.

A father, mother and their young daughter were killed in the crash . The mother and baby died at the scene near Lake Mundi, Victoria . Father, 39, was believed to be the driver and was trapped for two hours . The boy and another young sister survived the crash . The boy, 8, suffered injuries while the girl, 3, survived mostly unscathed . Boy is pictured hugging a purple teddy bear as he arrives at the hospital .

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By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:08 EST, 1 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:36 EST, 1 May 2013 . One of two brothers from central New York accused of conning a man out of a winning $5 million scratch-off ticket was found guilty today of possessing the stolen ticket, but the pair were acquitted of conspiring to cheat him. Andy Ashkar, 35, faces up to three years in prison after being found guilty of possession of stolen property. But Ashkar and his 37-year-old brother, Nayel, were cleared of conspiracy charges by Onondaga County Court Judge Joseph Fahey in Syracuse. Busted: Andy Ashkar, 35, left, has been found guilty of possessing the stolen ticket but 37-year-old Nayel Ashkar, right, was cleared of conspiracy charges by a Syracuse judge . Andy was remanded to custody. Defense . attorney Robert Durr said he would consult with Ashkar and his family . and decide whether to appeal. 'I . don't know what's going to happen as a result of the court's decision,' Durr said. 'My client has some options that he can explore. We'll see . what they want to do.' Andy Ashkar faces a minimum of one to three years in prison when he is sentenced May 29. Police . and lottery officials said the Ashkar brothers convinced Robert Miles, a . maintenance worker, that the ticket was worth only $5,000 when Miles . bought it in 2006. Authorities . say the brothers paid Miles $4,000, took a $1,000 handling fee, then . waited until the ticket was about to expire before trying to claim the . jackpot in 2012. Andy, of Camillus, came forward on . March 1, 2012, just 11 days before the '$500,000,000 Extravaganza' scratch-off card would have expired, New York Lottery initially said. Scroll down for video . Lucky win: Andy Ashkar bought the ticket at his parents' convenience store in Syracuse in 2006, pictured . Andy Ashkar testified on Friday, the . final day of the trial, that he went to his father's store for lunch on . Oct. 27, 2006, and bought the winning ticket, which cost $20, while he . was there. 'I scratched it . on the customer side of the counter,' Ashkar said, then handed it to his . father. 'He scanned it. He said, 'Shut up!' He didn't want anyone to . know.' Ashkar said he . planned to go to the lottery office that day, then changed his mind, . called his brother and went to his parents' home. 'I . was hesitant. I wanted to do it the right way,' said Ashkar, who was . unemployed and receiving public assistance at the time. 'I didn't want . it to have a negative impact on my family.' Andy Ashkar said he waited nearly six years because he was worried for his family's safety. Their . convenience store, the Green Ale Market, a nondescript one-story . cinderblock building just east of downtown Syracuse, is located in a . crime-ridden neighborhood. Miles testified during the week-long non-jury trial that Andy Ashkar had taken the ticket from him. Organized: Ashkar, whose brother is pictured here, waited so long to claim his prize because he was concerned the windfall could 'negatively influence' his life if he didn't plan properly before being publicly introduced as the winner . Big purchase: Andy Ashkar reportedly bought this house on Cobbler Way in Camillus for $290,000 in 2011 . Miles . said he wasn't thinking clearly that day because he had been high on . crack cocaine the night before. He said he never got a receipt. Miles was not in court for the verdict. 'I'm . amazed, ecstatic,' prosecutor Beth Van Doren said. 'Rob Miles was . really close when he said, 'Who would believe an ex-addict?' Our office . believed him. Some say a dollar and a dream. For Rob Miles, it was 20 . bucks and a nightmare for six years.' The . Ashkars' father, Nayef, owns the store that sold the ticket and is . charged with conspiracy. He has a separate trial scheduled for . September. State lottery officials have said they don't want to address the jackpot until all court proceedings are over. 'I'm so confident they'll do the right thing,' Van Doren said. The brothers' mother, Wasa Ashkar, said she and her husband were . Palestinians from Jerusalem who immigrated to the United States nearly . 40 years ago and have owned the store for 12 years.

Andy Ashkar, 35, found guilty of possessing the stolen ticket . He and brother Nayel acquitted of conspiracy to cheat a man of his ticket . Andy and Nayel came forward  just 11 days before the top prize would have expired . Andy bought ticket at his parents' store in Syracuse, NY, in 2006 .

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Half of all NHS hospitals have had to temporarily close their maternity units over the past year, shock figures revealed today. The most common reason for closing down the wards was because of a lack of staff or beds. Figures obtained under the freedom of information showed 62 hospital trusts out of 121 respondents temporarily closed units in 2013. Women are being passed from 'pillar to post' when having a baby because of the failure of maternity services, the National Childbirth Trust has claimed . Elizabeth Duff, of the National Childbirth Trust, said: 'This failure of maternity services can mean women get passed from pillar to post when having a baby. This is hugely disruptive to labour.' But Health minister Dr Dan Poulter insisted the units only closed on 'limited occasions'. He said the government had 'increased choice in maternity care' and said there were always going to be times when maternity units would fill up. Dr Poulter said: 'There will always be very limited occasions when a maternity unit cannot safely accept more women into their care and may need to close temporarily. 'Any decisions to redirect women are made by clinicians as part of a carefully managed process.' Dr Poulter said the NHS, which has 162 trusts in England, remains 'one of the safest places in the world to give birth'. But some 12 per cent of the NHS's trusts closed their units at least 10 times in 2013, the figures obtained by the BBC show. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is under pressure from Labour over the growing number of maternity units being closed because of a shortage of beds . Some wards closed their doors to new patients for more than 48 hours until pressures had eased. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust closed its maternity ward 97 times across its two hospitals - the Queen's Medical Centre 48 times and Nottingham City Hospital on 49 occasions. This was followed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with 89 closures across its two hospitals - Leeds General Infirmary, 60 times, and St James's University Hospital, 29 times. The findings come after a poll last year by the Care Quality Commission showed the maternity system in England was under strain. A quarter of women reported being left alone during labour and birth at a time that worried them. There are currently nearly 22,000 midwives in the NHS in England - a rise of more than 1,700 in four years. But the Royal College of Midwives said there is still a shortage of 4,500 because the birth rate is at its highest since the early 1970s. RCM chief executive Cathy Warwick said: 'Birth is unpredictable and sometimes units get a rush of births that is unavoidable and cannot be planned for. 'However, if units are regularly and persistently having to close their doors to women it suggests there is a serious underlying problem.' Labour’s Shadow Health Minister Andrew Gwynne added: 'David Cameron promised three thousand more midwives, but he’s failing to deliver them. 'Across England, too many maternity units are operating without enough staff - unable to keep up with demand - whilst others are facing closure or downgrading. 'Experts have warned the Government on the importance of safe staffing levels, but Ministers continue to ignore the advice. Labour is committed to safe staffing levels based on that expert advice. 'This is yet more proof that you can't trust the Tories with the NHS.' Thousands of women have admitted drinking far more alcohol during pregnancy than the advised four units a week. In the past three years, 2,496 mothers said they had exceeded NHS recommendations – equal to a glass and a half of wine. Four women questioned by hospital staff in Middlesbrough said they had drunk an average 34 units a week – three and a half bottles. Heavy drinking during pregnancy raises the risk of foetal alcohol syndrome, which can leave children physically and mentally disabled. Figures obtained by Sky News via a Freedom of Information request showed around one in 200 pregnant women exceeding the limit. More than half of hospitals could not provide data. Dr Raja Mukherjee, of the national foetal alcohol spectrum disorder clinic at Surrey and Borders NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘This shows a disregard for the effects of alcohol on a developing child.’

62 hospital trusts out of 121 temporarily closed maternity units in 2013 . Most common reason for closing a ward was a lack of staff or beds . Women getting 'passed from pillar to post when having a baby' say critics . Labour say the Government is ignoring warnings over staff shortages . Royal College of Midwives says 4,500 extra nurses needed in maternity units .

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(CNN) -- The gruesome civil war in Syria has terrorized residents and left world leaders scrambling to stop the carnage that mounts daily. Here are the latest developments in the spiraling 18-month crisis: . On the ground: Explosions, casualties . Fighting and shelling persisted all day Sunday and into Monday morning in Aleppo, with both the regime and the opposition blaming each other for dozens of fatalities. A bomb landed on a kindergarten in Aleppo, leveling a residential block and causing a "great number" of casualties, the opposition Local Coordination Committees of Syria said Sunday. The opposition activist group described it as a barrel bomb attack, saying regime forces have been dropping barrels full of TNT, nails and fuel onto civilian areas. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that warplanes shelled a residential building next to a nursery, causing its collapse and leading to "dozens of martyrs and casualties." Syrian state-run media, meanwhile, said Sunday that regime forces had killed numerous "terrorists" in Aleppo and freed 30 people who had been "kidnapped by the armed terrorist groups." Heart-rending choices in warzone hospital . For over a year, the Syrian government has refused to acknowledge the popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule and has blamed "armed terrorist groups" for fueling the bloodshed. Meanwhile, 27 civilians were killed and another 64 wounded in a car bombing near two hospitals in western Aleppo, the state-run SANA news agency reported, citing Aleppo's Gov. Mohammed Wahid. This blast significantly damaged the two hospitals, a school and other buildings. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that 27 people had died in the attack around what is known as the Earth area of Aleppo. It was not immediately clear, the opposition group said, whether those killed were civilians or regime forces. The violence was hardly confined to Aleppo, however. Across the country, at least 160 people were killed Sunday, opposition activists said. A quarter of those deaths were in and around the Syrian capital, as well as 22 in Daraa and 22 in Homs -- nine of them killed in a "massacre" in Rastan, according to the LCC. The opposition group reported Sunday evening that 19 people on one Damascus street died "after a mortar shell landed on homes in the area." Citing a source, state media reported 14 "terrorists" were killed in a clash with regime forces in the al-Qusayr countryside. Both SANA and the LCC, on its Facebook page, identified the same three men as being killed in the area -- with the opposition group saying they died after "a land mine planted by regime forces in a road exploded." U.N. employee shot dead in Damascus . In the country's capital, a 28-year-old employee of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency died Sunday after a bullet struck him in the chest, the agency said. Baby survives as family dies in Syrian onslaught . It was unclear whether his death, which occurred just south of the Yarmouk residential area in Damascus, "was caused by a stray bullet or one fired by a sniper," the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said in a statement. The death was the second in three days for a U.N employee working around Yarmouk, which the world body said is home to about 1 million Syrians and 150,000 Palestinian refugees. Ten Palestinian refugees were also killed between September 6 and 8 by violence stemming from the broader civil war. Late Sunday night, the opposition Local Coordination Committees accused Syrian forces of launching "raids and (making) indiscriminate arrests in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus. "UNRWA deplores the tragic loss of life and expresses the view that threats to (Palestinian) refugees and other civilians can be avoided. All sides must refrain from conducting the conflict in civilian areas and must comply with their obligations under international law," the statement said. Diplomatic front: New envoy to Syria to work with Arab leaders . International envoy Lakhdar Brahimi arrived in Cairo on Sunday to meet with Arab League officials on the Syrian crisis, Egyptian state media reported. This is Brahimi's first such meeting since becoming the U.N.-Arab League special envoy to Syria. He faces the daunting task of trying to help stop the bloodshed in the war-torn country. While in Egypt, Brahimi will meet with Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil el-Araby and several Syrian opposition figures to talk about the Syrian crisis, his spokesman Ahmed Fawzi told Egypt's state-run MENA news agency. British Foreign Secretary William Hague will arrive in Cairo on Monday night for a two-day visit focused on Syria, the Palestinian-Israeli issue and economic matters, according to MENA. A family's desperate story . After spending a few days in Egypt, Brahimi has said he will head next to Damascus. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Eraqij told his nation's semi-official Mehr news agency on Sunday that Brahimi has indicated he'll visit Tehran soon after his trip to Syria. The United Nations says more than 18,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed in Syria since March 2011. Opposition activists put the toll much higher, at more than 24,000 people. Jouejati, an LCC spokeswoman, said Sunday that the situation should be classified as "genocide." CNN cannot independently verify death tolls because the Syrian government has severely restricted access to the country by foreign journalists. Russia: Sanctions against Syria hurt Russian business . Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said U.S. sanctions on Syria and Iran are harming Russian business interests. "The unilateral American sanctions against Syria and Iran are increasingly becoming extraterritorial in nature and are directly affecting the interests of Russian business, in particular banks," Lavrov said Saturday, according to the state news agency RIA Novosti. The United States and other Western countries have sharply criticized Russia, accusing it of defending the Syrian regime for financial interests and thereby allowing the regime's bloody crackdown on dissidents to continue. Russia, along with China, has repeatedly vetoed attempts at the U.N. Security Council to take tougher action against the Syrian government. But Russia will push the Security Council to endorse a peace plan that would set up a transitional government in Syria, RIA Novosti reported. World leaders agreed on the plan in Geneva this year. But while U.S. and British leaders said they don't foresee al-Assad in the transitional government, Russia said the Geneva plan "did not imply that Assad should step down," RIA Novosti said. U.S. politician says his country needs to take further action . U.S. Sen. John McCain blasted President Barack Obama for not doing more to back the Syrian opposition, calling his administration's actions thus far "shameful." The Arizona Republican said the United States should get opposition fighters weapons "so it's a fair fight" and establish a "sanctuary or free zone" from which the opposition can operate. He said he is not asking that U.S. troops be sent into Syria to battle government forces. McCain, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, said a lack of international action to date has contributed to the "rise of extremists, rise of al Qaeda, (and a) greater threat of chemical weapons." "We've sat still and watched this massacre go on now (with) over 20,000 people (killed)," he told CNN Saturday. "How many have to die before we act?" CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali, Roba Alhenawi, Amir Ahmed and Holly Yan contributed to this report.

NEW: State media reports 27 civilians are killed in a car bombing in Aleppo . An opposition group says a barrel bomb flattens a residential block in that city . At least 160 people are killed across Syria on Sunday, an opposition group says . A U.N. envoy will meet officials in Cairo, then head to Syria, Egyptian media reports .

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Chris Froome leads a British team full of options for the Road World Championships in Spain later this month. Froome, the 2013 Tour de France winner and runner-up in the Vuelta a Espana which finished on Sunday, is joined in the nine-man squad by Commonwealth Games champion Geraint Thomas, British champion Pete Kennaugh and David Millar, who will be racing for the final time in a Great Britain jersey before retiring at the end of the season. Also in the squad for the men's road race on September 28, the final day of the World Championships in Ponferrada, are Steve Cummings, Luke Rowe, the Yates twins Simon and Adam and Ben Swift, who is another who could be a protected rider for if the race ends in a sprint. Chris Froome will lead the British line-up for the Road World Championships in Spain later this month . Sir Bradley Wiggins, as expected, is named only for the time-trial, which takes place on September 24, alongside Commonwealth Games champion Alex Dowsett. It means Wiggins, the 2012 Tour de France winner, and Froome will not have raced together since last year's World Championships in Florence, when not a single Briton finished in a desperate showing. The pair have not raced in the same Team Sky squad since the Tour of Oman in February 2013 amid suggestions of a feud dating to the 2012 Tour. Wiggins, who is currently negotiating a new deal with Team Sky, is turning his attentions to the track for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Sir Dave Brailsford, the Team Sky principal who resigned as British Cycling performance director in April, is overseeing the squad as British Cycling technical director Shane Sutton concentrates on the build-up to the track season. Sir Bradley Wiggins has been named only for the time-trial for the Road World Championships in Spain . Lizzie Armitstead leads the six-rider women's squad, which also includes two-time junior world champion Lucy Garner. Hannah Barnes, Anna Christian and mountain bike riders Annie Last and Alice Barnes complete the line-up. Hannah and Alice Barnes are sisters. There is no entrant in the women's time-trial following Emma Pooley's retirement as it is not believed anyone has medal potential. Sutton said: 'I'm pleased with the teams we've selected for the UCI Road World Championships. Across the board, we have some real podium contenders. 'Sir Brad showed great form at the Tour of Britain this year, winning the time-trial stage, and of course Alex did a fantastic ride to win the time trial at the Commonwealth Games so it will be interesting to see how they get on. 'Fellow Commonwealth Games champion Lizzie Armitstead has a great team around her including two mountain bikers who should be able to support her on the reasonably hilly course. 'For the men's road race, Chris proved he's in good shape by coming second at the Vuelta and I'm pleased David Millar will be leading the team in his last outing in Great Britain kit.' - Men's elite road race: Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, Pete Kennaugh, David Millar, Luke Rowe, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas, Adam Yates, Simon Yates. - Men's elite time-trial: Alex Dowsett, Sir Bradley Wiggins. - Women's elite road race: Lizzie Armitstead, Alice Barnes, Hannah Barnes, Anna Christian, Lucy Garner, Annie Last.

The 2013 Tour de France winner is part of the British set-up for the Road World Championships in Spain . Froome will be joined by the likes of Geraint Thomas and Pete Kennaugh . Steve Cummings and Luke Rowe also in the squad for the men's road race on September 28 .

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(CNN) -- Boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko has told CNN that David Haye will become the 50th knockout victim of his career when the two face-off in July. The IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight champion is set to face WBA champ Haye in Hamburg, Germany, on July 2 in a bid to unify four of the division's five belts. The Ukrainian recently pulled out of his scheduled April 30 fight with another British boxer, Derek Chisora, and boasts a formidable record during his 15-year career, winning 55 of his 58 fights -- 49 coming via knockout. And he claims Haye is the perfect man to help him notch up a landmark half century. He told CNN: "I knocked out 49 fighters and David Haye is going to be the 50th on my list. I am looking forward to it, I will get a great challenge in the ring. "He will try to get through with his strategy, psychological and physical game and I'm ready for it because I'm a true professional athlete and have been doing it for such a long time. I love to be challenged." Londoner Haye can also point to an impressive record in the sport, having won 25 of his 26 fights, 23 coming via knockout. The 30-year-old moved up from the Cruiserweight division in 2008 and has made public his desire to fight Wladimir, and his older brother, the WBC heavyweight champion Vitali, before he retires on his birthday -- October 13 this year. When Wladimir was asked what would happen if Haye was to win their July bout, he replied: "(Defeat) is not an option -- myself and Vitali are going to unify all the belts. "Haye is quick and his record speaks for itself. He won a lot of fights by knockout, so I will not underestimate his speed or his punching power. "I've been in boxing for last 15 years and I'm going to be close to 60 fights, I know exactly what to expect from every single opponent." Wladimir also denied that he will enjoy any advantage from the fact that the contest will be staged in Germany -- the country that has hosted many of his title fights in the past. He explained: "It's not really an advantage because the ring is the same everywhere -- it has four corners with a referee in between you and your opponent. "It's all about the way you fight and how you follow through with your plan and tactics."

Wladimir Klitschko tells CNN that David Haye will be his 50th knockout victim . The two heavyweight boxers face off in Hamburg, Germany on July 2 . Klitschko holds the IBF, WBO & IBO belts, Haye the WBA version . The Ukrainian has won 55 of his 58 fights during a 15-year career with 49 via KOs .

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Brendan Rodgers has all but ruled out the prospect of Liverpool signing Divock Origi in January to ease their striker crisis. The Liverpool manager is reeling from the news that Daniel Sturridge is facing another six weeks on the sidelines, having broken down with a thigh problem on Monday. Rodgers says Sturridge is 'as down as he has ever seen him' and shattered by this latest setback. VIDEO Scroll down for Brendan Rodgers: Daniel Sturridge is as down as i've seen anyone . Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard leads his fellow team-mates out for a run during training on Friday at Melwood . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (right) has a discussion with 19-year-old English midfielder Raheem Sterling during the session . Liverpool's 26-year-old midfielder Adam Lallana (left) vies for the ball with winger Lazar Markovic . Young Spanish full back Javier Manquillo (left) battles for possession with Turkish midfielder Emre Can at Melwood . 'He has just been extremely unfortunate, he doesn't want to be out for this length of time,' said Rodgers of his injured forward, who hasn't played since getting injured in England training in September. 'He will go away now to see what we can do to get him on the football pitch. Nobody wants that more than Daniel, he is as down as I have ever seen anyone. 'We need to look to find the answers to work consistently for Liverpool. The England injury was one of a number. He has had nine injuries on that thigh, right through his career. 'We are going to look across what has happened. He is a joy to work with. We want to get him fit and hopefully get him back. He had been back training, he had played in a practice game. It was a nothing action that caused the issue. It's unfortunate for Daniel, unfortunate for us but we cannot cry about it.' All smiles for starlet Sterling as he looks to enjoy himself while being put through his paces during the training session . Liverpool boss Rodgers in talks with out-of-favour forward Rickie Lambert (left) who is yet to score for the club since his summer move . Rodgers looks in high spirits as he watches on while Lambert (right) and skipper Gerrard train during the session . Liverpool were prepared to offer more money if there was a chance of securing Origi's release from Lille in January and the Belgium international, who signed for Liverpool for £10million earlier this year, had indicated he would be prepared to move to the Premier League if a deal could be arranged. Rodgers, though, believes the chances of getting Origi are virtually non-existent and has insisted he will channel his energies into the players he has who are fit and available. 'It was never the case of bringing him in early,' explained the Liverpool boss. 'The discussion last summer was that he had to stay. That was one of the reasons we got him. There has been a lot of speculation but the deal was in place that we would get him for next season. Liverpool return to Crystal Palace on Sunday for the first time since they threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 against them last season in a game that became to be known as 'Crystanbul' - in reference to Liverpool's famous recovery from a three-goal deficit during the 2005 Champions Final against AC Milan in Istanbul. VIDEO We need to chip in with goals - Lallana . Albert Moreno, Manquillo, Lallana, Borini, Glen Johnson, Gerrard and Martin Skrtel are among those put through their paces . Reds manager Rodgers watches on as his players are put through their paces during the session at Melwood on Friday . Rodgers looks in high spirits as he shares a laugh and a joke with his training staff as they prepare for the game this weekend . But Rodgers is not concerned that the memories of that will have any impact on his side this time round, despite admitting that the result was 'disappointing'. 'Our objective was to win the game,' he said. 'We were 1-0 up and then got a quick couple of goals. The excitement then took over. 'On reflection after the game, I was proud of them for actually getting into that position in the league after I had got over the frustration and disappointment of the game. 'It wasn't the game that cost us. We played really well to get to 3-0. This is a new season, a terrific ground to go to. 'It's a game we are looking to get the victory in. This will be tough. We are looking to get the win. It is a difficult place to go. It has gone, we can't control what happened last season. 'The players are giving me everything. We just hope we an find that extra one per cent. Once you get the confidence, the wins start to flow.'

Brendan Rodgers plays down the prospect of signing Divock Origi in January . Liverpool will be without Daniel Sturridge for Crystal Palace trip through injury . Another setback leaves the England forward with another six weeks on the sidelines . Rodgers takes his side to face the Eagles at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon .

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(CNN) -- A Maryland man recently died of rabies that he contracted from a tainted kidney he received in a transplant operation a year and a half ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. Health care teams are now giving anti-rabies shots to three other patients who received organs from the same donor as the patient, the CDC said. The Maryland man and three other people -- in Florida, Georgia and Illinois -- received organs from a person who died in Florida in 2011. Coincidentally, both the donor and the recipient who died are members of the military. The donor was a 20-year-old airman who was training to be an aviation mechanic in Pensacola, and the recipient was a retired Army veteran, according to the Department of Defense. Doctors knew the donor had encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, when they harvested the organs. However, no rabies test was done before the before the donor's kidneys, heart and liver were delivered for transplantation in September 2011, the CDC said. 4 shots enough to ward off rabies . The Maryland recipient died February 27 at the VA Medical Center in Washington, and doctors at the CDC diagnosed rabies as the cause of death. The CDC then examined autopsy tissue from the donor and determined he had died of the same type of rabies, which is spread by raccoons, according to the CDC. Health officials immediately contacted doctors caring for the other three organ recipients. They show no signs of rabies but are being treated with five doses of the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, which gives the body antibodies to protect itself against the rabies virus. Both treatments are shots in the upper arm. Dr. Matthew Kuehnert, director of the CDC's Office of Blood, Organ, and Other Tissue Safety, said the recipients' doctors were shocked to learn the donor's organs were tainted with rabies. "Their first reaction was that it seemed unlikely because it's been almost a year and a half since the transplant," he said. In the only other U.S. outbreak of rabies among organ recipients, the four patients died within a month of transplant in 2004. The three other recipients are being tested for rabies, and health authorities are looking for family members or health care workers who might have had close contact with the donor or the recipient who died to see if they might also have the disease, said CDC spokeswoman Melissa Dankel. Why organs aren't tested for rabies . Before the airman died in Florida, he was experiencing "changes in mental status," according to Kuehnert. He said the donor tested negative for several causes of encephalitis, including West Nile Virus and herpes. Organ donors are not routinely tested for rabies, even if they show the signs. One reason is rabies is extremely rare, with only one to three cases a year nationwide, according to Dr. Richard Franka, the CDC's acting rabies team lead. Also, many lifesaving organs would be lost if donors were tested for rabies. Only three or four facilities in the country are capable of testing for rabies in humans, Franka said, which means most hospitals would have to ship a potential donor's blood or tissue. It could take two days to get test results, and by then the organs would no longer be usable. Kuehnert said perhaps new rules need to be put in place to help doctors decide what to do with organs when the donor has died of encephalitis and no one knows why. "What we need looking forward is a standardized approach when you have encephalitis of unknown cause so very important things like this aren't missed," he said. At least one transplant surgeon won't take organs when the donor has died of encephalitis of unknown origin. Dr. Amy Friedman, director of transplantation at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, said the risk is too big. But she added that she does kidney transplants, and her patients can survive, at least in the short term, on dialysis. Other patients waiting for organs such as hearts or livers might die quickly without a transplant -- and sometimes the only organ available is one where the patient died of encephalitis and no one knows why. Those patients should be fully informed so they can decide if they want to take the risk, she wrote in a blog post Friday. "Statistically it's quite likely the organ could be fine, but if it's not, everybody has trouble," she told CNN. CNN's Miriam Falco, Val Willingham and Georgiann Caruso contributed to this report.

A Maryland man who received a tainted organ in 2011 died last month . Officials determined the organ donor had rabies . Three other people in Florida, Georgia and Illinois are receiving anti-rabies shots .

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By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 06:47 EST, 10 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:52 EST, 10 December 2012 . Authors often base their novels on their own experiences, over-heard conversations or eccentric characters they may have met throughout their lives. But one writer has caused offense by keeping her characters too close to home - as she's been accused of basing them on her own neighbours. Friends of novelist Angela Hargreaves, who lives in Eccleshall, Staffordshire, are now refusing to speak to her after private conversations they've had with her and secrets they've confided have allegedly ended up in her book. Art imitating life? Angela Hargreaves has been accused of basing her racy characters on her neighbours . Hargreaves' novel Rotten Row was published earlier this year and its steamy scenes and saucy characters have appealed to readers whose interest in erotic fiction has been piqued by Fifty Shades of Grey. On Amazon, the book is described as containing 'tales of love, death, nostalgic regret, sexual encounters, . romance, marriage, divorce and desperate times but ultimately how . quickly our fortunes can and do change. 'Rotten Row is about the petty spitefulness and complexity of living in close proximity to some neighbours,' it adds. Hargreaves, 57, is now experiencing such complexities with her own neighbours who are outraged that some of her characters appear to be based on them. Emma Williams, 46, a civil servant who has known Hargreaves for ten years, said she believes the character Lucy - described as 'boring' with a 'mundane job' - is inspired by her. She was shocked to find similar conversations to those she'd had in confidence with Hargreaves in the novel. Controversial: But Hargreaves says it's all fictional . 'It’s so upsetting, because it’s my . next-door neighbour. The things I’ve been involved in have now come out in a book. I haven’t . spoken to her since the novel came out and she is no longer a friend,' she told the Daily Telegraph. Another neighbour, who did not want to be . named, said the book had caused 'major problems' and that there have been 'a lot of tears shed'. 'How would you like to . live next to somebody who was writing things that were talked about in . private into black and white? It is unreal,' they told the newspaper. Characters in the novel include a sex-mad florist, a cheating boyfriend and a buxom caterer. There's also a male character described as a 'decrepit old wreck' who chases women and a sex-obsessed widow described as a 'termagant little hag of a woman'. Hargreaves, who lives with her husband and their dogs, has denied that any of the characters are based on her neighbours and said she has been 'quite upset' by the fall out. 'We’ve been crossed off the invitation list for Christmas parties and cards,' she said. She has also taken to Amazon, where her novel has received mixed reviews, to defend her work. She writes in the product description: 'The characters in Rotten Row are fictional and many of the things that happen in the book didn't happen at all. 'I made them up or stole them from the lives of other people that I've met over the years. All have been hugely exaggerated for comic or tragic effect. 'I had a "I'll use this someday file" and hoped to one day take advantage of what seemed to me to be a collection of just the sort of comic slightly public episodes that was destined to be used by someone sooner rather than later. 'My fictitious characters live in the fictional village of Upton Green.'

Angela Hargreaves' novel Rotten Row is described as a tale of 'sexual encounters' and the 'complexity of living in close proximity to some neighbours' The writer's own neighbours in Eccleshall, Staffordshire, are now refusing to speak to her after accusing her of basing the story on their lives . Hargreaves insists the book is fictional .

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A hospital has suspended cancer surgery over fears that five patients died unnecessarily within a year. Keyhole operations on patients with cancer of the oesophagus have been halted with immediate effect, the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust announced yesterday. The hospital had been one of the few areas in the country to do the operation and surgeons had been travelling around the world lecturing about its benefits. Five patients died from 'potentially avoidable' complications after surgery at Maidstone Hospital . One of the patients who died was a 51-year-old father-of-one, whose lawyers say he was cajoled into having the procedure and ‘made to feel like a human guinea pig’. The Mail understands that the surgeons filmed the operation on him last July –and it was broadcast live to a medical conference taking place in the UK . The same man died 16 days later from a blood clot and his family are now taking legal action against the trust. Bosses have refused to name the surgeons involved, but the trust confirmed that the surgeons were still working, although the matter has been referred to the General Medical Council – which may decide to suspend them. The trust has also luanched its own internal inquiry. Solicitor Sharon Lam, acting for man’s widow, told the Mail: ‘There seem to be serious questions to be asked about the reliability of the procedure in question. New surgical techniques are vital but they must not be tried out on patients until they are safe.’ Initially, the patient was due to have the standard open surgery to remove the tumour as  which has a longer recovery period. But days before the operation, surgeons persuaded him to have the keyhole surgery, as he would recover quicker. He also consented  for the procedure to be broadcast live at  a conference. Miss Lam said: ‘He was made to feel really lucky to have this surgery rather than the conventional open surgery.’ Upper GI surgery has been suspended and the trust is now sending patients requiring it to St Thomas' Hospital in central London instead . The operation went well and 11 days later the patient was discharged. Five days later he suffered a major haemorrhage. He was taken to hospital, but died the next day. Miss Lam added: ‘My client, the man’s widow, is very upset by the whole episode. She wrote a letter of complaint  to the hospital and the surgeon replied. ‘It is highly unusual as complaints are normally dealt with by the hospital trust, not by the consultant. He said there had been complications that had led to the patient’s death. He did not say sorry or give any kind of apology.’ She added that the patient should have had a good prospect of recovery, but instead his death has left his family traumatised. The keyhole operation normally lasts four hours, and involves removing the tumour and surrounding tissue using a microscopic camera and surgical instruments. At the same time surgeons use part of the stomach to create a section of oesophagus to replace the infected section. Patients of the trust in Kent are being sent instead to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London. Medical director at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells trust, Dr Paul Sigston, said: ‘We are sorry that some patients did not receive the level of care and treatment that they should have due to potentially avoidable surgical complications. ‘We are in contact with, and have apologised to, the families who have been affected and have been clear that we need to make improvements.’

Scandal involves upper gastrointestinal surgery at Maidstone Hospital . All five patients died within a year following surgery at the hospital . Upper GI surgery has been suspended and transferred to a London hospital . Maidstone has now issued apology to families of those concerned .

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Things you never expect to see: A Brazilian bartender asking a customer whether it’s five or six. To the opposition. At the time it was just five. To Germany. Later on, it was indeed six. Then seven and – as Mesut Ozil broke clear in the final minute – it could have been more. This was humiliation on an epic scale. To those watching in the bar on the corner of fashionable Paulista Avenue here in Sao Paulo on Tuesday night it signalled the end of a dream that – against their better judgement – they had started to believe in. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Brazil fans devastated by 1-7 defeat to Germany . Heartbreak: Brazil fans at Copacabana beach as Germany scored goal after goal in Belo Horizonte . Agony: A frustrated fan grabs his head in pain, after Brazilians had high hopes for the 'Selecao' Contrast: Joyous Germany fans inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana . - Martin Samuel's match report . - Neil Ashton: Brazil performed a vanishing act . - Player ratings from Belo Horizonte . - Jamie Redknapp: Germany are no more than a good team but Brazil made them look like world-beaters . - Sportsmail's back page on Wednesday . - Stats Special: Records tumble for Brazil . - All the best virals from Germany's sensational victory . They had paid 100 reais to get in, 90 for the women. That’s about £30. Or slightly less, depending on gender. You got free beer for that but everybody had come for the football. Over the last few weeks here in Brazil, a public initially sceptical about this World Cup and their team’s chances had allowed itself to be swept along. On Tuesday night, though, it didn’t take long for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team to show themselves for what they really are. By half-time, most people in this particular establishment had gone back to their food and their free bar. Outside under an awning a couple of musicians had begun to warm up. The warning signs had been there from the start, of course. The first goal of this tournament was an own goal, scored by a Brazilian. That day here in Sao Paulo, the home team needed a leg up from a referee to get by against Croatia. The problem with momentum and emotion, though, is that it clouds issues. Realities of life and sport get forgotten and that’s a good thing. It allows you to feel and think things that really aren’t logical. And that is how it has been here. How the media reacted: Meia Hora's front page says 'Will Not Cover', . seeking to ignore any mention of the embarrassment (and says how another . goal was scored by Germany while they were editing it), while Lance list . a few words of feeling; Pain, Indignation and Revolt and Shame amongst . them . Overreaction: Brazil were looking backwards at Neymar's injury, not forwards to the game . I saw Brazil play their second group games against Mexico – a goalless draw – and Cameroon – a 4-1 win – and it was clear on both occasions that this was a Brazilian team carrying deeper flaws than perhaps any in the nation’s history. Even in beating Cameroon – just about the weakest team in the competition – Brazil looked uncomfortable. Across the back, they were awful. And that was with Thiago Silva – suspended for the Germany clash – in the team. Rescued by Neymar on that occasion, I suggested in my match report that Brazil would run in to a hiding before long. The only surprise is that it took so long and that – when it came – it was so big. Reaction: Jornal de Noticias blame 'The German Complex' for the defeat, while Agora describe how a 'Dream Turned Into a Nightmare' at the Estadio Mineirao on Tuesday evening . Humiliated: Brazil striker Fred looks dejected as his side struggled to make an impression going forwards . Head in hands: Brazil fans will be waking up to embarrassment on Wednesday morning . Hope: Brazil fans were convinced they could go all the way, despite being apprehensive before the tournament . Harsh: O Dia tells Scolari to 'Go to Hell', as Extra says 'Congratulations' to the 1950 Brazil side who lost in the final of the World Cup at the Maracana to Uruguay, the nation's worst sporting night... before Tuesday night . Certainly, Brazil provided us with a story we were happy to buy and the country with something to cling to. You only had to look down the squad list, though, to see where the problems lay. Fred, Hulk, Jo, Maicon. These are players that would not get many games between them in the Barclays Premier League. Some have tried, and failed. This, remember, was a World Cup. Heaven knows what players like Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Manchester United’s Rafael da Silva have done to upset Scolari but certainly they should have been in his 23, if not necessarily his starting XI. Devastated: Brazilian newspapers stick the boot . in to their fallen stars, with Correio calling the defeat an . 'Embarrassment for Eternity', while Folha De Sao Paulo say Brazil . suffered the 'Worst Defeat in History' Work to do: Luiz Felipe Scolari talks to his players after the devastating defeat . VIDEO Disbelief in Belo Horizonte after devastating Germany win . Alternatives: Philippe Coutinho and Rafael were both overlooked for Scolari's 23-man squad . Perhaps Scolari knew what was coming after the scrappy penalty shootout victory over Chile. 'Shame, Grievance, Humiliation': O Globo's take on the disaster on the pitch in Belo Horizonte . The Chileans hit the crossbar in extra time that day and maybe the coach sensed then – if he hadn’t before – that his squad wasn’t good enough. Certainly the manner in which they subsequently hacked Colombia off the field in the last eight – and the faux commiserations that followed from the likes of David Luiz – were depressing. The nation, however, was almost delirious by then. Such was the hysteria about Neymar’s injury that the build up to Tuesday’s game was spent with millions of people looking backwards, rather than forwards. Perhaps Scolari and his players did, too. Against Germany they certainly played . as though they hadn’t prepared. Even Neymar, Pele, Zico and Socrates . between them wouldn’t have stopped this happening. Those . in yellow looked bereft with only half an hour gone and a nation felt . their pain. None of these players earn a living in Brazil. As such, it . will be a while before their public get to see them in a match that . matters again. Maybe that is . part of the problem. Maybe there are too many young Brazilians hidden . in talent factories in Russia and the Ukraine now for their love for the . yellow shirt to stay strong. Masking failure: Back in the Mineirao Stadium, a fan holds their Neymar mask up as they avert their eyes . Wet: A Brazil fan walks in the rain after watching his side lose in Rio . Devastated: David Luiz is comforted by fellow defender Thiago Silva who was suspended for the clash . Who's at fault? Brazil lost 7-1 in their own back yard, breaking a few unwanted records along the way . What happened in Belo Horizonte, though, wasn’t above love or passion or desire. If there was ever a case of a team wanting something too much, then perhaps this was it. Whatever the case, a dream is over and the humdrum beckons once again here. In my bar in Sao Paulo, the barman had only one thing left to wish for. 'Come on Holland,' he said. VIDEO Delight in Munich for Germany fans . Implosion: Brazil's Marcelo cuts a lonely figure as Germany run riot in the semi final to put their 5-1 loss firmly behind . Cruise control: Toni Kroos is hoisted in the air by Khedira as Germany secured their passage to the final . Running riot: German striker Miroslav Klose celebrates scoring his first-half goal at the Estadio Mineirao .

Brazil wakes up to the embarrassment of the 7-1 defeat by Germany . This was humiliation on an epic scale, after they started to believe in the dream . One Brazilian newspaper ran the headline 'Go to hell, Big Phil' Another 'congratulated' the 1950 team for not being as bad asTuesday's . After their group stage performances against Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon, warning signs had been there . Players like Fred, Hulk, Jo and Maicon would not get many games between them in the Premier League . Neymar, Pele, Zico and Socrates between them wouldn’t have stopped this .

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Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is recovering from surgery to remove his gallbladder, the palace said Monday. The palace had earlier revealed that the 86-year-old king had been hospitalized at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital with a high fever and irregular blood pressure Friday evening. The palace statement said the operation went well, and the king was in a satisfactory condition post-surgery. "This morning his general health conditions have improved. His heart rate has lowered, his blood pressure is normal and his body temperature has lowered," said the statement. The world's longest-reigning monarch, Bhumibol is a deeply revered figure in Thailand, where his portrait hangs in government offices and many homes. His appeal stretches across the spectrum of Thai society, unifying urban elites and rural farmers. Political crisis . His declining health in recent years has come as his country has been wracked by a drawn-out political crisis. Last month, Bhumibol was discharged after being hospitalized for more than a month for treatment of a stomach complaint. And in August last year, he was discharged from Siriraj Hospital after a stay of nearly four years, having been admitted in September 2009 for treatment for a lung inflammation. A constitutional monarch who ascended the throne in 1946, the U.S.-born, Swiss-educated king has reigned over more than 20 prime ministers. He has stayed out of the public eye during the current political crisis, which led to a coup in May, spending much of his time at the royal palace in the southern seaside town of Hua Hin. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came to power in the May coup, was among the many well-wishers visiting Siriraj Hospital to pay their respects, accompanied by senior government ministers and the Thai army chief.

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has undergone surgery to remove his gallbladder . The palace says the operation went well, and the king is in a satisfactory condition . His health has declined in recent years, resulting in lengthy hospital stays . Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, is deeply revered in Thailand .

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Hong Kong (CNN)Hong Kong authorities have vowed to conduct an impartial investigation into a video which appears to show several plainclothes police officers beating up a detained pro-democracy demonstrator. The widely circulated video shows officers carrying the man to a dark corner, where he's laid on the ground and repeatedly kicked and punched while others stand around, apparently keeping watch. "Police express concern over the video clip showing several plainclothes officers who are suspected of using excessive force," said a statement issued by the Hong Kong Information Services Department Wednesday morning. "The Complaints Against Police Office has already received a relevant complaint and will handle it in accordance with the established procedures in a just and impartial manner." Hong Kong's Secretary of Security Lai Tung Kwok told reporters the "officers involved will be temporarily removed from their current duties." He declined to take questions. Embattled Hong Kong leader C.Y. Leung said there was a set and effective mechanism in place to deal with complaints against police. "We will use the same mechanisms and procedures to deal with the complaint against the policemen on the incident last night," he said. Claims of 'brutal violence' The victim has been identified as Ken Tsang, a member of the Civic Party, who's also a social worker and a member of the 1,200 member election committee that choses Hong Kong's leader. Civic Party leader Alan Leong told CNN: "This is an apparent abuse of police power that a society as civilized as Hong Kong would definitely not swallow. I would advise the commissioner of police to immediately arrest the six officers involved in that attack." Tsang's lawyer Dennis Kwok said, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, "six or seven police officers" led his client to a corner where they punched and kicked him. "It was unprovoked and unnecessary for anyone to use that kind of violence on an arrested person," Kwok said. He said some people had accused Tsang of pouring water on police, but "whatever he was doing he was already arrested, his hands were cuffed and the proper procedure was to take him into custody and deal with him in accordance with the law." Amnesty International called for the prosecution of any officers found to have acted unlawfully. "It is stomach-churning to think there are Hong Kong police officers that feel they are above the law," said Mabel Au, the group's Hong Kong director. One of protest groups -- Occupy Central With Love and Peace -- circulated photos showing large circular welts on Tsang's back, bruising on his face and scratches on his neck and arms. Another main protest group -- The Hong Kong Federation of Students -- issued a statement calling for the resignation of Police Commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hunh, and other police commanders involved in preventing protesters from re-occupying Lung Wo road on Tuesday night. The road runs past the central government offices, and is near the main Admiralty protest site, the epicenter of the weeks long standoff between protesters and police. Protest clashes . Protesters accused police of using pepper spray during the operation, which succeeded in clearing the road for traffic. A total of 45 people -- 37 men and eight women -- were arrested for alleged unlawful assembly and obstructing police officers, police said. Authorities accused them of behaving "in a disorderly manner," throwing traffic cones, snatching police barriers and building road blocks. Four police were injured in the operation, according to a government statement. During the attempted takeover of Lung Wo road, demonstrators declared they were "not afraid of anything." "Ask them if they're afraid of bullets. They're not. This is our last chance. We know we're most likely going to fail, but we have to try," said 62-year-old demonstrator Lo Cheong. Retaking Lung Wo road was necessary "to protect the protesters," said a demonstrator named Bon. In a statement released on Wednesday morning, police appealed to protesters in the area to "stay calm and restrained." "Protestors advancing against Police cordon line even with their arms raised is not a peaceful act," the statement said. By dawn, morning rush-hour traffic was flowing as normal. The contingent of demonstrators relocated to a park near the government offices, to a green space that they're occupying with tents. Protest disruption . Since late September, protesters from a number of pro-democracy groups have been blocking major roads, demanding a greater say in who leads the Special Administrative Region of China. At the peak of the protests, tens of thousands of demonstrators crowded onto the streets, calling for the resignation of leader C.Y. Leung, and demanding the right to be able to nominate candidates for the next election in 2017. Who's who in the protests? Protesters have been guarding barricades erected at protest sites at Admiralty, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, and for many nights slept in the open air on the asphalt before the arrival of reinforcements with tents over the weekend. Traffic in the other parts of the city has been clogged due to road closures, bus and tram cancellations and the need for cars to drive around the protest sites. Taxi drivers say their takings are down, and businesses claim the protests have cost them income. Hope that the two sides might be able to solve the impasse evaporated on Thursday when the government canceled talks planned with student groups, after protest leaders urged supporters to keep up the occupation. 'Not a revolution' On the weekend, Hong Kong's chief executive told local free-to-air station TVB that the protests were not a "revolution," but a "mass movement that has spun out of control." Who is C.Y. Leung? He said student leaders had "almost zero chance" of pushing Beijing to change its stance on how Hong Kong's leader is elected. He added he would not submit to the protesters' demands that he resign, because his resignation "will not solve the problem." "It is because the students and other occupation protesters demand more than that. They want the Standing Committee to withdraw its August 31 decision. That is impossible," he said. Beijing white paper . He was referring to the white paper issued by the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress stating that Hongkongers would be able to vote on their leader in 2017, but only from an approved shortlist of candidates. In response to Leung's comments, the three main groups leading the occupy campaign said it was the government that was out of control -- "a government that fires tear-gas at unarmed citizens and unilaterally terminated dialogue with the students (sic)." On September 28, police fired 87 tear gas rounds into the crowd after protesters failed to disperse. The move was seen as a miscalculation and only served to garner support for the protesters, who accused the government of heavy handedness and of stifling free speech. The end of police trust? CNN's Pamela Boykoff, Wilfred Chan, Anjali Tsui, Vivian Kam, Elizabeth Joseph, Chieu Luu and Michael Martinez contributed to this report.

Lawyer says alleged assault was "unprovoked and unnecessary" Hong Kong authorities promise "impartial investigation" into alleged assault video . Clip shows protester being carried to dark corner, kicked and punched . Pro-democracy protesters have blocked key streets for more than two weeks .

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Race and politics are a combustible combo that explodes into headlines when an ex-president lights the fuse, as Jimmy Carter did recently. President Obama during the 2008 campaign faced questions over race and politics. "When a radical fringe element of demonstrators and others begin to attack the president of the United States as an animal or as a reincarnation of Adolf Hitler or when they wave signs in the air that said we should have buried Obama with Kennedy, those kinds of things are beyond the bounds," the Democrat told students at Emory University on Wednesday. "I think people who are guilty of that kind of personal attack against Obama have been influenced to a major degree by a belief that he should not be president because he happens to be African-American," he added. The controversy erupted this week when Carter first raised the race issue to NBC. "An overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man," he said. Bill Cosby, a black comedian and actor, said Wednesday in a written statement that he agrees with Carter. "During President Obama's speech on the status of health care reform, some members of Congress engaged in a public display of disrespect," he said. CNN contributor David Gergen said that some of the allegations of race-baiting might have some weight among Democratic voters. "Jimmy Carter, I'm afraid, is not alone in his views," he said. But Gergen warns that the racists tend to be on the fringes of the right and do not reflect on the greater field of opponents to Obama's ideology. "But I think it's wrongheaded, and I think it's unfair, and I think it's indeed a libel upon many of the opponents, most of the opponents of health care reform, to say that they're racist," he said. "Seven previous presidents have tried to bring health care reforms of this kind. All seven have failed. And, as I recall, all seven were white." Carter's comments, though, are the kind that raise people's defenses. In particular, they turn off independents, who by nature tend to hate the hard edges of politics. The White House, for its part, wants no part of the Carter controversy. "The president does not believe that that criticism comes based on the color of his skin," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. As a candidate, Obama understood the political danger in letting his race become a major topic. He largely avoided it when he could, but race was always a subtext, as it is now in his presidency. "But I can also say, frankly, that this White House and even his campaign were very afraid to even go down this road dealing with anything with race," said CNN contributor Roland Martin. Carter also told NBC that there is an "inherent feeling among many people in this country that an African-American ought not to be president and ought not to be given the same respect as if he were white." Framing criticism as racism cropped up several times during the campaign. When Geraldine Ferraro, a Clinton supporter, said during the 2008 Democratic primaries that Obama would never have gotten as far as he had if he had not been black, candidate Obama pointedly left race out of it. "I think that her comments were ridiculous," Obama said at the time. But Ferraro blamed Obama supporters for her hate mail, saying "I have been called all kinds of names. And the attacks are ageist. They're sexist. They're racist." iReport.com: Freedom from speech? And the topic of race even came to haunt Bill Clinton, the so-called first black president. Before the New Hampshire primary in January 2008, Clinton told an audience that "there's no difference in [Obama's] voting record and Hillary's ever since. Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I have ever seen." Some interpreted that as belittling Obama's campaign. After much criticism, Clinton later said he was talking about Obama's opposition to the war in Iraq, not his campaign. But those two words -- "fairy tale" -- launched weeks worth of accusations, sometimes on the front page of The New York Times, that the Clintons were playing the race card. iReport.com: Share your thoughts on race and politics . Some observers said Carter's statement was far too broad, and that many of the attacks on Obama are about policy, not race. "I don't think one can paint a broad brush in saying that all of these folks who have criticism, anybody who criticizes the president ... is based upon the issue of race," Martin said. Mary Matalin, a CNN contributor and Republican strategist, said Carter's criticism is "absurd." "It's very dangerous politics," she said. "Barack Obama got, in the last election, more white male voters than any of his predecessors. ... Republicans and conservatives and Democrats and liberals, the whole country felt very good putting -- setting aside policies after his election."

Former President Carter says criticism of Obama is largely based on race . Obama doesn't believe criticism is based on color of his skin, spokesman says . CNN contributor: Carter shouldn't paint such broad strokes on racism . GOP strategist says all the racism controversy is "absurd"

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Chengdu, China (CNN) -- The researcher dressed in blue plastic smock, slippers and gloves is having a tough time getting his work done. Every time Zhang Zhen sets up his camera on a tripod in an effort to document the behavior of one of the panda cubs scattered on a grassy hillside, one particularly frisky baby panda comes wobbling towards him, interrupting his shoot. "Mumu!" he yells in frustration, as the four-month old cub rears up on her hind legs, lunging towards him. He picks Mumu up and deposits her at the opposite end of the enclosure. "I'm not sure why she's been all over me like this. I think she's excited today," Zhang says. Mumu is the oldest of fourteen baby pandas that were born last summer here at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China. China's panda experts have improved the science of breeding and raising members of this endangered species in captivity. The proof of their success is in the baby panda enclosure, where visitors can watch as the newest generation of pandas takes turns napping, playing and exploring their outdoor habitat. The fuzzy young cubs are still shaky on their feet, and often trip and roll down the enclosure's slight incline. While two cubs wrestle, another tries to climb a tree and then tumbles onto its back, slowly performing a backwards somersault, much to the amusement of onlookers. Giant panda Tian Tian likely miscarried . "There are new breakthroughs, so that's why the panda population has continued to increase," said Deng Tao, the chief zoo keeper at the Chengdu base. When Deng first began working at the base 12 years ago, he said there were only 20 pandas here. Today, the center is responsible for more than 100 animals. Deng recently returned from the Atlanta Zoo, where he spent months assisting with the birth and care of twin cubs who were born there last July. "Now we have new technologies that can very accurately identify when a panda is ovulating and do artificial insemination during a precise point in the [reproductive] cycle," Deng explained. On its website, the Atlanta Zoo credited Deng and his colleagues in Chengdu with developing a technique using incubators and taking turns rotating twin cubs with the mother to better ensure the newborns' chance of survival. "Before when a panda had twins, the mother panda could only take care of one cub so we have resolved the issue of having twin pandas and helping them to integrate," Deng said. The next big challenge facing China's panda keepers involves reintroducing captive animals back to the wild. "We have made a training base to return pandas to the wild," Deng explained. "Once they are mature and able to forage for food and hide from danger, then we will release some pandas." National Zoo's panda cub is healthy, officials say . Wildlife conservation groups say China's effort to save the giant panda from extinction is a rare success story. According to the World Wildlife Fund, as of 1988 there were only around 1,000 pandas left living in the wild. In 2004, that number was estimated to have grown to 1,600 wild pandas. More recent panda census statistics are not yet available. "The government put the resources [into conservation]. They've actually set up some mountains just as a habitat for the panda," said May Mei, the chief representative in China for the conservation group WildAid. China has lavished resources on the conservation of the giant panda- rather than on some other indigenous endangered species- in large part because the animal is such an important national symbol. "They are a treasure for people in China," Mei said. The breeding center in Chengdu is also something of a panda theme park. Excerpts from the animated DreamWorks film "Kung Fu Panda" play on a giant screen at the entrance to the facility, which receives more than a million visitors a year. Inside, tourists travel in panda mobiles, decorated with the cartoon movie's main character, Po the Panda. In addition to stuffed animal pandas, souvenir shops offer a variety of hats, ear muffs, and even fuzzy nunchucks decorated with the panda's distinctive black-and-white panda patterns. Visitors walk along paths, gazing and taking photos of pandas in large outdoor pens. The animals seem to completely ignore humans. In one pen, a 25-year-old male named Shi-shi lies on his back, gorging himself on bamboo which he holds in his front paw with the help of what trainers call the panda's "pseudo-thumb." Other adults seem to spend much of their time fast asleep in their enclosures. But the big lumbering animals clearly have charisma. "They're cute man!" says Chris Delbene, a 21-year-old university student from Orego who is studying Chinese in Beijing. "They live a great lifestyle, play all day, eat, sleep." What's cuter than one baby panda? Panda twins! CNN's Steven Jiang contributed to this report.

China's panda experts improved breeding pandas in captivity . 12 years ago, Chengdu zoo keeper had only 20 pandas, now center has more than 100 animals . Challenge is reintroducing captive pandas back into the wild .

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Davos, Switzerland (CNN) -- Despite deep public spending cuts that triggered waves of protests last year, Greece will not default on its debt payment obligations, Prime Minister George Papandreou told CNN. "This is not on the books ... it's not on our road map. And this is why we are talking about these other measures, which we think are enough to be able to make things sustainable," Papandreou told CNN's Richard Quest on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos Thursday. "Obviously (it will be) difficult, but we have been doing our work, and we will be successful," he said. The economic troubles in Greece last year sparked a wave of sovereign debt woes across Europe, especially hitting Ireland, Spain and Portugal. The value of the euro cratered during the debt crisis and raised lingering questions about the viability of the 17-nation monetary union. A Bloomberg Global Poll released this week at Davos show 59% of respondents believe that at least one or more euro nation would break from the monetary union by 2016, and nearly three-quarters polled thought Greece would default on its loans. "Well, maybe people will believe things, but that's why we politicians are here, to put things on the right course," Papandreou said when asked about the poll. "And there is the political will of our peoples and the leaders of the European Union ... to make sure that in 2016 and 2020 and on, the euro will exist." His comments echoed the sentiment French President Nicolas Sarkozy who in his Davos address Thursday said: "We will never abandon the euro. Never! Euro spells Europe, the euro is Europe. Europe has meant 60 years of peace on our continent. We will never abandon that." Sarkozy's spirited defense of the euro underlined how high the stakes have become for the economic evolution of the continent. "To imagine that we might pull out of that is to ignore the fact that as people who have been at each other's throats for centuries, we now have one wish, and that is lasting peace," Sarkozy said. But European Monetary Union has been challenged as the bailout of Greece thrust the spotlight on the uneven economics among member nations. Besides debt woes in Greece, countries like Ireland and Spain were deeply exposed to the crash of the housing bubble. Meanwhile, the German economy -- the largest in Europe -- enjoyed its fastest expansion in two decades last year and its largest growth in GDP since Germany reunified in 1990. Concern has grown of an unfair burden placed on larger economies by the problems of smaller economies like Greece. But Papandreou said Greece is well on its way toward reducing its debt. "We have made very good progress, because we're on track, and I would say, even, beyond. We have cut the deficit by over 6.5 percent, which is a huge cut," Papandreou said. "We've changed our pension system, it's now a viable pension system, one of the most viable in Europe. We've changed our tax system, it's transparent, more effective, hitting tax evasion," he said. "But the structural things we're changing are actually going to bring growth." Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank, told CNN "this is no time for complacency -- that is absolutely clear. But let me tell you, nevertheless, that the real economy is giving signs that are encouraging. "The main risk is to practice benign neglect ... as soon as things are going better, to forget that we had to cope with a very, very demanding crisis," Trichet said. "So, we have to draw all the lessons." CNN's Richard Quest, Kevin Voigt and Bryony Jones contributed to this report.

Prime Minister Papandreou: Greece will not default on its debt payment obligations . "Obviously (it will be) difficult, but we have been doing our work" A recent survey showed about 75% of respondents thought Greece would default . Papandreou echoed the French president's sentiments that the euro won't fold .

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By . Dave Wood . and Elliott Bretland . Follow @@EllBretland . and Simon Tomlinson . They may be confident of their starting places in this year's World Cup - but in this new animated advert it's a very different story. Football stars including Wayne Rooney, Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian striker Neymar find themselves up against a team of doppelgangers hell-bent on taking their positions. The five-minute advert sees them pitted against cloned versions of themselves created by an evil scientist for the third part of Nike's 'risk everything' campaign. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch the advert . Special team: Superstars including Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo join up in a bid to rescue football . Famous faces: Andres Iniesta (left), Tim Howard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Luiz (right) also star in the film . Challengers: Clones take over the football world forcing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo into 'normal' jobs . At first, the plan is successful as . Rooney is forced to become a fisherman, Neymar a hairdresser and Ronaldo . a shop-window dummy. But . with the help of former World Cup-winning Brazilian striker Ronaldo . they train in a secret hideout ready for a winner-takes-all showdown. David . Luiz, Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta, Tim Howard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also feature in the film entitled 'The Last Game' as the eight players . are charged with winning football back after being forced out of the . game by dull clones. Taken away from the game, they are forced to take up 'normal' jobs following the clones' arrival. Samba stars Neymar and David Luiz have taken up hairdressing, with the latter insistent one customer gets a perm similar to his. Real Madrid star Ronaldo is still modelling, but has this time been relegated to the role of a mannequin in a shop window while Rooney has become a fisherman working on the docks. Beautiful game: Forced out of football by the clones, Neymar becomes a hairdresser . Trendsetter: David Luiz tries to convince his customers into getting a perm similar to his . The day job: Wayne Rooney risks EVERYTHING in the new Nike World Cup video . Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, struggles to sell old copies of his autobiography and moans: 'I am Zlatan, or I used to be.' However, . Brazil legend Ronaldo - the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with . 15 goals - decides he must save the game by rescuing the players for a . winner-takes-all clash against the clones. Gathering the players in . a secret hideout, the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker has a . job on his hands convincing the eight players that they are capable of . beating the clones. 'We all want to beat the clones but they're unbeatable,' stressed Rooney and Zlatan agrees. Ronaldo . insists the players must 'risk everything' to reclaim the game with a . passionate battle cry and gets the players on board - despite the fact . the players will never play football again should the lose. Good life: Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta swaps the football pitch for a pitchfork . Model professional: Brazil legend Ronaldo robs his Portuguese namesakes mannequin from a shop window . No longer famous: Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggles to sell old copies of his autobigraphy . Taking action: Brazil legened Ronaldo is determined to win football back from the dull clones . With a world-class team, Ronaldo's men get off to a great start as Zlatan Ibrahimovic directs a perfect scissor kick into the top corner. However, the cloned goalkeeper merely raises an arm and the star men know they'll have to up their game. With Neymar, Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst the team's ranks there is no lack of style and the players start to worry their opponents - so much so that hundreds of clones take to the field in a bid to win; but to little avail. Brazil frontman Neymar produces some mesmerising skill to bamboozle the tens of players blocking his way to goal and even has time to take a selfie with one opponent. Skills: Ibrahimovic produces the perfect scissor kick and looked certain to score . How did he save that? Zlatan, who won't be at the World Cup but still features, can't believe his shot is saved . Super star: Brazil ace Neymar dazzles the clones with his silky skills . Picture perfect: Neymar takes a 'selfie' with a clone during the winner-takes-all match . The team finally make the breakthrough as Ronaldo is lined up to thunder a shot from distance into an empty net - but the Portugal star refuses to shoot, traps the ball and confidently says: 'No, too easy.' Allowing the clones time to regroup, the former Manchester United star then proceeds through a crowded box before controlling the ball on the line and casually backheeling it into the back of the net to claim a victory for football. 'The final 90 seconds of The Last Game prove, beyond any doubt, that brilliant football should be the only kind of football. Brilliant, creative, risk-taking football. That is what #riskeverything is all about,' said Nike’s Chief Marketing Officer Davide Grasso. Over here! Ibrahimovic shouts to Neymar to pass the ball as hundreds of clones take to the field . Breakthrough: The team finally work their way towards the goal as Ronaldo beats the keeper in the air . Cool customer: Ronaldo poses with the ball on the line before casually backheeling it into the net .

Wayne Rooney joins forces with Cristiano Ronaldo against team of clones . Brazil star Neymar, David Luiz and Andres Iniesta also feature in advert . Stars take normal jobs after being forced out of game by doppelgangers . Rooney becomes fisherman while Ronaldo works as shop-window dummy . They all team up to train in secret hideout for winner-takes-all showdown .

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David Dunn is under consideration to replace James Beattie as manager of Accrington Stanley. The 34-year-old Blackburn midfielder is open to the idea of a player-manager role at the League Two club. Beattie, 36, left Accrington by mutual consent on Friday after 16 months in charge. Blackburn midfielder David Dunn is under consideration to become the new boss of Accrington Stanley . Former boss James Beattie left the club by mutual consent after 16 months on Friday . Stanley had won just one of their first six games of the season before the departure of the former Southampton forward. But they recorded their second triumph in a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. Last season, Accrington finished 15th in League Two under Beattie.

Dunn under consideration to become new boss of Accrington Stanley . Beattie left the role by mutual consent after 16 months in charge .

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By . Jack Doyle . Last updated at 12:58 AM on 20th January 2012 . Knifepoint robberies rose by 10 per cent last year, official crime figures have revealed. Police statistics show one victim is held up by a knife-carrying criminal every 35 minutes. Senior officers have warned the attacks are carried out by muggers determined to steal smartphones and cash. On the rise: The number of robberies committed at knife-point rose by 10 per cent in the year to September 2011, new figures show (picture posed by models) Separate figures show a double digit rise in the number of pickpocket thefts – the biggest increase for nearly a decade. Across England and Wales, robbery rose by 4 per cent in the year to September 2011 compared with the previous 12 months. There were 15,313 knifepoint robberies in the same period – up 10 per cent from the 13,971 offences a year earlier, police crime statistics showed. Around half of all robberies took place in London and the most common items stolen were smartphones, bags and cash. The Metropolitan Police recorded a 13 per cent rise in robberies in the capital and West Midlands Police recorded a 10 per cent increase. Former Met commissioner Lord Stevens, who is chairing a commission into the future of policing set up by Labour, said the rise in crimes against the person was ‘a bit alarming’. He said: ‘I’m not surprised. It’s really worrying. We’ve got to get on top of them really quickly or you could run out of control.’ The British Crime Survey, based on a poll of more than 40,000 victims, suggested a 5 per cent rise in burglary, and a 7 per cent increase in car theft. Pickpocket thefts rose by 12 per cent to nearly 600,000, while garden shed break-ins fuelled a 15 per cent rise in other thefts of personal property. Policing minister Nick Herbert said there are areas of concern and crime remains too high . However ministers will be heartened that overall recorded crime fell fractionally. The number recorded was down by 4 per cent to 4.1million. Chief Constable Jon Murphy, from the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: ‘While incidents in violence against the person fell, a continued cause for concern was the increase in pickpocketing, robbery and robbery with knives.’ ‘This has been driven by a rise in robberies of personal property and police will want to focus on tackling these offences and offering crime-prevention advice.’ Meanwhile the number of murders and other killings rose by 5 per cent in the year to March 2011, said the Home Office. That is a rise of 28 – taking the total number of violent deaths to 636, up from 608 in 2009/10. The latter includes the 12 victims of the Cumbrian shootings in June 2010 by Derrick Bird. Ministers are set to introduce a ‘tough’ law meaning automatic jail for anyone caught carrying a knife with the intention of using it to commit a crime. Currently just one in five of those caught carrying a knife is given a jail term. The rest are handed community sentences, fines or other punishments. Policing minister Nick Herbert said: ‘Today’s crime figures cannot be used to show there is a long-term change in either direction. There are areas of concern and, as we have consistently said, crime remains too high. ‘We know good policing makes a difference.’ Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has introduced a number of measures to reduce the prison population . Ken Clarke (right) has come under constant attack over his money-saving plans to reduce the prison population by 3,000 by putting fewer offenders behind bars. He stunned the Tory conference in 2010 by announcing he wanted to scrap prison term of less than six months in favour of community sentences. That policy was heavily criticised last month after it emerged a quarter of criminals break their non-custodial punishments. Last year, the Justice Secretary caused outrage by suggesting that some rapes were more serious than others as he attempted to defend proposed shorter jail terms for some rapists. Then last May it was revealed that less than a third of convicted muggers and car thieves end up in jail. Furthermore, just over half of drug dealers go to prison – and only 43 per cent of those who have sex with a child under 13 are put behind bars. The row within the Tory Party itself about the Justice Secretary's approach re-emerged in October when Home Secretary Theresa May and Boris Johnson urged him to extend minimum jail terms to under-18s. However, he dismissed their call. A month later, it emerged that youth courts are jailing just one in four teenage muggers. Most young criminals are facing nothing harsher than rehabilitation, fines or community service. Even during the 'crackdown' over August's riots, the average sentence was well below two years.

Around half of all robberies took place in London . Common items stolen are smartphones, bags and cash .

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Airline food is notoriously bad, with most passengers forcing it down because at 30,000 feet, there are simply no other culinary options. So the idea that some would actually want to consume it at ground level - where a huge variety of delicious, fresh, non-mystery meat options are available - is a surprising one. Nevertheless, German food delivery website Allyouneed.com has launched Air Food One in collaboration with Lufthansa Airlines' caterers, delivering an aeroplane meal once a week to customers. Airplane food on the ground: A new German delivery service provides meals from the plane in your home . A class above: Unlike the unidentifiable dishes in economy though, the meals are the same as those offered to Business Class passengers . But far from the unidentifiable meats, bland sauces and soggy vegetables the average economy flyer is begrudgingly accustomed too, the meals are actually from Business Class. Just like on the plane, you can choose from the regular or vegetarian option. Every Wednesday, customers will receive delivery of the same meal being served to passengers sitting up front on Lufthansa that week. Familiar:  This is the sort of meal the average flyer is usually faced with on flights . Options: Customers are given a choice of regular or vegetarian options . The full meal costs €9.99 (approximately £7.85) per week and €8.99 (approximately £7.05) for vegetarian. The food arrives cold and needs to be cooked in the oven before consuming. It is also suitable for freezing. On the menu next week is 'Chinese Shin of Beef', and 'Shak Navratan Indian Vegetables' for the vegetarian options. Cutting down on waste: Catering company LSG Sky Chefs reduces waste by using the surplus Business Class meals not ordered by passengers on board . Other upcoming dishes include 'Emperor Bream with Herb Risotto' or 'Panserotti with Ricotta', and 'Chicken Breast with Pepper' or 'Pumpkin Gnocchi with Ragout'. The service is much like any other ready meal delivery, except only one meal per week is currently available. The idea also cuts down on food waste for LSG Sky Chefs, the catering company behind the service, as the surplus meals not ordered by Business Class passengers are used to fill orders, rather than being thrown out.

Air Food One delivers one plane meal per week to customers for £7.85 . Collaboration with Lufthansa caterers LSG Sky Chefs . Meals match those served each week in Business Class .

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A JetBlue Airways flight departing from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, was evacuated Saturday evening after one of its engines caught fire, according to a Federal Aviation Administration statement. "Passengers and crew used emergency slides to evacuate the aircraft," the statement read. JetBlue spokesperson Gina Recine told CNN there were no known injuries among the 186 passengers and six crew members on board. JetBlue Airways Flight 704 was headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. According to Recine, the plane was taxing on the runway for takeoff when problems developed 7:15 p.m. ET. Recine could not elaborate on the nature of the mechanical issue. The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

Emergency slides were deployed . JetBlue Flight 704 was headed to JFK in New York . No injuries reported .

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By . Tara Brady . Brighton College headteacher Richard Cairns said he would like to see a minimum standard introduced for teachers . Top schools are finding it difficult to recruit would-be headteachers because job applications are littered with basic mistakes. Covering letters and CVs are often ‘really badly completed’ with appalling spelling and grammar, according to Emma Knights, head of the National Governors' Association. Many candidates often fail to use the correct spelling for the school they are writing to. According to recent figures one in four schools are struggling to employ senior staff. 'Sometimes, it's basic grammar that's wrong', Ms Knights told The Times. 'You don't expect a school leader to be told to put the apostrophe in the right place, or to check that their capital letters are in the right place, or they've got the school name right.' Last month the head of a leading independent school released examples of job applications he had received which exposed the sloppiness and poor standards of literacy among candidates. Brighton College’s Richard Cairns received 50 letters for the position of deputy head. Of the 30 from people working at state schools, he said 12 were ‘semi-literate’ and only one made the shortlist. According to Mr Cairns, some candidates were unsure how to address him in applications. One history teacher said he liked 'to see a student bossom' while a chemistry teacher gave his date of birth as 1053. Mr Cairns also said that many teachers between 25 and 40 who were taught in state schools were never taught basic grammar, spelling and sentence structure. The head called for a minimum standard to be introduced in which teachers would have to achieve at least three B grades at A-level, and a 2:1 degree in their chosen teaching subject. According to Mr Cairns some candidates were unsure how to address him in job applications . The Department for Education said a growing network of teaching schools was helping to ‘identify teachers with potential for headship’. 'I like to see a student bossom' 'I have been a science teacher form more than 10 years' 'Date of birth: 1053' 'Dear Cairns' 'Dear Mr Richard' The National Governors' Association is a charity for 300,000 volunteers who act as school governors, who appoint head teachers. In December 2013, a new international study revealed that British pupils lag behind leading nations including Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and the Chinese city of Shanghai. The study was carried out as part of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and focused on applied skills rather than theoretical knowledge. The findings show that the UK's average score for maths was 494 and in reading it was 499, roughly average for all countries and on a par with the Czech Republic, France and Norway. Britain did better in science with an above-average 514 points, similar to Australia, Ireland and Slovenia. Official figures have shown that one-in-five of state secondary school maths teachers in England do not have a maths degree, with the same being true of 34 per cent of physics teachers.

Emma Knights is head of the National Governors' Association . She said CVs and covering letters are often badly completed . Some candidates fail to correctly spell the names of schools they are applying to . The head of a top independent school has said some applicants are 'semi-literate'

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By . Emma Innes . A woman was left paralysed and unable to feed herself after doctors failed to realise she had an abscess in her neck. Jean Warne, 74, was left partially paralysed and unable to lift her arms shortly before her death in March last year. Her family say by the time doctors realised what was wrong, it was too late to save her. Jean Warne was paralysed after doctors failed to diagnosed an abscess in her neck until it was too late . They claim she was also left sitting on a soiled chair and that no one responded when she cried out in pain. They have instructed solicitors to sue Colchester General Hospital, Essex, claiming the lack of dignity Mrs Warne was treated with amounted to a breach of the Human Rights Act. Her son-in-law John Snowden, 64, said: ‘Jean was strong, she was feisty and her brain was working 100 per cent. ‘If she had been given the right treatment and care, she wouldn’t have gone the way she went.’ Shortly after Mrs Warne retired in 2000, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. But the cancer returned and spread to her spine, leaving her prone to suffering falls. Mrs Warne was admitted to Colchester General Hospital after a fall. She had breast cancer that had spread to her spine . Mr Snowden, of Braintree, Essex, said she would usually be checked over in hospital after a fall and released within a day. But after she was taken from her Gosfield home to Colchester General Hospital in mid-January 2013, her family decided to start looking at care homes she could move into. However, he claims the lack of care and attention his mother-in-law received at the hospital meant she deteriorated rapidly and was never able to leave. He said: ‘She was put in a seat in the mornings and just left there. Throughout that period, she was getting worse and worse. ‘She complained of a pain in her neck and in that time of sitting there an abscess formed in her neck, which eventually paralysed her. ‘She couldn’t even raise her arms to eat her food and they would just take it away. ‘She was left in her bed soiled and she was left in her seat soiled. You wouldn’t treat a dog like she was treated.’ Mr Snowden, a retired AA director, and his wife Melody, 51, visited every day and said they would have to feed her themselves. He added: ‘Melody went up there one day with a friend. ‘They walked in and Jean was in such neck pain, she was screaming out. The lady opposite said she was crying out all through the night and no one came. ‘All they used to do was put her in a private room because she was keeping the other patients awake. It was disgraceful.’ On March 5 2013, Mr and Mrs Snowden were told Mrs Warne had a suspected abscess. Doctors told them she was too frail to survive treatment and had only days to live. However, that night they received a call telling them Mrs Warne was being taken to Romford’s Queen’s Hospital for surgery. Ms Warne's family say staff at the hospital left her sitting in soiled clothes, that they didn't help her to eat when she was too ill to feed herself and that they did not respond when she cried out in pain . Mr Snowden contacted Queen’s and was told when she arrived they almost immediately realised she was too weak to deal with the anaesthetic. Mrs Warne was sent back to Colchester General Hospital, where she died that afternoon. Mr Snowden said they had an initial meeting with doctors who admitted they should have spotted the abscess sooner and should not have sent her to Queen’s. Afterwards, he wrote to former chief executive Dr Gordon Coutts to express his anger, and received a letter back offering a meeting. He refused and got in touch with Leigh Day solicitors. Ten months on, Mr Snowden said his wife, who has needed time off work, was still too upset and angry to speak about her mother’s care. Mrs Warne's family are now taking legal action against Colchester General Hospital . The couple are now pursuing legal action. He said: ‘We could just sit on this and let it go, but people should know about this. ‘At the end of the day, Colchester could go on doing exactly the same thing. ‘I hope the hospital gets its act together. It’s not going to happen overnight, but they must take some responsibility for the pain and suffering that they have given to patients and their families.’ A spokesman for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We would like to pass on our sympathy and concerns to the family of this patient following her death in March last year, and are sorry and disappointed that they have concerns. ‘We received a complaint about this patient shortly after her death, which was investigated as a serious incident. ‘One of her consultants met the patient’s daughter and son-in-law and apologised to the patient’s family for some aspects of her care.’

Jean Warne, 74, had breast cancer that had spread to her spine . She was admitted to Colchester General Hospital after having a fall . She deteriorated rapidly and was soon partially paralysed because of the abscess - by the time doctors diagnosed it, it was too late to operate . Her family say she was also left in soiled clothes, not helped to eat when she was too ill to lift her arms and that her cries of pain were ignored . Mrs Warne died at the hospital on March 6, 2013 .

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Brown pelicans with slit throat pouches have been washing up this month in south Florida, triggering community outcry as authorities investigate what they suspect are serial slashings. About 10 birds have died, and another four were injured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The culprit apparently used a knife to slit the large gullets beneath their beaks, spokesman Robert Dube said. Throat slasher: 10 brown pelicans on the Florida Keys have died after having their pouches slashed . It comes just over a year after an almost identical attack on the Florida Keys which saw dozens of birds wash up dead on the shore. The birds use the oversized pouches to swallow fish skimmed from the water. Once slashed, they can starve to death. 'It's a slow, agonizing death for these animals,' Dube said. The maimed pelicans have been turning up around the lower Florida Keys, located in the southernmost part of the state. State wildlife officers are seeking tips about the slayings, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also investigating. While no longer endangered, brown pelicans are protected by state regulations and the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Perpetrators can face fines and even jail time for harming the birds. Identical attack: Last year dozens of the birds were slain an injured by a serial throat slasher in Florida . Local residents have been offering reward money since officials issued an alert last week about the deaths. Wildlife officers suspect teenagers or irate fishermen could be behind the attacks. During winter months, the region also sees many part-time residents from northern states, Dube said. 'Right now we are at a loss,' he said. 'We love our critters down here in the Keys. It's caused a lot of concern.'

10 birds killed and another four injured by throat slashing attack . Wildlife officers found the brown pelicans washed up in Florida Keys . Comes a year after identical attack, perpetrator was never identified .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 13:59 EST, 9 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:16 EST, 9 August 2012 . A Florida prosecutor hoping to convict George Zimmerman of murder in the Trayvon Martin shooting made a humiliating blunder when her office released a photo of the teen's body. The documents were released today by the office of Special Prosecutor Angela Corey in the case of Zimmerman, who has been charged with second-degree murder in Martin’s February 26 death. But among the pages of evidence was a photo of Martin taken right after his death, as well as Zimmerman’s college records - which were supposed to be kept confidential. Scroll down for videos . Murder case: George Zimmerman, right, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, left, in Sanford, Florida . Out of school: Documents revealed that Zimmerman withdrew from Seminole State College about a month after the shooting . The image, published by TheSmokingGun.com, showed the teen's body face-down in a grassy area where he had been shot in a scuffle with Zimmerman, a neighbourhood watch captain. The files revealed that officers found Martin’s blood on a bag of Skittles in his pocket, and emails from the Sanford Police Department, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The records from Seminole State College revealed that Zimmerman had been placed on academic probation in 2011 for failing to keep his grade point average above 2.0. They also said that Zimmerman had been granted an administrative withdrawal about a month after the shooting. Meanwhile, Zimmerman will seek to have second-degree murder charges dismissed under Florida's 'stand your ground' law in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, his attorney said Thursday. Appeal: Last month, Zimmerman posted a nearly-2 minute, bilingual video thanking fans for their support . The hearing, which likely won't take place for several months, will amount to a mini-trial involving much of the evidence collected by prosecutors as well as expert testimony from both sides. Although the posting did not say so, legal experts say it's likely that Zimmerman himself would testify since he is the sole survivor of the February 26 confrontation. "Most of the arguments, witnesses, experts and evidence that the defence would muster in a criminal trial will be presented in the 'stand your ground' hearing,' said the statement posted on Zimmerman's official defence website. Under the law, Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester can dismiss the charges if Zimmerman conclusively shows he fatally shot Martin because he 'reasonably believed' he might be killed or suffer 'great bodily harm' at the hands of the unarmed teenager. Legal battle: Zimmerman, pictured right at an April 20 bond hearing, will fight the charges against him using Florida's 'stand your ground' law . Killed: Trayvon Martin was shot and killed the night of February 26 in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman . The law also says a person has no duty to retreat in the face of such a threat. Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, shot Martin after a confrontation in Zimmerman's gated community in the central Florida town of Sanford, where Martin was visiting. The case drew local and nationwide protests because Zimmerman was not arrested for weeks after the shooting. Evidence released by prosecutors, the Zimmerman statement said, shows 'clear support for a strong claim of self-defense.' The statement added that Zimmerman attorney Mark O'Mara 'urges everyone to be patient during this process and to reserve judgment until the evidence is presented in the `stand your ground' hearing.' Defence: Zimmerman is represented by attorney Mark O'Mara, centre, seen walking to the Seminole County Court . Martin's parents have contended that Zimmerman singled out their son as he was returning from a convenience store because he was black and that it was Zimmerman's aggression that led to his death. Zimmerman, who is free on $1million bail, faces a possible life prison sentence if convicted of second-degree murder. If his 'stand your ground' claim succeeds, however, the criminal charges would be dismissed and Zimmerman could not be held liable in any civil action such as a wrongful death lawsuit. Prosecutors would likely appeal a successful self-defence claim. A spokeswoman for special prosecutor Angela Corey declined comment. An attorney for Martin's parents did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment. Evidence: Zimmerman has said that Martin broke his nose and slammed his head into the pavement, which corroborate with the Sanford police department's photos from that night . Legal experts have said that Zimmerman's credibility is a key to his claim and that he undermined his own cause by deceiving the judge about his finances during an April bond hearing. That alleged deception led to perjury charges against Zimmerman's wife, Shellie. She has pleaded not guilty. Lester, who will also decide the self-defence claim, said Zimmerman 'flaunted the system' by making misleading statements about how much money the couple had raised through online contributions from supporters. The judge revoked Zimmerman's initial $150,000 bond and had him returned to jail, then allowed him to be released on the higher $1million figure with additional restrictions. Opening up: George Zimmerman spoke publicly for the first time in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity last month . Watch video here .

Photo accidentally released with documents pertaining to the special prosecutors investigation . Documents also revealed some of Zimmerman's school records that were supposed to be kept confidential . Reveals that officers found Martin's blood on a bag of Skittles in his pocket . George Zimmerman, 28, is out on $1million bond after he was charged with second-degree murder in Martin's death .

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(CNN) -- The 28-year-old victim of an acid attack was released Sunday from a Portland, Oregon, hospital, a nursing supervisor said, nearly a week after an unknown assailant threw a cup of the caustic liquid in her face. Bethany Storro was released from Legacy Emanuel Hospital, where she had undergone surgery for her injuries after the attack last Monday, according to the supervisor, who declined to give her name. Storro credits a new pair of sunglasses -- bought just 20 minutes before the attack -- with saving her eyesight. "God is watching over me," Storro, of Vancouver, Washington, told CNN affiliate KATU in Portland, Oregon, last week. "I believe in him. That his hands are on me and I can't live the rest of my life like that -- in fear. I can't let what she did to me wreck my life." Vancouver police say they are looking for the assailant, described as an African-American woman with an athletic build and slicked-back hair pulled into a pony tail. A composite sketch of the suspect was released last week. Storro told KATU that she had stopped at a Starbucks about 7:15 p.m. Monday, just after she had gone back to buy a pair of sunglasses that she had seen earlier. The woman walked up to her and said, "Hey pretty girl, do you want to drink this?" When Storro declined, the woman threw the contents of the cup in her face and ran off. Storro said she spoke about the attack because she wants people to see what the woman did to her and to help authorities find the woman before she assaults someone else. The attack bears similarities to a 2008 case in London, England. Katie Piper, a young model and television presenter, was leaving her apartment in a London suburb when she was attacked by a stranger waiting for her with a cup of sulfuric acid. The liquid burned the skin on her face, neck, chest and hands. She was also left blinded in one eye. Her assailant was asked by Piper's former boyfriend, Danny Lynch, to throw the acid on her face because she ended their short relationship. Both the assailant, Stefan Sylvestre, and Lynch are serving time in prison for the attack. CNN's Greg Morrison contributed to this report.

28-year-old Bethany Storro was released from a Portland, Oregon, hospital Sunday . An assailant threw a cup of acid in her face last Monday in Vancouver, Washington . A composite sketch of the suspect has been released . The attack bears similarities to a 2008 case in London, England .

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By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 04:25 EST, 29 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:16 EST, 29 May 2013 . Most parents would give anything for their teenage son to pick up an iron. But for one teen, pressing his shirts has turned into an extreme hobby. Kevin Krupitzer, 17, has turned the mundane into the insane by taking his ironing board to the most extraordinary of locations, from the edge of cliff to on board a canoe. Kevin Krupitze, 17, has turned the mundane into the insane by taking his ironing board to the most extraordinary of locations . A pressing need for adventure: The 17-year-old was inspired to perform his bizarre stunts after he was given a calender called 'extreme ironing' Creasing up: The daredevil says his pictures have made his friends laugh and he has enjoyed ironing - so long as he doesn't have to do it in his home . The teenager travels around his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona in search of the weirdest places to 'iron'. And he has even climbed to the top of a 120ft high rock, dubbed the Totem Pole in Queen Creek Canyon in pursuit of his bizarre hobby. But with most of his locations lacking a place to plug his iron, Kevin poses with the iron and board to add to his collection of extreme ironing images. He said: 'I've always liked the outdoors and have always enjoyed hiking and backpacking. 'The extreme ironing came about when my brother brought me an Extreme Ironing calendar as a joke present. Kevin sits on top of a huge rock (right), while a . fellow extreme ironer scales the rock face to bring him the board - . then gets to work on 'ironing' his clothes (left) Kevin has even climbed to the top of a 120ft high rock, dubbed the Totem Pole in Queen Creek Canyon, AZ in pursuit of his bizarre hobby. 'I immediately thought that looks cool, I might give it a go. 'Sometimes if I'm hiking I'll bring the board with me and look out for an unusual place to iron. 'I like the idea of doing something really mundane in the least mundane of places. 'The . most extreme place I've ironed is probably in the middle of a canal and . our most recent trip to the Totem Pole was pretty extreme. 'It's just become a bit of a hobby really something I do with my brother and friends. It makes for some funny pictures. But, sadly for his parents, the teen's interest in pressing his shirts ends when he steps through the door to his home. The teenager, from Arizona, has managed to bridge the gap between a dull household chore and a thrilling adventure . For most ironing is one of those boring chores we tend to put off doing - but Kevin has found a way to make it entertaining . The teenager says he likes the idea of doing something really mundane in the least mundane of places . 'The funny thing is I'll take the ironing board out with me when I'm going hiking but I rarely use it to actually iron at home,' he said. But Kevin might have competition when it comes to the most extreme activity with an ironing board. A super-fit British man braved the desert heat to complete a 155-mile run with an ironing board strapped to his back. Paul Roberts, 45, took on the Marathon des Sables which involved completing the equivalent of a marathon every day for six days in a row. The father of two finished in an impressive 364th place - beating more than half of the 860 strong field. The annual race, described as one of the world's toughest, is held in the Moroccan Sahara where temperatures can reach 50c.

Kevin Krupitzer, 17, travels around his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona in search of the weirdest places to 'iron' Climbed to the top of a 120ft high rock, dubbed the Totem Pole in Queen Creek Canyon, for his hobby . Despite his bizarre feats, loses interest in ironing once he is at home .

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By . Anna Sanders . PUBLISHED: . 14:23 EST, 13 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:30 EST, 13 June 2013 . Forget about demolishing that glass ceiling — women in the Senate are finally getting a much-needed update to their bathroom. Female senators have been forced to share a two-stall facility for 20 years, causing lines and headaches. But now that the Senate boasts 20 lady lawmakers, construction crews will expand the small bathroom after August recess, The Washington Post reported. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, tweeted the renovations were 'a sign of the progress we are making'. Historic: The Senate is getting a new, larger bathroom for this Congress' record number of female lawmakers . 'We’re even going to have a window,' Shaheen told the Post. Ever since their numbers increased, the small size of the bathroom—the only one located just off the floor—became a 'running joke' for the group of senators, the Post said. 'For the first time, there was a traffic jam in the Senate women’s bathroom,' Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, said a week after the election according to the Post. 'There were five of us in there, and there are only two stalls.' Klobuchar added the increase in female senators was 'wonderful', adding the group has dinners every other month. The New York Times reported the group is even using the bathroom problem to their advantage. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Democrat from Michigan, said that she and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat from North Dakota, strategized on a new farm bill while waiting in line. 'It’s a good problem to have,' Stebenow told the Times. 'We have enough of us now that we can negotiate in the ladies' room.' Women have come a long way since the first female senator was elected in 1922. Progress: Female senators have been forced to share a small, two-stall bathroom just off the Senate floor since 1993 . When Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington state, was sworn-in 20 years ago, females didn't even have the cramped bathroom. She told seattlepi.com that the only bathroom off the Senate floor was for men. 'We had to go upstairs and down a long hall,' Murray said. Eventually in 1993 a small, two-stall, restroom was constructed using space in from the men's facility, according to the Times. It was bearable when there were less than 10 female senators. 'It’s no longer convenient: There’s a line,' Murray told seattlepi.com. The women in the House of Representatives got their own update in 2011, when Speaker John A. Boehner, an Ohio Republican, directed the Architect of the Capitol to construct a female restroom adjacent to the House floor. Before construction, female representatives had to walk 'the length of a football field' for a toilet, according to the Times. 'It’s terrific to have this here,' Rep. Virginia Foxx, a . Republican from North Carolina, said when it opened. 'It’s a great facility for us to have after all these years . here. And it took a male Republican speaker to do it.'

U.S. Senate now boasts 20 female senators—the most ever . The women have shared a tiny, two-stall facility just off the Senate floor for years . New bathroom to be completed after the August recess .

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By . Tom Mctague, Mail Online Deputy Political Editor . A team of police disaster specialists will be sent to Ukraine to bring back the nine tragic Britons killed in the Ukrainian air disaster, Downing Street announced today. The Scotland Yard experts will join a Dutch-led emergency team after a request from the country's prime minister Mark Rutte. A separate team of air-accident investigators have been put on standby to help an international investigation into what caused the crash. Both operations depend on the pro-Russian separatists granting international access to the crash site. 'That’s why we are pushing so hard internationally to make sure that there is the access,' Mr Cameron's spokeswoman said today. Britain is pushing for a UN resolution granting access to international investigators to discover what happened . The plane came down in an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian separatists around the city of Donetsk . Number 10 this morning said getting to the site of the disaster was the Government's first priority. The UK has called an emergency session of the UN Security Council to get international agreement for access. Moscow and the Russian rebels have both said they will back an investigation, but Downing Street said they needed to back up their words. A spokesman for Mr Cameron said: 'President Putin has said on this there should be an investigation. 'That is why we said very clearly that people should do all they can to enable that to happen - not just words.' At least nine Britons are believed to be among 298 passengers and crew who were on board the plane, which was apparently shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Mr Cameron chaired an emergency meeting of the Governent's crisis committee Cobra this morning to agree how to respond to the crash. A team of Scotland Yard specialists has been put on standby to help recover the bodies of the nine Britons killed in yesterday's crash . He was joined by the new Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and new Defence Secretary Michael Fallon. The Prime Minister's national security advisor Sir Kim Darroch and representatives from the secret services also attended. Mr Cameron's spokeswoman said this morning’s emergency meeting focused on the need for a 'swift and independent investigation' into the causes and securing access to the crash site for international experts. Mr Cameron spoke with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, the Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, and sent messages of condolence to Malaysian PM Najib Razak. The Prime Minister's spokeswoman said: 'Clearly it will be the Ukrainian government that are in the lead on this. We are keen to work with them closely and we think there needs to be an independent international investigation. 'So that would look to the role of people like ICAO, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, or looking into Air Accidents Investigation Branch. 'The point I would make is that the crash site is in a separatist-held area and therefore part of the work we are doing is talking closely to the OSCE [Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe], who are clearly the ones that have the monitoring mission in the broader region, about how we can work together and access [the site]. 'And it is also why we are pushing for a clear statement at the UN on the need for access.' Mr Cameron's spokeswoman added: 'The focus was on the huge tragedy that this is for the Netherlands, the need to have an independent investigation. 'It is true that this crash has taken place in the context of a wider crisis in Ukraine and one element of that [is] we have been sending a very clear message to the Russians, along with our European partners and the US, for several weeks now about the need for them to exert their influence on Russian separatists and stop the flow of weapons across the border. Will we keep reiterating that message in the days ahead? Yes.'

Prime Minister orders specialist Metropolitan police team to Ukraine . Officers will work under Dutch investigation after request to Downing Street . Crisis UN Security Council meeting called today to get access to crash site . Cameron has also ordered specialist air investigation team to go to Kiev . Experts will form part of international probe into cause of the crash . Rebels controlling area around Donetsk yet to allow international access .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:55 EST, 22 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:12 EST, 22 June 2012 . Guests at a luxury Afghan hotel fled in terror as five armed Taliban suicide bombers burst in and sparked a brutal 12-hour gun battle. Eight people were shot dead as scores of hostages were taken at the exclusive Spozhmai resort, on the outskirts of Kabul and overlooking Qargha Lake. The Islamic extremists said the venue was a 'centre for prostitution' and 'debauchery'. It is yet another bold attack showing a potent insurgency remains after more than 10 years of war. Scroll down for video . Smoke rises from the Spozhmai hotel near Kabul, Afghanistan after suicide bombers attacked it, took hostages and staged an hours-long gun battle with Afghan security forces . Five militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades, suicide bomb vests and machine guns attacked the hotel around midnight last night . Many terrified guests jumped into the lake to escape the carnage . Eight people were shot dead as scores of hostages were taken at the exclusive resort, on the outskirts of Kabul and overlooking Qargha Lake . Five militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades, suicide bomb vests and machine guns attacked the hotel around midnight last night. They burst into a party and shot dead hotel guards. Four civilians, three hotel guards and a policeman were killed in the battle. All five attackers were also killed. The attack, quickly claimed by the Afghan Taliban, again showed the ability of insurgents to stage high-profile raids. It came even as NATO nations prepare to withdraw most of their combat troops by the end of 2014 and leave Afghans to lead the fight. Afghans look at the dead bodies of two victims of the attack . Afghan policemen arrive at the scene. Up to 300 people had been inside the hotel when the attack began . A man cries after losing relatives during the assault on the hotel . Many terrified guests jumped into the lake in the darkness to escape the carnage, Afghan officials and residents said.  Up to 300 people had been inside the hotel when the attack began. Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman, said: 'Insurgent Taliban were using civilians as human shields to protect themselves. 'And even this morning around 50 locals were still held as hostages.' Earlier, . elite Afghan quick-response police backed by NATO troops freed at least . 35 hostages in an operation that only began in earnest after sunrise to . help security forces avoid civilian deaths in night-time confusion. In position: An Afghan National Army soldier looks over the hotel which was attacked by Taliban soldiers . Creeping: An Afghan National Army soldier takes positions on a hill near the Spozhmai Hotel as others wait . Battle: A NATO helicopter arrived (pictured) after bombers attacked the Spozhmai hotel at Qargha Lake late on Thursday night and continued into the morning . NATO attack helicopters could be seen over the single-storey hotel building and a balcony popular with guests for its sunset views, while a pall of smoke rose into air. The Taliban complained wealthy Afghans and foreigners used the hotel, about six miles from the centre of Kabul, for 'prostitution' and 'wild parties' ahead of today's religious day holiday. Launching their annual offensive this spring, the Taliban threatened to attack more government officials and rich Afghans. Bullet holes pepper the hotel's brickwork, along with smashed windows . But the hotel assault was one of few in which multiple hostages were taken since the start of the war, now in its 11th year. General Mohammad Zahir, head of the Kabul police investigation unit, said: 'This is a crime against humanity because they targeted children, women and civilians picnicking at the lake. 'There wasn't even a single soldier around there.' Television pictures showed several people wading out of the lake onto a balcony and clambering over a wall to safety. Surrounded: Afghan special forces outside the Spozhmai hotel at Lake Qargha . Terror: An Afghan policeman reflected in a mirror at the hotel (left), and the dead body of a militant (right) Deadly: Afghan National Army soldiers arrive where bombers were armed with machines guns, rocket-propelled grenades and vests laden with explosives . Soldiers and police fanned out around the hotel at dawn, arriving in cars and armoured Humvee vehicles and taking cover behind trees flanking the lake and a nearby golf course. Police said they wanted to stage a rescue without resorting to a frontal attack that could kill the hotel guests who had been taken hostage. Qargha Lake is one of Kabul's few options for weekend getaways. Restaurants and hotels that dot the shore are popular with Afghan government officials and businessmen, particularly on Thursday nights. Guests at the Spozhmai must pass through security checks before entering the hotel, where tables with umbrellas overlook the water, but security is relatively light for a city vulnerable to militant attacks. Violence across Afghanistan has surged in recent days, with three U.S. soldiers and more than a dozen civilians killed in successive attacks, mostly in the country's east where NATO-led forces have focused their efforts during the summer fighting months. Fears: Afghan security officials stand guard on a road leading to the hotel . NATO commanders, halfway into the process of transferring security responsibility to Afghan forces, are racing through training for the Afghan army and police, including holding basic literacy classes for recruits. Several well-planned assaults in Kabul in the past year have raised questions about whether the Taliban and their al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network allies have shifted tactics to embrace high-profile attacks targeting landmarks, foreigners and Afghanistan's elite, extending a guerrilla war once primarily waged in the countryside. Afghan insurgents attacked Kabul's heavily protected diplomatic and government district on April 15 in an assault, eventually quelled by Afghan special forces guided by Western mentors, similar to one in September 2011. Militants also killed eight people in an attack on the upscale Intercontinental hotel in Kabul in June 2011. President Hamid Karzai told a special session of parliament yesterday that attacks by insurgents against Afghan police and soldiers were increasing as most foreign combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014.

Exclusive Spozhmai resort, north of Afghan capital, raided late last night . Militants used rocket-propelled grenades, suicide vests and machine guns . Burst into a party and shot dead three guards watching over the venue . Guests fled by jumping out of windows and swimming across lake . Four civilians, a policeman and all five attacked also killed in the battle .

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(CNN) -- Five-time champion Roger Federer breezed through a potentially testing first round match at the U.S. Open Tuesday to lift some of the pessimism surrounding his latest title bid. The grand slam singles record holder, seeded as low as seventh after an indifferent 2013, had too much know how for Slovenian Grega Zemlja in winning 6-3 6-2 7-5. A shock second round exit at Wimbledon and injury concerns left many doubting 32-year-old Federer would be a major factor as he bids for this 18th slam. But in a match carried over from Monday due to bad weather, the Swiss maestro was always on top. His only hiccup came when he surrendered a break in the third set before eventually closing out the match on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court. He will play Argentina's Carlos Berlocq in the second round, with a possible quarterfinals against No.2 seed Rafael Nadal on the horizon. "I felt great," Federer said. "Day sesion or night session it doesn't really matter when you play on Arthur Ashe Court," he told fans. Top seed and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic made short work of his first round opponent, defeating Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis 6-1 6-2 6-2 in 81 minutes. The 2011 champion hit 28 winners in the match and dropped his serve in the third set, but recovered to break back in the next game to serve out a routine victory. Djokovic only needs to reach the semi-finals to retain his top ranking. He faces Germany's Benjamin Becker in the second round. Wimbledon semifinalist and 14th seed Jerzy Janowicz was knocked out in the first round at Flushing Meadows for the second year in a row, losing in straight sets to Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez. In the women's draw 2011 champion Samantha Stosur was stunned by 17-year-old Victoria Duval, surrendering a one-set lead to lose 5-7 6-4 6-4 to the 296th-ranked American. Duval, who lost in the first round of last year's event to Kim Clijsters, was delighted with her own performance. "I think I played amazing today -- it was incredible, the whole match was just really an incredible match and I'm happy I pulled it through," the Miami-born starlet told the WTA's official website. "Obviously it's a great feeling to beat a past champion. And Sam is amazing. Although she didn't play nearly her best today, I played amazing, so I'll take it!" Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and former World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki both withstood testing challenges from Asian players in their first round matches. Seventh seed Czech Kvitova, the 2011 winner at Wimbledon, dropped the middle set against Japan's Misaki Doi before going through 6-2 3-6 6-1. Wozniacki, being supported at Flushing Meadows by golfing boyfriend Rory McIlroy, had a slightly easier task against Chinese qualifier Duan Ying-Ying. But having won the first set 6-2, the Danish sixth seed trailed by a break in the second before recovering to close out it out 7-5. Another former No.1, Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, also showed good early form with a straight sets win over Georgian Anna Tatishvili 6-2 6-0. Victoria Azarenka powered through her opening match in little more than one hour, handing her German opponent Dinah Pfizenmaier a double donut -- winning 6-0 6-0. The No. 2 seed will face Aleksandra Wozniak in the next round.

Roger Federer wins opener at U.S. Open . Five-time champion beats Slovenian Grega Zemlja . Federer lowly seventh seed after indifferent 2013 . Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova come through testing matches .

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Louis van Gaal has praised Wayne Rooney's 'attitude' upon appointing him Manchester United captain, but has also warned him to manage how he handles himself both on and off the pitch. The Dutchman revealed he'd spoken to Rooney about wearing the armband after Tuesday's friendly against Valencia when he felt the striker was trying too hard to be a leader. The United boss said: 'I've made him captain because of his attitude on the pitch and the training ground. VIDEO Scroll down to see Van Gaal say 'I am smart' when reporter asks reworded question . Working hard: Wayne Rooney jogs during a training session at the Aon Training Complex on Friday . In charge: Manager Louis van Gaal (right) and goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek (left) lead the training session . All set: Van Gaal takes training as United prepare for their first competitive match under the new boss . Keen eye: Van Gaal watches on as his captain Rooney jogs past on the training pitch on Friday . On the run: Rooney (right) is the new Manchester United captain for this season . All smiles: Van Gaal (centre) appears in good spirits as his assistant manager Ryan Giggs (left) looks on . Confident: The Dutchman is delighted with his choice of skipper ahead of the new season . Union: Van Gaal and Rooney will be hoping to work together to bring glory back to Old Trafford . 'Not so much outside the pitch, but I've told him that is important to me and he's accepted his responsibility. 'I've liked very much how he has trained and performed so far and how he has behaved to his fellow players. 'After Tuesday's game I joked with him don't try too hard - let it fly. 'In USA he scored a lot of goals and made an amount of assists. That is the Wayne I want to see.' Speaking ahead of Manchester United's first game of the season against Swansea on Saturday, Van Gaal also confirmed that Robin van Persie had 'no chance' of playing, and that the squad could cope without the recently injured Luke Shaw, who has been ruled out for four weeks. 'We played in the USA with Reece James & Ashley Young in that position. I'm not worried,' he said. Stretch: Chris Smalling (centre) joins his team-mates as they stretch during training . Limbering up: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea smiles as he warms up . Striding through: Van Gaal arrives at his hotly-anticipated press conference . Out: Luke Shaw will miss the start of the season after picking up an injury . Missing: Robin van Persie will not play in the first game of the season, confirms Van Gaal . VIDEO Rooney selected to lead Red Devils' revival .

Van Gaal praises Rooney for his 'attitude' after appointing him captain . Tells him to 'let it fly' as skipper, but also to keep his nose clean off pitch . Van Gaal also believes his squad can cope with the absence of Luke Shaw .

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By . Kerry Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 09:20 EST, 17 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:14 EST, 17 November 2012 . A zoo has appointed an unusual artist-in-residence - a five tonne Asian elephant. Karishma uses a tiny paintbrush gripped in its trunk to create colourful canvases at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Now one of the 14-year-old female's artworks is going up for sale on eBay to raise money for conservation projects. Scroll down for video . Dextrous: Arty Asian elephant Karishma uses a paintbrush held in its trunk to create colourful pictures at Whipsnade Zoo . Trunk art: Karishma's artwork is going to be sold on eBay to raise money for conservation charities . Staff at Whipsnade say Karishma's . artworks are 'pretty amazing, if a little abstract', and fans obviously . agree as bidding has already reached £100 on the auction site. 'Karishma really enjoys painting and she's very talented at it,' keeper Elizabeth Becker told the BBC. 'It demonstrates just how dextrous elephants' trunks really are.' Colleague Rebecca Smith said the mighty elephant had been artist-in-residence at Whipsnade ever since keepers gave Karishma a paintbrush and watched as 'she immediately took to it'. While staff admire Karishma's use of 'sweeping strokes' and trademark spots and stripes, Ms Smith added: 'Perhaps the beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. Karishma's calf George has not inherited its mother's love of art, preferring to spend time playing rather than painting. Elephant in the room: Staff at Whipsnade say the 14-year-old creature's creations are 'amazing, if a little abstract' Artist in residence: The Asian elephant's trademarks are spots and stripes . Star: Karishma leaves other elephants at Whipsnade in the shade as it shows off its artistic flair .

Asian elephant Karishma grips a tiny brush with its trunk to create colourful artworks at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire . One of the 14-year-old female's paintings is being auctioned on eBay for conservation charities .

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By . James Tozer . Last updated at 12:15 AM on 2nd January 2012 . The family of a high-flying lawyer who plunged 100ft to her death from a cliff on a Caribbean island where she lived with her new husband said yesterday they accepted it had been an accident. Sarah Thomas, 46, is said to have been picking herbs from the garden of her villa in St Lucia on Christmas Day hours after returning from an all-night party with her husband Kevin, 36, when she slipped. Mrs Thomas, who had been married for five months, had given up a lucrative career as a City tax lawyer and was hoping to start a family. Sarah at her wedding to Kevin Thomas five months ago. She is believed to have lost her footing while picking herbs from the garden of her villa in St Lucia at 10am on Christmas Day . Police on the island initially said they were investigating whether there was any suspicion of foul play, but have now concluded it was a tragic accident. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mrs Thomas died from head wounds from her fall. Yesterday her devastated parents William and Christine Pickering and sister Alison said they accepted the police findings and wanted her to be laid to rest on the island. ‘She will be buried in St Lucia, where her heart is,’ said Mrs Pickering, of Ashton-on-Ribble, Lancashire. ‘We wish to make it clear that there has been a full police investigation and we believe that Sarah’s death is just the result of a terrible accident.’ She added: ‘Sarah had been incredibly happy with Kevin. St Lucia was her home. She moved there in 2010 and had a wonderful wedding last summer. She loved Kevin and loved the island. ‘Words can’t express what we feel at the loss of our lovely daughter.’ A post-mortem confirmed Mrs Thomas died from head wounds after falling from this cliff. Police initially said they were investigating whether there was any suspicion of foul play, but have now concluded it was a tragic accident . Mrs Thomas left her job as a managing director of tax advisers Alvarez & Marsal Taxand in 2010. She set up home with her husband, who is believed to be unemployed, in the village of Piaye where he grew up. She also had a £1million house in Clapham, South London. The couple met when she was on a business trip to New York where Mr Thomas was working and moved to the village, which is rarely visited by tourists. They had gone to an all-night party nearby on Christmas Eve before returning to their £350,000 clifftop villa. At 10am on Christmas Day Mrs Thomas’s body was found at the bottom of the cliffs, apparently after slipping while collecting herbs from the garden to make gravy. Neighbours saw Mr Thomas pacing around the clifftop with his head in his hands shortly afterwards. One neighbour, Eunice Sylvester, 34, said: ‘From the herb plant to the edge of the cliff is about ten yards. Nobody really knows what happened.’

Sarah Thomas plunged 100ft to her death hours after returning from an all-night party on Christmas Day . She had been married for five months and quit career as City tax lawyer to move to St Lucia .

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By . James Rush for MailOnline . They do say two heads are better than one, but workers at a turtle farm in the U.S. had never before seen anything like this. A two-headed snapping turtle has been discovered at the Northeast Ark Turtle Farm, in Amagon, Arkansas, in a shipment of 30,000 of the reptiles shipped from China. The baby turtle is yet to be named, but representatives at the farm have confirmed they will be looking for a new home for the young reptile. A two-headed snapping turtle has been discovered at the Northeast Ark Turtle Farm, in Amagon, Arkansas, in a shipment of 30,000 of the reptiles shipped from China . The baby turtle was discovered at the farm last week, according to The Jonesboro Sun. A state biologist has said turtle mutations are rare, but are becoming more common. Workers at the farm have previously discovered a hatchling with one neck and two heads, but that died at birth. Turtles from the farm are usually sold for educational and research purposes, an employee said. The two-headed baby, however, will probably be sold to a collector. Earlier this year it was reported that a two-headed mutant snake had been spotted slithering its way through a village in India. The baby turtle is yet to be named, but representatives at the farm have confirmed they will be looking for a new home for the young reptile . The snake, which was believed to be a checkered keelback, was seen crawling past a house in Burdwan, West Bengal. The non-venomous snake slithered onto Apurba Ghosh's patio, leaving him just enough time to capture the magical moment on his camera phone. And in a flash it was gone, wriggling into a bush before he had a chance to catch it. It was never seen again.

Two-headed snapping turtle discovered at turtle farm in Amagon, Arkansas . Baby turtle is yet to be named, but the farm plans to find it a new home . Turtle, which arrived from China in shipment of 30,000 of the reptiles, is expected to be sold to a collector .

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By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 08:35 EST, 12 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:07 EST, 12 October 2013 . Arizona officials say tourists should be able to return to Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday after the state along with several counterparts agreed to a federal government plan.But the Obama administration's OK to reopen parks closed by the government shutdown came with a big caveat: States must foot the bill with money they likely won't see again.So far, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona and New York have agreed. Governors in other states were trying to gauge what would be the bigger economic hit - paying to keep the parks operating or losing the tourist money that flows when the scenic attractions are open. The US state of Utah began re-opening its national parks like the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon (pictured here) on October 11, 2013 after striking a deal with federal authorities . The Grand Canyon re-opened on Saturday after it was closed during the federal government shutdown . South Dakota and several corporate donors worked out a deal with the National Park Service to reopen Mount Rushmore beginning Monday. Gov. Dennis Daugaard said it will cost $15,200 a day to pay the federal government to run the landmark in the Black Hills.He said he wired four days' worth of the donations on Friday. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state will pay $61,600 a day to fully fund Park Service personnel and keep the Statue of Liberty open. States like Utah decided to pay to keep parks open because the cost of losing tourism would damage the local economy . Even the bathrooms at the main entrance to Grand Canyon National Park were closed until Saturday . Arizona officials said a deal reached Friday will mean visitors should be able to return to Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday.Arizona Republican Gov. Jan Brewer balked at spending about $112,000 a day for a full reopening of the Grand Canyon. She said a partial reopening would be much cheaper while allowing tourists to visit and businesses to benefit.'The daily cost difference is enormous, especially without assurances that Arizona will be reimbursed,' said Andrew Wilder, a spokesman for Brewer. Park rangers had to explain to disappointed visitors that the park was closed . Visitors to Zion National Park take in the sights after the park re-opened . In the end, Arizona agreed to pay the Park Service $651,000 to keep the Grand Canyon open for seven days. The $93,000 a day is less than the $112,000 the federal government had said was needed to fund park operations each day.In additional to state money, cash provided by the town of Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance, and private business would also be included in the funding.At this time of year, the Grand Canyon draws about 18,000 people a day who pump an estimated $1 million a day into the local economy. The town of Tusayan, and area businesses have pledged $400,000 to help reopen the canyon, but Wilder said it was unclear if the Interior Department could accept private funds.In Utah, federal workers rushed to reopen five national parks for 10 days after the state sent $1.67 million to the U.S. government with the hope of saving its lucrative tourist season.Zion National Park superintendent Jock Whitworth said staff members began opening gates and removing barriers and expected to have the park fully operational Saturday.'This is a practical and temporary solution that will lessen the pain for some businesses and communities in Utah during this shutdown,' Interior Department Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement. New york will pay $61,000 a day to keep the Statue of Liberty open . It was welcome news for beleaguered shop owners in the small town of Springdale adjacent to Zion. Hotels have been vacant and rental and retail shops have seen sales plummet during the shutdown.'It's going to be awesome,' said Jenna Milligan of Zion Outfitters, an outdoor gear rental shop. 'A lot of businesses have suffered severely because of the government. I just hope it does stay open through autumn.'In Colorado, officials said a deal had been struck for the state to pay $360,000 to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park for 10 days to allow tourists to reach Estes Park. The visitors are needed to help the town recover from flooding.Just over 400 national parks, recreation areas and monuments - including such icons as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite - have been closed since Oct. 1 because of the partial government shutdown.More than 20,000 National Park Service employees have been furloughed, and lawmakers from both parties have complained that the closures have wreaked havoc on communities that depend on tourism.Interior Department spokesman Blake Androff said Thursday the government had no plans to reimburse states that pay to reopen parks. But members of Congress introduced legislation Friday to refund the money within 90 days.In Utah, Herbert estimated the economic impact of the federal government shutdown at $100 million in his state.

So far Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, Arizona, and New York have agreed to pay to keep parks open . In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the . state will pay $61,600 a day to fully fund Park Service personnel and . keep the Statue of Liberty open. In Utah, Herbert estimated the economic impact of the federal government shutdown at $100 million in his state .

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By . James Tozer . PUBLISHED: . 05:13 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 18:33 EST, 14 January 2014 . Britain's longest-serving soap actor used his fame to sexually assault starstruck girls after inviting them to his Coronation Street dressing room, a court heard yesterday. William Roache, 81, who has played Ken Barlow on ITV for five decades, preyed on fans in the 1960s, confident his celebrity status meant they would not complain, it was claimed. One 14-year-old was attending a talent contest when Roache led her into the men’s toilet and made her perform a sex act on him, Preston Crown Court was told. He later wrote her a letter enclosing a signed photograph to secure her loyalty. Scroll down for video . End of day one: Bill Roache leaves Preston crown Court with his sons James, Linus, and daughter Verity today, where he is accused of raping a child and five other sex offences . But following the exposure of serial . sex offender Jimmy Savile in 2012, a jury heard that five women, who . were aged between 12 and 16 at the time of the alleged offences, finally . felt confident enough to come forward. ‘You . may well conclude by the end of this trial that William Roache’s fame . and popularity provided not only the opportunity for his offending but . that it is one of the predominant reasons for his victims’ decades of . silence,’ prosecutor Anne Whyte, QC, told the jury. The . twice-married father-of-four went on trial yesterday accused of twice . raping a 15-year-old girl who lived close to his then home in . Lancashire. In addition, he is accused of indecently assaulting four young girls he met at Granada Studios in Manchester. In the dock: Coronation Street star Bill Roache is accused of two counts of rape and five indecent assaults dating back almost 50 years . Another . said Roache pushed his hands up her jumper, while two sisters – one as . young as 11 or 12 – who were invited into his dressing room, and given . lifts in his silver Rolls-Royce, claimed they were also sexually . assaulted. Immaculately . dressed in a dark blue three-piece suit and striped tie and with his . grey hair neatly trimmed, the widower arrived at court flanked by . his 49-year-old son, Linus, and his two children by his late . second wife Sara – 32-year-old Verity and her brother James, 28. Famous: Roache, pictured with youngest daughter Verity, is probably Britain's best known soap star, and the jury were asked to ignore what they know about his character Ken Barlow . At . the start of the trial, the judge, Mr Justice Holroyde, told jurors . they were likely to be familiar with Ken Barlow from television but must . distinguish between the character and the actor. Witnesses will include . fellow cast members Anne Kirkbride, who plays his on-screen wife . Deirdre, Chris Gascoyne, who plays his son Peter, and Helen Worth, who . plays Gail Platt, later Gail Tilsley. The . actor first attacked a 14-year-old who was attending a talent contest . at Granada Studios in 1965 and was invited to a dressing room by Roache . and other cast members, said Miss Whyte. She . alleged Roache – then 33 – led her into the men’s toilet and, without . speaking, made her perform a sex act on him before they returned to the . dressing room. He asked for the schoolgirl’s address and later sent her a letter and a signed photograph which she still has, the court heard. Later . that year, she claims Roache gave her a lift in his car where she . ‘believes’ another sex act took place. The same year, a 16-year-old girl . was at Granada Studios when Roache approached her in the ladies’ toilets and started to ‘fondle’ her breast, Miss Whyte said. In . 1967, the court heard, a 15-year-old girl who lived near Roache’s then . home was led by the actor into the bungalow he shared with first wife . Anna Cropper, forced on to a double bed and raped. Later that year, she agreed to go into a cottage he owned and once inside he allegedly raped her again. The . 15-year-old alleged rape victim was a virgin and told police she felt . ‘panic-stricken’ at Roache’s actions, which came with no attempts to . ‘kiss or sweet talk her’. Then . between 1968 and 1971, Roache allegedly groomed the two sisters . initially aged around 12 and 14 who would wait outside the studios. The . elder sister claims that one day Roache – still wearing make-up and . stage clothes from playing Ken Barlow – invited her into his dressing . room and without warning put his hand up her skirt. On . the same occasion, the jury was told actor Neville Buswell, who played . Ray Langton, asked the younger sister to touch him sexually, but she . refused. He has denied these claims. Case: Prosecutor Anne Whyte, centre, told the court Roache, behind her, had used his fame to attack young girls . Later, . Roache allegedly gave the younger sister, now 57, and a friend a lift . in his silver Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and made her perform a sex act on . him. At one point, she told police, she stopped when a double-decker . bus drove past, but he replaced her hand and made her continue, later . giving her half a crown to get a bus home as he dropped them off. Miss . Whyte said all five kept quiet until an interview Roache gave to New . Zealand television in March last year. The husband of the younger sister . interpreted  comments Roache made in the interview as suggesting that . ‘in the old days young girls were throwing themselves at him and they . were all sexually active’. Allegations: The actor allegedly attacked two of the young girls in the toilets at Granada Studios in Manchester, the court heard . Attacks: The prosecution say the star enjoyed attacking girls ins in a risky place, 'using his position and fame to try and obtain a continuation of sexual gratification' Entrance: The star's security were forced to clear path through a crowd as he arrived at Preston Crown Court this morning . Arrival: Coronation Street Star Bill Roache walks to Preston Crown Court with children Linus (behind left), James (next left) and Verity (right) for the start of his trial, where he is accused of historical sexual offences . Support: Roache - who has played Ken Barlow for decades - arrived flanked by his security in front and his children behind . Roache’s comments ‘grated’ and he contacted a Sunday newspaper with a view to selling her story, the court heard. Meanwhile . the alleged rape victim contacted police that month after a . conversation in which her grown-up son expressed disbelief about victims . of Savile and former MP Cyril Smith taking so long to come forward, . Miss Whyte said. She told . him Roache had raped her as a schoolgirl and, at his insistence, she . formally reported it to police. Roache was arrested and charged with two . counts of rape, and following publicity over his court appearance the . other four alleged victims contacted police. 'The youngest told police . she had felt ‘intimidated’ because people ‘feel he is some kind of super . actor and they think he’s lovely and always “William Roache what a good . man he is”, you know, you don’t stand a chance if you went forward’. Roache, . who was arrested last May, denies any sexual contact with the girls, . telling police he had slept with many women but always with consent and . none was underage. On screen: The actor's on screen wife, Deidre, played by Anne Kirkbride, will give evidence during the four week trial, the court heard . However . Miss Whyte said the jury may be struck by the fact that while the women . did not know each other – apart from the sisters – they gave strikingly . similar accounts. Roache, of . Wilmslow, Cheshire, who has not appeared on Coronation Street since he . was charged, denies five counts of indecent assault and two of rape . involving five girls then aged between 12 and 16. The trial continues.

81-year-old, who has played Ken Barlow for 50 years, denies all charges . Actor is accused of two counts of rape and five of indecent assault . The alleged attacks were on girls aged between 11 and 16 . Court hears abuse was in toilets, in Rolls Royce and in Lancashire house . Two of alleged victims are sisters, the other three do not know eachother . Stars who play Deidre Barlow, Pater Barlow and Gail Platt to give evidence .

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(CNN) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that those behind the deadly blast at Moscow's busiest airport were hoping, in part, to prevent him from attending the World Economic Forum. Speaking at the gathering of business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland, Medvedev said, "Those who committed the heinous act by aiming their blow against the citizens of various countries expected that their act would bring Russia to its knees, would force us to be defensive. They expected and hoped that the president of Russia would not come here to attend to this forum, among other things, of course. This is the criteria used to choose the time and place for committing that act of terrorism. "But they miscalculated. Russia is aware of its place in the world, Russia is aware of its responsibilities to its citizens and will comply with them, and its responsibility to the world community. This is the reason why on this day I'm speaking from this rostrum." The bombing Monday killed 35 people. Earlier Wednesday, Medvedev fired top airport security officials. He accused transport police of "taking an absolutely passive position. At best, they are examining migrants, to check their registration and display their authority," in comments carried on Russian state TV. Among the people he dismissed was Andrei Alexeyev, the head of the Interior Ministry's transport administration for the Central Federal District, he announced in his televised remarks. "If people don't understand how to work, we'll find other people," Medvedev said, according the RIA-Novosti news agency. Moscow is observing a day of mourning for the victims Wednesday, with flags flying at half staff. The government asked television stations to cancel entertainment programs as a mark of respect, RIA-Novosti said. "We have to do all we can to influence, if not the ideology, then at least the social and economic roots of terrorism -- poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, parentlessness," Medvedev said in Davos. "And we have to be sure that global development is stable, safe, and just and fair." At the end of his speech, he announced that he was cutting short his previously planned stay in Davos to head back to Moscow. The blast occurred around 4:30 p.m. Monday at the entrance of Domodedovo Airport's international arrivals section. A day later, authorities were still trying to tally the exact number of people injured in the blast. RIA-Novosti said as many as 180 were hurt. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said there were 110 wounded people still in hospitals. Medvedev blamed security violations. "What happened at Domodedovo shows the airport lacked security," he said Tuesday. "It's unbelievable that such a huge amount of explosives were brought into the terminal. Those officials responsible for security at Domodedovo must be punished for their decisions. This is a terror attack, a grief, a tragedy." It is not yet clear what impact a recent decision to shake up the Russian Transport Police, which is charged with protecting train stations and airports, may have had on the security perimeter at the airport Monday. In August, Medvedev fired at least 12 generals in the Transport Police branch of the Ministry of Interior, as part of a broader reform of the Russian security services. Domodedovo is 22 kilometers (14 miles) southeast of Moscow and is the largest of Moscow's three airports, as well as the busiest in terms of passenger traffic. It was still not immediately clear who was responsible for Monday's blast. Previous terror attacks in Russia have been blamed on militants from the North Caucasus region. Over the past decade, bombers have hit trains and planes operating in and traveling out of Moscow at least four times, with a combined death toll of more than 100 victims. In 2004, two planes blew up nearly simultaneously after taking off from Domodedovo airport. That attack was linked to Chechen suicide bombers. An explosive device derailed an express train in November 2009, killing at least 26 people. Chechen rebels were blamed again. Medvedev has called on his government to do "everything in order for the criminals who committed this crime to be established, found and brought to justice. And the nest where these bandits are hiding, whatever their name is, should be exterminated." CNN's Maxim Tkachenko and Ivan Watson contributed to this report .

NEW: Medvedev says the Davos forum was considered in the attack's timing . The Russian president says transport police were "absolutely passive" Moscow is observing a day of mourning for the bomb victims . Thirty-five people died in the bombing of Moscow's busiest airport Monday .

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By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 15:28 EST, 3 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:41 EST, 4 August 2013 . A Chinese immigrant charged with killing her baby by eating rat poison while she was pregnant pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor count of criminal recklessness as part of a deal with prosecutors. Bei Bei Shuai, 36, pleaded guilty to criminal recklessness and was sentenced to time served, which was 178 days, Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Charges of murder and feticide were dropped. Curry said he decided to accept the lesser charge because a number of evidentiary rulings by the court had hurt the prosecution's case. He says he decided to accept the lesser charge rather than to appeal those decisions. Free woman: Bei Bei Shuai addresses the media after her accepting a plea deal in court yesterday . Ordeal: Bei Bei Shuai following her arrest for the murder of her three-day-old daughter Angel Shuai . 'There were evidentiary rulings that would have made our case difficult to proceed,' he said. 'We felt it was appropriate to resolve it with the plea and with some acknowledgement of culpability and everyone can move on.'A message was left at the office of Shuai's attorney, Linda Pence, by the Associated Press late Friday afternoon seeking comment. Prosecutors had argued that Shuai, a Shanghai native, killed her child by eating rat poison in December 2010, when she was eight months pregnant. Shuai gave birth to Angel on December 31. The baby died three days later. Legal support: Shuai (right) leans on her attorney Linda Pence following her release from prison on bail in 2012 . Landmark case: Shuai addresses supporters at a rally protesting her indictment . Among the rulings that hurt the prosecution's case was one in January when a judge ruled that Dr Jolene Clouse, who performed the autopsy on newborn Angel Shuai, didn't consider other possible causes for the brain bleeding that caused her death, including a drug that Shuai received while she was in the hospital.The case drew international attention from reproductive rights advocates who contended it could set a precedent by which pregnant women could be prosecuted for smoking or other behavior that authorities deem dangerous to their unborn child. Headline-making: Shuai's case gained the attention of reproductive rights advocates all over the world . About 80 organizations have filed friend-of-the-court briefs on Shuai's behalf, and more than 10,000 people from Australia to New York have signed an online petition supporting her.But Curry said those arguments weren't a factor in the case.'While well-intended, those assertions have been completely incorrect from the start. There was never any intention to monitor pregnancies. As has been pointed out on more than one occasion, Indiana appellate courts have already weighed in on those issues,' he said.The plea agreement states that the two sides believe the conviction 'will not trigger adverse immigration consequences,' and if it does the plea agreement will be set aside.The trial was scheduled to begin September 3.

Bei Bei Shuai, 36, pleaded guilty to criminal recklessness in a plea deal . Charges of murder and feticide against Shuai were dropped . Shuai ate rat poison at eight months pregnant in a suicide attempt, but her baby died . The case drew international attention . Reproductive rights advocates were concerned the case could set a dangerous precedent for mothers-to-be .

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By . Victoria Woollaston . PUBLISHED: . 04:20 EST, 12 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:30 EST, 12 September 2013 . Apple's shares fell more than 5 per cent on Wednesday, following the launch of its new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. The share price ended at a . one-month low of $467.24 at midday after at least three brokerages . downgraded the stock. It is thought that investors were put off by the price of the handsets, especially the so-called 'cheap' iPhone 5C which starts at £469, claiming they weren't low enough for Apple to attract new customers, especially in emerging markets such as China. Apple's shares fell 5.4 per cent on Wednesday, following the launch of its new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C. The price ended at $467.24 before rising marginally to $467.71. Investors were put off by the £469 price of the iPhone 5C claiming it wasn't low enough for Apple to attract new customers . At an event in Cupertino on Wednesday morning, Apple's CEO Tim Cook and senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller unveiled two new handsets. The iPhone 5S is a high-end successor to the current iPhone 5 model and comes in gold, silver and slate, with a fingerprint scanner built into the 'home' button and starts at £549. The iPhone 5C, which before the event was rumoured to be Apple's first 'budget' handset, comes in a range of five colours and has the same screen and camera as the current iPhone 5 model. Cook also announced at the event that the firm would be discontinuing the iPhone 5 after the new handsets go on sale on 20 September. Rumours had suggested that the price of the bargain phone would be around £63, yet the handset price starts at £469, which industry experts claimed was still too expensive for low-end customers. Analysts also accused Apple of misleading customers by showing the handset costing $99 during the event, yet that price was on a two-year contract and monthly payments weren't announced. Around a third of the world's handsets are sold in China to half a billion people, yet only 12 per cent of these phones are made by Apple. Korean rivals Samsung is the leading smartphone manufacturer in the region, with Chinese brands including Huawei and Lenovo also popular. Apple is still a popular choice in China, but predominantly with the Chinese elite, and Carl Howe, vice president of Yankee Group's Consumer Research group told ABC News: 'Rumor has [Apple] that they make more money in any of the five stores in China than they do in the Fifth Avenue store in New York.' Apple phones in China cost around the same amount as the average person's monthly salary in urban areas, or three months wages for a bus driver, for example. The 5S is due to sell in China for 5,288 yuan (£547) and the 5C for 4,488 yuan (£464) and the handsets, which will be available from 20 September, will be launched in China at the same time as other major territories for the first time ever. Howe continued that although China is Apple's second largest market, there is a large percentage of the population that it is not able to attract. The phrase 'iPhone 5S' was the most popular search term on Sina Weibo, China's most widely used social network, on Wednesday, while 'iPhone 5C' didn't appear on the top searches list. Users questioned why anyone willing to fork out well over 4,000 yuan for a smartphone would not just pay a bit more for the premium 5S model. Apple's share of the China smartphone market slipped to five per cent in the second quarter, according to research firm Canalys, behind not just Samsung but also Lenovo, ZTE, Huawei and Xiaomi Technology. 'Even though Apple has a lower end iPhone now, its price is still considered mid-end in China and not low-end,' said Sandy Shen, a Shanghai-based analyst for Gartner. Around half of China's smartphone shipments are in the 700-1,500 yuan range, said Shen, but competing on those prices isn't an attractive prospect for Apple. 'Considering Apple's old rival Samsung and domestic players such as Huawei, Lenovo and Coolpad all have phones in that category, Apple will still lose out in market share in these key segments,' she said. No UK network operators have released contract pricing yet. 'Investors were put off that Apple's . price point didn't go low enough to attract a new market. It doesn't . have the same range in price that Apple's competitors have,' said Mark . Luschini, chief investment strategist at Janney Montgomery Scott in . Philadelphia. 'It doesn't have the same range in price that Apple's competitors have,' he added. 'We believe Apple is foregoing a valuable and relatively easy way to return to earnings growth.' Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, unveiled the iPhone 5C on Tuesday. In the U.S the device starts at $99 on a two-year contract yet experts have called this misleading because monthly costs weren't announced. When bought outright, the handset is $549, or £469 in the UK . Apple recently lost smartphone market share to main rival Samsung, dropping to 14 per cent - its lowest for three years - because of ‘lacklustre’ iPhone 5 sales and tougher competition from rivals. Analysts predicted that Apple would be looking to boost sales in emerging markets, such as China, and this was bolstered by the fact Apple held a mirror event in Beijing, and announced the iPhone 5S will also be made available in China at the same time as other countries for the first time ever. Rivals including Samsung and Huawei do well in emerging economies because their handsets are cheaper to produce, so cost less. To put this into perspective, the 5C will sell for 4,488 yuan (£464) in China, which is more than the average monthly urban income for the country. Apple's CEO Tim Cook, pictured, unveiled the iPhone 5C in California on Wednesday. Analysts predicted Apple would be looking to boost sales in emerging markets, such as China to rival Samsung and Huawei, yet the 5C will sell for 4,488 yuan (£464), which is more than the average monthly urban income for the country . If the drop in Apple's share price was to hold or remain low, the fall would be biggest single-day slide since 24 January. Still, . Apple's shares climbed 28 per cent between the start of July and Monday ahead of the launch as anticipation began building about the . company's next iPhone. Despite many investors being critical of the announcement, four others raised their target prices. Nomura Equity Research increased its target to $480 from $420, for example. Reaction among industry experts and consumers was mixed. Apple's profit for the quarter which ended on 29 June, fell 22 per cent as gross margins fell below 37 per cent from more than 42 per cent in the year-earlier quarter. UBS, which cut its rating on Apple's stock to 'neutral' from 'buy,' cited a survey of 35,000 Chinese consumers conducted by ChinaDaily.com that found only 2.6 per cent of respondents would consider buying the cheaper iPhone 5C. 'We worry that Apple's inability/unwillingness to come out with a low-priced offering for emerging markets nearly ensures that the company will continue to be an overall share loser in the smartphone market until it chooses to address the low end,' Sanford C. Bernstein analysts said in a note. MailOnline's Mark Prigg was given hands-on time with Apple's new iPhone 5S following Wednesday's launch: . 'Apple's iPhone 5S is without doubt an evolution rather than a revolution. 'Despite . this, the 5S is the best looking phone on the market, and the new . champagne cover is surprisingly nice - and thankfully not as bling as it . looks in some pictures. 'However, . the most obvious addition is the phone's fingerprint sensor, which . could render passwords and even bank PIN codes obselete. 'After . spending around 90 seconds teaching it your fingerprint by moving your . hand around, you simply tap where the home button is to unlock your . phone. 'It’s simple, and, in limited testing, works flawlessly - although there are doubts over its ability to cope with sweaty hands. 'For . anyone that has to use a passcode for their corporate email, the . fingerprint sensor alone is a huge timesaver. It's also very fast - . simply press to the home button, and the phone powers on and recognises . you in under a second. 'The . noticeably faster processor that makes it seem far snappier in use than 5 . is also a decent step forward, as it the entirely redesigned camera . which is a big improvement.'

Shares in Apple ended at $467.7 on Wednesday following the launch of its new iPhones - a drop of 5.4 per cent . Analysts concerned iPhone 5C is too expensive for emerging markets . The handset costs more than the average monthly income in China . Apple's smartphone market share fell to its lowest in three years in June .

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(CNN) -- Authorities regained control of a Kentucky prison early Saturday after inmates torched buildings, shattered windows and threw rocks at guards. Inmates set fire to a Kentucky prison on Friday after the warden said he would ease restrictions on a lockdown. Inmates at the medium-security Northpoint Training Center in Burgin started an uprising shortly after the warden announced he'd ease restrictions on a lockdown, Northpoint Public Information Officer Mendalyn Cochran told CNN. Two inmates were transported to hospitals with chest pains, she said, and there were no reports of hostages taken. The lockdown was instituted Tuesday, after about 10 to 15 inmates assaulted two others in a fight over stolen property, Cochran said. Warden Steve Haney told prisoners about 6 p.m. Friday of his plan to ease the lockdown, but 30 minutes later, fires began to spread through the dorm-styled institution, she said. Inmates were evacuated to the prison yard and authorities threw tear gas over the fence to subdue the prisoners, Cochran said. The damage to the facility was so severe that all the prison's 1,200 inmates had to be kept outside in a prison yard. "There are several buildings in the front that will be a total loss," said Lt. David Jude of Kentucky State Police. An investigation will determine whether criminal charges will be levied against some of the inmates. Burgin is about 40 miles southwest of Lexington. CNN's Leslie Tripp contributed to this report.

Guards regained control of Kentucky prison early Saturday after inmate uprising . Prison was placed on lockdown Tuesday after fight among inmates . Warden planned to ease lockdown when fires broke out in prison .

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Romance and flying rarely go together anymore, unless you fall in love 35,000 feet above ground and get engaged in-flight. Alexandra Williams and Arvin Shandiz met on a Delta Air Lines shuttle from New York to Chicago in 2010, CNN affiliate WGN reported. "I was enamored with her from day one and I was like, I'm going to spend the rest of my life with her," Shandiz told the station. "I would joke with her and tell her that when we get engaged, it'll happen on a Delta flight." And that's exactly what happened. On Friday, in the middle of a flight from Chicago's O'Hare International to New York's LaGuardia Airport, Shandiz suddenly addressed a visibly shocked Williams over the plane's intercom (with the airline's permission) as other passengers looked on. The proposal was captured on a video posted on YouTube. "From the moment I met her that night, I knew that I never wanted to spend a second without her," Shandiz announced as Williams rocked in her seat with emotion. "Would you marry me?" The cabin erupted in applause as Williams said yes. Shandiz then presented her with the ring and the couple kissed awkwardly in the cramped cabin. Delta treated all passengers on the flight with champagne to celebrate the engagement. It also surprised the couple with a free trip for their honeymoon, WGN reported. "It was magical to say the least and it's been a fairy tale from the moment we met. I can't say how elated and lucky I feel," Williams said.

Man pops the question on board a flight to New York as passengers look on . The couple met on a flight and he felt it would only be appropriate to get engaged on a plane . She said yes; airline treats all passengers on board to champagne .

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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- An audio message attributed to Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the highest ranking former member of Saddam Hussein's regime still at large, salutes the "People of Palestine" and calls on them to fight back against Israel in Gaza. A 1999 file image of Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, who served under Saddam Hussien's regime and who is still at large. "We say to the people of Gaza, give more resistance and we will be with you in the field, and know that our victory in kicking out the invaders is your victory as well, because the main assailant on the nation and on Palestine is the American imperialism," the recording said. "A salute to the martyrs of the massacre, and our condolences to their families." Al-Douri's recording follows reports of a similarly defiant message from al Qaeda's deputy chief a day earlier. Ayman al-Zawahiri reportedly vowed revenge for Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza and called Israel's actions against Hamas militants "a gift" from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama. Israel is in the 12th day of a military operation against Hamas militants, who have been firing rockets from Gaza into southern Israel. Al-Douri's 30-minute recorded message was broadcast Wednesday on al-Raei Iraqi satellite television over an old picture of al-Douri, wearing his Iraqi military uniform. CNN has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the voice on the tape. This is not al-Douri's first purported audio message. There have been at least four others over the past three years in addition to a statement attributed to him. Al-Douri, 66, served as vice-chairman of Hussein's Revolutionary Command Council. He remains at large nearly six years after the war in Iraq began. He has previously been reported killed and captured, although those reports later turned out to be erroneous. He was the King of Clubs (No. 6) on the U.S. military's card deck of most wanted regime officials. The U.S. military says he has helped finance the insurgency against U.S. troops in Iraq with Iraqi funds he transferred to Syria before Hussein's government collapsed in April 2002. But it says his influence has waned while he has been in hiding. U.S. officials say al-Douri played key roles in the chemical attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988 and in putting down Kurdish and Shiite revolts after the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

Al-Douri was vice-chairman of Hussein's Revolutionary Command Council . 30-minute recorded message broadcast on al-Raei Iraqi satellite television . CNN has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the voice . U.S. says he has helped finance the insurgency against U.S. troops in Iraq .

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By . Annabel Fenwick Elliott . A 40-year-old mother-of two-has scored herself the prized position of an NFL cheerleader, beating out competitors half her age to join the New Orleans Saintsations. Kriste Lewis, from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease 14 years ago, and as she approached her 40th birthday in April, she decided it was now or never if she wished to tick this lifelong dream off her bucket list. 'Today is the day, not tomorrow,' she told the Hattiesburg American. 'Wear your best shoes. Don’t save that bottle of wine... I know that I will be on dialysis and in need of a transplant, but I could be killed in a car wreck tomorrow.' Scroll down for video . She made it! Kriste Lewis (pictured), a 40-year-old mother-of-two, has become the oldest New Orleans Saintsations cheerleader in the team's history, and achieved a lifelong dream just in time for her birthday . Stiff competition: Mrs Lewis (left) has a degenerative kidney disease which means she will one day need dialysis and a transplant - one of the reasons she worked so hard to beat out other hopefuls half her age . The feisty dancer, who appeared on ABC's Good Morning America this morning with her husband Tim, and sons Jake 14, and Rob, 11, trained hard for six months ahead of the try-outs; an experience she would have been happy to settle with as a birthday present to herself on its own. Mrs Lewis did not disclose her age during the first round of nerve-wracking auditions in April, and she held on to her husband's motto 'focus and fun' to keep her eye on the prize. She impressed the judges strictly based on her dancing abilities alone, and two rounds later, it was unanimously decided that she should make the team. Impressed the judges: The feisty cheerleader trained for six months ahead of the auditions, and didn't disclose her age until she had cleared the nerve-wracking first round . Energetic: Mrs Lewis works part time as a fitness instructor, but says she had forgotten just how much she loves to dance . 'I had honestly forgotten how much I loved to dance,' Mrs Lewis, who works part-time as a fitness instructor, admits. 'I told my husband, "Please remind me after this audition to not stop dancing."' 'I had honestly forgotten how much I loved to dance' 'It's just amazing to watch her,' Mr Lewis told ABC. 'I'm especially proud that she made it, and she's just the best mom that a child could ever have,' echoed Rob. ABC News | ABC Sports News . Super-mom: Mrs Lewis is the mother of two boys, Jake, 14, (top center) and Rob, 11, (bottom center), who says, 'I'm especially proud that she made it, and she's just the best mom that a child could ever have' Supportive: Her husband Tim (right) says it's 'just amazing' to watch his wife dance, and taught her the motto 'focus and fun' to help ease her nerves during the auditions . Mrs Lewis joins 35 other women in the new team, some as young as 19, and most in their early to mid-20s. 'It’s a family,' Mrs Lewis told the Hattiesburg American. 'It’s like I have 35 little sisters. They are such sweet girls. All of the girls are so intelligent and they are so kind and well-rounded.' She will have to wait until September for the defining moment when she cheers her first Saints game, a team she has been a lifelong fan of, and an honor she never expected to experience. 'If I died tomorrow, I’m good. I’m a happy girl. It’s been a blast' 'I can’t even fathom what it’s going to be like to walk out on that field in the Superdome with all those Saints fans,' she said. 'I hope I don’t pass out. If I died tomorrow, I’m good. I’m a happy girl. It’s been a blast.' Mrs Lewis isn't far behind the oldest NFL cheerleader in history; Laura Vikmanis, now 45. Mrs Vikmanis is a cheerleader for the Cincinnati Ben-Gals, who was also 40 when she made it to the team. She has since written a book, entitled It's Not About The Pom-Poms, and New Line Cinema is currently making a film about her life.

Kriste Lewis joins 35 other women on the New Orleans Saintsations team, some as young as 19, and most in their early to mid-20s . She is the oldest cheerleader in her team's history, and the second oldest ever to make an NFL squad .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . A baby boy has had his life support machine switched off after he failed to recover from the severe head injuries inflicted on him by his mother's boyfriend. Brantley Farmer, who was nine months old, died on Sunday afternoon at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, Georgia. Donald Justin Lee, 21, was charged with felony murder today, Morgan County Police Captain Christopher Bish told MailOnline today. Lee is being held without bond. Scroll down for video . Brantley Farmer, who was nine months old, died on Sunday at an Atlanta Children's Hospital from head trauma . Lee had his charge upgraded after being initially charged with cruelty to children on Saturday. Captain Christopher Bish had earlier told MailOnline: 'We are seeking to upgrade the charge to felony murder.' Lee is not the child's father and the mother has not been named, police said. Paramedics were called to a home in Madison by Lee on Saturday after reports that the baby had stopped breathing. Lee was looking after the baby at the time, according to ajc.com. He told emergency services that the baby had fallen off a couch. Captain Bish told local news that babies do not get such severe injuries from falling off couches. Police searched the home on Saturday night but would not comment on the results. Lee is being held without bond. Donald Justin Lee, 21, was charged with felony murder on Monday after he allegedly battered the baby to death .

Brantley Farmer was taken off life support on Sunday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospital . Donald Justin Lee, 21, was charged with felony murder on Monday . Lee, who is not the child's father, is being held without bond .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:30 EST, 5 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:02 EST, 5 May 2013 . A runaway mom who went missing for 11 . years before walking into a police station last week did so because . there was an outstanding warrant for her arrest. Brenda Heist, who was eventually . presumed dead by her husband and two children after suddenly going . missing from their Pennsylvania home, walked into the Alachua County Jail in Gainsville, Florida last Friday after violating her probation. The 53-year-old was released from jail a few weeks ago after being arrested for drug possession and driving with an expired tag in Pinellas County, Florida. Scroll down for video . Eleven years on the run: Brenda Heist pictured left at the time of her disappearance and right as she looked when she walked into a Florida police station last Friday . She gave police her alias Kelsie Lyanne Smith which alerted authorities that she was wanted in Pensacola for stealing a driving license. She was charged with forgery and giving a false name to police. Following her release, she did not report to her parole officer, according to WTSP leading to the warrant for her in Santa Rosa County. She will be transferred on Monday at the earliest to Santa Rosa County Jail. No bond has been set, authorities told ABC. It emerged this week that Heist had set up a new life as a Florida cleaner and never spoke about the family she left behind. Friends have spoken of their . shock at discovering who she actually was and lifted the lid on her . runaway life which was far less tragic than she has made out. For a time she lived happily in Florida, making money as a cleaner and living with friends. Pictures reveal her drinking, swimming and hanging out with her new acquaintances to whom she never told her real story. 'We're learning now that life wasn't so bad for her in some of her . friend's eyes, that are calling us today," Detective Sergeant Schofield, . who is leading the investigation, told the Lancaster Online. Sondra Forrester said: 'We were close, she was a friend, and we did things on weekends. We spent time at the beach, and fishing. She was around my three kids. She was very sweet. She called me sweetie. I felt bad for her. It sounded like she'd had a hard life. She said she was a widow, had no children, that her mother died when she was 6.' Another friend who knew Heist as 'Lovie Smith' said she had no idea she was being deceived. 'I can’t believe she was being so dishonest… can’t believe she had . kids,' she told CBS Philly. Missing: The then 42-year-old was last seen dropping off her two children at school in Lititz, Pennsylvania . Heist worked as a cleaner in the Panhandle after hitch-hiking there with a pair of vagrants. She told police she was acting on a whim after suffering money problems and facing divorce. When building her new life she apparently told friends she had a husband who had died. She never revealed she . had two children left to grow up thinking their mother may have been . murdered. 'She didn’t want children, she didn’t like children and never had children. That’s what she told me,' the friend said. 'She spoke mostly about her husband and how much she really loved him and she was devastated that he died.' It was through work as a cleaner that she stole another identity - . lifting the driver's license of one of her housekeeping clients. When the deception was discovered she moved on again. Over the 11 years she is said to have three aliases.  She also went by Kelsei Smith and even served a short time in jail for identity theft when that was uncovered. For a time it seems she was homeless although where and when is unclear.  Her real identity didn't emerge until she turned up at a Florida police station this week. And as the news came out her family reacted in horror that they had been living a lie . Her daughter, Morgan Heist, 19, took to Twitter to reveal how angry she was after realizing her mother had willfully left. 'This doesn't . seem real. I feel like I'm in my own horrible nightmare and can't wake . up.' She also tweeted that she was glad her father was now exonerated of any blame or suspicion about his wife's disappearance. 'To every person who ever questioned my dads place in my moms dissapearance, (sic) take that.' Shock: New friends of Heist were shocked to hear of her real identity and that she'd left her family 11 years before . All grown up: Morgan Heist, pictured with her brother Lee, has said she wishes she had never cried for her missing mom who has finally showed up after eleven years . Morgan Heist's Twitter updates since finding out last Friday that her mom is still alive reveal a young woman whose joy has quickly turned to anger . On . Sunday she wrote: 'Tomorrow will be the day I will hopefully finally . get closure in my life. I need the truth more than anything.' But later that day she tweeted: 'My brother and I don't want contact with her as of now.' By the next day her tweets about her mom had become more negative: 'You were finally becoming less and less of a memory. Now? You're a horrible nightmare.' Since then they have continued in a similar vein. 'To think I would EVER want to talk to a woman like you.. I can't believe I wanted to possibly see you. F*** you "mother." Another read: 'You will never gain my love or respect. You deserve to rot in hell for what you have done to me.' Morgan also revealed to the media on Wednesday that knowing what she knows now, she wishes she never cried over her mom's fate. Heist’s ex-husband meanwhile has said he is angry but working on forgiveness. WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE AT LANCASTERONLINE.COM . 'There were families who would not let our children play with theirs because of me,' says Lee Heist Senior. Heist's mother says she's since been released from police custody and is staying with a brother in northern Florida. Anger: Her children Morgan Heist, 19, and her brother Lee, 23, have reacted angrily to the news and say they want nothing to do with her . She was reported missing by . her husband on February 8, 2002. The then 42-year-old was last seen that morning dropping off her two children at school in Lititz, . Pennsylvania. Her car was found a few days later with no apparent sign of a struggle. Last Friday she walked into Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in Key Largo, Florida, and announced who she was. Heist has told detectives she left her family because the . pressure was too much and she snapped. She said she joined a group of homeless people that she met in a park who were hitch-hiking to Florida. Former home: Brenda Heist walked out on this house in Lititz, Pennsylvania on February 8, 2002 that she shared with her husband Lee and two children . Disbelief: Former neighbor Arlene Bingeman said she couldn't believe Heist could have left her children for such a long time, while Detective Schofield noted that she had never tried to call home . When she disappeared, Heist's daughter . was 8 and her son was 12. Her son recently graduated from West Chester . University and is applying to a police academy in New Jersey. Her . daughter is a sophomore at West Chester University. 'She said she thought of her family and her children every day, and her . parents. However, she never acted on that and never made any phone calls . – not one,' Lititz Police Detective John Schofield told 8WGAL. She told police that she had decided to turn herself in because she was at the end of her rope and was having health . problems. She now hopes to live with her mom in Texas. 'I can't believe that she would leave her two children,' former neighbor Arlene Bingeman told 8WGAL. 'I just can't, as a mother, I just can't believe that.' Local, state and federal authorities spent months investigating Heist's disappearance in 2002, interviewing dozens of relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. She was entered into several national missing persons databases. Her husband eventually collected her life insurance policy in 2010. Search: 11 years ago police launched the such for Brenda Heist, who it transpires had actually run away of her own accord .

Brenda Heist walked into a Florida police station last Friday after being missing for 11 years . Heist, 53, previously jailed for drug possession . Her husband and two children were heartbroken to discover she had been secretly living without them and said they wanted nothing to do with her . Brenda who said she left Lititz, Pennsylvania to live as a homeless person actually worked as a cleaner and lived with new friends .

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(CNN) -- U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson pulled out this year's British Open Friday because his wife is due to give birth later this month. Simpson was set to fly in next week to the third major of the season at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 19-22 but has decided against making the trip. A statement issued by tournament organizers said: "Webb Simpson, the 2012 U.S. Open Champion, has withdrawn from The Open Championship due to family reasons." A number of leading contenders have been tuning up for Lytham at this week's Scottish Open and there was a welcome return to form for four-time major champion Phil Mickelson. Mickelson holed his second shot for an eagle two at his opening hole at Castle Stuart and backed it up with six birdies for a second round eight-under 64. The American had opened with a disappointing 73 at the links course in Inverness but on seven-under 137 at halfway is handily placed for a weekend charge. "There was big difference today compared to my 73 yesterday as I just hit a lot better shots, struck it solidly and made a few more putts," he told he official European Tour website. "I have only played three tournaments the last couple of months so I knew I just needed to play more, and I'm glad I added this tournament." Mickelson finished joint runner-up to Darren Clarke at last year's British Open and his last victory came at February's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am where he finished with a 64. He trails joint leaders Alexander Noren of Sweden and Italian Francesco Molinari by five shots. Molinari had led after the opening round with a superb 62 but came back to the field with second round 70. Defending champion and world number one Luke Donald stayed in contention on nine-under after a 68, seeking his second win in his last three starts on the European Tour.

U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson out of British Open . Simpson's wife in due to give birth later this month . Phil Mickelson shoots eight-under-par 64 at Scottish Open . Alexander Noren and Francesco Molinari joint leaders at Castle Stuart .

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A collection of touching letters addressed to best-selling crime novelist Agatha Christie have been published for the first time. The heartfelt notes, many of which date back to the 1950s and 1960s, praise the crime writer for her epic novels and short stories and thank her for helping individuals through hard times. The horde of messages, which have been published to mark the 125th anniversary of her birthday, include a letter from author PG Wodehouse, as well as a note from a Polish woman in London, who told how one of Christie's novels helped her survive a war-time labour camp in Germany. Scroll down for video . A series of touching letters to novelist Agatha Christie (left) have been published to mark the 125th anniversary of her birthday. The messages, some of which date back to the 1960s (right), praise her novels . The woman explained in her letter how she exchanged a piece of candle for a Polish translation of Christie's novel, The Man in the Brown Suit. In her fan mail, she wrote: 'I read and re-read (it) so often that I almost knew it by heart. 'The first few pages were missing so I didn't know the title or the author but for seven months it was my only link with a normal world. 'I know your writings have given pleasure and amusement to millions of people all over the world but never can one of your books have meant more to anyone than that tattered Polish translation did to me.' Christie, who wrote 66 detective novels and 14 short-story collections, also treasured a 1958 letter from a 14-year-old boy in Bristol who started a book club at his school so he could raise funds to buy her work. 'I have bought 28 books by you and this is how I have managed it,' he wrote. 'I charge the boys 3d per book to read at school, and 6d if they wished to take them home. 'With the money I obtained . . . I bought more 'AC' books . . . Now my scheme is bringing in so much money, I can afford to buy one of your books a week.' One letter, dated August 1963, thanks Ms Christie for helping women prisoners escape in Romania (above) by writing her novels. The note references Christie's crime novels including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple . In the five-page handwritten letter, he later told how he would be 'truly proud' to hold a response from Christie and said he would be able to show it to his children in years to come. He also asked the 'Queen of Crime' at what age she began writing and expressed an interest in knowing the background of her successful career. In her typed response, which Christie also kept a copy of, she replied: 'I was very interested in your letter. You seem to have had a very good idea and I congratulate you.' Christie, who died in 1976 aged 85, also saved a note from PG Wodehouse, the English writer best known for the Jeeves and Blandings Castle novels and short stories. His 1969 letter from New York stated that he was 'pleased and proud' after discovering she had dedicated a Halloween party to him and added 'a new Agatha Christie is always an event'. Praising her choice of title, Wodehouse also revealed that he found 'getting a satisfactory title is the most difficult problem'. Christie, who penned 66 detective novels and 14 short-story collections, also treasured a 1958 letter from a 14-year-old boy in Bristol who started a book club at his school so he could raise funds to buy her work . The young boy from Bristol said he would be 'truly proud' to hold a response from Christie and said he would be able to show it to his children in years to come. Christie replied saying she was 'very interested' in his note . The heartfelt letters (left), many of which were sent to the best-selling crime novelist's personal address in south Devon (right) have been published for the first time ever to mark the 125th anniversary of her birthday . Also in the collection is a letter written in 1963 by a woman who spent more than a decade in a Romanian prison with no access to books. She told the best-selling author: 'During the 12 years I spent in prison I never saw a written page. 'My memory, however, could not be sealed up and thanks to it and to you my fellow-sufferers came to know and to love the works of Agatha Christie.' Christie's grandson Mathew Prichard published a number of the letters and replies to mark her 125th anniversary and encouraged today's fans to share their experience of her writing. He said: 'Knowing what receiving these letters meant to my grandmother, I'm sure she would be moved to see these personal stories shared publicly for the first time. 'As we call to her fans across the globe to share their stories and experiences of Christie, I look forward to discovering how her work continues to inspire today.' Christie, who also wrote under the name Mary Westmacott, died aged 85 having written more than 66 detective novels, most famously featuring her creations Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. Agatha Christie (pictured with her then young grandson, Mathew Prichard) wrote a total of 66 detective novels. Mr Prichard has now taken the decision to publish the fan letters to mark her birthday anniversary .

Letters from fans of the best-selling crime writer are published for first time . The touching notes praise Agatha Christie for her novels and short stories . Messages have been published to mark 125th anniversary of her birthday .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 9:04 AM on 28th October 2011 . TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has been criticised for telling a rape victim: 'I hope you take taxis now.' Viewers of ITV's This Morning have reacted with outrage, claiming that Holmes appeared to blame the victim for making herself vulnerable. He made the controversial remarks during an interview with Hannah Cant, 20, who was raped by a stranger when she was 18. Controversial: Presenter Eamonn Holmes has been accused of 'victim blaming' following his remarks to rape victim Hannah Cant on live TV . She had been walking home from a night out in Chippenham, Wiltshire, when she was dragged into a car and subjected to a sex attack by soldier Jonathan Haynes. She had the presence of mind to tear out strands of her own hair and spit in the car to leave her DNA at the scene after seeing a similar tactic used on TV show CSI. She took the brave step of waiving her right to anonymity to appear on This Morning to speak about her ordeal a month after Haynes was jailed for at least 11 years. Holmes, 51, introduced the interview, saying: 'She was on her way home from a night out with her friends and walking home - didn't take a taxi. 'It's that old thing, I always say. Why were you tempted to walk home?' Brave: Hannah Cant appeared on This Morning to talk about being raped aged 18 . Miss Cant explained she had been with a friend and had walked the last two streets alone to her home as she had done many times before. She said: 'I thought it would be OK.' Holmes said: 'But it wasn't.' Miss Cant went on to speak of how she feared she would die during the ordeal, and then feared for her life after her attacker warned her not to go to the police. At the end of the interview, after thanking her for appearing, Holmes said: 'I hope you take taxis now. Everywhere you go, coming home at night.' He then turned and asked his wife and co-presenter Ruth Langsford: 'How many times do I tell people who I know to take taxis?' Hundreds of outraged viewers took to social media websites to protest, accusing the presenter of 'victim blaming'. Interview: Mr Holmes told Miss Cant she should have taken a taxi home before turning to wife Ruth Langsford, right, and asking 'How many times do I tell people to take taxis?' Philippa Willitts wrote on the blog of the women's rights site F-Word: 'The moral of the whole story was that, frankly, none of this would have happened if she hadn't dared to be outside, near her house, when a kidnapper and rapist was around. 'The victim-blaming attitude encompassed in that one sentence is as astounding as it is offensive. 'The truth is that women cannot win with attitudes like Eamonn Holmes's around. If we don't blame the perpetrator, things will never, ever change.' Others took to Twitter, expressing their views using the tags #victimblaming and #patronisingfatherfigure. @absinthetweets wrote: 'Hard to believe that Eamonn Holmes comment. Just hand-to-mouth-shocked-face awful.' Another commentator wrote online: 'I can't believe that they would ruin a brave woman's (most likely) harrowing interview by making such a flippant, dismissive and stupid comment.' Holmes apologised on air earlier this month after This Morning viewers complained at him branding celebrity guest Jonathan Wilkes 'retarded'. A spokesman for ITV confirmed they had received 26 complaints from viewers about Eamonn Holmes' comments since they were broadcast on Tuesday morning. But she said: 'Eamonn was in no way suggesting that the victim was in any way to blame for this horrific attack. 'His interview was carried out with the utmost care and compassion and his comments were intended to highlight safety advice. 'Hannah was happy with the interview and not in any way offended by Eammon's advice.'

ITV confirm his comments have sparked viewer outrage . Woman waived her right to anonymity for live TV interview . Star criticised for 'flippant, dismissive' remark .

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By . Associated Press Reporter . A New York City minister who was the subject of an investigation about misspent 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina charity funds has agreed to repay $1,231,105 million in restitution. The Rev. Carl Keyes took hundreds of thousands of dollars from his congregation to buy an 18th-century farmhouse on seven acres in rural New Jersey, a BMW and travel. Rev. Keyes and his wife, the Rev. Donna Keyes, who jointly led the Glad Tidings Tabernacle in Manhattan, signed a legal judgment Wednesday settling a probe by the New York attorney general into a series of questionable church financial transactions. The Rev. Carl Keyes pictured speaking to an audience in Harrisonburg, Va. about his life experiences relating to his organization, Aid for the World in 2010 . Those deals included an illegal loan the couple took from the church in 2008 to buy a house in Stockton, New Jersey, near the Delaware River, and $500,000 the church loaned to an anti-poverty charity controlled by Carl Keyes, called Aid for the World. Some of that money, the attorney general's office said, was used to buy the minister and his wife a BMW. According to the settlement, which was scheduled to be officially announced Thursday, other funds were used to finance family trips to California, West Virginia, Africa and Florida, where the couple's sons went to college. Glad Tidings former executive director, Mark Costantin, agreed to repay $482,000 he still owed Glad Tidings on $1.2 million in loans he'd taken from the church, some of which were used to pay off the mortgage on his house in Chester, New York. 'Carl and Donna Keyes and Mark Costantin abused the trust of their congregants and used Glad Tidings Tabernacle as their personal bank,' said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. He said the law forbids officers and directors, including ministers, from taking any such loans — 'much less loans to finance personal expenses and lifestyle choices.' Three former members of the Glad Tidings' board agreed to pay $50,000 in penalties for neglecting their oversight duties. Rev. Carl Keyes (center), founder of Aid for the World, seen ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in 2009 . The attorney general's office began its investigation after the Associated Press raised numerous questions about Carl Keyes and two charities he controlled, including one that had received $4.8 million in donations intended to help victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. The AP reported in articles in 2011 and 2012 that Keyes had diverted some of that money into his cash-starved church, then used funds from the church and the nonprofit groups to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal credit card bills and other debts. Keyes used one big donation, meant for his disaster-relief charity, Urban Life Ministries, to clear a mortgage on another New Jersey home. The AP also found that Keyes had embellished stories about relief work he performed in New York in the months after the 9/11 attacks. In some cases, he took credit for things that other people had done. Using a combination of internal documents and public records, the AP also chronicled how the church disposed of $31 million it made by selling off its historic Manhattan church in 2007. That report included detail on some of the loan transactions that were the subject of Wednesday's settlement. After the AP began asking questions, Keyes filed eight years of tax returns for Urban Life Ministries and three years for Aid for the World. State investigators said Costantin helped arrange for the church to lend nearly $1 million to the Keyes couple for their farmhouse purchase. The investigators added that Costantin signed paperwork in which the church gave up its right to claim ownership of the property if the loan wasn't repaid. No payments were made, the state said, and when the Keyes sold the house last year, they kept all the proceeds. A similar arrangement, approved by Keyes, took away the church's ability to collect on the loans to Costantin, the state said. New York law bars the officers and directors of nonprofit and religious organizations from taking any loans from their organizations. As a result of the legal settlement, Glad Tidings Tabernacle, now located in Harlem, has been placed under the temporary stewardship of a board appointed by an Assemblies of God umbrella organization. New York Assemblies of God District Superintendent Dr. Duane Durst said the organization planned to examine the church's finances carefully. The legal judgment requires the Keyes to pay $1,231,105 in restitution to Glad Tidings, which includes borrowed money plus interest. The Keyes couple and Costantin have been permanently barred from acting as fiduciaries of any New York nonprofit or religious corporation. The agreement allows Donna Keyes to continue to serve as senior pastor at Glad Tidings. The attorney who represented the ministers and Costantin, Maurice Heller, declined to comment. He said the settlement doesn't require his clients to admit guilt, but forbids them from making public statements contesting the allegations.

Rev. Carl Keyes to pay $1,231,105 in restitution to Glad Tidings Tabernacle, which includes borrowed money plus interest . Keyes took hundreds of thousands from his congregation to buy a farmhouse, a BMW and travel around the US and abroad . Church had loaned money to Keyes' anti-poverty charity that was used by the minister . Misspent charity funds were intended to help 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina victims .

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Editor's note: Julian E. Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School. His new book, "Arsenal of Democracy: The Politics of National Security -- From World War II to the War on Terrorism," will be published this fall by Basic Books. Zelizer writes widely about current events. Julian Zelizer says some of President Obama's political vulnerabilities have started to emerge. PRINCETON, New Jersey (CNN) -- June has been rough for President Obama. After experiencing enormous success during his first months in office, some of his political vulnerabilities have started to emerge. As Republicans begin to think about the 2010 midterm elections and moderate Democrats decide how they should vote on Obama's most ambitious initiative, health care, the White House must prevent these weaknesses from becoming debilitating. The first vulnerability is the tension between the left and center of the Democratic Party. Since his election, President Obama has struggled to navigate the divisions that exist between the liberal base of the party, who were the core of his early support, and moderate Democrats, who were also instrumental to his victory. At first, the administration relied on good will and political capital from the election to overcome conflicts, such as when Obama agreed to reductions in the size of the economic stimulus package to placate the conservative Democrats and some Republicans despite the objection of progressives. But the tensions are becoming more pronounced and more difficult to resolve. The president has disappointed gay rights activists for not fulfilling promises they thought he had made on the issue of gay rights. Last week, they expressed their frustration with the Department of Justice's legal brief supporting the Defense of Marriage Act, a law that prohibits same-sex partners from receiving marriage benefits and protects states that don't recognize same-sex marriages. Obama failed to calm the storm even when he extended some employment benefits to the same-sex partners of federal workers. He came under fire for having declined to provide health care and retirement benefits on the grounds that such a move would violate the Defense of Marriage Act. These kinds of left-center tensions will intensify when Congress delves into the final negotiations over health care this summer. Progressive Democrats insist that without a public insurance option health care reform will fail in the long run. Several Democratic moderates have been pushing alternatives that fall far short of that goal. The second vulnerability is the deficit. When Republicans have turned away from cultural issues and toward economics, they have been finding more success at attracting the interest of independents and moderates. Recent polls have shown that the public is concerned about the growing size of the deficit and Republicans have finally gained a bit of political traction by linking Obama's policies to the government's red ink. To be sure, this is not a home run issue for the GOP. Many commentators have pointed to the hypocrisy of Republicans making anti-deficit arguments following the tax-cutting and spending spree that took place under President Bush. Moreover, deficits have a poor track record in terms of being a winning campaign issue. There have not been any presidential candidates or major midterm elections in recent history that hinged on anti-deficit arguments. Many presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, survived while growing the deficit. Polls have shown the public is also notoriously fickle about how much weight it gives to the deficit as an issue, and is often misinformed about the actual size of the deficit. Nonetheless, warning about rising deficits has been an effective tool for weakening the political strength of an incumbent administration. Regardless of the economics of the issue, with some respected economists saying short-term deficits don't matter, many Americans perceive the budget deficit as a symbol for whether a president is keeping federal spending under control. While Republicans might not take back Congress by focusing on the deficit, they can erode Obama's political standing and make it more difficult for him to pass legislation. Finally, there is the economy. The irony for Obama is that as the economy has stabilized, it has become a greater source of political danger. Without an immediate crisis, voters are not as panicked and don't feel as desperate for federal assistance. A growing number are more comfortable criticizing the administration's economic policies. Some Republicans have picked up on this and have asked why the U.S. needs to spend the stimulus money if the recession is almost over. At the same time, Obama is in a double bind: Most experts agree that we will have a fragile economy in the foreseeable future, so voters won't be happy either. If there is any new dip in the economy, the public will blame President Obama rather than President Bush. This is exactly what happened with the recession in 1937, which FDR's opponents called the "Roosevelt Recession," using the downturn to diminish the number of New Deal liberals in the House and Senate in 1938. Does this mean Obama is finished? Not at all. The same polls that reveal vulnerabilities show that Obama is still extremely popular with the public and most evidence suggests that he has good standing with congressional Democrats. But in recent weeks a candidate who was once seen as invincible is now seen as potentially vulnerable. This is when the sharks start to circle in American politics. The revelation of weakness gives Republicans, as well as unhappy Democrats, more confidence to challenge the White House. This is not what the president wanted right as he is trying to win support for his health care proposal and the rest of his budget. If the problems are not contained, they can also become the foundation for the Republican campaign for Congress in 2010. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Julian Zelizer.

Julian Zelizer: June has been a difficult month for President Obama . He says divisions have grown among Democrats on gay rights, health care . Zelizer says growing concern about deficit could blunt Obama's plans . He says a new dip in the economy would be blamed on Obama, not Bush .

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A mother of two from Massachusetts says a JetBlue flight attendant did nothing to help when her 3-year-old had a bathroom emergency on the plane - and then publicly humiliated her when the child could not hold it in. Jennifer Devereaux, a photographer from West Newton, was returning home from New York Monday when she says the 30-minute trip aboard JetBlue Flight 518 turned into a nightmare for her and her two daughters. The plane was sitting on the tarmac at John F Kennedy International Airport for about 30 minutes when Devereaux's daughter Summer said she needed to use the restroom. Scroll down for video . Nightmare scenario: Jennifer Devereaux (right) says when her 3-year-old daughter Summer (left) had a bathroom emergency aboard a JetBlue flight, she was yelled at and embarrassed by the crew . Family trip: The mother of two, a photographer from Newton, Massachusetts, was returning home from New York with her daughters when the incident happened . The mother asked a flight attendant if her toddler could use the bathroom, but in response the woman allegedly 'snapped' at Devereaux, ordering her to 'sit down.' But little Summer could not wait any longer and ended up relieving herself in her seat. ‘It wasn’t about bad customer service at that point, it was about bad human decency. My daughter was sitting in a pool of urine and I couldn’t do anything about it,’ Deveraux told CBS Boston. ‘And as a mom it just broke my heart.’ The married mother of two had no napkins or towels on hand, so she was forced to use her own sweater to soak up the mess. As she was trying to tidy up, Mrs Devereaux said the flight attendant yelled at her. ‘And I said, “Please give me a break. My daughter had an accident because you wouldn’t let me take her to the bathroom. After I clean it up I will sit down.” She turned around and reported it to the pilot,’ said Devereaux. Delay: JetBlue fFlight 518 (not pictured) was sitting on the tarmac in JFK for 30 minutes when her toddler declared she needed to go to the bathroom . As the plane was turned around and returned to the gate, the captain’s voice came on the PA system announcing that there is a non-compliant passenger who will be removed by security guards. Jennifer Devereaux, who was traveling alone with her two daughters, grew fearful, but fortunately for her an off-duty pilot who was sitting in front of her was able to convince his colleagues in the cockpit to let her stay. Verbal spat: when the mother of two asked a flight attendant if summer could use the restroom, the woman allegedly snapped at her and told her to sit down . Upon returning home to West Newton, the mother of two penned a complaint to the airline demanding an apology for the flight crew's behavior towards her family. JetBlue responded with a statement saying that they are investigating the incident. Mrs Devereaux also took to Twitter, saying that in the 10 years she has been flying JetBlue, Monday's trip was the worst experience of her life. She also called on the airline to fire the flight attendant, whom she identified as 'Karen,’ for treating her family 'like garbage.' The company tweeted back at Devereaux, apologizing for failing to provide her 'the JetBlue experience' and asking to hear more details. In a later tweet, JetBlue promised to have a customer representative reach out to her as soon as possible. ‘They can't treat kids and families like this,’ she told the station WCVB. ’It's completely crazy.’ Other Twitter users came to the mother’s defense, calling out the airline for the staffer’s conduct. Twitter tiff: The outraged mother demanded on Twitter that JetBlue fire the staffer who turned what was supposed to be a brisk 30-minute flight home into a nightmare . In response to a tweet by user Greg Zollo, who inquired if it was a normal operating procedure to have a 3-year-old pee in the seat, JetBlue responded that they are bound by very strict FAA regulations when a plane is on the tarmac. Jennifer Devereaux said JetBlue eventually offered her a $50 credit, but it will likely go unused since she has vowed never to fly with the airline again.

Jennifer Devereaux was flying from New York to Boston on JetBlue Flight 518 Monday with her two daughters . Devereaux's daughter Summer, age 3, wanted to use the restroom while the plane was still on the tarmac, by the flight attendant said 'no'

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By . Chris Brooke . Lydia Bishop died on her first day of nursery . A toddler died on her first day at nursery school when she was left to play alone on a slide known to be  dangerous, a court heard yesterday. Lydia Bishop became entangled in a ‘loop’  at the top of the slide. It tightened around her neck and choked her as she slid down. No children were allowed to be in the play area alone, but it was 20 minutes before the three-year-old was found by a member of staff. She was ‘blue’ and not breathing and efforts to revive her failed, Leeds Crown Court was told. Lydia died just five hours after being dropped off by her parents at the nursery at York College. Prosecutor Robert Smith, QC, told the jury there was a ‘tick-box mentality’ at the nursery, with staff focusing on ‘excellent’ paperwork rather than ensuring safety rules were adhered to. He added: ‘Compliance with health and safety law was done on paper but not in practice.’ Sophee Redhead, 25, was one of the nursery staff supervising Lydia and saw her walk in the direction of the slide, but did nothing to stop or supervise her, it was alleged. She denies manslaughter by gross negligence and an alternative health and safety charge of failing to take ‘reasonable care’ of the little girl. York College, which owns the nursery, is also on trial and has denied failing to ensure people not in its employment are not exposed to a risk to their health and safety. Scroll down for video . Incident: Lydia Bishop was found blue and not breathing after she got her neck caught in a rope on a slide in the outdoor play area at York College's nursery, pictured, Leeds Crown Court heard . On trial: Sophee Redhead arriving at Leeds Crown Court last week, has denied a charge of manslaughter over the death of the three-year-old girl . On the day of the tragedy in September 2012, staff had placed a makeshift barrier across the path leading to the slide in a ‘futile attempt’ to stop children going there unsupervised. The nursery regularly used ropes for play, but risk assessments had identified the potential danger of strangulation from rope attached to the slide. Strict rules – posted on the nursery walls – stated no  children should play on the slide without adult supervision and the rope should be put away when staff were not there. The tragedy happened when most of the children were enjoying a snack. Disturbing CCTV images played in court showed Lydia walking down the path at 2.05pm and climbing the steps to the slide. The camera – positioned behind the slide – shows ‘slight movement’ at the top and Lydia isn’t seen again. Almost 20 minutes later a member of staff realised Lydia was missing and asked Redhead to check outside. Sophee Redhead denies manslaughter by gross negligence and the alternative charge under health and safety legislation of failing to take 'reasonable care' of the little girl . Bosses: York College - which operated the nursery for children of staff, students and members of the public - denies failing to ensure people not in their employment are not exposed to a risk to their health and safety . Redhead is seen on CCTV at 2.26pm running towards the slide and carrying the lifeless girl back. Describing finding Lydia on the slide, she said: ‘Her head was about six inches from the top of the slide. As I got to the slide I could see that a loop of rope was round her neck.’ A doctor said Lydia could have recovered if she had been found after a few minutes. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Lydia Bishop was found blue and not breathing at York College’s nursery . It had been toddler's first day of nursery school, Leeds Crown Court heard . Worker Sophee Redhead denies manslaughter by gross negligence . York College also denies health and safety breaches - the trial continues .

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By . Suzannah Hills . The British embassy is temporarily withdrawing some of its staff from Libya as political unrest in the country continues to grow. A statement on the British embassy website said it was taking the measure because of concerns over the country's political uncertainty and the risk of clashes between rival armed groups in the capital. 'Given the security implications of the ongoing political uncertainty, the British Embassy is temporarily withdrawing a small number of staff,' the statement said, adding that the embassy would continue to operate as usual. Libyans stand next to the scene of a blast after a bomb exploded outside a police station in Benghazi, damaging the building and shattering the windows of a school opposite . Explosion: Libyans stand next to vehicles damaged after a bomb exploded outside a police station in Benghazi earlier today . A British security source told Reuters only non-essential staff were affected. The announcement comes just a few hours after a bomb exploded outside a police station in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi early this morning. The police station building was damaged and the windows of a school opposite were shattered in the blast, a police official said. 'Someone threw a bag of explosive . material in front of the gate of the police station in the city centre, . causing a big explosion and serious damage,' the police officer said. Around the same time, about 4 am, a second police station was hit by a smaller explosive device that may have been a grenade, a witness said. No injuries were reported there either. Police stations have been struck with explosives at least four times in the past month in Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya. Growing unrest: Libyan armed men surround the justice ministry to call for a purge of officials linked to the regime of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi, in Tripoli, Libya, on April 30 . Libyan protesters demonstrate outside the Libyan General National Congress in support of the Political Isolation Law which calls for the expulsion of former regime employees from political posts on April 30 .

New measure comes just a few hours after bomb blast in Benghazi . British embassy cited concern over the 'ongoing political uncertainty' as the reason behind the withdrawal .

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By . Charles Martland . John Terry took to Instagram to post a nostalgic photo of his youth club, Senrab FC. Terry shared the picture to his 158,400 followers of him holding a silver trophy alongside his victorious team-mates, alongside the caption: 'What a team this was back in the day'. The Chelsea captain is alongside the likes of Ledley King, Bobby Zamora and Jlloyd Samuel, all of whom have enjoyed successful Premiers League. VIDEO Scroll down to watch John Terry working hard in pre-season . Picture that: Terry (front row, second right) with ex-Spurs captain Ledley King (back row, left), QPR striker Bobby Zamora (front row, right) and others while at Senrab as a youngster . Stellar career: Terry has won there Premier League title, one Champions League and captained his country . Also in the picture are former Chelsea stiker Mark Nicholls and ex-Colchester midfielder Kemal Izzet. The Forest Gate based club had to be bailed out by Terry back in 2011 after a desperate financial struggle almost saw them slip from existence. Upon making a donation to save the club, the defender told Sportsmail: 'I’m sure this will help secure the long-term future of the club.' Retired Tottenham centre half Ledley King also added: 'The thought of this club folding is a worrying one. I owe Senrab a lot.' The Sunday league outfit have also been responsible for bringing up a wealth of talent either side of Terry’s age group. England regular Sol Campbell, striker Jermain Defoe and the ever-popular Adebayo Akinfenwa all played their grassroots football there. Cut short: Ledley King was forced to retire in 2012 through persistent injuries . The club, whose name originates from the name Barnes spelt backwards, have received coaching from Chelsea legend Ray Wilkins and former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley. Terry clearly has strong feelings for the club where, for him, it all started. This latest post shows his reflection on the very beginning of his career which has included 78 England caps.

John Terry posts picture on Instagram of him playing for Senrab youth club . Ex-Tottenham captain Ledley King among several future pros in picture . Terry helped save Senrab from extinction back in 2011 .

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America has reached a landmark point as, for the first time in its modern history, most of the babies being born there are non-white. White children aged under one are outnumbered by those from ethnic minorities including blacks, Hispanics, Asians and mixed race, US Census Bureau figures show. Of the four million children born in the US in the 12 months to July 2011, 50.4 per cent were from ethnic minorities. That compares with 37 per cent in 1990. The figures also reveal the prolonged impact of a weak economy, which is resulting in fewer Hispanics entering the U.S. Edging up: The percentage of total births in America has included more and more minorities over the past decade . Changing demographic: A chart showing the breakdown of racial and ethnic minority births for the 12-month period ending July 2011 compared to whites . Roderick Harrison, a former chief of racial statistics at the Census Bureau who is now a sociologist at Howard University, said: 'This is an important landmark. This generation is growing up much more accustomed to diversity than its elders.' In recent years, births have been declining for both whites and minorities as many women held off having children due to the economic slump, although the drop has been larger for whites. The report comes as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of Arizona's strict immigration law, with many states weighing similar get-tough measures. In flux: A bar chart showing the population projections for the U.S. over the next 40 years. Some now believe ethnic minorities will outnumber whites before 2040 . Mr Harrison said: 'We remain in a dangerous period where those appealing to anti-immigration elements are fueling a divisiveness and hostility that might take decades to overcome.' As a whole, the nation's minority population continues to rise, following a higher-than-expected Hispanic count in the 2010 census. Minorities increased 1.9 per cent to 114.1 million, or 36.6 per cent of the total U.S. population, lifted by prior waves of immigration that brought in young families and boosted the number of Hispanic women in their prime childbearing years. But a recent slowdown in the growth of the Hispanic and Asian populations is shifting notions on when the tipping point in U.S. diversity will come - the time when non-Hispanic whites become a minority. 'Dangerous period': Protesters campaign against Arizona's immigration law outside the U.S. Supreme Court, which is reviewing the state's controversial law . After 2010 census results suggested a crossover as early as 2040, demographers now believe the pivotal moment may be pushed back several years when new projections are released in December. The annual growth rates for Hispanics and Asians fell sharply last year to just over two per cent, roughly half the rates in 2000 and the lowest in more than a decade. The black growth rate stayed flat at 1 per cent. The immigrants staying put in the U.S. for now include Narcisa Marcelino, 34, a single mother who lives with her two daughters, ages 10 and 5, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. After crossing into the U.S. from Mexico in 2000, she followed her brother to the eastern part of the state just outside the Baltimore-Washington region. Identities: Census respondents choose their race by selecting either one option (ie- White alone) or more than one option (ie- White in combination). This chart shows the breakdown of those selections . Fewer white cities: This chart shows that only a handful of cities- like New York, San Diego, LA, San Francisco and Seattle- saw an increase in their non-Hispanic white populations over the past decade . The Martinsburg area is known for hiring hundreds of migrants annually to work in fruit orchards. Its Hispanic growth climbed from 14 per cent to 18 per cent between 2000 and 2005 before shrinking last year to 3.3 per cent, still above the national average. Marcelino says she sells food from her home to make ends meet for her family and continues to hope that one day she will get a hearing with immigration officials to stay legally in the U.S. She aspires to open a restaurant and is learning English at a community college so she can help other Spanish-language speakers. If she is eventually deported, 'it wouldn't be that tragic,' Marcelino said. 'But because the children have been born here, this is their country. And there are more opportunities for them here.' According to the latest data, the percentage growth of Hispanics slowed from 4.2 percent in 2001 to 2.5 percent last year. Their population growth would have been even lower if it weren't for their relatively high fertility rates - seven births for every death. The median age of U.S. Hispanics is 27.6 years. Still the majority: Even though the minority birth rate is changing demographically, the majority race of the overall population remains non-Hispanic white . Rallies about race: Immigration rights have been a hot-button issue in the past decade, as seen as this Los Angeles rally in 2010 (left) and one in Mississippi in 2006 (right). Sociologists fear anti-immigration elements are fuelling a divisiveness that could take decades to overcome . Hispanic Population By State: This map shows what percentage of each state's population in 2010 is Hispanic . Births actually have been declining for both whites and minorities as many women postponed having children during the economic slump. But the drop since 2008 has been larger for whites, who have a median age of 42. The number of white births fell by 11.4 per cent, compared with 3.2 percent for minorities, according to Kenneth Johnson, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire. Blacks, who comprise about 12.3 per cent of the population, have increased at a rate of about 1 percent each year. In all, 348 of the nation's 3,143 counties, or 1 in 9, have minority populations across all age groups that total more than 50 percent. In a sign of future U.S. race and ethnic change, the number of counties reaching the tipping point increases to more than 690, or nearly 1 in 4, when looking only at the under age 5 population. The census report also found that four states — Hawaii, California, New Mexico and Texas — as well as the District of Columbia have minority populations exceeding 50 per cent. The census estimates used local records of births and deaths, tax records of people moving within the U.S., and census statistics on immigrants. The figures for 'white' refer to those whites who are not of Latino ethnicity.

2011 census data shows 50.4 per cent of births were from ethnic minorities . Caps decades of immigration growth that is now slowing . All births down in economic slump, but drop faster for whites . Minority population continues to rise to 114.1million - 36.6 per cent of total . Supreme Court considers ruling on state's strict immigration law .

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By . Louise Boyle . Three young children have been left without their mother after she was dragged by the driver of an SUV and run over in the street where the family lives. Kristina Purdin Dunn, 28, died in hospital on Monday after a horrific incident which was watched by her eight-year-old daughter Morgan. Mrs Dunn also leaves two sons - Jonathan, ten, and five-year-old Brandon. Her devastated husband Mike Dunn, 30, said the driver sped off after an argument about a $130 bill outside their home in Middletown, Ohio. In front of her family: Kristina Purdin Dunn, 28 (pictured with her five-year-old Brandon) was dragged to her death by the driver of an SUV in Ohio . Inconsolable: Mike Dunn tries to comfort his sobbing daughter, eight, who witnessed her mother's death from their home on Sunday evening . Mr Dunn was with his wife beside the truck and was arguing with driver Dustin Watkins who wanted  money for a paint job he had not finished, according to WLWT. As female passenger Maria Misquez screamed at Watkins to leave, Mrs Dunn's arm became entangled in a seatbelt, causing her to be pulled along beside the SUV before being run over. Police were called to the street at 9pm on Sunday where they found the mother lying on the ground bleeding from the head and not moving. Mrs Dunn was dragged 40 feet by Watkins, 27, who was behind the wheel of a dark green Chevy Tracker. Police have charged Watkins with tampering with evidence, fleeing the scene of an accident and possession of drug abuse instruments. Misquez, 31, who owns the vehicle, was charged with complicity to . fleeing the scene of an accident. Distress: Ten-year-old Jonathan weeps over the death of his mother who passed away in hospital after being run over . Both were in custody in the local jail and due to appear in court later today. More charges may be brought when Mrs Dunn's autopsy is complete, according to police. Despair: Mike Dunn lost his wife who had been his childhood sweetheart . Watkins has been on the sex offenders' register since 2004 after an attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a female minor. Mrs Dunn had been airlifted to University Hospital on Sunday evening but later died. Cause of death had not yet been determined by the coroner. Mr Dunn, who works in construction, said he was trying to raise enough money to bury his wife while supporting his three grieving children. He said his children, in particular his daughter who watched her mother die from a window of their house, were traumatized by their mother's death. The couple were high school sweethearts and had been together for 13 years before marrying two years ago. Mr Dunn told the local TV station: 'My wife was killed for $130... I just hope they get what’s coming to them.' Brutal: Dustin Watkins, 27, was charged with fleeing the scene of an accident after allegedly dragging a young mother to her death. Passenger Maria Misquez was also jailed to appear in court today .

Kristina Purdin Dunn, 28, was run over on the street where she lived .

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A Chinese blogger who was accused of spreading rumours about the government and celebrities has been jailed for three years for 'rumour mongering'. Marketing employee Qin Zhihui, 30, is believed to be the first person to be jailed since China's authorities announced a crackdown on online writers last August. Authorities claimed a false post he wrote about a foreign victim of a 2011 train crash receiving £24million in compensation was reposted more than 11,000 times and commented on more than 3,000 times, inciting anger against the government. Jailed: Qin Zhijun is led into court today in Beijing. He did not make a defence, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. China adopted draconian measures to crack down on online 'rumours' last year . Qin, from Hunan province, was also found guilty of spreading rumors . about several celebrities including popular television hostess Yang Lan, . the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Chaoyang District People's Court heard the rumours were spread in 2012 and 2013 through Sina Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter. China adopted draconian measures to crack . down on online rumours last year. People will be charged with defamation . if posts that contain 'rumours' are visited by 5,000 internet users or . reposted more than 500 times, according to a judicial interpretation . issued by China's top court and prosecutor. Confession: Qin issued a warning to other bloggers . Three years in jail is the maximum sentence. Qin Zhihui, known as Qinhuohuo in cyberspace, was arrested last August and accused of impacting society and seriously harming social order with his posts, according to Xinhua. But he made a confession to the court - and if he had not, would have been sentenced even more harshly. 'I don't want to defend myself,' he said, according to the South China Morning Post. 'I just want to say that I hope my experience is a lesson to other microbloggers.' The court heard he exploited sensational cases like one of a Red Cross staffer with a lavish lifestyle to drive web traffic, the Morning Post added. Other cases have also arisen. Today a Chinese-American venture capitalist known for his controversial blogs was released on bail after nearly eight months in detention because of a 'serious illness'. Charles Xue, also known as Xue Manzi, was detained in August on a charge of visiting prostitutes, an accusation that activists said stemmed from China's efforts to rein in social media. His release came the morning after state television showed him making a confession and apologising to his wife and children. China's crackdown on online 'rumour-mongering' is widely seen as a tool to halt criticism of the ruling Communist Party. It has chilled political debate, with high-profile bloggers saying they have reined in sensitive posts for fear of detention. The government claims the crackdown is necessary to preserve social stability. Online . rumours are particularly pervasive in China, where traditional media is . heavily regulated by the government and public trust in the media is . low. Jailed: Qin before the court. Another blogger has been released due to illness after eight months' detention .

Beijing officials claimed marketing employee Qin Zhihui made up stories . He was accused of slandering famous figures to drive web traffic . Court jailed him for two years for defamation and another year for affray . Rumours included that a train crash victim had won £24m compensation . But campaigners say the law is a tool to stifle freedom of speech .

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A cystic fibrosis sufferer has been struck off the books of his local surgery after posting an ‘offensive tweet’ about the staff. Mathew Cochrane, 26, expressed his frustration on Twitter after he tried to make an appointment and was apparently told the next available slot with his specialist consultant was three weeks away. However, he was left astonished when Stanwell Surgery, in Penarth, South Wales, responded to his ‘offensive tweet’ by striking him off its list of patients. Mathew Cochrane, 26, expressed his frustration on Twitter after he tried to make an appointment and was apparently told the next available slot with his specialist consultant was three weeks away . His case sparked an outcry on Twitter after Mr Cochrane posted a letter from the GP practice telling him to find another doctor. The row broke out after Mr Cochrane received a letter stating that he needed to see a doctor. The patient, who usually dealt with a specialist consultant, rang the surgery concerned something was seriously wrong. However, a receptionist said it would be three weeks before he could have an appointment, he said. He claims he was informed that if he wished to make a complaint, he should make it in writing. The driving instructor, from Penarth, took to Twitter to hit out at the ‘attitude from staff’ at the practice. The row broke out after Mr Cochrane received a letter stating that he needed to see a doctor . His case sparked an outcry on Twitter after Mr Cochrane posted a letter from the GP practice telling him to find another doctor . In a further posting he referred to the staff as ‘t***s’. The comments prompted a letter from the head of practice, Dr Jonathon Evans, telling Mr Cochrane that his name would be removed from the surgery's list of patients and advising him to find another GP. Mr Cochrane posted the correspondence on site, where he wrote: ‘What happened to freedom of speech? This is truly shocking if you ask me.’ The comments prompted a letter from the head of practice, Dr Jonathon Evans, telling Mr Cochrane that his name would be removed from the surgery's list of patients and advising him to find another GP . He has received support following the episode. One Twitter user wrote: ‘What happened to freedom of speech!!!’ A spokesman for Stanwell Surgery said it could not comment ‘because of patient confidentiality’.

Mathew Cochrane, 26, has been stuck off the patient list at Stanwell Surgery . Expressed anger on Twitter when told next appointment was in three weeks . The cystic fibrosis sufferer has now been told to find a new surgery .

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By . MailOnline Reporter . Pet lovers across the nation are outraged at a Michigan woman whose dog ate a bag of marijuana — then laughed as the poor pooch got stoned. Laure Milsee said she came home to find that Thor, a 3-year-old pitbull mix, looked lethargic and was drooling. She soon discovered why. 'So my dog Thor has gotten into our bag of weed. He ate $20 in weed,' she says in a video of the incident, which went viral after it was posted on Facebook. 'So he's super duper f******' fried. I don't know what to do. I hope he doesn't die. He's tripping.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . In the footage of the incident, Thor is seen drooling and wobbling back and forth, eventually hitting his head against a nearby door (right) In the video, Milsee at first sounds concerned as Thor struggles to remain standing. But then she begins to laugh uncontrollably as the dog falls over and hits his head against a wooden door. Milsee told a local news station that she posted the video out of concern, so her boyfriend could see how the dog was acting and help her figure out what to do. 'Because I laughed at the end, people are taking it as though I'm cruel . to him — I'm not,' Milsee told  WXYZ. 'It was late. I had spoke to one of my . girlfriends who is an animal advocate and she said to keep giving him . water and bread.' Thor has covered from the incident and is back to normal, his owner says . Milsee . told the station that animal control is looking into the incident. But . she insists she took him to the vet afterward and has the paperwork to . confirm Thor is just fine. 'I love my animal,' she told WXYZ. 'I love my kid. I have a cat too. I take care of my animals. 'It was a mistake. I shouldn't have posted the video.' Dog owner Laure Milsee says she took Thor to the vet after the incident and was told he was doing fine. var p = new anv_pl_def(); p.config = {}; p.config.width = 636; p.config.height = 356; p.loadVideoExpressV3('eyJ1cGxvYWRfaWQiOiJleHByZXNzLTE0MDg3MzM4OTUxNzAiLCJ2aWRlb190eXBlIjoiMSIsInNyY19pbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vbWVkaWEyLndwdHYuY29tL3Bob3RvLzIwMTQvMDgvMTcvRG9nIGF0ZSBtYXJpanVhbmFfMTQwODIyMjU1NTA5N183NDA0MjA1X3ZlcjEuMF85MDBfNjc1XzE0MDgyODU2NjIyOTNfNzQxMzQyMF92ZXIxLjBfNjQwXzQ4MC5qcGciLCJkZWZfdGl0bGUiOiJNYW55IG91dHJhZ2VkIGFmdGVyIHZpZGVvIG9mIHN0b25lZCBkb2cgZ29lcyB2aXJhbCIsInRpdGxlIjoiTWFueSBvdXRyYWdlZCBhZnRlciB2aWRlbyBvZiBzdG9uZWQgZG9nIGdvZXMgdmlyYWwiLCJkZWZfZGVjc3JpcHRpb24iOiIiLCJwdWJsaXNoZWRfdXJscyI6W3siZm9ybWF0IjoibXA0OyIsImVtYmVkX3VybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9tZWRpYTIud3B0di5jb20vdmlkZW8vdmlkZW9fc3R1ZGlvLzIwMTQvMDgvMTcvTWFueV9vdXRyYWdlZF9hZnRlcl92aWRlb19vZl9zdG9uZWRfZG9nX18xOTE3NDUubXA0IiwicHJvdG9jb2wiOiJodHRwOiIsImNkbl9uYW1lIjoiQWthbWFpIiwia2JwcyI6NTAwfV0sImNhcHRpb25zIjpbeyJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIiwiZm9ybWF0IjoiREZYUCIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9tZWRpYTIud3B0di5jb20vdmlkZW8vdmlkZW9fc3R1ZGlvLzIwMTQvMDgvMTcvY2FwdGlvbnMvTWFueV9vdXRyYWdlZF9hZnRlcl92aWRlb19vZl9zdG9uZWRfZG9nX18xOTE3NDUwMDAwLmRmeHAifV0sInRzX3B1Ymxpc2hlZCI6IjIwMTRfMDhfMTcifQ==|1000011|SPS'); .

Laura Milsee, of Michigan, draws fury for mocking puppy as it struggles . Thor, a 3-year-old pitbull mix, ate $20 worth of marijuana .

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Strains of highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been found in river water downstream of a sewage treatment plant, scientists have warned. The contamination of the River Sowe, near Coventry, has sparked concern over the growing threat caused by superbugs that are resistant to ‘last resort’ antibiotics. The drug-resistant bugs were detected in samples taken by specialists from Warwick University near the Finham sewage treatment works. The resistant bacteria, which is carried in faecal matter, were strains of E.coli that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) - enzymes that can destroy many antibiotics including all penicillins. These microscopic images show a strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria found in the River Sowe near Coventry . ESBL infections are particularly dangerous because treatment options are limited and drugs need to be given by injection in serious cases. Study leader Professor Elizabeth Wellington, a lecturer in Environmental Microbiology at Warwick University, along with colleagues from Birmingham universities and the Health Protection Agency (now Public Health England), analysed sediment samples from upstream and downstream. They found bacteria resistant to important antibiotics used to treat a range of problems, including meningitis, septicaemia, and so-called hospital-acquired infections. They also found resistant E.coli were seven times more common downstream of a UK sewage plant than upstream. Their findings suggest resistance is spreading because of a gene called blaCTX-M-15 which bacteria collect to adapt to their environment. The researchers say stricter regulations and higher levels of treatment are needed to halt the rise in antibiotic resistance in the environment. Prof Wellington said: ‘If you disturb the sediment and then consume just 5ml of the water then you run the risk of getting gastroenteritis, which can make you extremely ill. ‘It would be like getting MRSA up your nose and could be untreatable. ‘If . the resistant bacteria colonised in your gut and through, say a urinary . infection, was able to leave the body, then the bacteria would be out . in the open, no longer just in the river sediment’ she added. The findings were published in the . Journal Of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy this month after the tests took . place between 2009 and 2011. Professor Neil Woodford, head of . Public Health England’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare . Associated Infections Reference Unit, said the extent of the health risk . caused by ESBL-positive bacteria was unclear. Professor Elizabeth Wellington, a lecturer in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Warwick said the bacteria could pose a threat . He said the agency was undertaking a three-year study to establish the variety of different strains in circulation. This is not the first time that antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been found in river water, he added. He said: ‘This finding causes concern although we have to keep it in perspective. ‘Just having had skin contact with the river water is not sufficient to cause illness. ‘For it to become a problem would require a particular chain of events to occur and the likelihood of these all happening needs to be borne in mind. ‘Our advice is that if anyone does become ill after swimming in rivers or streams then they should always advise their GP of their recent activities.’ A spokesman for Severn Trent Water, which runs the sewage plant at Finham, said: 'Severn Trent Water takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously. 'Earlier this month we received confirmation from our environmental regulator, The Environment Agency, that we have achieved a four star rating and leading company status for our environmental performance (we were the only company in the UK Water Industry to reach this standard). ‘The development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria is without question an internationally important issue, and we are already engaged in increasing our knowledge to determine whether waste water treatment has role to play in this area. ‘In conjunction with all the other UK water and sewerage companies, we are actively involved in a multi-million pound national research project to look at the levels of pharmaceuticals in the sewage entering our treatment works.’ Antibiotic resistance is a growing worldwide problem, where common bacteria that cause infections are becoming resistant to drugs used to treat them. Antimicrobial resistance is a broader term, suggesting resistance to drugs to treat infections caused by other microbes as well, such as parasites, viruses and fungi. Many hospital-acquired infections including pneumonia and bloodstream infections are caused by highly resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Patients with infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are generally at increased risk of worse health and death - people with MRSA are estimated to be 64 per cent more likely to die than people with a non-resistant form of the infection. Many hospital-acquired infections caused by highly resistant bacteria . As standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist which increases the risk of spread to others. Resistance to the treatment of last resort for life-threatening infections caused by common intestinal bacteria – carbapenem antibiotics – has spread globally and many countries lack basic systems to track and monitor the problem. The evolution of resistant strains is a natural phenomenon that occurs when microorganisms replicate themselves erroneously or when resistant traits are exchanged between them. But experts say the use and misuse of antimicrobial drugs accelerates the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This includes over-prescribing of such drugs – for example to treat viruses that do not respond to antibiotics – and easy over-the-counter availability in some other countries. Poor infection control practices, inadequate sanitary conditions and inappropriate food-handling encourages further spread. The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in cattle has also come under scrutiny. A 2014 report from the World Health Organisation says antibiotic resistance is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now, across the world, and is putting at risk the ability to treat common infections in the community and hospitals. ‘Without urgent, coordinated action, the world is heading towards a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries, which have been treatable for decades, can once again kill’, it says.

Strains of highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria found near Coventry . Provokes concern over superbugs, resistant to 'last resort' antiobiotics . Bugs were detected in samples taken by scientists at Warwick University .

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By . Wills Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 15:44 EST, 26 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:27 EST, 26 November 2013 . Mayoral makeover: Newly-elected Australian mayor Darryn Lyons shows off his ceremonial robes . He is known for his surgically-enhanced six-pack, bright pink Mohawk and unconventional dress sense. But yesterday ex-celebrity photographer Darryn Lyons switched his extravagant attire for a dapper pin-striped suit and mayoral robes as he began his career as an Australian mayor. The 48-year-old won the mayoral race in his hometown of Geelong yesterday with a comfortable win, taking 29.79 percent of the primary vote. He looked teary-eyed as . he spoke to the media, shortly after he was named the city's new mayor, . saying: 'I love Geelong'. Just 24 hours later, the former paparazzo's smile was back on his face as he donned his ceremonial robes and eye-catching regalia in front of waiting photographers. He wore his mayoral medallion, fur-trimmed gown and a black-and-white tie in front of his new office, city hall. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant also chose to keep his trademark Mohawk for the photos, but opted against the bright pink he dyed it during his appearance on the reality TV show. He also showed off a dapper pin-striped suit during the shoot, and then posted the photos on Twitter. Alongside the photos, he said: 'Long day a great working day sharing a fleeting moment from city hall today still working.' When . he announced his intention to run in the Australian state of Victoria . he said he had learned from his time living in Britain that 'every . election needs a comedy candidate,' reported The Age. His campaign slogan was 'vision, passion . and change,' and he publicised his message with adverts, T-shirts, . and a stream of public appearances. Mr Lyons was victorious despite the fact he has lived in Europe for several decades - he arrived in London aged 22. In 1992, Lyons founded picture agency . Big Pictures, later gaining notoriety for selling a photograph of David . Beckham and Rebecca Loos to the News Of The World. In 2011 he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother during which time bragged of his bedroom antics with a series of famous faces. He even claimed to having spent the night with 12 girls at the same time. Scroll down for video . Ceremonial: The new mayor of Geelong City, celebrated his first day with a photoshoot . The paparazzo told model Bobby Sabel: 'I once shared a bed with 12 girls. Those were the crazy days.' On the Channel Five programme in which he came in sixth place, he also debuted his surgically-sculpted six pack. The £4,000 procedure sees fat sucked . out of specific areas of the torso to make it look as if the patient has . super-toned abdominal muscles without ever hitting the gym. Talking about the procedure, Mr Lyons said: 'I had contouring done to my body. Dapper: The ex-photographer also showed off a smart pin-striped suit . 'I . had to get really fit and lose a fair bit of weight. It takes away all . the fat around it and actually lets your natural abs be there. 'Basically it's the male version of a boob job.' Big Pictures went into administration last year with a string of debts, leaving 21 of his London-based staff without jobs. But . back in Australia Mr Lyons set up Mr Paparazzi Celebrity Deals and . established himself as a shareholder of another firm called BPGG Limited . – which promptly bought up the assets of Big Pictures from the . administrators for £164,000. He . appeared at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics in 2012 and has also . appeared on a series of television shows - including the Australian . version of Dragons’ Den and an ITV reality series about the magazine . business called Deadline. Victorious: Flamboyant ex-celebrity photographer Darryn Lyons after he was announced as mayor . Winner: The Liberal party member took 70,795 votes after preferences, ahead of his nearest challenger Stephanie Asher by more than 12,600 votes . Emotional: The 48-year-old looked teary-eyed as he spoke to the media, shortly after he was named the city's new mayor, saying: 'I love Geelong' Comfortable win: Mr Lyons was victorious despite the fact he has lived in Europe for several decades - he arrived in London aged 22 . Past: In 2011 he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother during which time bragged of his bedroom antics with a series of famous faces . In 1992, Lyons founded picture agency Big Pictures, later gaining notoriety for selling a photograph of David Beckham and Rebecca Loos to the News Of The World . Enhanced: On Big Brother Mr Lyons debuted his surgically-sculpted six pack .

Darryn Lyons, 48, won the mayoral race in his hometown of Geelong . Celebrated his first day with a photo shoot in new suit and mayoral robes . The Liberal party member took 29.79 percent of the primary vote . His campaign slogan was 'vision, passion and change'

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By . David Mccormack . PUBLISHED: . 14:37 EST, 17 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:45 EST, 18 December 2013 . A woman with ties to accused killer Aaron Hernandez has died, less than six months after surviving a car crash that killed her partner who was also a member of the ex-footballer’s social circle in his hometown of Bristol, Connecticut. Tabitha Perry, 27, had previously been interviewed by local law enforcement investigating the June 17 shooting death of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez, 24, is currently awaiting trial in the . slaying of 27-year-old Lloyd, an acquaintance whose body was found a . mile from his home in June. He is . being held without bail, after pleading not guilty to . first-degree murder and five-related weapons charges in September. Tabitha Perry, a member of Aaron Hernandez's social circle in Bristol, Connecticut, died on Monday and had previously been interviewed by cops in connection with the death of Odin Lloyd in June . Ex-Patriots star Aaron Hernandez: Tabitha Perry, who died on Monday, has become the third person connected to the former footballer to die since he was imprisoned . Authorities responding to a 911 call . on Monday found Perry, who was visiting a friend in Southampton, . unconscious and not breathing, reports The Courant. Her . death isn’t considered suspicious, but police and the state medical . examiner's office are awaiting the results of toxicology testing before . ruling on her cause of death. Perry has an extensive criminal record with 22 separate criminal . filings. In 2006 she was found guilty of offenses including possession . and selling drugs and was sentenced to 110 days for operating a motor vehicle while . under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Numerous other traffic offenses illegally operating a motor . vehicle under influence of alcohol and drugs, driving without insurance, . driving on wrong side of the road, driving while suspended. Other offenses over the years included breach of the peace, larceny, possession of . liquor by a minor, assault, and resisting arrest. She was sentenced to an additional nine months in jail in 20122 for violating her probation. In January 2013 she got 120 days for driving while her . license was suspended for DWI. Perry was injured in the car accident that killed Thaddeus Singleton III, who lost control of his car which crashed into the Farmington Country Club in Connecticut on 28 June. Hernandez's cousin Tanya Singleton, left, was charged with contempt in August for refusing to testify against him. Her husband Thaddeus Singleton III, right, died in June and now his girlfriend Tabitha Perry is also dead . Perry . was injured in the car accident that killed Thaddeus Singleton III, who . lost control of his car which crashed into the Farmington Country Club . in Connecticut on 28 June. Singleton . had a child with Perry, but was married to Tanya Singleton, a cousin of . Hernandez who is currently in jail after refusing to testify against . the ex-footballer in August. She faces an accessory charge in Lloyd's death. Police have described Singleton as the ‘nexus’ of Hernandez's Bristol network, and said that he is the man who connected the former Patriot tight end with his two alleged accomplices, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz. Wallace and Ortiz, both charged in Lloyd's death, used to stay with Thaddeus and Tanya Singleton at 114 Lake Ave., a Bristol home owned by Hernandez's uncle that has been searched multiple times this summer. Perry is the third person connected to Hernandez to die since his imprisonment. Following the death of Thaddeus Singleton III in June, the former New England Patriots star’s uncle Michael J. Valentine, 49, died in August after losing control of his moped and crashing into a curb in Bristol. The divorced father-of-three was not wearing a helmet when the accident occurred at the intersection of Central Street and Church Avenue and sustained serious head injuries. Valentine was the brother of Hernandez's mother, Terri Hernandez. Ernest Wallace, left, and Carlos Ortiz, right, have been identified by police as being with Hernandez and Lloyd the night of his shooting death . Aaron Hernandez's mother Terri Hernandez (pictured) lost her brother Michael Valentine to a freak accident in August, while her son awaits trial for murder . Last week it was revealed that the . former New England Patriots star is enjoying a stress-free existence . inside the Bristol County House of Corrections, Massachusetts. ‘I’m . way less stressed in jail than when I was out of jail,’ wrote Hernandez . in the two-page letter which is dated November 17. ‘I’m just anxious to . go to trial to see what’s up and prove my innocence.’ Despite . a note pleading with the recipient - an old friend - to keep his . correspondence private, the note has found its way into the hands of TMZ. In . the letter Hernandez tells his so-called friend that his corrections . officer ‘hasn’t seen me in a bad mood yet and I really enjoy my days. It’s not that bad, honestly. ‘I’m just hoping I am out within these next few years, to get a chance to ball again.’ Killed: Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Odin Lloyd, pictured, who was found dead in June . The former football player claims to have read 25 books since he was incarcerated during the summer . Hernandez also wrote that he’s . spending his time reading - he claims to have read 25 books since he’s . being incarcerated - and is 'using this time to become strong, wiser and . trying to come out, when I come home, way more intelligent, which I . will.' Hernandez also admits to some regrets. including that he 'could have made better choices with my . selected few (friends) but it’s life, you live and learn!' The . ex-Patriots star even includes a drawing, the outline of a nude woman . besides which he wrote ‘Dats a bad b****!!!’ together with a smiley face. Hernandez . remains housed in the prison's special management area where . socializing isn’t allowed. Prisoners in the area are not allowed to . have direct contact with each other and only get outside for three hours a . day. Sacked: Hernandez had his contract cancelled by the New England Patriots after he was arrested . Four others, including Hernandez's girlfriend and cousin, face charges in the case. Lloyd, . a semi-professional player, was found dead less than a mile from his . home in North Attleborough, Massachusetts on June 17. Hernandez . is also being investigated by a grand jury over the deaths of Danny . Abreu and Safiro Furtado in July 2012, soon after they left a nightclub . in Boston.

Tabitha Perry, a member of Aaron Hernandez's social circle in Bristol, Connecticut, died on Monday . She was found unconscious and not breathing at a friend's house . Perry had an extensive criminal record and had been jailed on several occasions . Had previously been interviewed by cops in connection with the death of Odin Lloyd in June . Hernandez's uncle and his cousin's husband died in separate incidents during the summer . Authorities don't consider the three deaths to be suspicious . The former New England Patriots star is awaiting trial in the slaying of 27-year-old Lloyd .

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Michael Gove's exams watchdog has been accused of wasting public money by assessing whether the  new tests to replace GCSEs will  discriminate against Muslims, pregnant schoolgirls or teenagers having sex changes. The ‘equality analysis’, commissioned by Ofqual at a cost of £2,400, has warned that a number of pupils in these categories could be affected by the Education Secretary’s controversial overhaul of the exams. Mr Gove announced plans earlier this year to replace most of the course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertake as part of their GCSEs with more rigorous end-of-course exams, to be known as ‘I-levels’. Mr Gove announced plans earlier this year to replace most of the course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertake as part of their GCSEs with more rigorous end-of-course exams . Last year Prime Minister David Cameron declared that equality assessments were ‘bureaucratic nonsense’ and civil servants should employ common sense. But exam regulator Ofqual said it carried out the exercise to comply with the Equality Act 2010. It has spent over £5,000 on such assessments in the past year. Last night critics condemned the new report as a waste of time and money, only highlighting hypothetical effects on a tiny minority of the 600,000 pupils who will sit the new papers. Chris McGovern, of the Campaign For Real Education, said: ‘This is misplaced political correctness. We need common sense. We have been coping with exams from time immemorial. There are always going to be exceptions, and you can’t avoid them.’ Mr Gove said he was introducing his exam reforms to push up standards . Mr Gove said he was introducing his exam reforms to push up standards because the current ‘dumbed-down’ GCSEs had become discredited. But the Ofqual equality analysis, drawn up by a company called Equality Research and Consulting Ltd and published this month, warns that introducing a single, final exam worth 100 per cent of the marks could have an impact on teenagers who get pregnant while studying for GCSEs. It said schoolgirls who are expecting babies could struggle if the examination  season ‘coincides with any problems in pregnancy or is near the due date’. Concern was also raised in the  25-page report that pupils undergoing ‘gender reassignment’ may be disproportionately affected. The youngest person to have a sex-change operation in Britain is reported to have been 17, and fewer than 90 children and adolescents nationally are thought to be referred annually to the specialised gender identity services. However, the report says that reassigning a person’s sex by ‘changing physiological or other attributes of sex can be a prolonged process, rendering the pupil unavailable at crucial times not only for lessons but for exams unless alternative arrangements are made’. The third group, Muslim pupils, who make up less than ten per cent  of those taking GCSEs, could also be disadvantaged if they happen to  be fasting for religious reasons during the exams. Ofqual admitted in its main consultation document that the numbers involved were often small, but said it wanted to take all potential discrimination into account to see if alternative arrangements could be made. Ofqual said it was important to understand ‘the potential implications of any significant proposals we make for different groups. ‘Doing an equality analysis like this allows us to make decisions in a fully informed way, and also to meet our legal duties under the Equality Act.’

Course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertaken as part of GCSEs will be replaced with more rigorous end-of-course exams . Some students - such as pregnant girls or fasting Muslims - may be affected by timing of exams .

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Children from the poorest families start primary school almost two years behind academically, Nick Clegg warned today. The Deputy Prime Minister said the academic gap between toddlers from different backgrounds can impact on them for the rest of their lives. A £50 million fund is being launched to help boost the academic achievements of nursery schoolchildren from poor families. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, pictured visiting Foresters Primary School in London last week, warned action was needed to stop children falling behind even before they start school . The Early Years Pupil Premium will be aimed at three and four year olds and will be worth around £300 per child. It is based on the pupil premium which is already paid to primary and secondary schools for each child from a low income family. Ministers argue the extra cash will improve the quality of childcare in nurseries, so all children starting school at the age of four are at a similar level of academic ability. Mr Clegg said: 'Every child deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, and this extra funding is a boost to help our youngest children get on in life and succeed. 'Boys and girls from poorer families have often already fallen 19 months behind their better off classmates by the time they hang up their coat on the first day of school. ‘Increasing their chances of success has got to be a top priority.' Nurseries will be able to decide how to use the money, the Department for Education said. A consultation is being launched on exactly how the money will be spent. Education minister Elizabeth Truss, pictured with London Mayor Boris Johnson, said nursery children should need more help with language and communication skills . Education minister Elizabeth Truss said: 'Children from low income families are already behind their peers in language and communication by the age of five - this is not good enough. 'We expect nurseries will use this money to create more high quality nursery provision led by teachers. 'We know it's a challenge to close the attainment gap later on but with the introduction of the Early Years Pupil Premium we hope it will prevent this gap from emerging in the first place.' 4Children chief executive Anne Longfield said: 'There is a real opportunity to use the announcement today as a springboard to maximise the impact of the free early years and childcare places for two-year-olds and the early years pupil premium for three and four-year-olds, and direct support to the most vulnerable pre-school children in a coordinated way that makes a real difference. 'We also think there is a real opportunity for children's centres to be much more involved in delivering this. 'The Early Years Pupil Premium needs to be increased during the next parliament to the same amount per head as a primary school child would be allocated. As we approach the next general election the challenge is for all political parties to set out how they will provide the support we know families need towards making Britain great for children and families.'

Toddlers from low income families struggle with communication skills . Attainment gap when they start school might never be closed . New £50million fund to pay for Early Years Pupil Premium . Cash will be used to fund better quality teaching in nurseries .

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(CNN) -- Southwest of Toronto, in a satellite city called Mississauga, Ma Yansong's vision of a flowing, organic architecture halts the tedium of a relentlessly box-shaped cityscape. His two residential towers are alike in their sinuous curvilinearity -- which enraptured locals nicknamed "Marilyn Monroe" -- but were designed separately. The first tower was so beloved by Missisaugans, a second was commissioned and completed last year. Since winning this first big international commission in 2006, Ma's eight-year-old Beijing firm MAD has made a name for itself as a leading exponent of urban design that's both futuristic and respectful of nature. Their projects include breathtaking museums and towers in the Chinese cities of Harbin, Ordos and Tianjin, but Canada's Absolute Towers are Ma's favorite. He was only 30 years old when his design was commissioned. "I'd never built a building before, and that was a huge building. I had to figure out how to assemble my team, how to build a high rise. It was a surprise. I didn't know it was so complicated to make a building," he said. View a hi-res gallery of Ma Yansong's 'Great Buildings' Achieved with the help of Toronto architect Atilla Burka and structural engineer Sigmund Soudack, the first tower is 170 meters tall, with elliptical floor plates that twist at varying points depending on corresponding features in the landscape. Today, Ma says he's glad he didn't know how difficult it would be to execute his vision -- he might not have tried if he had. "I was so confident about what I proposed, because I was thinking about the city." The city appreciated it. "Architecture lives in Mississauga at long last," wrote one critic, who compared the building's sashaying, ribbed shape to the pleated, body-draping garments of fashion designer Issey Miyake. Another critic deemed it "sassy, sexy and irreverent toward the formal pieties of cereal-box skyscraper modernism", and a comeback to "Toronto developers who complain that they can't build and sell anything except the same boring stuff we've been seeing since the Second World War. "I didn't try to make it sexy, just not a box," Ma says. "I'm trying to express nature in big cities. I grew up in the old neighborhood of Beijing where you had a courtyard and trees. Actually, the whole of Beijing was a garden -- the Forbidden City -- and the lakes and gardens in the city center were all artificial," he said. Watch 'Great Buildings' on Connect the World . "I think that's a good pattern for future cities. There must be a way to combine the high rise and high density environment with nature. Maybe we can have our gardens in the sky. We can link different buildings in the sky, and we can have a waterfall in a high rise. It would be beautiful." The building Ma most wishes he had designed is the Salk Institute by Louis Kahn who, like Ma, studied at Yale. Located in La Jolla, California, the building was commissioned by the inventor of the polio vaccine, Dr Jonas Salk, who wanted to create a place where scientists could be inspired. Kahn designed two parallel buildings with protruding towers which afford space for study. The six-storey structures are separated by a light-filled, marble plaza with a central water channel leading out toward the Pacific Ocean. iReport: Your favorite buildings . The building's use of concrete is widely praised, but Ma says he particularly likes its relationship to its environment. "When people are in the central plaza, they feel so connected to nature, to the sky and the ocean, emotionally. I always imagine in 100 or 200 years, when people go there, they will feel the same," he said. "I went there two or three years ago for the first time. I arrived there at midnight so I had to climb into the place, and was guided out by security. "It was in the dark, so it looked different from the pictures -- everyone knows these pictures; you have the building on both sides and the ocean and sky in front -- but in the evenings, it's like a black hole," he says. "The end is a void and it's horizontal not vertical, so you don't feel you're small and helpless. When you're in that space you feel you're the center, and you can talk to your future."

Chinese architect Ma Yansong's favorite design is the Absolute Towers in Mississauga, Ontario . Locals have nicknamed the twisting residential towers "Marilyn Monroe" on account of their sinuous curves . The building he wishes he'd designed is Louis Kahn's Salk Institute in La Jolla, California . Ma aims to combine high-rise and high-density environments with nature, he says .

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A parting school of fish allow an exploring snorkeller to swim amongst them. The amazing scene, which was taken in the clear blue waters off the Philippines coastline, shows how fish work in unison. Diver Whitney De Neef delved into the colony while her husband Steve photographed her adventures from above. Stunning sight! Snorkeler Whitney De Neef dove into a colony of fish off the coast of the Philippines . Whitney's husband Steve, a photojournalist, snapped the images from the surface of the water . The couple, who live in the Philippines but are originally from Antwerp, Belgium, were there on holiday while Steve worked on a story about sea cows - or Dugongs. However, he took a day off to spend with Whitney on a small island called Dimakya, which they spent exploring the fish in the clear water. Photojournalist Steve, 33, said: 'We were there partly for a holiday and partly for work. 'I was there to do a story on Dugongs that still frequent the area and my wife joined me just to enjoy the island. 'My favourite picture is the one where my wife, the snorkeler, is right in the centre of the school of jacks. 'I love it because the school of fish just opened right up every time she would dive down. It's amazing to see all these fish move together.' The couple, who live in the Philippines, were exploring a small island called Dimakya and its nearby water . 'My favourite picture is the one where my wife is right in the centre of the school of jacks,' Steve says . Steve, who met Whitney in the Philippines in 2010 while she worked as a volunteer in an orphanage, was formerly a diving instructor. He added: 'Whitney was amazed by this school of jacks and how close they were to the beach. 'She wants to go back. I think she was more excited swimming with these fish then I was photographing them. Steve estimates that there were over a thousand fish in the school and were so close, you could touch them . 'They were very close, you could basically touch them. The fish just all hung around the whole time we were in the water. 'It's very hard to tell but there must have been over a thousand. 'The underwater world always amazes me and big schools of fish like this are incredible to watch. 'The sun was also out this day and the sun's rays piercing though this school of fish just added to the beauty of it all.'

Whitney De Neef dove into a colony while husband Steve snapped photos . The amazing images were taken in the clear blue waters off the Philippines . 'School of fish opened up every time she would dive down,' husband says .

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Alan Pardew insists that the last thing Newcastle and Sunderland supporters should be doing is ‘fighting each other’ – and believes the Malaysian Airlines disaster has brought the rival fans closer together. A fund set up by a Sunderland supporter in memory of the two Newcastle fans killed when flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July raised more than £33,000. The teams face each other for the first time on Sunday since the clubs joined forces in tribute to John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who died on their way to watch the Magpies play in New Zealand. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has called for supporter calm ahead of Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby . Newcastle fans clashed with police after the 3-0 defeat by Sunderland at St James' Park in April, 2013 . Newcastle fans pay tribute to the two supporters that lost their lives in the Malaysian Airlines disaster . The Tyne-Wear derby has been heavily policed in recent seasons amid fear of trouble and in April, 2013 Newcastle fans - following a 3-0 home defeat - clashed with law enforcers as they rampaged in the city centre. One man was later jailed for punching a police horse. Pardew, though, senses an effort to make the fixture about the passion on the pitch rather than vitriol in the stands. ‘I am hearing the right stuff on the radio and in the street about the levels of antagonism between the two clubs dying down a little bit to what it's really about – a football match. I am really pleased about that and hope it carries through to Sunday,’ he said. ‘I said two years ago that this nasty hate – those kinds of words – needed to go out. It’s a rivalry, a game of football, may the best team win and then we shake hands and go home. John Alder and Liam Sweeney were on board flight MH17 on their way to watch Newcastle in New Zealand . One Newcastle supporter was arrested for punching a police horse . Pardew said the last thing the North East should be doing is fighting each other . ‘The last thing the North East should be doing is fighting each other. But, at the same time, we know it's a massive rivalry and the passion of the game shouldn't be lost.’ There has been suggestion that Newcastle fans could applaud during the 33rd minute of the match in a show of thanks for the money raised for charity by the JustGiving fund. And Pardew added: ‘The incident with the Malaysian flight has definitely helped build bridges and we need to carry on doing that. ‘The way the Sunderland fans contributed and the effort they made has made great steps to help this fixture become what it should be, a spectacle for the North East. Not something where we have to order extra police.’ Sunderland boss Gus Poyet suggests that alcohol should not be sold on the day of the Tyne-Wear derby . Pubs in Newcastle, meanwhile, have confirmed that they will not be serving alcohol before 10am. That is three-and-a-half hours before kick-off and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet would rather drink was banned entirely on derby day. ‘You want a friendly derby? Don’t sell alcohol (throughout) the whole day in Newcastle and maybe you’ve got a chance,’ he said. ‘But if you’re going to let everybody go to the pub and you want them to behave, you’re a little bit naive. Quite naive. ‘But I’m a head coach, I’m not in the police department. I’m not going to make that decision. But let’s not be too naive.’

Newcastle host Sunderland on Sunday in the Premier League . Tyne-wear derby has been heavily policed in recent seasons . Trouble erupted in 2013 when Newcastle fans clashed with police . Pardew said the Malaysian Airlines disaster has helped build bridges . Two Newcastle fans died on their way to watch Newcastle in New Zealand .