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### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Tony Fernandes is here at Loftus Road to talk football. QPR have a new manager in Chris Ramsey, they are in a battle against the drop and he is keen to impress how the club have changed and how they can withstand the shock of relegation should that day come. But it is hard to focus entirely on matters on the pitch. For Fernandes is also the face of AirAsia and describes the last seven weeks as the ‘worst 50 days of my life’. It was on December 28 that AirAsia flight QZ8501 with 162 people on board crashed into the sea between Surabaya and Singapore. Tony Fernandes describes the last seven weeks 'as the worst 50 days of my life' following the AirAsia tragedy . AirAsia flight QZ8501 crashed into the sea between Surabaya and Singapore with 162 people on board . ‘I think the only way I do know how to manage these things is with my heart,’ says Fernandes, owner and chief executive of AirAsia. ‘Just confront it and deal with it. It has just been a nightmare to be honest. The only way I know how to deal with it is to deal with it. ‘I get text messages every day from the families. They all have my mobile phone number. I’ve been going to funerals and that’s hard. But the families have been amazing to us. They’ve given me strength.’ Fernandes dealt with the tragedy by flying immediately to Indonesia to assist with the search for the plane and, ultimately, the bodies. There he was confronted by the victims’ families. ‘That was really hard. What do you say to someone who has lost five people on their plane? I don’t know. Human nature, whatever, gives you the strength to find a way. Burying my own staff was a nightmare. Taking a 22-year-old girl on a plane and burying her in her home town. But you find the strength. ‘I apologised. It’s not our fault. We don’t know. But what else can you say? They were on my aircraft. And they’re not with them. And we just sat and talked and made them feel very comfortable that whatever happens, we would find them and we wouldn’t give up. And I think that was very reassuring. We haven’t found everyone yet. There are still more than 50 people unaccounted for. But we just talked to them and let them talk to me, show me pictures and tell stories.’ The QPR owner is also chief executive of AirAsia and has attended the funerals of those killed in the tragedy . In such circumstances it would be inhuman to worry about football and what was going on at QPR, and the club necessarily was not his first priority. ‘I remember turning on to watch the Sheffield United game [in the FA Cup] — and turning it off pretty quickly. No, it wasn’t top of my list. I remember there was a draw with Crystal Palace. I still wanted QPR to win. I still had one eye on looking at Twitter and hoping to see a goal. ‘Your life becomes split in two: you have to deal with the pain but you also have to make sure you deal with the people who are still alive and provide their livelihoods and QPR is one of those.’ Almost two months on, his energies are still clearly focused on the crash investigation but he is now as committed to QPR as ever in what has been a difficult period. He insists he was surprised as anyone that Harry Redknapp resigned three weeks ago after a quiet transfer window. ‘No one believes me but I never expected Harry to want to resign,’ he says. Chris Ramsey (right) has been tasked with keeping QPR in the Premier League after Harry Redknapp resigned . Tony Fernandes shares a joke with QPR defender Nedum Onuoha after visiting the training ground last week . However, the ‘boring’ transfer window does mean QPR are now shedding their image as a soft touch. Fernandes knows what agents in the game think: that QPR is the place you go in order to offload older and expensive players. ‘Or players looking for a massive pay-out,’ he says. ‘I hate it. I hate it. That’s all gone and players know now. We’re going to have a great wage bill next year. A fair one.’ He cites the debut of midfielder Michael Doughty, 22, a QPR trainee, in the 2-0 win at Sunderland as the model the club will now aim for, with Les Ferdinand appointed director of football. ‘There were certain managers who wanted to go for more experience than youth,’ says Fernandes. ‘What do you do? You keep pushing the manager, saying: “Try this, try this, try this”. And he wants a different type of player. But at least this season everyone we bought [last summer] had some sell-on value and was young enough. We didn’t do Jermain Defoe. Emmanuel Adebayor was offered to us and we just didn’t do any of those. It never got past page one. We’ve created the right atmosphere now.’ QPR midfielder Michael Doughty made his debut for the Hoops against Sunderland two weeks ago . Fernandes shares a joke with QPR's director of football Les Ferdinand during the club's defeat at Hull . For now, Ramsey will manage the team and, even if the club is relegated, he may keep the job. ‘I don’t think that makes a difference, I really don’t. It’s how he manages the next 15 games.’ Before promoting Ramsey from coach, Fernandes tweeted about having spoken to his ‘dream manager’. The smart money is that he meant Paul Clement, the Real Madrid coach, whose father once played at QPR. He fits the profile of what Fernandes wants: a coach who will promote young players. Fernandes will not confirm that but admits that Clement and Brentford manager Mark Warburton have been considered. ‘Some of those names are definitely names we considered. I know Paul Clement. He’s a great guy and I’ve spoken to him many times. Mark Warburton has done a great job at Brentford — so you have to consider someone like that. Michael Laudrup was never in the picture. My focus is just on Chris right now.’ Brentford boss Mark Warburton and Real Madrid coach Paul Clement have both impressed Fernandes . Whatever happens, he claims to be confident the club are now under control. It has not always seemed that way. In 2012-13, the year they went down to the Championship, the club lost £65.3million. The club’s wage bill was £78.0m, more than its entire turnover of £60.6m. The accounts for 2013-14 are out next month and even if they have improved — several expensive players were offloaded, though they had to absorb the pain of losing Premier League TV money — it seems difficult to see how they can avoid a huge fine under the Football League’s new Financial Fair Play rules if they go back down. What complicates the matter is that the Football League have since changed their rules, making them more lenient, and Fernandes has sent a clear signal that he expects to be judged under the most-recent rules. ‘One of the great things is that a precedent has been set in that they’ve changed the rules already,’ he says. ‘That in itself is a great legal argument.’ And Fernandes says that the club can cope with relegation without huge amounts of fresh subsidies from himself and the Mittal family, which has kept the club afloat up to now. ‘That fear of getting relegated has gone now. If we get relegated, we get relegated and we build. Southampton were a League One side, right? Look at them now.’ Fernandes celebrates QPR's play-off victory at Wembley last May as the club clinched promotion . Since he took over in 2011, almost every transfer window has felt like panic stations, planning for the worst-case scenario. ‘Well, this time we’ve said: “**** it”,’ he says. ‘We’re going to think for the long term. Because every six months we were fighting against relegation and I saw a window and would buy players. It has always been that. ‘Then you’re in the Championship and you’re fighting for promotion and it’s, “OK, we need some more players. It’s worth buying because we’ll get £60m when we’re back in the Premier League”.’ It has taken almost four years but it seems as though he may have finally got on top of football. ### SUMMARY:

AirAsia flight QZ8501 with 162 passengers crashed into the sea . Chief executive of AirAsia Tony Fernandes has attended funerals . The QPR owner admits football took a back seat after the tragedy .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: A five-year-old boy who was quarantined with a 103F fever after a family trip to west Africa has tested negative for Ebola. The child was reportedly vomiting with bloodshot eyes when emergency medical workers wearing protective Hazmat suits rushed him from his Bronx home to rushed to New York's Bellevue Hospital on Sunday night at 9pm. The little boy was pictured being stretchered out of his home, completely wrapped in protective clothing while his mother followed covering her face with a mask. The boy has been quarantined with his mother at Bellevue, New York's designated Ebola care center. Her health is being monitored and she is exhibiting no symptoms. Scroll down for video . Negative: A five-year-old boy who developed Ebola-like symptoms after returning home from Guinea, West Africa has tested negative for the virus. He was pictured on Sunday night being stretchered out of his Bronx home in New York by Hazmat-suited emergency responders while completely wrapped in protective clothing . FDNY workers remove their protective biohazard clothing at Bellevue Hospital on Sunday after a five-year-old boy was transported to the medical facility with suspected Ebola symptoms . An FDNY worker in a Hazmat suit at Bellevue Hospital on Sunday after transporting a boy with Ebola-like symptoms who had returned with his family from a trip to Guinea . The five-year-old had returned from a family trip to Guinea on Saturday night on a Moroccan Airlines flight which landed at JFK. He was screened but did not have a fever when he entered the U.S., CDC director Dr Tom Frieden said on Monday. A team of 'disease detectives' were tracing the boy's contacts on Monday in case he tested positive for the virus. Four members of the child's family have been quarantined inside their apartment at 172nd Street, law enforcement officials said, but told EMTs that they did not have contact with anyone infected with Ebola while in Guinea. Those under quarantine at the Bronx apartment are believed to be the boy's father, 52, a 15-year-old sister and two brothers, aged 13 and two years old, the Daily News reported. A New York City Health department official hands out information on the Ebola virus to people riding on a school bus near a Bronx apartment building where a 5-year-old boy who arrived from Guinea was taken to Bellevue Hospital on Sunday . Police stand guard outside an apartment building at 172nd Street on Monday in the Bronx where a five-year-old boy was rushed to hospital on Monday after developing Ebola-like symptoms the day after returning from Guinea in West Africa . The building was being guarded by police today as community outreach workers handed out leaflets with information about Ebola. The boy's preliminary test results were expected later today, hospital officials said on Monday. Commissioner of the NYC Health Department, Dr Mary Bassett, said: 'He has no clear exposure to Ebola but his exposure history is unclear.' Neighbors in the six-story building appeared not to have been informed about a resident with Ebola-like symptoms. One neighbor told the New York Post: 'He looked out of it. I hope he’ll be OK. They’re a nice, hardworking family... I heard he was playing with the neighbor’s kids and she sent them to school today.' Guinea is one of the three countries, along with Liberia and Sierra Leone, at the center of the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. It has since grown into the largest ever outbreak of the disease killing some 5,000 people in the region. The boy was rushed to Bellevue from his home in the Bronx after developing a 103F and vomiting, emergency workers said . New York's first confirmed Ebola patient, Dr Craig Spencer, is currently being treated in an isolation ward at Bellevue Hospital after contracting the virus in Guinea. He was in a serious but stable condition on Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. The hospital said that he was 'awake, communicating, and in good spirits' but has entered the next stage of his illness. He is receiving antiviral therapy as well as plasma therapy after getting a plasma transfusion from Ebola survivor, aid worker Nancy Writebol. Mrs Writebol, 59, recovered from Ebola after contracting the virus during missionary work in Liberia in July. Dr Spencer, 33, was admitted to the hospital on Thursday - just six days after returning from Guinea where he he was helping to fight the outbreak with the Doctors Without Borders organisation. His fiancée, 30-year-old Morgan Dixon, who was initially being quarantined at Bellevue has been allowed to go home under quarantine. It was reported this weekend that Bellevue hospital staff caring for Dr Spencer were being denied service at local restaurants and had their children treated differently. Tests: A five-year-old boy is being treated at New York's Bellevue Hospital after showing possible Ebola symptoms after returning from a  trip to Guinea in West Africa . Trip: The youngster returned from a family trip to Guinea (pictured) on Saturday. The country is at the centre of the current Ebola outbreak with the first cases reported in south east Gueckedou region in March . Mayor Bill de Blasio held an afternoon press conference in which he called such treatment 'absolutely unacceptable', and said there would be consequences for individuals' found disrespecting nurses or other medical personnel. Dr Craig Spencer returned to New York from Guinea on October 17, and was admitted to hospital six days later with symptoms of the deadly virus . Mayor de Blasio and his wife Chiraline McCray visited the isolation ward at Bellevue where Dr Spencer is being treated and said the volunteering health care workers they encountered there were 'calm, cool, collected and purposeful'. However, he was shocked to hear reports about how some of these doctors and nurses were being denied food and treated differently when strangers learned they worked at the hospital. Mayor de Blasio did not specify what kind of punishment could be handed out. The mayor described the Bellevue workers treating Dr Craig Spencer as the 'the first responders in this crisis' and like 'the Marines of our health care system'. The mayor also addressed a nurse who was being monitored this weekend in New Jersey, under new rules in both New Jersey and New York requiring health care workers returning from West Africa to submit to a 21-day quarantine. Nurse Kaci Hickox talked to CNN about her 'inhumane' containment at the airport, saying she is confined in a tent with limited contact to the outside world, no flushable toilet, TV or reading material. 'Unacceptable': New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio held a press conference on Sunday to address reports that Bellevue health care workers were being mistreated for working at the hospital where the city's first Ebola patient is being cared for . Mayor de Blasio appeared to hit out at New Jersey officials, by calling the conditions of Ms Hickox's quarantine 'inappropriate'. 'The problem here is that this hero coming back from the front, having done the right thing, was treated with disrespect and was treated as if she had done something wrong when she hadn't,' Mayor de Blasio said. 'We owe her better than that.' However, the mayor added that he respects the right of other governments to make their own decisions in how to handle this outbreak. 'Inhumane': Mayor De Blasio also spoke about Nurse Kaci Hickox, who is currently under quarantine in New Jersey. The nurse spoke to CNN, calling her quarantine 'inhumane' for having no access to a flushable toilet, TV or reading material. Mr De Blasio said her treatment was 'inappropriate' ### SUMMARY:

The child was reportedly vomiting, had bloodshot eyes and a 103F fever . He has tested negative for Ebola, New York's Bellevue Hospital has said . He was carried from his Bronx home by EMS workers in Hazmat suits . The child's mother is with him, she is being monitored for symptoms . He had returned from a family trip to Guinea on Saturday night on a Moroccan Airlines flight which landed at JFK . Four family members are being kept in quarantine inside their apartment - believed to be the father, older brother and sister and a younger brother . NYC's first Ebola patient Dr Craig Spencer also being treated at Bellevue - he was in a 'serious but stable' condition on Monday . Dr Spencer is 'awake, in good spirits' and has received a plasma transfusion from Ebola survivor, missionary worker Nancy Writebol .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Prison: Mark Howe has been sentenced to life in prison after he stabbed his mother 53 times and left her to die . A care home worker obsessed with TV serial killer Dexter has been jailed after he admitted murdering his mother after the pair had rowed about his cannabis smoking. Mark Howe repeatedly stabbed and slashed Katrina Wardle in the face, mouth, neck, chest and arms before leaving her to bleed to death on her bedroom floor in an 'appallingly savage' attack. A judge said the brutal assault was 'akin to torture'. The 21-year-old, who the court heard 'lived in a fantasy world', attacked Mrs Wardle, 48, at the family home in St Matthew’s, Leicester, in the early hours of July 16 last year. Leicester Crown Court was told Howe was 'a recluse' obsessed with US TV series Dexter, which features a fictional police worker, Dexter Morgan, leading a double life as a serial knife-wielding killer. He used a photograph of Dexter Morgan with a blood-splattered face as his own Facebook profile picture - and had searched ‘Dexter’s kill knife’ on the internet in the run-up to the killing. Judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave sentenced Howe to life in prison, and told him he would have to serve at least 21 years and six months before he could be considered for release. He added: 'You attacked your mother with appalling savagery, causing more than 53 separate wounds. One can only imagine the horror of her realisation at what was being done to her by her own son. 'The sheer brutality and ferocity of the attack, which must have lasted some minutes, was akin to torturing her. 'She curled up in a foetal position, trying to protect herself.' The court heard Howe carried out the 'horrifying act' with a 12-inch knife, the tip of which was bent by the force used. Katrina Wardle was murdered by her son Mark Howe in an 'appallingly savage' attack, a court has heard . Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said: 'She didn’t die immediately. The totality of the wounds caused her to bleed to death. 'A passer-by heard her pleading with you to stop, but you didn’t and left her to die. 'You told Facebook friends you hated your mother, and became hateful towards her. 'Her family and friends are still struggling to understand why you committed this terrible and unnatural act.' The judge said he had been told, in mitigation, that Howe 'spent more and more time dwelling in a fantasy world' that seemed more real than his own. Howe lived with his step-father, Kris Wardle, 51, an HGV driver, and his mother, known as Tina, who worked as a cleaner. Howe used a photograph of Dexter Morgan with a blood-splattered face as his own Facebook profile picture - and had searched 'Dexter's kill knife' on the internet in the run-up to the killing . Nirmal Shant QC, prosecuting, said the couple noticed he became increasingly withdrawn, spending most of his time in his bedroom and rarely speaking. Miss Shant said: 'He had a history of self-harming and using knives, which they took from his room. 'He’d used knives to cut holes in his bedroom walls and made stab marks in the door and his punch bag was stabbed repeatedly.' 'You attacked your mother with appalling . savagery, causing more than 53 separate wounds. One can only imagine the . horror of her realisation at what was being done to her by her own son' - Judge Mr Justice Haddon-Cave . Miss Shant said Howe was 'obsessed with Dexter' - a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Police Department who hunts down and kills criminals he believes deserve retribution. He told a friend in one message that he wished he was Dexter. Miss Shant said Howe had downloaded reports on murder weapons, after searching for 'Dexter’s kill knife' and also searched for 'What does a sociopath need to do to blend seamlessly with society?' The court heard that on the day before the murder, Mr Wardle set off for work, expecting to be away overnight. Howe went to work at a care home before returning home at 3.30pm and going to his room. Mrs Wardle left for her cleaning job at 7.20pm, returning home an hour later. At about 2.30am the next day - Tuesday, July 16 - a next door neighbour heard a woman either screaming or crying. Leicester Crown Court (pictured) was told Howe was 'a recluse' obsessed with US TV series Dexter, which features a fictional police worker, Dexter Morgan, leading a double life as a serial knife-wielding killer . A man passing by heard a female voice saying: 'Oh please, please don’t do it.' When interviewed by police after his arrest, Howe said he could not remember anything. Miss Shant said: 'He says he was in the bathroom covered in blood and when he looked through a gap in the door he could see his mother on the floor covered in blood.' Howe rang his older sister after the killing, asking if he could come to see her, saying he had been in a fight with a man and had badly cut his hand. 'His instructions remain that he can’t remember why or how he would have done such a thing, but he acknowledges he must have' - Rosina Cottage QC, mitigating . Having showered, he left the house taking a bag of clothes. He disposed of a blood-stained grey top near a park, then used his mother’s bank card to withdraw £100 from a cashpoint before going to a branch of McDonald’s, in Leicester city centre, to wash his hands. Howe then went to the Leicester care home where he worked and told staff he’d been attacked by his step-father. He left and went to another care home where he also had a job, on the way confessing to his sister, over the phone, that he had killed their mother after an argument about him smoking cannabis. He arrived at the second care home, initially claiming to have been in a fight. The police were called and he was arrested. Miss Shant said Howe’s sister, on hearing her mother had been stabbed, immediately contacted her step-father, who was in Barnsley. US TV series Dexter features a fictional police worker, Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter pattern analyst for the Miami Police Department, who leads a secret life hunting down and killing criminals he believes deserve retribution. Orphaned at the age of three, Dexter was and adopted by a Miami police officer who recognised he had homicidal tendencies. He was then taught to channel his passion for human dissection into killing only heinous criminals. The show has run for eight seasons and is set in Miami. He asked his father, Brian Wardle, to go to the house to see what had happened. Miss Shant said: 'When he got into the bedroom he could immediately see she was beyond help. She was dead.' Rosina Cottage QC, mitigating, said Howe had no previous convictions and had a schizoid personality disorder, although he was not suffering from diminished responsibility at the time of the offence. She said there was 'some pre-meditation' involved shortly before he got the knife from the kitchen and took it upstairs. 'His instructions remain that he can’t remember why or how he would have done such a thing, but he acknowledges he must have,' she said. 'He’s emotionally distant, but he does appear to be shocked by the magnitude of the offences and by what he’s done.' After the case, Mr Wardle said in a statement: 'Katrina was my Pole Star, immutable and persistent, always guiding, always shining brightly. 'She was the force that held me to the ground, the force that let me fly free above the world.' Detective Chief Inspector Siobhan Ashford, of Leicestershire Police, who led the investigation, said: 'This incident has destroyed a family and left many people devastated by the events. 'His actions have left ever-lasting consequences and he now faces a life behind bars.' ### SUMMARY:

Mark Howe repeatedly stabbed and slashed his mother in brutal attack . He left her to bleed to death on bedroom floor at family home in Leicester . A court heard Howe was 'a recluse' obsessed with TV series Dexter . Sentenced to life in prison and told he would have to serve at least 21 years and six months before he could be considered for release .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The scrap of papyrus claiming Jesus had a wife, which was dismissed by the Vatican as a modern forgery, has been authenticated as a genuine ancient document. Scientists from several prestigious U.S universities have said it was written between the fourth and eight centuries. The fragment of papyrus is written in ancient Coptic and reads: 'Jesus said to them, "My wife"' and '…she will be able to be my disciple…' The discovery of a scrap of papyrus that claimed Jesus had a wife caused a holy row of words in the Vatican over its authenticity - but U.S scientists say it is ancient . The papyrus’ back side, or verso, is so badly damaged that only a few key words - 'my mother' and 'three'- were decipherable, but on the front side, or recto, Professor King gleaned eight fragmentary lines: . Historians and religious leaders have been clamouring to both prove and deny the artefact's credibility after it was shown to the world around 18 months ago by Harvard professor Karen King. Some experts have claimed that if the papyrus is true, it could be used to prove that Jesus was married instead of celibate, which could  undermine one of the Church's main teachings. A furious Vatican newspaper dismissed the find as a fake in an editorial by its editor, Giovanni Maria Vian who wrote a stinging piece entitled 'At any rate, a fake,' which questioned the document's authenticity. The new study, published in the Harvard Theological Review, revealed the results of the latest carbon dating tests to be carried out on the document, which was found to date to eighth century Egypt, around 400 years later than Professor King originally thought, The Boston Globe reported. Additional tests showed that the ink’s chemical composition is consistent with other inks used by the ancient Egyptians, while microscopic imaging found no suspicious ink pooling that critics of the papyrus said was evidence of the ink being applied in more recent times. Controversy: Karen King announced the finding at an international congress on Coptic studies in Rome in 2012 and the Vatican as well as others reacted furiously to some interpretations of the ancient fragment, which is written in Ancient Coptic . Critics have said that the fragment is a collage of pieces of the Gospel of Thomas by someone with a dubious grasp of ancient Coptic. One scholar even claims to have found a typo in an online edition of the gospel, which matches one in what they say is a forgery. Other experts have claimed that ink pooling suggests that the document was created in modern times. Leo Depuydt, an Egyptologist at Brown University, said that none of the new tests have convinced him that the papyrus is a fake. He wrote in the Harvard Theological Review that a forger may have ‘wanted to put his or her own spin on modern theological issues’ such as celibacy and the role of women in the Church. ‘As a forgery, it is bad to the point of being farcical or fobbish. . . . I don’t buy the argument that this is sophisticated. I think it could be done in an afternoon by an undergraduate student,’ he said. The provenance of the papyrus has also been questioned. The owner of the document has asked to remain anonymous but said that he acquired the artefact along with five other papyri in 1999 from a collector who got them in the 1960s in East Germany. At the time the papyrus was originally revealed, the Vatican was joined by a British scholar in calling the ancient papyrus a 'fake'. New Testament expert Professor Francis Watson of Durham University said that the fragment is a collage of texts from the Gospel of Thomas, copied and reassembled out of order in bad ancient Coptic. But Professor King said: ‘I’m basically hoping that we can move past the issue of forgery to questions about the significance of this fragment for the history of Christianity, for thinking about questions like, “Why does Jesus being married, or not, even matter?” Why is it that people had such an incredible reaction to this?’ The papyrus, which is roughly the size of a business card, appears to have been written much later than the gospels of the New Testament, which are considered to be the earliest and therefore the most reliable sources of information about the life of Christ. Professor King thinks that the text was copied from an earlier document, perhaps written in Greek, and thinks it is important in showing how Christianity spread through the Mediterranean. The papyrus has now been examined by electrical engineering, chemistry and biology experts from Columbia University, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who have declared that the parchment is indeed several hundred years old, according to The New York Times. The scientists emphasised that while they have authenticated its age, their examination of the papyrus does not prove that Jesus was married. Professor King said in 2012 that her 8cm by 4cm find 'does not provide evidence that the historical Jesus was married,’ but she did say it caused people to question Jesus' marital status. Ancient: The back side, or verso, of the papyrus is so badly damaged that only a few key words - 'my mother' and 'three' - are decipherable . Many people over the centuries have tried to work out a 'bloodline' for possible descendants of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Many historians agree that there is no historical, biblical, archaeological or genetic evidence to support the idea. But the fragment of papyrus that is said to be a translation of a lost gospel has Jesus referring to 'my wife' A 13th century Cistercian monk and historian Peter of Vaux de Cernay claimed that Jesus had a relationship with Mary Magdalene. Early Mormon leaders stated that Jesus as polygamous based upon an obscure passage attributed to a second century Greek philosopher called Celsus. In the 19th century, a politician called Louis Martin published a 'history' book that claimed Jesus was married to Mary and that they both travelled to the South of France where they had a son. Subsequent books have claimed Jesus fathered a child with Mary - or possibly had more offspring with a Kashmiri woman. Author Andreas Faber-Kaiser interviewed one person who claimed to be a Kashmiri descendant of Jesus. Mary Magdalene has also been said to be the mother of Saint Sarah, while another author claims Jesus and Mary are the ancestors of all the European royal families. Professor King originally interpreted the document as a debate about celibacy. ‘Now when I come back and read the fragment, it seems the major issue being talked about was that Jesus was affirming that wives and mothers can be his disciples,’ she said in an interview earlier this week. One interpretation of the papyrus is that if it is talking about the wife of Jesus, the document could cast doubt on a centuries old official representation of Mary Magdalene as a repentant whore and overturns the Christian ideal of sexual abstinence. At the time the papyrus was announced, Professor King told Smithsonian Magazine that the fragment casts doubt 'on the whole Catholic claim of a celibate priesthood based on Jesus’ celibacy.' She said: 'What this shows is that there were early Christians for whom ... sexual union in marriage could be an imitation of God’s creativity and it could be spiritually proper and appropriate.' Professor King speculated that the so-called 'Gospel of Jesus’ Wife' may have been thrown out 'because the ideas it contained flowed so strongly against the ascetic currents of the tides in which Christian practices and understandings of marriage and sexual intercourse were surging.' This representation of Jesus as a man with earthly passions and needs has not survived in the doctrines of the established churches, which emphasise celibacy and asceticism as a spiritual ideal. The document was originally carbon dated by the University of Arizona Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Laboratory to between 200 and 400 years before the birth of Jesus, while a second test by Harvard produced an average date of 741AD. Experts at Columbia University tested the ‘ancient’ ink using a technique called micro-Raman spectroscopy to examine its chemical composition before comparing it to other similar documents in its collection. Christ Appearing to the Magdalen by Titian: The ancient papyrus arguably suggests the Messiah and Mary Magdalene, pictured, were man and wife but Professor King is keen to stress that this is not proven . ### SUMMARY:

Experts from U.S universities used carbon dating to prove the fragment is ancient and was written between the fourth and eighth centuries . The fragment is written in ancient Coptic and reads 'Jesus said to them, "My wife"' which if true could shake up the Church's views on celibacy . The Vatican dismissed the 8cm by 4cm piece of papyrus as a fake when it was unveiled in 2012 and some experts remain in agreement .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Hardened swimmers up and down the country took to freezing cold waters this morning as the bizarre Christmas Day dip tradition continued to prevail. Thousands of swimmers in fancy dress lined an overcast seafront in Exmouth, Devon, with brave participants launching themselves into the sea for the annual swim. Among some of the unusual outfits on display were people dressed as Christmas puddings, Santa's elves and giant wrapped presents - with one man opting to go as Batman character Bane - played by Tom Hardy in The Dark Knight Rises. Scroll down for video . Brace yourselves: A crowd of swimmers charged towards the sea as the annual Exmouth Christmas Day swim got underway this morning . Party: Thousands of Christmas Day swimmers took the plunge in Exmouth, Devon, today for a freezing dip in the sea . Chilly Christmas: The swimmers dashed across the beach before jumping into the sea in the tradition which began in the late 1960s . People take part in the annual White Christmas Dip at Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth to raise money for Macmillan Caring Locally . Another boldly-dressed man decided to don a Borat-style green mankini - complete with reindeer antlers. The swimmers dashed across the beach before jumping into the sea in the tradition which began in the late 1960s. The Exmouth Christmas day swim was born when local Ken Cunningham took a dip with pals Peter Horne, Stan Jordan, Nick Hockings, David Hart and Miss Ireland. Nearly 50 years later, the original six swimmers has grown to thousands from across the globe - with many taking part in the challenge to raise money for charity. Watch out Batman! One swimmer took to the chilly waters in Devon for the Exmouth Christmas Day swim dressed as Batman character Bane . The perfect gift: A girl dressed as a giant Christmas present braves the icy cold water in Devon this morning for the annual swim . A member of the Serpentine Swimming Club poses for the camera after taking part in the Peter Pan Cup race, held every Christmas Day . Hundreds of others also defied the chilly temperatures for a festive Christmas dip in Bournemouth, Dorset. The beach was packed with plucky people, many in fancy dress, for the White Christmas Dip, an annual event in the town to raise money for charity. Although the water was an icy 10 degrees the swimmers showed no fear as they took the plunge at around 10.30am this morning. Organisers are hoping to raise £35,000 for the Macmillan Caring Locally charity. Making a splash: A woman wearing a Santa Claus hat enjoys the cold waters on Brighton Beach during the annual Christmas Day swim . Getting in the Christmas spirit: Happy swimmers splash water at the camera during the annual Exmouth swim today . Festive angel swimmers celebrate christmas day as they take part in the 50th annual christmas swim at Porthcawl's Coney beach, South Wales . Huge turnout: Swimmers wearing fancy dress costumes take part in the annual White Christmas Dip on Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth . Although the water was an icy 10C the swimmers showed no fear as they took the plunge at around 10.30am this morning . After the White Christmas Dip, members of the Bournemouth Spartans, the town's long-running winter swimming club, took to the water . A line of swimmers bravely jump into the cold water in unison at Blackroot Pool at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield . Peter Jenkins, 47, from Bournemouth, said: 'The water was freezing but It certainly woke everyone up after their Christmas Eve indulgences' Fancy-dressed revellers brave chilly temperatures to splash around in the sea at Porthcawl's Coney beach, South Wales . Shortly after the White Christmas Dip took place members of the Bournemouth Spartans, the town's long-running winter swimming club, took to the water. Peter Jenkins, 47, from Bournemouth, said: 'The water was freezing at first but after the initial shock it wasn't so bad. It certainly woke everyone up after their Christmas Eve indulgences.' A group of brave swimmers also continued a 150-year tradition as they jumped into the sea at Brighton on a crisp Christmas morning. A group dressed as Christmas puddings were among some of the more outrageous outfits seen at today's annual Exmouth swim . The revellers met next to the city's iconic pier at sunrise, defying council orders to stay away from the potentially dangerous waters today. Brighton and Hove City Council had decided it would close the beach today over 'safety fears' after a man got into difficulty in the waters earlier this year and another swimmer had to be rescued while taking part in the event three years ago. Brighton Swimming Club agreed to follow the council's lead and cancel its annual festive swim after its dedicated group of 30 experienced swimmers taking part has swelled to 4,000 revellers turning up at the beach in fancy dress and after heavy drinking in recent years. A wave of fancy-dressed people crash into the water at Blackroot Pool at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, today . A man in unusual Christmas-attire stands in shallow water on a sunny morning at Boscombe Pier, Bournemouth . Three swimmers dressed in Santa Claus outfits charge into the sea at Brighton Beach this morning . Defying warning: Swimmers in Brighton met next to the city's iconic pier at sunrise, defying council orders to stay away from the water today . Early dip: This morning, roughly 20 swimmers appeared to disobey the council's orders and were pictured striding towards the freezing water . Three women return from the sea after taking a Christmas dip near the iconic Brighton Pier at sunrise this morning . A spokesman for the council said: 'This year the council will be taking extra measures to discourage swimmers from taking a Christmas Day dip by closing the beaches around the Palace Pier.' The council said it had decided to close the beach after fears over the safety of people getting into the water on Christmas Day. But this morning roughly 20 swimmers appeared to disobey the council's orders and were pictured as they took a dip in the freezing water. A man dressed as Santa Claus struggles to keep his balance as a wave washes in at Porthcawl's Coney beach, South Wales . Cold and proud: A group of swimmers pose for a group photo on an overcast morning at Brighton Beach today . Members of the Peter Pan club compete in the annual handicapped 100 yard swimming race in the Serpentine, Hyde Park, London . The annual 100-yard dash has been held every year since 1864 - and today's hardened swimmers enjoyed clear blue skies . Freezing: A man wraps a towel around himself after emerging from the water on a sunny Christmas Day at Sutton Coldfield . Two shivering men in Santa hats take part in the traditional Christmas Day swim in Sutton Park, near Birmingham today . Stripping off: More than 500 people took to the Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl today to celebrate 50 years of Christmas morning swims . Elsewhere in the country, other swimmers took to the water in Porthcawl, south Wales - with more than 500 people taking to the seaside town to celebrate 50 years of Christmas morning swims. Swimmers and spectators donned fancy dress to raise money for local charities. This year swimmers were asked to follow the theme of clowns and Vikings in memory of two of the event's mainstays for many years. And in London's Hyde Park, groups of brave swimmers gathered for the Peter Pan Cup race, held every Christmas Day by members of the Serpentine Swimming Club at the Serpentine. The annual 100-yard dash has been held every year since 1864 and the race was won by Alan Mitchell. Shivering: The swimming club turned out to the Serpentine in force today - with some donning festive Santa hats . ### SUMMARY:

Swimmers braved cold water during Christmas dips at Brighton Beach and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London . Thousands in fancy dress also pictured charging towards freezing sea at Exmouth, Devon, for annual festive swim . In Brighton, council cancelled swim fearing dangerous conditions, but 20 defied warning to turn up at sunrise .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The first picture of Facebook founding president Sean Parker with his new bride, singer-songwriter Alexandra Lenas, has been released. Photographed in the story-book forest surroundings of Big Sur, California, the $10 million wedding took place in front of 300 friends and family members and the theme has been compared by many to the HBO show, 'Game of Thrones'. Looking every inch the happy couple, . the Internet entrepreneur who is estimated to be worth $2 billion is now . officially hitched to the mother of his young daughter after his . wedding at the swanky Ventana Inn & Spa. Expensive wedding: Former Facebook president and Napster co-founder Sean Parker, right, has been fined $2.5 million after his $10 million wedding on Saturday . The ceremony and reception featured . opulent decorations including a ruin, a waterfall and long feast style tables. 'Forget . what you heard about Sean Parker's wedding,' friend John Perry Barlow . tweeted following the ceremony. 'It [was] elegant, tasteful, and . magical.' They 'have just been enormously generous to their friends. We are all very grateful', he wrote. The bride, 24, wore a dress that appears similar to Daenerys Targaryen from the hit HBO show. Parker, 33, is believed to have . shelled out $10 million to turn a boutique hotel into what looks like a . movie set, equipped with outfits for . guests designed by the costume designer for the Lord of the Rings . movies. One source told the New York Post . that guests 'entered down a long trail and came to a big gate and . entered this other world in a forest there'... They made the forest come . alive.' The ceremony was officiated by Unitarian Universalist minister John A. Buehrens. Stunning: Singer-songwriter Alexandra, 24, looks radiant in this photograph taken by a friend . Lavish: The couple's wedding cake can be seen among the forest setting at the celebrations in Big Sur . Ahead of the big day: One guest snapped a photograph of the rehearsal dinner the night before . The extensive guest list included Sting and his wife Trudie, . Allison Williams, Emma Watson, Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl, . Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Perry and Etty Farrell and Lucian Grainge. Jacqueline Laurita, from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, also attended the event and shared photographs of the lavish hotel on Twitter. 'Words can not even describe how beautiful the wedding I went to yesterday was,' she gushed. 'Nothing like I've ever seen. I felt like I was in a fairy [tale].' The political world was represented by . California Attorney General Kamela Harris, Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom and . Newark Mayor Cory Booker. Lenas' gown was by Elie Saab, while Parker, 33, the couple's infant . daughter Winter Victoria and the guests were dressed by Academy . Award-winning costume designer Ngila Dickson. Location: The tech star constructed an over-the-top movie-like set at The Ventana Inn in Big Sur, California, pictured . Estate: They used two terraces at The Inn. Ahead of the wedding, staff said guests would experience the 'essence of romance' Venue: A landscaping firm built fake ruins, waterfalls, ponds and bridges at The Inn for the wedding . Outside: The wedding cars are seen outside the venue, which was filled with $1 million worth of flowers . Getting ready: This image shows guests preparing for the wedding rehearsal dinner . Designer Ken Fulk, caterer Paula . LeDuc . and designer Preston Bailey, who designed the flowers, all helped . coordinate the massive affair. Mark Seliger was the photographer. Guests enjoyed cake from Perfect Endings as well as music by Loreena McKennitt and The Good The Bad and The Ginger. Parker . had previously denied the Game of Thrones theme on his Twitter account, . but admitted they would be instructing guests on what to wear. 'Just . because we don't trust our guests to dress themselves properly doesn't . mean we want them to look like #GoT characters,' he wrote in April. 'Academy . award winning costume designer Ngila Dickson is creating gorgeous, . inspiring, and unique designs that are both modern and whimsical.' Lovebirds: Sean Parker and Alexandra Lenas (pictured at the Charity Water gala in October 2012) said 'I Do' on Saturday before 300 guests at Big Sur . Warm weather: Victoria Lenas, sister of the bride, Alexandra Lenas enjoys brunch before the wedding with breathtaking views of the California coast . He hired a landscaping company to . build fake ruins, waterfalls, man made ponds, bridges and a gated . cottage in the surrounding woods at the hotel, sources told TMZ in . April. The venue included two terraces that . are used for weddings, that offer 'privacy and an uninterrupted 50-mile . view of the Big Sur coastline to the south,' according to its website. The Inn boasts its design is mean to 'complement nature and encourage guests to experience the essence of romance.' Residents in the California community have been less than thrilled with the attention Parker's spectacle has attracted. The California Coastal Commission . reportedly was called in to investigate whether the inn had procured the . proper permits for the wedding-related construction, the San Jose Mercury News reported. Picturesque: This image across the water on the California coast shows the site of the wedding . Beautiful: The California Coastal Commission was called in to investigate whether the inn had procured the proper permits for the wedding-related construction . 'We're . pretty used to celebrities being in Big Sur. But for this one, they've . basically built a movie set to have their wedding,' Stan Russell, head of the city's chamber of commerce, told the paper. Russell said the construction will go . away after the Saturday bash and expects the attention the town . receives could actually help the wedding industry in the city. 'The . wedding planners in Big Sur are planning ahead for 2014 already, . because they're booked. People want to come and see what all of the . excitement's about,' Russell said. Guests were expected to enter through a $600,000 gate, . dance on a $350,000 floor and walk past more than $1 million worth of . plants and flowers, the gossip website site. The New York Post reported that the save-the-date cards for the June 1 wedding look like wizard scrolls. Ideal setting: Sean Parker married his girlfriend on Saturday before 300 guests at the Ventana Inn in Big Sur . Celebration: The entrepreneur has spent an estimated $10 million to construct the extravagant, Game of Thrones-themed setting for his nuptials . Business: The town's chamber of commerce expects that Parker's extravagant ceremony could spark a wedding boom in the California town . 'There is a chance the wedding could end up looking like an episode of Game of Thrones,' an insider told the Post. Game of Thrones is a popular Medieval fantasy TV show on HBO that features knights and dragons and sorcery. Parker . is worth an estimated $2 billion after becoming the founder of Napster . and other tech start-ups and working with Facebook creator Mark . Zuckerberg during the early days of the social network. The internet . guru is most famous for his portrayal in the movie Social Network, which . details the role he played in the beginnings of Facebook. Justin Timberlake played him in the Oscar-winning movie. Parker proposed to Lenas, a . singer-songwriter, in February after she gave birth to the couple's . daughter, Winter Victoria Parker. Extravagant: The billionaire entrepreneur was hit with the fine after he hired a landscaping company to build fake ruins, waterfalls, man made ponds, bridges and a gated cottage in the surrounding woods at the hotel . Location: Big Sur, California is an easy distance for Parker's A-list guests from Silicon Valley and Hollywood . ### SUMMARY:

Facebook founding president married singer-songwriter Alexandra Lenas . The lavish $10 million ceremony took place in forest surroundings of Big Sur, California . The Napster creator, estimated to be worth $2 billion, spared no expense and wedding decorations included a ruin and a waterfall . Among the 300 guests were Sting and his wife Trudie, . Allison Williams,  Emma Watson, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Washington (CNN) -- Setting up a showdown with the White House and Senate Democrats, House Republican leaders Thursday proceeded with plans to vote next week on a proposal to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while easing the path for approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Meanwhile, the Senate blocked competing Democratic and Republican proposals to extend the payroll tax cut from proceeding Thursday, with both failing to get the 60 votes necessary. Senate Republicans halted the Democratic proposal on a 50-48 vote. It included a surtax on income over $1 million to help pay for the lower payroll tax rate. Republicans seeking to shrink the size of government oppose such a tax increase. Opposition from both parties blocked the Republican measure, with only 22 votes in favor and 76 against it. The measure would have been paid for by freezing federal pay as well as reducing the federal work force by 10%, provisions rejected by President Barack Obama and Democrats. The outcome means party leaders and Obama must work out a compromise by the end of the year, when the payroll tax cut is set to expire, or face the wrath of Americans facing higher taxes in the election year of 2012. On the House side, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told a closed-door meeting of GOP members that he was ready for a "fight" with Obama over the pipeline issue, according to two senior Republican leadership aides in the meeting. Cheers went up in the room after Boehner's comment, the aides said. On Wednesday, Obama said he would reject any attempt by Republicans to tie the pipeline project to the payroll tax extension issue. The House proposal would shift authority from the State Department to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approving the proposed pipeline from Canada's oil sands production in northern Alberta to Texas. It also would shorten the time frame for a decision. The State Department recently said its decision would be delayed until 2013 to examine environmental issues raised by critics, a move Republicans labeled as political to put off the issue until after next year's presidential election. Boehner told reporters after Thursday's meeting that the pipeline project would generate "tens of thousands of jobs immediately." He also noted that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper supports the plan. The State Department puts the jobs figure at 5,000-6,000, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, slammed the House GOP proposal on Thursday as a "partisan joke that has no chance of passing the Senate." The impasse sets up another countdown clock on congressional action, this time before the end-of-year holiday recess scheduled to begin at the end of next week. Obama told reporters Thursday that he was willing to stay in Washington "as long as it takes to make sure that the American people's taxes don't go up on January 1st and to make sure that folks who desperately need unemployment insurance get that help." "There is absolutely no excuse for us not getting it done," Obama said, adding that his response to efforts by Republicans "to see what can they extract from us in order to get this done" was "just do the right thing." Referring specifically to the Keystone project, Obama said that "however many jobs might be generated by a Keystone pipeline, there are going to be a lot fewer than the jobs that are created by extending the payroll tax cut and extending unemployment insurance." The House proposal, which Boehner and other leaders outlined to GOP members at Thursday's meeting, was largely similar to one they discussed last week, according to several aides. It would extend the payroll tax cut for one year, continuing savings of $1,000 for families earning $50,000. It also includes unemployment assistance but gives states the ability to reform the program -- including removal of a federal ban from the 1960s that prohibited states from drug-testing those who apply for unemployment benefits. The GOP legislation would also shorten the time period for receiving jobless aid benefits from the current level of 99 weeks, phasing it down to 59 weeks by the middle of 2012. In addition, the bill would avoid a scheduled cut in payments for Medicare physicians for two years -- the so-called "doc fix." Boehner noted that the bill is "fully paid for," and aides said the bulk of the cost would be offset from a freeze on salaries of federal employees and members of Congress through 2015. The measure would use funds from health care programs to pay for the Medicare "doc fix" provision. Last week, GOP leaders encountered significant resistance from conservatives when they outlined their plan, with a bloc of members opposing any renewal of the payroll tax cut because the bill uses spending cuts over 10 years to pay for a one-year extension. Some of those critics later said that after they talked through their concerns with leaders, they don't want to see a tax increase during the tough economy, even though they don't support the structure of the payroll tax cut. Republican leaders also added a couple of new spending cuts to help attract conservative support. One would eliminate the child tax credit for those in the country illegally, and another would not renew a research-and-development tax credit focused on energy programs. Some Republicans noted that Obama's comments the day before opposing any effort to link extending the payroll tax cut to the Keystone pipeline helped rally support for the plan. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, leader of the fiscally conservative Republican Study Group, said he supports the bill, adding: "Frankly, the fact that the president doesn't like it makes me like it even more." Asked about overcoming divisions among Republicans, Boehner said feedback on the proposal was good and that "I feel confident about our ability to move ahead." The House is expected to vote on the bill early next week, according to several aides. Even though the Republican plan could muster a majority of votes in the House, it is likely to encounter major obstacles in the Democratic-led Senate. The payroll tax issue, a headache for Republicans already, threatens to become a major campaign theme for 2012. Obama touched on it Tuesday in a policy address in Kansas, saying Republicans protected wealthy taxpayers from a tax increase during deficit negotiations this year, but now threaten to block the payroll tax cut extension. Blocking it would cause most Americans to pay higher taxes next year. Republicans, who oppose tax increases in keeping with their push to shrink the size of government, argue that Obama and Democrats are forcing votes on proposals they know won't pass in order to score political points. So far, the public backs the Democratic position, with polls showing majority support for increasing the tax burden on wealthy Americans to help pay for the measure. Republicans are on the defensive due to their history of arguing that tax cuts end up paying for themselves because they stimulate economic activity by letting consumers keep more of their money instead of giving it to the government. Democrats are quick to point out that the mounting federal deficits dominating the Washington discussion were caused in part by reduced revenue due to tax cuts from the Bush administration. Now both parties agree that any measure to extend the payroll tax cut should include provisions to reduce spending or raise revenue to offset the cost. As part of a budget-cutting deal last December, Obama and Congress negotiated a reduction of 2 percentage points in the payroll tax rate -- from 6.2% to 4.2%. With the reduced rate expiring on January 1, Obama and Democrats seek to expand the provision by lowering the rate even further -- to 3.1% -- for another year. Republicans initially opposed the idea, saying the provision failed to create jobs last year. Republican leaders now say they support an extension, but they differ with Obama and Democrats on how to pay for it. The latest Senate Democratic plan calls for a 1.9% surtax on income over $1 million, as well as increased fees that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac charge mortgage lenders to guarantee repayment of new mortgage loans to cover the $180 billion cost. Republicans oppose the plan because they say it will increase the tax burden on small-business owners, a contention the White House says is false. In their compromise, Collins and McCaskill included a provision to exempt the income of small-business owners from the surtax. However, House Republicans questioned whether it was possible to legislate such a distinction. CNN's Tom Cohen contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

NEW: Senate Democratic leader rejects planned House proposal . Separate Democratic and Republican proposals are blocked in the Senate . Raising taxes remains an unresolved issue dividing Democrats and Republicans . House GOP proposal links payroll tax cut to an oil pipeline project, defying Obama .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Egypt's major archaeological sites, monuments and museums were under the protection of the country's army on Monday, according to the nation's Supreme Council of Antiquities. However, unease persisted among Egyptologists and archaeologists, who fear some of the nation's priceless treasures may fall victim to looters or vandals, amid unrest and uprisings fueled by what protesters see as a lack of economic opportunity, widespread poverty and pervasive corruption. Egypt is "the greatest open-air museum in the world," said Peter Der Manuelian, the Philip J. King professor of Egyptology at Harvard University. He said he and his colleagues are "trying to stay on top of (the situation) as best we can," given spotty internet service in Egypt. Friday night, a group of "criminals" entered the Cairo Museum using a fire department staircase, Zahi Hawass, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told CNN early Sunday. Once inside the museum, they went to the Late Period gallery, Hawass wrote. "When they found no gold, they broke 13 vitrines (glass showcases) and threw the antiquities on the floor." The intruders then went back to the gallery housing artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb, where they opened one showcase, broke a statue of King Tut on a panther and threw it to the ground, he wrote. A group also entered the museum gift shop and stole jewelry, Hawass wrote in a blog post Sunday. A group of "tourist police officers" had stayed at the museum overnight, as they were unable to leave after the curfew took effect. "These officers, and many young Egyptians who were also there, helped to stop more people from entering the museum" during the protests, Hawass wrote in the blog post -- which he faxed to Italy so colleagues there could post it on his website in the absence of internet in Egypt. Hawass told CNN early Sunday there were nine suspects, but in the blog post he said there were 10. One of them asked the people guarding the museum for water, he said, but "they took his hands and tied him to the door that led to the gift shop so he could not escape," according to the post. Hawass told CNN that when the suspects were apprehended, authorities found the remains of two mummies and some small artifacts with them. However, he said Sunday, everything that had been damaged can be restored. It may be that Egyptian citizens' national pride in their heritage works to the advantage of its treasures, experts said. A picture was posted on Twitter of a "human chain" surrounding the Cairo Museum, although it was unclear when the chain was formed. In many ways, Der Manuelian said, that national pride is a tribute to Hawass' efforts in raising awareness and restoring pride in Egyptian culture. "You may be seeing the direct result" of his efforts, he said. "The Egyptian people are absolutely wonderful," said Jan Summers Duffy, an Egyptologist at the College of Idaho and curator at the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History. She said she believes they can be counted on to defend museums and archaeological sites. "With 80 million people in a country that suffers from poverty and rising food prices ... you have to expect that some people are going to be desperate and look for any means necessary to try to improve their lot," said Kara Cooney, assistant professor of Egyptian art and architecture at the University of California, Los Angeles, and host of the Discovery Channel's "Out of Egypt." But, she said, for every one of those, there are a thousand Egyptians who will defend ancient treasures. "The people who are best able to protect these monuments are already there on the ground," she said. "... I just have to hope and trust that they're able to do what they can." Cooney said she had heard, but hadn't been able to confirm, that authorities used a mosque's loudspeaker to successfully urge citizens to come to the aid of the temple complex at Karnak and defend it from looters. On Monday, Hawass said all sites in northern Egypt, including Alexandria, were under the control of the army. Museums, he said, are also safe, along with major tourist sites in Giza and Saqqara near Cairo, and Luxor and Aswan farther south. So far, "only small things" have occurred, he said -- for instance, a storage magazine was entered in the Sinai area and some objects were taken. In that incident, Hawass wrote, a "large group, armed with guns and a truck" entered a site where antiquities from the Port Said Museum are stored and took some objects. "Other groups attempted to enter the Coptic Museum, Royal Jewelry Museum, National Museum of Alexandria, and El Manial Museum," he wrote. "My heart is broken and my blood is boiling," he wrote in the Sunday post. "I feel that everything I have done in the last nine years has been destroyed in one day, but all the inspectors, young archaeologists and administrators are calling me from museums all over Egypt to tell me that they will give their life to protect our antiquities. Many young Egyptians are in the streets trying to stop the criminals." Despite Hawass' assurances, Egyptologists said they are concerned both about damage that has not yet been discovered and about what the future might hold for Egypt's artifacts. Der Manuelian said he had heard that when Egyptian police disappeared from streets over the weekend, some sites were left unguarded. There are hundreds of storage magazines around the country, which had previously been under the protection of Egyptian police, Cooney said. Now, it is unclear who -- if anyone -- is protecting them. Reports of the incident at the Cairo Museum were "heartbreaking," said Summers Duffy, who spent the summer working on a project in Luxor involving the uncovering of tombs. She said she had heard "it was basically quiet" in Luxor, "but that's for now. We expect things may change." The Valley of the Kings and other important archaeological sites are located there, she said. Summers Duffy said she is "on Facebook all the time" trying to make contact with Egyptologists and archaeologists she knows, to see if they remain at certain sites. Some have fled the unrest, she said. "This has been my life's work," she said. "... We don't know what the future will hold. I hope at least some things can be preserved." Facebook, Cooney said, is "invaluable" as Egyptologists try to share information. Der Manuelian said most of his work is done at Giza, and he expects the site there will be well protected. There is a "high-security wall" surrounding it, he said, and its proximity to Cairo may result in better protection. He said he is more worried about the outlying sites. "Some of these monuments are big, so it's easy (for a criminal) to duck behind something." He recalled incidents of artifacts and monuments being destroyed in Iraq, saying his heart went out to colleagues who made those artifacts their field of study -- and wondered then how it might feel if it were Egypt's artifacts in danger. He had hoped he would never find out. Worries are compounded, Cooney said, by the lack of reliable information -- experts have no way of knowing whether information is solid or if they are hearing a rumor. "Some things have turned out not to be true," she said. Der Manuelian said he had heard that sites in Abusir and Saqqara had been broken into. Abusir is a pyramid field on the left bank of the Nile, north of Saqqara, where many 5th Dynasty pharaohs chose to site their burial monuments. Saqqara, one of Egypt's oldest burial sites, has several royal pyramids. However, Hawass said Monday that while padlocks for tombs at Saqqara were opened, nothing had been taken, damaged or disturbed. Work at some sites is continuing despite the unrest, Cooney said, but colleagues at other sites have been asked to leave by Egyptian police. Hawass said he has faith in both the Egyptian people and troops. He told CNN that when he left the Cairo Museum -- after rushing there Saturday morning following the curfew being lifted -- "all the people in the streets were asking me, 'Is the Cairo Museum safe? We need to protect the museum.'" "A very small number of people tried to break, steal and rob," he wrote in his blog post "Sadly, one criminal voice is louder than one hundred voices of peace. The Egyptian people are calling for freedom, not destruction." ### SUMMARY:

Egyptian official: The army is protecting sites and museums . Experts believe Egyptians' national pride will help protect valuable artifacts . But Egyptologists don't know what the future will hold . Citizens helped apprehend looters at the Cairo Museum .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Liverpool have suffered their worst opening day defeat since 1937, losing 3-0 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Arsenal, in their first game since Robin Van Persie's departure, could only manage a goalless draw at home to Sunderland. Elsewhere, the Premier League began in explosive style, as Swansea recorded a 5-0 win over QPR, Fulham also beat Norwich by a five goal margin, West Ham celebrated their return to England's top division with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa, while Reading and Stoke shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Liverpool and West Bromwich were both playing their first games under new management, with Brendan Rodgers having moved to Anfield from Swansea and Steve Clarke taking his first managerial post at Albion after being sacked from his assistant manager's role with Liverpool at the end of last season. "I thought the scoreline was harsh, I've got to be honest," Rodgers told the Liverpool website. "After the first couple of minutes of the game, we got good control and rhythm in our game. Up until they scored the first goal, it looked as though we were the team who were going to get it. Liverpool finished the game with ten men, after defender Daniel Agger was sent off for a foul on West Bromwich striker Shane Long, giving away a penalty in the process. "Obviously then with 10 men and chasing the game, it becomes difficult," the former Swansea manager explained. "We conceded a penalty and then the sending off kills you, really. Especially for a new team that is coming together in terms of the structure and ideas." Liverpool have not had such a disastrous start since Chelsea beat them 6-1 on the opening day of the 1937 season. Boos rang around the Emirates as the final whistle blew on the first game of Arsenal's post-Van Persie era. Manager Arsene Wenger gave debuts to new signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla, and introduced Olivier Giroud in the second half for the Frenchman's first competitive showing in an Arsenal shirt. Despite controlling the majority of the play, Arsenal couldn't find the net to get their season off to a winning start. "We played with a good spirit. We were serious, we put the effort in. Our basic fitness is alright but we lack sharpness and fluency at the moment to be dangerous in the final third." Wenger told the Arsenal website. "The few chances we had, we couldn't convert them. Sunderland always play the same way against us, in the final third and defensively, and if you're not sharp enough to make the difference early in the game it becomes difficult." Sunderland put in a dogged display to take their first point of the season, and had a couple of opportunities to win the match from set pieces, despite their defensive set up. "It was a terrific performance by the team, considering that after about 60 odd minutes we were out on our feet," manager Martin O'Neill told the club's website. "It was a very warm day, we were away from home and we had to soak up pressure. I thought we were really excellent; it was a brilliant effort. "We've got a point, we're off the mark and we've got a home game to look forward to." In South-West London, Queens Park Rangers were hoping to fulfill some of their pre-season promise. After a number of high profile signings, such as Ji-Sung Park from Manchester United and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, hopes were high that the club could avoid the relegation struggle they faced last year. Swansea, widely tipped as relegation candidates this season, put in an incredible performance to sour the mood at Rangers' home ground, Loftus Road. "It's always nice to win your first game of the season and to win away from home is always important because it can give you so much confidence going forward," explained Swansea manager Michael Laudrup to the club website. "It gives us something to build on. But the players are the most important, and I'm delighted for them." Two goals for new signing Michu got the Welsh side's season under way, and QPR never looked capable of a recovery. "It was a wake up call. Maybe everybody was getting a little but excited about what's ahead of us but we, as a group, understand there's a lot of hard work needed," Rangers manager Mark Hughes told the club's website. "Today wasn't the level I expect us to perform at. You can make all the excuses in the world that it was a hot day and the first game of the season, but that doesn't wash with me. We need to perform better. "In the end we were ragged, made bad decisions, the accuracy of our passing was poor all day and as a consequence we got picked off very easily. "All credit to Swansea, they played exceptionally well and they took their chances when they came." The two promoted sides in action today, Reading and West Ham, both enjoyed a promising start to the season. West Ham ran out 1-0 winners over Aston Villa with a controversial goal from captain Kevin Nolan. Aston Villa believed play had stopped due to an offside flag, allowing Nolan to easily score. "Some of the play, I was really happy with and some, like anything, you're not. But I can't fault the lads for effort. Their effort was excellent," explained Villa manager Paul Lambert to the club website. "We tried, but there wasn't much in the game. I thought we looked bright but we've got to turn our possession into chances. If we can just get a finishing touch on that then we'll be okay." Reading looked like they were going to mark their return to the Premier League with a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City. However, a last minute penalty from Adam Le Fondre rescued a point for last season's Championship winners. "I think it would have been unjust if we'd lost but injustices are no good to anyone, you have to get results and we've done that. We wanted to win it after we got to 1-1," Reading Manager Brian McDermott told Reading's website after the game. Stoke had been fortunate to take the lead when a speculative shot from new signing Michael Kightly slipped through Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici's hands and into the net. "I am so pleased he scored today. We had wide players who didn't really score last season but Kights has come in and put pressure on them from the word go which is what we want," Stoke manager Tony Pulis told his club's website. "We need forward to score goals and for us our wide players are forwards. The extra competition can only help us this season." Fulham joined Swansea at the top of the table with a dominating 5-0 win over Norwich. The London side's preparations have been overshadowed by the transfer rumors swirling around star player Clint Dempsey, but it was the club's new signing that stole the headlines on the opening day of the season. Mladen Petric scored two goals on his full debut, with Damien Duff, Steve Sidwell and Alex Kacaniklic picking up a goal each. "I am very happy. Not only because of my performance, but because we had an amazing start today which will be very important for us throughout the rest of the season," Petric told the Fulham website. "All of us played a very good game; we defended very well -- I think they had just one or two chances to score -- and we scored five goals which means that we played very well today." Norwich City were playing their first game under new manager Chris Hughton, but struggled to replicate some of their impressive form from last season. "You have to remember that it's the first game of the season, we've all been there before," said Hughton. "Whether it's at the start of the season the middle or at the end defeats are defeats and you have to be able to bounce back from them and learn from them." In the late kick off, Newcastle needed a late penalty to overcome a spirited display from Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham side. The Portuguese manager was taking charge of the London team for the first time in a competitive match, and looked to have secured a valuable point when Jermain Defoe equalized Demba Ba's early second half strike. Newcastle manager Alan Pardew could face Football Association charges after he was sent to the stands for shoving the assistant referee. ### SUMMARY:

Liverpool lose 3-0 to WBA, Arsenal only draw with Sunderland . Swansea and Fulham both score five to top table . QPR endure miserable start to the season . New Premier League sides Reading and West Ham enjoy promising starts .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Norman, Oklahoma (CNN) -- Six o'clock on a Sunday morning and I'm dragging myself out of bed to drive to Norman, Oklahoma, of all places. I grab my camera gear and overnight bag packed with extra underwear, then sneak out of my Dallas-area home for a day that promises to push my adrenaline to new levels. Two-and-a-half hours later, I pull into an ordinary-looking Oklahoma neighborhood. Weird, there's a roundabout in the middle of this residential street? Wait, that's it! The house with five cars in front, many of which have tornado logos emblazoned on the side. The doorbell button is busted, so I knock. Almost immediately, Reed Timmer, one of the stars of the Discovery Channel's "Storm Chasers" series, welcomes me into his home. Without going into too much gory detail, let's just say there's no doubt this place is a dude's hangout. Make that multiple dudes. Reed's cool. We talk about where we'll head today to try to catch a tornado up close. He introduces me to Gizmo, their Yorkie. John Hallen and Jeff Shardell, two chasers I've never met but will know much better by the end of our adventure, arrive with McDonald's breakfast. A few more chasers join us, and the conversation turns to whether we should pack for an overnight chase. Gizmo races through the doggie door to the backyard where the six of us gather to toss a Nerf football and watch low-level clouds stream by in the Oklahoma gusts. Those clouds are a sign that moisture is streaming in, which is good for tornado formation. Minutes later, we reach a collective decision to pack for an overnighter. Suddenly, as if we're a team of firefighters, everyone grabs their gear and piles into two chase vehicles. I jump into the back seat of a Mercury land-yacht. Jeff is driving, with Reed riding shotgun. John's in the back seat behind Jeff. And Terra, John's giant Schnauzer, claims the middle seat between us. Terra apparently loves tornadoes, and she clocked 20,000 miles chasing with John last year. Departure time: about 10:30 a.m. Our target: Topeka, Kansas. Expected tornado: 6:00 p.m. Damn! How do they know when and where a tornado will strike? They toss around various names of computer weather models and "z" times as they each make their case for when and where to go. It's all foreign to me. I just hope they're right. See inside a Tornado Intercept Vehicle . About an hour up the road, John introduces me to his homemade energy drink. It's a concoction of vegetables and Habanero sauce that he bottles and freezes for the trip. Reed is pumped when he sees the cranberry colored juice. Reed takes a drink, and John hands the bottle to me. As a new dad with a son in day care, I immediately think about catching a cold from the shared bottle. Then I remember I'm on this trip to catch a tornado. If we screw this up, a cold will be the least of my worries. So, I take a swig. It tastes like vegetables. Hot vegetables! Why didn't I bring a bottle of water? After butt-numbing hours of driving, we eventually end up at a Burger King in Ottawa, Kansas, about an hour southeast of Topeka. It's nearing 5:00 p.m., but so far, there's nothing showing on radar. Will today be a bust? We'll know in another hour or two. After grabbing dinner, talk turns toward Iowa, where storms have fired up. Should we go there? This is often the dilemma storm chasers face. While we're waiting for something to happen, a TV crew from nearby Kansas City grabs Reed for a quick interview. Minutes later, a girl who's studying meteorology in high school stops by to talk with Reed about the jet stream and how she wants to chase storms. Soon afterward, a woman drives up and asks if she should be worried that we're in her town. Finally, the latest radar data come in, and the team spots a storm about an hour north that looks promising. Like a scene from the movie "Twister," we quickly dispense with the chit chat, load the dog into the backseat and race towards the developing storm near Perry, Kansas. The adrenaline begins to build as Reed, Jeff and John excitedly examine the radar loop and point to the sky towards the left edge of the storm clouds. They don't look ominous at first. But, as we drive further into the storm, the clouds take on a decidedly serious color. Winds sweep up dust devils as we pass farms along the two-lane highway. We stop at three different locations under the rotating heart of the storm, hoping that a funnel will descend. Cameras are rolling as winds gust and hail begins to fall. But, there's no funnel. We jump back into the car and head east, trying to stay in front of this beast that's moving at 50 mph. Through the rear window, John spots what looks like a "gustnado." Wind gusts from a storm sometimes spin and create what looks like a small tornado, but a gustnado isn't directly connected to any rotation above. We pull over to the side of the road as the dust cloud behind us builds. "Uh, it's coming right for us" I utter calmly, as it grows larger and closer. Like a NASCAR pro, Jeff loops the car around to the opposite side of the highway. We grab our cameras and spring into action to film this amazing event. It soon becomes clear this isn't a gustnado, but an actual tornado. Share your stories, photos and videos of severe weather . About 50 yards from where we're standing, this monster cloud of dust begins to tighten as it spins. You can see a tube of dust reaching into the sky. It moves almost gracefully through a field as we look on in awe. We can't feel any wind at first. Then, suddenly in a deafening roar, strong winds begin to push us from behind like a crowd at a ball game. It's as if the tornado is taking a huge breath while it sucks in the air it needs to survive. After the tornado passes, we pile into the car and race to get ahead. As we continue our pursuit, we see leaves, grass and other small debris floating through the air. We drive a few miles only realize the tornado has vanished. That is it. After hours of driving hundreds of miles, this incredible display of nature's violent side is over in a matter of seconds. Still, the trip is a huge success. That single storm was the only storm in the U.S. that produced a tornado that day, and we were in exactly the right spot to see it. The tornado touched down only a few miles from our target location of Topeka within an hour of our target time. While meteorologists can't predict with any certainty when or where a tornado is going to form, this chase showed that they are definitely making progress. After our euphoria and adrenaline subside, we head towards nearby Kansas City, Missouri, to watch the storm sweep through. Just as the lightning intensifies and the winds begin to gust, 2-inch hail stones began to fall. Terra may love tornadoes, but she's no fan of hail. She begins barking fiercely as Reed, Jeff and I try to film the hail in the headlights. Fortunately, there are no injuries or serious damage to our team. We wrap up our chase with a late night visit to Applebee's for dinner. When the new weather models show a lower probability of tornadoes the next day, we decide to head back to Norman. During the late night drive, I work in the backseat to edit the incredible video. Eventually, the long day catches up to Jeff, Terra and me. As I drift off to sleep, Jeff crashes in the backseat, while Terra sleeps with her head in my lap. My first chase is already filling my mind with dreams of the power of nature in Tornado Alley. ### SUMMARY:

CNN's Aaron Brodie chases tornado with Reed Timmer of "Storm Chasers" They study radar and drive from Oklahoma to Kansas . They race to stay ahead of what they think is a gustnado moving at 50 mph . Monster cloud of dust becomes roaring tornado as it sends debris floating through the air .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: London (CNN) -- Germany has been at the very heart of the European Union since it began 60 years ago as a way of pooling coal and steel resources -- and of preventing future wars on a continent already devastated by brutal conflicts. But as the region's strongest economy, it has borne the brunt of the cost of recent rescue deals, and the country's troubled history has meant its insistence on unity is viewed with suspicion by some of its neighbors. So why is Germany still so willing to do all it can to protect the European Union? And will anything shake its faith in the euro? Why does Germany play such a key role in Europe? Germany was one of the founding nations of the European Union, which was designed to ensure that the continent would never again be torn apart by war. Following World War II, Germany's neighbors wanted to hobble any future attempts by the nation to remilitarize; the French decided that the best way to do this was economically, rather than ideologically. "France wanted to 'tame' Germany, and so the new Europe was built around that Franco-German relationship, starting from a clean slate," said Professor John Loughlin, of Cambridge University's department of politics and international studies . "Germany was completely devastated after the war, and that meant it could begin again from scratch, build a new Germany, a new democratic nation, using economic growth as the basis for that democracy. "European integration became a part of that, part of the rehabilitation of Germany as a nation among nations." How has Germany's economy performed over the years? In the post-war years, West Germany enjoyed a massive boom, as the nation made the most of the support it was offered and the opportunities that came its way to recover from the devastation of WWII. "The Marshall Plan money coming in helped, but Germany's industriousness also played a big part," said Loughlin. "There is a very strong work ethic, and the country has a large population -- it all combined to allow Germany to re-emerge as a major power." West Germany flourished in the 1950s, 60s and 70s -- the period of the so-called "Wirtschaftswunder" [economic miracle] -- while other European nations, including France and Britain, struggled. But reunification with East Germany in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union dented the country's fortunes. "The reunification of Germany impoverished the country to a certain extent," said Loughlin. "The new Laender [regions] came in and resources had to be transferred from rich regions to poorer ones." "People forget that 10 to 15 years ago, Germany was going through a crisis like those affecting Italy and Spain now," said Dr Alex Clarkson, of King's College London's department of German. "Back then, it was Germany that was seen as 'the sick man of Europe.' The government had overspent, and had to make fundamental economic reforms -- the system was close to paralysis. "Of course in that case -- as in the case of Canada, South Korea and others -- they were able to reform at the right time, when the going was good. Spain and Greece have to make similar changes now, but of course there is no growth to carry their economies forward." And how strong is it now? Germany has long been the economic powerhouse of Europe, but the nation is not immune from the global financial crisis. It is the continent's largest economy, but it also has a high rate of government debt, at 83.2% of GDP, and higher unemployment -- at 7.1% -- than many of its neighbors, according to 2010 figures. Much of Germany's might comes from its strong manufacturing sector, which has meant that, unlike many of its neighbors, the country has not had to rely on the financial services industry or the property market, both of which have been badly hit by the global economic crisis. But experts warn that Germany, which relies heavily on trade with China, may be highly exposed to any future trouble in the Asian markets. And Dr Christoph Meyer, senior lecturer in European and international studies at King's College London, said despite its success so far, the German economy was not bulletproof. "There is a lot of uncertainty out there, because the world is facing a wider recession, and in that case, who will buy German products?" Is Germany propping up the euro? "The short answer to that is yes," says Meyer. "If Germany was not there as the anchor, offering stability, and with its economic weight -- as one of the world's most successful economies -- behind it, we would not still be talking about resolving the crisis -- it would be over already. "But that doesn't mean Germany can do it alone." Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted even those outside the eurozone must do their bit to resolve the crisis. What do ordinary Germans think of the crisis? Experts say it is inevitable that there is a degree of resentment on the part of German citizens, when faced with the responsibility of clearing up another neighbor's mess. "Most ordinary Germans are quite unhappy with having to bail out the southern European countries, they aren't happy at having to give them their money," said Meyer. "But then most West Germans weren't happy about giving money to East Germans after reunification either." He added that while the crisis had initially hit Merkel's popularity among voters, her approval ratings had risen in recent months. How do other nations view Germany's actions? The eurozone crisis has provided plenty of fodder for eurosceptic media and politicians across the continent, with many press reports feeding off old tensions and rivalries. Loughlin said claims in anti-German sections of the media in Britain and elsewhere that the country is "trying to take over Europe" were used by politicians to boost their standing at home, but could do real damage to international relations. "It is a delicate situation, because there is a real risk of inflaming old passions and resentments," he said. "Those knee-jerk reactions can have major impacts -- we need statespeople, not mere politicians, who can rise above it. "The idea that German history is repeating, that there is some plot to take over Europe, is ludicrous. "It comes down to how different countries view the European project -- whether they see it as a market, like the British, the Swedes, the Danes; or whether they see it as a grand political project to create a new political system, like the Germans. "Everyone is suspicious of each other, and that undermines any plan for greater integration." Clarkson said Germany was in a Catch-22 situation. "The Americans, and others, demand that Germany takes action, but when they do, they are accused of trying to take over -- it is the curse of power." Is there a danger the eurozone crisis could derail Germany's economy? "Germany has had a 'good recession' until now," said Meyer. "It has benefited from the crisis so far, but now even Germany is having difficulty selling bonds. "The question is, at what point does the pain start for Germany? It is not hitting people's pay packets at the moment. "But it is inevitable that the German economy will be hit. There will be costs, be they the massive costs of a disorderly breakup of the eurozone and a move to some other currency, or the -- still large -- costs of the bailout. "There will be substantial costs, both short term and long term, to allow the peripheral countries of the eurozone to catch up, and when those come through there will be a growth of euroscepticism in Germany." Why are Germany's leaders so committed to the euro, and how far will they go to protect it? Experts say Germany is committed to the euro, and prepared to go to great lengths to protect it. "Germany found it very difficult to give up the Deutschmark -- it was a symbol of the country's recovery, and giving that up to join the euro was a big sacrifice," said Loughlin. But there are limits to the country's patience. "It depends on the behavior of the other European partners," said Meyer. "Germany is doing as much as it can, but the other nations have to be reasonable, Germany can't help 'at any price.' "The other countries need to be ready and willing to address their problems, to make changes -- Merkel can't keep writing blank checks if the conditions aren't being met. "No-one wants to pour water into a leaking bucket forever." ### SUMMARY:

Germany has been at the very heart of the European Union since it began 60 years ago . As region's strongest economy, it has borne the brunt of the cost of recent rescue deals . Deutschmark was seen as symbol of Germany's post-WWII recovery, move to euro a major sacrifice . Germany keen to protect euro, but "no-one wants to pour water into a leaking bucket forever"

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (EW.com) -- The 2012-13 TV season is already a month old and, as expected, returning favorites have remained just that — favorites. Naturally, this year's best comedy winner at the Emmys remains in the Top 5 (way to go, Cam!), while Shonda Rhimes' trusty medical drama is still fighting the good fight for ABC. But how are all those new shows faring opposite the veterans through the first four weeks? Here's the top (and low) rated dramas through Oct. 21 and what they are averaging in the uber-important adults 18-49 demographic. (New shows are bolded and cancelled ones are crossed out). Remember, each ratings point equals 1.3 million viewers. 1. Sunday Night Football (NBC) 7.7 rating/19 share . 2. Modern Family (ABC) 5.8/15 . 3. The Big Bang Theory (CBS) 5.7/18 . 4. Sunday Night Pre-Kick (NBC) 5.6/15 . 5. The Voice (NBC) 5.1/13 . 6. Grey's Anatomy (NBC) 5.0/13 . 7. NCIS (CBS) 4.5/13 . 7. The Family Guy (FOX) 4.5/11 . 9. The Voice Tuesday (NBC) 4.5/13 . 10. The OT (Fox) 4.4/13 . 11. Revolution (NBC) 4.3/11 . 11. Football Night in America (NBC) 4.3/12 . 13. Two and a Half Men (CBS) 4.1/12 . 13. Once Upon a Time (ABC) 4.1/10 . 15. 2 Broke Girls (CBS) 4.0/10 . 15. Glee (FOX) 4.0/11 . 15. The Simpsons (FOX) 4.0/10 . 18. The X Factor Wednesday (FOX) 3.9/11 . 19. How I Met Your Mother (CBS) 3.8/11 . 20. NCIS:Los Angeles (CBS) 3.7/10 . 20. New Girl (FOX) 3.7/10 . 22. X Factor Thursday 3.3/10 . 22. Person of Interest (CBS) 3.6/10 . 24. Criminal Minds (CBS) 3.5/9 . 24. Elementary (CBS) 3.5/10 . 26. Revenge (ABC) 3.4/8 . 26. Mike & Molly (CBS) 3.4/8 . 28. Survivor: Philippines (CBS) 3.3/10 . 29. American Dad (FOX) 3.1/7 . 30. The Middle (ABC) 3.0/9 . 31. Go On (NBC) 2.9/8 . 31. The Office (NBC) 2.9/8 . 33. Amazing Race 21 (CBS) 2.8/7 . 33. CSI (CBS) 2.8/8 . 33. Bones (FOX) 2.8/8 . 33. 60 Minutes (CBS) 2.8/7 . 33. Suburgatory (ABC) 2.8/7 . 38. Bob's Burgers (FOX) 2.7/7 . 38. Vegas (CBS) 2.7/8 . 40. Mindy Project (FOX) 2.6/7 . 41. Castle (ABC) 2.5/7 . 46. Scandal (ABC) 2.5/7 . 41. The New Normal (NBC) 2.5/7 . 41. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) 2.5/6 . 45. Cleveland (FOX) 2.4/7 . 45. Private Practice (ABC) 2.4/7 . 45. Parenthood (NBC) 2.2/6 . 45. Nashville (ABC) 2.4/7 . 45. Dancing with the Stars (ABC) 2.4/6 . 50. The Last Resort (ABC) 2.3/7 . 50. The Mentalist (CBS) 2.3/6 . 50. Law & Order: SVU (NBC) 2.3/6 . 50. 666 Park Avenue (ABC) 2.3/6 . 56. Dancing with the Stars results 2.4/6 . 56. Grimm (NBC) 2.2/7 . 58. The Good Wife (CBS) 2.1/5 . 58. The Neighbors (ABC) 2.1/6 . 60. Shark Tank (ABC) 2.0/7 . 61. Raising Hope (FOX) 1.9/6 . 61. Football Night in America Pt. 2 (NBC) 1.9/5 . 63. Ben & Kate (FOX) 1.8/5 . 64. Chicago Fire (NBC) 1.7/5 . 64. Guys with Kids (NBC) 1.7/5 . 64. Up All Night (NBC) 1.7/5 . 67. Blue Bloods (CBS) 1.6/5 . 68. Saturday Night Football (ABC) 1.5/5 . 68. 30 Rock (NBC) 1.5/5 . 68. CSI: NY (NBC) 1.5/5 . 68. Fringe (FOX) 1.5/5 . 73. Animal Practice (NBC) 1.4/5 . 73. America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC) 1.4/4 . 73. 20/20 Friday (ABC) 1.4/4 . 73. Dateline Friday (NBC) 1.4/4 . 77. Mob Doctor (FOX) 1.3/3 . 77. Arrow (CW) 1.3/4 . 79. Notre Dame Football (NBC) 1.1/4 . 79. Made in Jersey (CBS) 1.1/4 . 79. Fox College Football 1.1/4 . 79. Vampire Diaries (CW) 1.1/3 . 83. 48 Hours (CBS) 1.0/3 . 84. Beauty and the Beast (CW) .9/2 . 84. Rock Center with Brian Williams (NBC) .9/3 . 84. Supernatural (CW) .9/2 . 84. SVU Saturday (NBC) .9/3 . 88. Saturday Night Football Pregame (ABC) .8/3 . 89. Chicago Fire Saturday (NBC) .7/2 . 89. Grimm encore (NBC) .7/2 . 91. America's Top Model (CW) .6/2 . 91. Crimetime Saturday (CBS) .6/2 . 91. Hart of Dixie (CW) .6/2 . 95. Revolution Saturday (NBC) .5/2 . 95. Emily Owens MD (CW) .5/1 . 95 90210 (CW) .5/1 . 98 Gossip Girl Monday (CW) .4/1 . 98. Oh Sit! (CW) .4/1 . 100. Nikita (CW) .3/1 . 100. LA Complex (CW) .3/1 . See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. ### SUMMARY:

Some of the favorite TV shows so far are returning ones . "Sunday Night Football" is the top rated show . None of the new shows cracked the top 10 .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Hotels love to push the aura of movie-star glamor as part of their mystique, listing on their websites Hollywood royalty that have stayed in -- and sometimes trashed -- their rooms. At times, though, the hotels play a leading role, providing memorable settings that are characters unto themselves. Oscar's tour of the world . Naturally, California has many such hotels, but movie star hotels are scattered all over the world. In honor of Oscar season, here are a handful of hotels that make for award winning, star-kissed vacations. "Some Like It Hot" Hotel del Coronado, San Diego . One of America's most beloved comedies, 1959's zany "Some Like It Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe and drag-bedecked Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, used the Hotel del Coronado as a main location. Set in 1929, the comedy's plot centers around two musicians escaping from the mob by dressing up as women to join an all-female band. The film was nominated for several Oscars, but didn't get a nomination for best picture. The hotel turns 125 this year, and completed an $8 million renovation in 2012. Over its long history, the Victorian hotel, noted for its wraparound porches (highlighted in the film where rows of men wait to watch for Monroe's character, Sugar, to return to the hotel), has been the site of many films, including 1915's "Pearl of the Pacific" and 1924's "My Husband's Wives." 8 getaways we wish we could afford . "The Shining" Timberline Lodge, Oregon . Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado . The Timberline Lodge was used as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel for the 1980 Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick movie "The Shining," starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. The plot centers on a couple and their son, the hotel's winter caretakers. It turns out the hotel is haunted, driving the father (Nicholson's character, Jack Torrance) insane. Many of the outdoor scenes were shot at the Timberline, a ski resort in the shadows of Mount Hood. Creepy indoor scenes, including endless hallways, along with the hedge maze scene, were sets created in the United Kingdom at Elstree Studios. The movie is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, inspired by King's stay at Colorado's Stanley Hotel. The hotel, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, is considered haunted and is routinely surveyed for paranormal activity. The hotel was used in 1994's "Dumb and Dumber" and called Hotel Danbury. "Lawrence of Arabia" Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain . Several scenes from "Lawrence of Arabia," the 1962 British film about T.E. Lawrence's World War I exploits, starring Peter O'Toole, were filmed at this 1929 Moorish style Seville property. 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the film, which was released in a digitally remastered version. The hotel went through a similar renewal, with a $25 million renovation completed in 2012 that included a new restaurant, bar and guest rooms. The decor in the hotel's rooms captures different eras of Spain's past with Andalusian, Castilian and Moorish elements. 'Downton' in America: 6 big estates . "Argo" The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California . This midcentury Beverly Hills classic was opened in 1955 by Conrad Hilton, great grandfather to blond socialite Paris Hilton. The Aqua Star Pool, the largest heated pool in Beverly Hills, is surrounded by cabana guest rooms for easy access to the Southern California sunshine. Some of the hotel's pool level area, where restaurants Circa 55 and Trader Vic's Lounge are located, have retained the original 1950s "Mad Men"-style color schemes. The hotel's eighth-floor Stardust Room was featured in "Argo," the Iran hostage drama that won this year's Oscar for best picture. Ben Affleck's character, Tony Mendez (based on a real CIA operative), heads to the hotel to mingle with Hollywood's elite as part of a farfetched rescue scheme for American hostages. The hotel has hosted the Golden Globe Awards for 35 consecutive years . "Pretty Woman" Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California . Another Beverly Hills hotel featured in movies is the Beverly Wilshire, just around the corner from Rodeo Drive. The 1928 Italian Renaissance style hotel, now part of the Four Seasons, has a big role in 1990's "Pretty Woman," starring Richard Gere as a ruthless businessman and Julia Roberts as a prostitute who softens his heart. Roberts' scantily clad character is frowned upon by hotel staff, but eventually wins them over with her personality and wardrobe transformation. The hotel is so associated with the film that many Los Angelenos simply point it out as the "Pretty Woman" hotel. The nearly 400-room hotel includes 137 luxury suites and a Mediterranean-style pool with cabana packages starting at $180. "Lost in Translation" Park Hyatt Tokyo, Tokyo . "Lost in Translation," a 2003 movie starring Bill Murray as a fading actor and Scarlett Johansson as a lonely young American newlywed whose husband is busy working, uses the Park Hyatt Tokyo to tremendous effect. Occupying the top 14 floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower, the sleek Park Hyatt Tokyo boasts commanding views and was a hotel of choice for director Sofia Coppola before the film. The vast, chaotic neon-lit view from the serene hotel emphasizes the loneliness of both main characters. "Ten years have passed since the film's release, yet it continues to be a catalyst for people to discover both Park Hyatt Tokyo and the city of Tokyo," said Philippe Roux-Dessarps, Park Hyatt Tokyo's general manager. "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica . Get your groove back at the Round Hill Hotel and Villas, set on a lush 100-acre peninsula in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The hotel was the setting for 1998's "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," starring Angela Bassett as workaholic divorcee Stella Payne, Taye Diggs as much-younger love interest Winston Shakespeare and Whoopi Goldberg as sidekick Delilah Abraham. The movie uses the hotel's rooms and views beautifully, with vistas of the verdant landscape and beach. The resort has 36 Ralph Lauren-designed rooms in its main building, called the Pineapple House, along with 27 private villas, the type of room Stella stayed in. Other highlights are an open-air dining terrace, a double infinity pool, five all-weather tennis courts and a spa housed in a restored 18th century plantation house. "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" Hotel Palacio, Estoril, Portugal . Plenty of hotels have been used as James Bond locations, yet few are said to have helped inspire the character. The 1930 Hotel Palacio reportedly did just that for author Ian Fleming. As a neutral country during World War II, Portugal played host to spies, deposed royalty, black marketers and many others who came to stay at the hotel and play in the casino on the Estoril Coast outside Lisbon. As a British Naval Intelligence officer, young Fleming rubbed elbows with some of those colorful characters at the hotel. While many remember dramatic Swiss Alps ski scenes with machine guns setting off avalanches, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" opens on the beaches of Portugal, with James Bond staying at the Hotel Palacio overlooking the Bay of Cascais. To this day, the hotel's bar is renowned for its very strong martinis, which you can order shaken, stirred or however you like. ### SUMMARY:

San Diego's Hotel del Coronado served as a backdrop in 1959's "Some Like It Hot" "Argo," this year's best picture winner, features a scene at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills . Hotel Palacio in Estoril, Portugal, served as an inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond character .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- We love James Bond films for so many reasons: the handsome men and beautiful women, the cool gadgets and outrageous villains, the amazing chases and death-defying stunts. And, of course, the travel tips. Film after film, no one has given us more inspiration to travel the world than James Bond. "We are always looking to offer the audience the 'wow' experience of something amazing and different," said Callum McDougall, executive producer of the upcoming "Skyfall," the 23rd film in the James Bond franchise. "I think everyone who goes to see a Bond movie expects to be impressed by the look and the locations chosen. Certainly I was when I grew up watching them, and I don't think that's changed in the last 50 years." There are two reasons to celebrate Mr. Bond in style: Global James Bond Day was October 5, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the theatrical release of "Dr. No," starring Sean Connery as Agent 007. And November 9 is the U.S. premiere of "Skyfall," starring the latest Bond, Daniel Craig. In celebration of all things Bond, we give you (00)7 destinations where you can experience the world James Bond-style. Religious conversions: Renovated monastery hotels and more . Turkey . Several locations in Turkey are featured in "Skyfall." "It is where East meets West, and the colors and vibrancy of Istanbul provided us with a great backdrop and such amazing locations as the Grand Bazaar," McDougall said. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar has been a must-see since 1461. More than 550 years later, it attracts nearly a half-million visitors daily. Presumably few of them other than "Skyfall" director Sam Mendes envision its narrow, crowded aisles as a location for a high-speed chase. It is, however, an excellent place to purchase local handicrafts and to engage all your senses as you immerse yourself in the city. Railway scenes for "Skyfall" were shot on and around Adana's dizzying Varda Railway Bridge in southern Turkey, and beach scenes -- including one that was meant to be in the Far East -- were shot near Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast. "Turkey actually allowed us to combine our needs of four different looks in one country, quite remarkable," McDougall added. 7 ways to go local while traveling . Key West, Florida . "Licence to Kill" (1989) kicks off with Timothy Dalton as Bond, parachuting in with his CIA pal Felix Leiter (David Hedison) to Felix's wedding at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Key West after some insane aerial maneuvers. Other scenes shot in the area include a car chase on Seven Mile Bridge, the segmented concrete (to make it hurricane-resistant) span you'll cross if you're driving to Key West, and a scene at the Ernest Hemingway Home in which M (Robert Brown) demands that Bond relinquish his "license to kill." Hemingway, also no slouch in the adventure department, moved to the 907 Whitehead St. house in 1931. A guided tour shows you his writing studio and introduces you to the descendants of Hemingway's famous six-toed cats, who have unlimited license to roam the house and grounds. The Bahamas . Of Bond's many visits to the Bahamas, the most memorable is Sean Connery's 1965 "Thunderball" battle in the underwater caves of the Exuma Cays. They've been known ever since as the Thunderball Grotto. (Connery returned there in 1983 for "Never Say Never Again.") Several charter companies, including Four C's Adventures and the Island Routes 007 Thunderball Luxury Tour, will take you out to the grotto by boat and guide you on a snorkeling route to the inside of the caves, where light seems to stream in directly from heaven and colorful fish dart about below the water's surface. Some tours also include a visit to the nearby Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and a stop at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, where you can dine or spend the night. Paris . With an "I'm too old for this stuff" look on his face, Roger Moore as Bond chased Grace Jones as May Day up the steps of the Eiffel Tower in "A View to a Kill" (1985), only to watch her parachute off the top in one of the film's more memorable scenes. (It was almost as unforgettable as Duran Duran's video for the film's theme song.) On a tour of the tower, you'll learn about Franz Reichfelt's tragic demonstration of his "parachute suit" in 1912, which should convince you that parachuting is not the thing to do here. However, if you're feeling fit, you can climb the 704 steps from the ground to the second floor. From there, you can catch the lift to the top, where you'll find a Champagne bar with killer views of its own. Schilthorn, Switzerland . "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) took us to the mountaintop: the 2,970-meter-high Schilthorn in Switzerland's Bernese Alps, which George Lazenby as Bond skied down at breathtaking speed, with Telly Savalas as Blofeld in pursuit. It's one of the great movie ski chase scenes, now documented in an exhibit at Piz Gloria, the world's first revolving restaurant, which doubled as the Bleuchamp Institute for Allergy Research in the film. Organized Bond-themed excursions that include a James Bond breakfast at Piz Gloria start from the car-free town of Mürren, or you can glide up the mountain yourself on a 32-minute aerial cable car trip that originates in Stechelberg. For more Bond-style adventure, ski the mountain's 15.8 km mixed-terrain Inferno course. Experienced skiers usually cover it in about 45 minutes; competitors in the annual Inferno Race -- the largest amateur ski race in the world -- can do it in 15. Bregenz, Austria . The James Bond producers were so impressed by the 2007 production of Tosca at the open-air Seebühne floating stage on Lake Constance (or Bodensee), they knew they had to work it into a film. That's why in "Quantum of Solace" (2008), Daniel Craig finds himself chasing bad guys under the startling open-eye backdrop of the "Tosca" set designed by Johannes Leiacker. The annual Bregenz Festival, approaching its 67th season, are only slightly less exciting. The next Opera on the Lake will be Mozart's "The Magic Flute," which opens July 17 and runs through the summer. Bregenz itself, in western Austria, is known for its contemporary architecture, such as the Festival House concert hall adjacent to the floating stage. Guided tours of both are conducted year-round. Auyuittuq National Park, Canada . "Nobody Does it Better" than the opening sequence of "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977), in which Roger Moore BASE jumps off the edge of a mountain and ... whoosh! A Union Jack parachute opens and wafts him to safety. "No effects, all done in camera for real," McDougall points out. (BASE is an acronym for Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth, the four things you can jump from.) The mountain, with its distinctive twin flat-topped peaks at 6,598 feet, is Mount Asgard in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, Canada. Serious outdoors people find the 7,370-square-mile arctic park a haven of pristine beauty offering 24-hour daylight in summer. Accessible via the Inuit hamlets of Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq, which can be reached only by small plane, the park requires that all visitors attend a safety orientation before they embark on their travels. For this level of adventure, only experienced wilderness travelers -- and MI-6 agents -- need apply. ### SUMMARY:

No film series has provided more travel inspiration than James Bond . His cinematic stops have included the Bahamas, Paris and Swiss mountains . "We are always looking to offer the audience the 'wow' experience," producers said.

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- When I was a child, a pale specter used to call our house most evenings, eager to chat with my doctor father about her myriad medical concerns. We called her the "White Bread Lady," a moniker she earned for one particularly inane call in which she panicked to my father after consuming white bread. She wasn't breaking out in hives or having any adverse effects to the bread. No, she was just concerned that some future illness could befall her given that one particular dietary decision. Although we all laughed at the time, it was with a bit of shifty-eyed shame. Because most of us (including if not particularly the illustrious Ehrlich family) have lurking within us our very own "White Bread Lady," ready to convince us that each cough, sniffle and less-than-nutritious meal might be a detriment to our health. And, naturally, that White Bread Lady looms even larger when we can type our worries into a search bar and unlock a bevy of potentially distressing information. Yup, so quoth Google, we all have cancer. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, 80% of Internet users have looked up health information online. While that practice can be beneficial in some respects, the abundance of (variably valid) information online can turn us into e-hypochondriacs. (Or, worse, can lead us to neglect getting the care we need.) Read on for five mistakes -- courtesy of a selection of health-care professionals -- that people make when diagnosing themselves online. Searching blind . Your eye is twitching like an overly caffeinated college student sitting behind a pretty girl in lecture hall, twirling his pencil and hoping to catch a whiff of her lovely shining hair. You type "eye twitch" into Google and come up with a really rad website that explains that this newfound spasm is actually an indication that your third eye is fixing to open, revealing to you wonders untold. You are the chosen one. Too bad that this trove of "medical information" is actually some dude's fan-fiction site. Long wait at the doctor's office? Blame the patients . Sure, the above is an extreme example, but, as Dr. Kevin Pho of KevinMD.com pointed out, "There's a lot of bad information on the Web and information that can be dangerous." Especially if you're not considering who put up that information in the first place. Pho urges users to favor Web addresses ending in .org and .edu when looking for reputable health-care info, and to check who is funding the collection of that information. "There's so much information from organizations trying to sell products or push their agenda on the Web," he said. He suggests turning to sites like Mayo Clinic as well as troves of information curated by doctors (like Pho's own website) when trolling the Web for info. And, of course, if a site mentions trolls and third eyes, one should definitely press on. Flailing in forums . If there's one thing people like to do online, it's talk about their problems -- especially mundane things like coughs and headaches and their babies' various and sundry discharges. And, it seems, we're pretty interested in reading about the health issues of others, too. According to that Pew study, 23% of social-network users have followed a friend's health experiences online, and 34% of Internet users have read about someone else's medical issues on newsgroups, websites or blogs. That's all well and good; sharing experiences with others is enriching! Unless the people you're sharing with are idiots. Case in point: Here's a Yahoo Answers thread in which folks are discussing whether you can make a pregnancy test out of bleach and Pine-Sol. (Spoiler alert: You can't.) "You can easily fall into that rabbit hole and find some forum that really isn't relevant but maybe sounds kind of close," warned Craig Monsen, co-founder of symptom-checker app SymCat and fourth-year medical student at Johns Hopkins University. On the other hand, "sometimes you'll stumble on exactly the right forum where someone has your same exact problem, and their solution does help." Doctor-turned-kayaker fights malaria in Uganda . "Health-care forums are definitely another tool that individuals can use in order to crowdsource a diagnosis based on their symptoms," added Dr. Natasha Burgert of KC Kids Doc. "I think that these can be a really powerful tool not only for discussing potential diagnosis or symptom relief but also finding a forum of individuals in which you can discuss emotional and psychological parts of an illness and develop a wonderful online support community." The trick is to be wary about the issues being discussed in forums and how germane they are to you. And, you know, if people start talking about homemade remedies fashioned from bleach, maybe click off and see a doc. Getting emotional . You know that game "6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? There should seriously be a version of that called "6 Degrees of Cancer" -- as in, when looking up your symptoms online, how long does it take to deduce that you have a life-threatening disease instead of, say, a simple cold? According to Burgert, the root of this whole "worst-case scenario" thing is getting too emotional. "For most intents and purposes, when you're looking for online health information, it's about yourself or a family member," she said. "When you're looking through that lens, it's very hard to keep emotional distance. So you can read about a diagnosis that either makes you very scared or calms your fears -- and that's the path you'll continue down, whether it's correct or not." Burgert suggested using online symptom checkers simply to "understand possible diagnoses, find some initial steps for relieving the symptoms and determine if this is something that needs further evaluation or that can be managed at home." SymCat and Mayo Clinic's symptom checker let you type in what you're experiencing and unearth a spectrum of diagnoses and suggestions for when to seek a doctor's aid. Your doctor's website might also have such a tool. Voila, you just increased your separation from cancer by at least a couple of degrees. Keeping mum around MDs . "I think, traditionally, many physicians are a little apprehensive when that stereotypical patient comes to their office with big stacks of printouts from the Internet," Pho said. "But I think more and more doctors are accepting it. Personally, I think that transparency of information is helpful in a way." Translation: Help your doctor help you. If you're worried about a particular medical situation and did some research to help narrow down what's ailing you, share that info with your physician. "I really appreciate when patients bring in information that they found online, because it allows me to guide my instruction and plan based on their true concerns," Burgert said. "People get scared when they get sick and hurt, and they want to use multiple sources of information to help themselves. The Internet adds to that physician's expertise in order to do that." Study: Fainting may have genetic link . Pho suggests using tracking apps (Bloodnote and Tap & Track are a few examples) to keep tabs on blood pressure, weight, heart rate and other areas that are of particular concern to you and your MD. "These apps and sites give patients so much data about themselves that they never had before," he said. And a log is useful to your doctor, who can scan for abnormalities and patterns that you may have missed. Remember, though, knowing how to use the Internet doesn't make you a doctor. Google doesn't count as a second opinion. If you're unhappy with your doc's diagnosis, go get one the traditional way. Putting off the inevitable . If your ailment isn't going away, all the symptom-checking and Mayo Clinic-ing in the world isn't going to help you. Make a doctor's appointment. Like, right now. Sites like ZocDoc make it super easy (and free; doctors pay to be listed) to set up an appointment ASAP, so no whining that you'll have to wait two weeks to see a doc and maybe by then "it" will have gone away. Unless, of course, "it" is that white bread you just ate. In that case, please stop calling my dad. ### SUMMARY:

According to a Pew report, 80% of Internet users have looked up health info online . Sites like Mayo Clinic and others curated by doctors are safer . It's better to be cautious in online forums of non-experts . Internet information does not replace a second opinion .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Calling all ladies! The stunning landscapes of Arizona create the perfect spot for an adventurous girls vacation. No, I'm not suggesting you plot a "Thelma & Louise"-type western getaway and wildly escape from your men and the police. Instead, relax with your favorite girlfriends (legally) and soak up the beauty of the mountainous landscape and all the experiences the area between Sedona's famous Red Rocks and the Grand Canyon has to offer. This spring, two girlfriends and I met in Phoenix to start our western road trip. Check out our itinerary, and use it as a guide for ideas on building your western trip. Phoenix to Grand Canyon (233 miles) We flew into Phoenix, but this wasn't a trip about big cities, so we high-tailed it out of the Valley of the Sun in our rented Nissan Rogue and drove 4½ hours north along Interstates 17 and 40 and Highway 64 toward the Grand Canyon. As we traveled along these scenic highways, the vegetation changed from saguaro cactuses to tall pine trees. The towering San Francisco peaks near Flagstaff were a highlight of the dramatic scenery along our route. The peaks are a volcanic mountain range and provide a number of recreational opportunities, from snow skiing to hiking. Grand Canyon . We arrived at the southern entrance to the Grand Canyon, just north of Tusayan, right before sunset and had our cameras ready. The park guides said Hopi and Yavapai points are some the best places to view a sunrise or sunset, and they didn't lead us astray. For dinner, we dined inside the park's Bright Angel Lodge (which is just a few feet from the canyon rim) at the Arizona Room. The restaurant specializes in hand-cut steaks, and fish and chicken inspired by flavors of the Southwest. One of its signature drinks is the Prickly Pear Margarita, which includes Hornitos Reposado tequila, prickly pear cactus syrup, lime, Triple Sec and sweet and sour mix. Both the food and drinks were excellent. We stayed outside the park, where rates are generally cheaper, but we admired El Tovar Hotel, the park's priciest and most famous lodge. Built in 1905, famous guests over the years have included Theodore Roosevelt, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney, to name a few. The hotel was also featured in the 1983 Chevy Chase film "National Lampoon's Vacation." The following morning, we met our tour bus outside the Bright Angel Lodge for a guided view of the national park. (We used the Grand Canyon's official website to find our tour operator.) Our bus ride covered 52 miles in a little under four hours as we traveled east from the lodge along the rim of the canyon. The tour stopped at Lipan Point, touted as the most scenic viewpoint on the East Rim drive. The Watchtower, designed in the 1930s by famed architect Mary Colter in the style of the ancestral Puebloan people, also offered stunning -- even soul-enriching -- views of the canyon. The Grand Canyon offers endless opportunities for exploration, beyond what we discovered during our 24-hour visit. Thousands of visitors each year hike the park's various trails, bike along the Greenway trail and paved roads, enjoy airplane and helicopter tours, and brave rafting trips and mule rides. Grand Canyon to Sedona (119 miles): . The diverse landscape during our southbound road trip between the Grand Canyon's South Rim and Sedona kept us busy with our cameras. In Coconino National Forest, the scenery ranges from deserts and ponderosa pine forests to volcanic peaks. Elevation in Coconino ranges from 2,600 feet to 12,633 feet at the summit of Humphreys Peak. A snowstorm caught us during a small portion of the drive, but we ended the journey with sunny skies in Sedona. I'd never seen such extreme climate changes in a 120-mile trip until this excursion. Sedona area . Sedona's main attraction is no doubt its stunning array of red sandstone formations, enveloped in the area's celebrated spiritual energy. The Red Rocks provided a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for our outdoor adventures. But first, shopping -- naturally a part of many girls trips, and ours was no exception. Sedona is filled with art galleries, boutiques, New Age metaphysical shops, antiques and even an outdoor shopping mall. Be sure to pick up made-in-Sedona cactus jellies, Native American crafts or even healing gemstones during your visit. A skeptic finds inner peace in Sedona . Our first big adventure (beyond shopping) was a two-hour off-road tour in an open-air Jeep. Our professional driver, who doubled as an informative tour guide, showed us geologic formations and some of the trademark Red Rock formations. There are numerous outfitters who provide Jeep tours, and prices vary, depending on the type of excursion you select. We decided to bundle our Jeep tour with a 1½-hour horseback riding trip near the banks of the Verde River in Cottonwood, Arizona. During our horseback riding adventure, in a place ironically called Dead Horse Ranch State Park (none of our horses died on this trip, by the way!), we rode under cottonwood and sycamore trees and enjoyed the panoramic views of Mingus Mountain. We finished our excursion with a picnic lunch near the horse arena, which was included in the tour package. Back at our hotel in Sedona, we hopped into our trusty rental car and wandered to an amazing piece of architecture -- the Chapel of the Holy Cross. From some angles, the chapel looks as though it's rising from Sedona's famed rock formations, and many comment that the structure has "universal appeal" because of its unique design. Construction of the chapel was completed in 1956 to wide acclaim, and it was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a former student of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. And while we didn't necessarily find religion during our visit, we fantasized what it might be like to get married in this church. But that will remain a fantasy, since the chapel doesn't perform wedding ceremonies. A skeptic finds inner peace in Sedona . We finished our day with a visit to the spa, since Sedona is known for its spa treatments. (As are many girls trips!) I selected a package called New Beginnings, where I received a psychic reading, followed by a one-hour massage. The reading was marketed as a way for "clearing the old and expanding the new energies inside of me." We felt refreshed from our treatments and walked away from the experience more relaxed than when we first started. I'm not sure if I bought into the psychic reading, but it was interesting to hear what my future may hold. Day trips from Sedona . The area around Sedona is rich in Old West and Native American culture and history. During our visit, we hopped into our rental car and explored some nearby cliff dwellings, including Montezuma Castle and the Palatki Ruins. These ruins of cliff dwellings (plus many more we didn't have time to visit) stand as a monument to the ingenuity of the ancient people who built them hundreds of years ago. Trips to both locations were about a 25-minute drive from our Sedona hotel. Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Jerome, Arizona, a historic copper mining town that has transformed itself into a quaint tourist town filled with shops and eateries. We enjoyed a mouth-watering lunch at the Haunted Hamburger restaurant, which we're told is a favorite among locals for its juicy, thick burgers. We capped our trip with a visit to a winery region along North Page Springs Road, about 15 miles south of Sedona. (We had a designated driver!) Wine producers say cool nights and mild winters make ideal growing conditions for reds like merlot and cabernet. It was a perfect (and tasty) ending to a fabulous girls trip. ### SUMMARY:

Arizona provided a perfect backdrop for the author's girls trip . The Grand Canyon and Sedona offered a good mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation . Horseback riding, Jeep sight-seeing tours and hiking among the activities on this trip .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: When you first hear his pitch, it defies logic: Mitch McConnell, a 30-year veteran of the Senate, campaigning for re-election as an agent of change. "If you want change, if you're unhappy with the direction of this country, the candidate of change is the guy you're looking at," McConnell told an audience at a Chamber of Commerce lunch here. 72-year-old McConnell -- the top Senate Republican -- is running against a 35-year-old Democrat who has never had an elected job in D.C. But he's the change candidate? Well, if you're a voter with an unfavorable view of President Barack Obama -- and according to a new CNN/Opinion Research International Poll, that's about two-thirds of Kentucky voters -- McConnell's argument has appeal once he explains it. He says the only real option for altering the balance of power in Washington is a GOP Senate takeover on Election Day -- and putting him in charge. "The only thing they can do in 2014 to begin to change the direction of the country is to change the makeup of the Senate," McConnell told CNN. "In this country, the way you change things is at the ballot box. And so there's only one thing that can be done this year to begin to lead America in a different direction and it begins right here in Kentucky," he tells voters on the stump. McConnell wants to be Senate Majority Leader so badly he can taste it, especially after two straight election cycles of seeing the role within his reach, but snatched away largely because of bruising intra-GOP fights and Republican candidate missteps. Kentucky U.S. Senate race is one the key ones this year . I reminded McConnell of the old joke about senators, that most of them look in the mirror and see the next president. "I never had that problem. I never had that affliction," McConnell chuckled. "You have always wanted to be the majority leader of the Senate, is that fair to say?" I asked. "I would like to have the chance to be the majority leader of the Senate, yes," he replied. Toughest challenge in years . But to lead the Senate, he has to win re-election first, and McConnell is facing his toughest challenge in years in Alison Lundergan Grimes. Grimes would be Kentucky's first female senator. Currently Kentucky's secretary of state, she has a well-financed campaign, thanks to the national implications and importance of her race. She's gotten high-profile help from former President Bill Clinton, a family friend. In many ways she is running a textbook campaign for a challenger trying to unseat an entrenched incumbent, especially a Democrat versus Republican. She paints McConnell as out of touch with the folks back home, and the personification of Washington dysfunction. "I don't know whether to call Sen. McConnell Sen. No-Show, Sen. Gridlock or Sen. Shutdown," Grimes says to a crowd gathered for a political picnic in Owensboro. "What I do know is that he's not working for Kentucky. Kentucky is all ready for someone whose vocabulary goes beyond the word 'no.' When it comes to increasing the minimum wage and giving hardworking Kentuckians a fighting chance, Mitch McConnell says no. Kentucky is ready for a senator who says it's not just a minimum wage, it's a living wage. When it comes to the women of this state being treated equally, Mitch McConnell says no," Grimes says. McConnell: 'Remember me? I am the guy that gets us out of shutdowns' That appears to be resonating with some voters here, even one who has supported McConnell over the years. "We're just tired of McConnell. His only objective is to -- anything Obama's done, he's against it," Owensboro voter Margaret Willett said. But others in the crowd disagreed, especially voters like Keith Herm who dislike the President. "I believe the seniority he will hold in the Senate will be monumental," Herm said about McConnell. "There are some issues with Obama I would like to see changed, and hopefully he can do that." Grimes' biggest challenge is unshackling herself from Obama, who won only four of Kentucky's 120 counties in 2012. It's not easy, when McConnell's working so hard to link Grimes to the President. "Mitch McConnell, well, he wants to make this race about anyone but me, trying to tie me to every national figure that's out there that disagrees with Kentucky's interests. Barack Obama isn't on the ballot; I am," Grimes told voters. Democrats have been banking on the fact that the President may be unpopular here, but so is McConnell -- he is well known, and not well liked. The trouble for Grimes is that as she becomes better known, and put through the grind of this intense campaign, her favorable ratings are dipping, too. A strikingly stark contrast in styles . Like any candidate, McConnell and Grimes each have pluses and minuses, but these two have a strikingly stark contrast in style. McConnell is the ultimate political tactician and old school, bring-home-the-bacon senator. When it was his turn to speak at the Owensboro picnic, McConnell made a point of reminding residents here he secured $50 million to renovate the riverfront, which transformed the town. It's the kind of earmark the tea party hates. He never would have spoken about it during his GOP primary fight, but it is front and center in the general election campaign against a Democrat. "I'm proud I did it for you. It's changed this community and we'll do it again," said McConnell, not mentioning that the kind of earmarks that rebuilt the riverfront are now banned in the Senate. But McConnell's aides are the first to admit he is not a natural campaigner. He doesn't connect in the grip and grin settings many politicians love. It's not his thing. Grimes, on the other hand, appears energized by pressing the flesh with voters. She moved around the Owensboro picnic introducing herself and talking to voters with ease. And on the stump she can project and deliver lines powerfully. But in interviews, she often appears stilted and scripted. Case in point: When I asked Grimes point blank for some "Kentucky candor" about how much of a drag the President is on her campaign, she replied with a generic talking point. "I think that Kentuckians are seeing this race for what it is, a chance to actually move Kentucky forward in the right direction," Grimes said. Bound to get very ugly . This is expected to be the most expensive Senate race in history, north of $100 million. And the mud is already flying. McConnell's campaign manager Jesse Benton abruptly resigned late last week because of a bribery scandal surrounding Ron Paul's 2008 presidential campaign. Grimes' campaign is already pushing a Web ad highlighting Benton's departure. But that may be because McConnell's campaign released an ad of its own whacking Grimes, accusing her of getting a sweetheart deal for her campaign bus -- brokered by her father, a prominent businessman and former state party chair. "They're baseless, unfounded, bullying accusations from Mitch McConnell," Grimes said of the allegations. And then there's a secret audio recording that surfaced of McConnell speaking at a Koch brothers donor meeting, vowing not to allow votes on Democratic initiatives. It was released right before our interview, and Grimes was eager to jump on it as McConnell's "47% Mitt Romney moment." "I think it shows the extent and the lengths he will go to pander to his party millionaires and billionaires at the expense of hurting Kentuckians," Grimes said of the McConnell audio. As for McConnell, he brushed it off, because he has made it no secret he intends to block the President's agenda. "I didn't say anything in the private meeting I haven't said publicly." McConnell told me. McConnell, the Democrats and the limits of a secret tape . That may be, but a muffled recording of a secret meeting with fat cat GOP donors is less than ideal for McConnell. These are end-of-summer stumbles for both candidates, in the marquee race of the year, bound to get very ugly. ### SUMMARY:

McConnell could become majority leader if he wins his Senate election . Opponent Grimes has a well-financed campaign aided by Democratic stars . The candidates are a study in different styles .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Adrianne Haslet-Davis' life as a dancer was shattered last year at the Boston Marathon bombings. She and her husband Adam, who had just returned from a tour in Afghanistan with the Air Force, were steps away from the second blast. "I felt the direct impact and it immediately blew off (part of) my left foot," she said. Before Haslet-Davis could even see the damage the bomb had done, her husband's reaction confirmed her fears. "I remember him picking up my foot and looking and just screaming a scream that you never want to hear a loved one scream," she recalled. Adam Davis also sustained injuries -- shrapnel wounds to both legs were causing blood loss -- but he knew it was his wife's much more traumatic injury that could quickly kill her. "I took my belt off and put it around Adrianne's leg. At that point I remember thinking this is very ironic. For 4½ months, I had a real tourniquet on my arm every day ... in Afghanistan," he said. "When did I need it? Back at home." Minutes later, first responders rushed Haslet-Davis into an ambulance and raced to Boston Medical Center. While her life was saved by the heroic actions of her husband, emergency personnel and doctors, the damage to her foot was so severe that surgeons had no choice but to amputate. She woke up the next day in the hospital in a haze, with phantom pains in her foot. She believed it had been saved. Her mother had to deliver the heart-breaking news. "She looked at me and said, 'Adrianne, you don't have a foot. Your foot is gone,' " she said. "I just lost it. It was really hard to hear." The loss of a limb would be agonizing for anyone but for Haslet-Davis, it was the end of her way of life. She is an award-winning ballroom dancer whose passion for dance is contagious. "Dancing is the one thing I do that when I do it, I don't feel like I should be doing anything else ever. I feel so free," she said. Her dream was to continue teaching ballroom dancing in Boston and competing in higher levels of dance tournaments across the country. "When she dances, I see her glow. I see her light up ... then all of a sudden, (to) have it removed in a split second is devastating," said Adam Davis. "I knew that there was a chance that she'd never dance again." 'I thought everybody had a bomb' From the early days of her recovery, Haslet-Davis was defiant towards her new life as an amputee. Speaking to CNN's Anderson Cooper just a week after the bombings, she vowed that she would dance again. "I feel like somebody has come along and said, 'Oh, we're not going to let you do that anymore,' " she said. "I'm going to prove them wrong." Haslet-Davis agreed to allow CNN to follow her journey to recovery and film her everyday life over the past year. She details her recovery on CNN's "The Survivor Diaries" on April 8 at 10 p.m. ET. Her video diaries portray a raw, honest and at times heart-breaking picture of a woman battling extreme physical and emotional challenges. "The reality of knowing that someone tried to kill you and letting that sink in ... it's just been really difficult," she said in one video. "I have gone through many, many stages, of not only PTSD, but also of mourning the loss of my leg," she said. "I remember waking up many mornings and just bawling and just crying and just being so sad." The mental scars, especially in the early months, were never far from the surface. "Navigating the streets of Boston for the first time, it was really tough," said Haslet-Davis. "I thought everybody had a bomb. I mean I hate even saying things like that out loud because it sounds crazy but ... I had horrible anxiety." That's evident in one video that shows Haslet-Davis' reaction to a fireworks show outside the couple's apartment. "I thought we were going to die," she said. "I hit the floor immediately and put my hands over my head and started screaming and crying and called 911." Beyond the anguish she battled mentally, the physical challenges of walking and eventually dancing again were extreme. "I was very uneducated about prosthetics and it was a huge surprise and complete, not only disappointment, but devastation that I couldn't just put on a prosthetic and just walk and go. I didn't know it would be so incredibly painful," she said. It would be months of intense physical therapy before Haslet-Davis trusted her leg enough to try dancing again. Her muscle memory from dancing as many as 60 hours a week before her amputation was still there, but her prosthetic didn't respond as her natural leg had. Unlike the repetitive motion of walking or running, the complicated and varied movements of ballroom dancing are nearly impossible on a standard prosthetic. A new start . Just as Haslet-Davis' frustration with dancing began to overwhelm her, she connected with the man that would eventually put her back on the dance floor. Dr. Hugh Herr is one of the world's leading creators of bionic prosthetic limbs as director of the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab. He is also an amputee, having lost both of his legs in an ice climbing accident as a teenager. After meeting Haslet-Davis, Herr pledged to help her recapture her dream. "I really emotionally connect with Adrianne's mission to dance again. And I wanted do everything I could to help her achieve that goal," said Herr. But the doctor and his team had a massive challenge -- they'd have to create the world's first bionic leg designed specifically for dancing. "We're going to measure everything about the dance -- the movements, the forces," said Herr. He and his team brought one of Haslet-Davis' fellow dancers into their lab and placed super sensitive sensors on her body while she danced some of Haslet-Davis' favorite dance steps. "We have to use ... artificial type intelligence," he said. "Intelligence built into the bionic limb has to understand fundamentally the nature of the dance." Video: Meet Hugh Herr, creator of the most advanced bionic leg . Herr and his team spent months developing the bionic limb and when it was ready to be worn, Haslet-Davis spent countless hours in their lab testing it and giving them feedback. When she felt strong enough, she invited Anderson Cooper to MIT to show him how far she'd come. In just eight months since they first met, Haslet-Davis overcame seemingly overwhelming odds and made good on her promise to give Cooper a dance lesson. "I had no doubt that Adrianne had the will to do it and would dance again," said Cooper. "She was very kind in trying to help me dance. I think I need a lot more work than she does in that area." Anderson Cooper on Adrianne's story . Beyond continued hard work to return to the level of dancing she attained before the bombing, Haslet-Davis has now become an advocate for other amputees. "I feel really passionately about the rights of amputees as well as the advancements in prosthetics," she said. "I know that the only thing that makes me disabled is not the fact that I don't have two feet, it's the fact that what I'm using isn't advanced enough to make me do the same thing that the person next to me with two feet can do." Haslet-Davis sees her participation in this CNN documentary as a way to reach out to other amputees and help them through their own dark days. "I know that I'm not inspired by the amputee that's standing on top of the mountain or the amputee that crossed the finish line. I'm inspired by the struggle and the journey it took to get there," she said. Perhaps Adrianne Haslet-Davis' biggest message is that she never wants to be pitied or to be called a victim of the people that carried out the Boston bombings. "A victim ... means that I somehow belong to somebody or I'm suffering because of him and I'm not suffering. I'm thriving," she said. "I am a survivor." ### SUMMARY:

Adrianne Haslet-Davis lost part of her leg in last year's Boston marathon bombings . She has allowed CNN to document her recovery . Watch "Survivor Diaries" Tuesday, April 8 at 10 p.m. ET on CNN .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Bobby Smith's mother, like all parents, looked forward to the day when her baby could use words to tell her what was wrong. What hurts? Why are you sad? By the time Bobby turned 7, Cheri Smith was still wondering if that day would ever come. Her son had been diagnosed on the moderate-to-severe end of the autism spectrum as a toddler. He had ways of conveying his needs -- he'd give Smith or her husband the remote control if he wanted to watch TV, or hand his mom her purse if he wanted to go out -- but there were so many things he couldn't communicate. He "cannot tell us if something hurts, why he is upset or happy, where he would like to go, what happened at school today, what he would like to do for his birthday, what he would like Santa to bring him for Christmas," Smith wrote on CNN iReport in March 2012. The older he grew, the worse Bobby's behavior was getting. He would fly into rages, which Smith believed were in part the result of his inability to effectively communicate his feelings and to understand what others were telling him. Desperate for help, in April 2012, Smith found a behavioral therapist who would change their family's life. Bobby turns 10 next month and is a totally different boy now, she said. "She knew that Bobby had the ability to talk," Smith said in a recent update. "She pushed Bobby like none of us had before." Wherever they fall on the spectrum, people with autism often struggle with communication. They can have trouble developing language skills or fail to understand nonverbal communication through things like eye contact and facial expressions. Parents, therapists and those with autism themselves described a gamut of communication techniques that have helped. Besides working on actual talking, some have found success with picture card systems, sign language or printed words; others speak through stuffed animals or video game characters. 'Learn to speak our language' Kat Muir, 26, works as a speech-language pathologist in Indianapolis, bridging the communication gap. Most of the children she works with have Autism Spectrum Disorder -- like herself. Muir was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at age 22 when she was in graduate school and still not making friends. She was always adept at using words, but was challenged by social communication. It was particularly hard in junior high. "Girls are expected to know instinctively how to be social, and when they don't, it is very obvious," she said. For years, she thought of a conversation "as a contest to see who could say the most interesting thing." She remembers one time when some girls were talking about Britney Spears; she jumped in with her own contribution, saying something like, "Planes in World War I had synchronized guns so the gunmen didn't shoot their own propellers off." No one cared. And they told her so. It got better when she moved to a big public high school, where students seemed more tolerant of differences. Now she reminds herself to talk about what other people like, not just what she finds interesting. She said it helps to find an activity "that encourages communication but doesn't force it." For her, that's dance class. "It's reassuring to know that I will see familiar faces for an hour at the same time every week. I may socialize by starting a conversation about favorite dance moves, or I may exchange smiles with someone because we're doing what we love. The more structured a social interaction is, the more comfortable it is." To those without autism, said Muir, "Everyone with autism has something to say. Learn to speak our language, and we will learn to speak yours." Power of a pig . California speech-language pathologist Lois Jean Brady agrees. As a certified autism specialist, she advises parents to use their child's special interests -- animals, music, technology or cars, for instance -- to build their language. "Go into their world and slowly lead them to yours," she said. With students who love animals, Brady uses a potbellied pig named Buttercup to communicate. She has found many children feel comfortable talking with an animal and some have said their first words to Buttercup. She tells the story of a junior high school student who desperately wanted friends. She rehearsed a few answers to "common pig questions" such as "What does he eat?" and "How much does he weigh?" then sent the young man into the school hallway with Buttercup on a leash. "It was not long before he was surrounded by other students, mostly girls, answering questions with a smile from ear to ear. A couple of the students remained friends," she said. Brady's own son is on the autism spectrum. He is now 20 years old, goes to college and works with other special needs children. When he was younger, he and his mother would spend hours in the living room, lining up toy cars. "I kept the cars in a large bucket and if he wanted one he had to ask for it," Brady said. "Initially it was just 'car,' then 'blue car,' then 'shiny blue car,' building language one car at a time." More cookies? It has taken about two years for Emily Ferguson's son Sammy to learn to use cards with pictures to communicate. The 8-year-old has severe autism, and speaks about three to seven words a month. He can't tell his mother when he's in pain, and she would give anything to have a conversation with him. But she celebrates that he is able to communicate about 30 food requests and 16 nonfood requests (play, go outside, etc.) through pictures. "I was tickled when Sammy realized he had no limit to the amount of times he could request cookies. For the first time, I felt like a 'normal' mother, because I had a child who was asking for something he wanted repeatedly, and he was getting the same answer ('No.')," Ferguson wrote in an e-mail. "It has been an amazing experience to see Sammy go from just crying to using pointing to giving others picture cards on sentence strips." Ferguson prays Sammy will find the communication tools that work best for him, "and that he will be able to share his thoughts and emotions with those around him. Until that day, I want the world to understand that my child is worth respecting, loving and cherishing." Talking at 9 . Cheri Smith's son, Bobby, knew about 50 words by the time he was 9, but his main form of communication was taking his parents by the hand to what he wanted. A behavioral therapist near their West Virginia home helped Smith understand that their son was physically capable of speaking more, with practice. For the first six months, therapist Sharon Holbert worked with Bobby on sitting properly in his seat, keeping his hands folded on the table (instead of hitting her) and his feet in front of him (instead of kicking her). There was a close link between behavior and talking: As he learned how to stay calm, he was able to learn more; as he became better at communicating, he grew more relaxed, Holbert said. "If you have a student who's hitting and screaming and kicking, you can't teach them anything. Once you get them to a place where they're ready to learn, then bam, you can do something," said Holbert, a board-certified behavior analyst. "His ability to learn was there. I think he figured out 'if I hit people, they probably will leave me alone.'" As they worked on identifying colors, numbers or letters, Holbert wouldn't acknowledge his response as correct unless he said it verbally. Smith copied the model at home. "If he wanted any food items, if he wanted a particular TV show that he liked, if he wanted to go outside, he had to ask verbally or he didn't get his want," Smith said. "Quickly it was just easier for him to say the word than it was to throw a fit." He can now verbally identify letters, colors, animals and some shapes, count up to 20 and say about 100 vocabulary words. He can answer simple questions and has gone from using single words to short sentences like, "I want rice cakes please," or mostly complete sentences like, "I want swim at the beach." "We went from being a family where our child was physically aggressive and having constant meltdowns to one that is enjoying experiencing the world through Bobby's eyes." He also has his own unique language, which his parents have come to appreciate, too. Bobby loves to go for car rides. When he wants his mom to turn down a particular road, "he will put on his own turn signal. He clicks his tongue and makes it sound exactly like a car's turn signal, and that is how I have known where he wants to go." ### SUMMARY:

Autism comes with communication struggles . CNN invited families to share their successes . "Learn to speak our language, and we will learn to speak yours"

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- The Sinjar Mountains rise suddenly from the endless desert of northern Iraq, a ridge of craggy rock some 50 kilometers (30 miles) long, running east to west. Barren and windswept, some 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) high, they make a forbidding sight. But for centuries, they have been the refuge of the desperate and a place of mystical importance. Last week, the mountains saw another influx, as tens of thousands of people tried to escape the rapid advance of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, which now calls itself the Islamic State. Many of them were Yazidis, fleeing the town of Sinjar and surrounding villages in convoys of dozens of vehicles. The lucky ones used smuggling routes to cross into Syria and back into Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Iraq. The less fortunate were either seized by ISIS militants or headed into the mountains. The Yazidi are an ancient religious sect -- mainly ethnic Kurds -- that worship an angel figure held by many Muslims to be the devil. ISIS has executed Yazidis who refuse to convert to its extreme ideology. By Sunday, according to Iraqi and Kurdish sources, as many as 20,000 had been able to leave the mountains -- perhaps half of those who had been stranded for nearly a week. U.N. agencies estimated late last week there were as many as 50,000 people in the mountains. Kurdish peshmerga forces appear to have secured an escape route, but a hazardous one with ISIS militants still roaming the area. According to some accounts, Syrian Kurds also helped people use parts of northeastern Syria under their control to reach Kurdish areas of northern Iraq. U.S. airstrikes Saturday against several armored personnel carriers used by ISIS in the area may have helped the escape. But President Obama acknowledged Saturday that securing safe passage for those still stranded would be "logistically complicated." Donatella Rovera of Amnesty International, who is in the region, spoke Sunday of families that had escaped, arriving in the town of Fishkhabour after a circuitous trek through Syria "in terrible condition, fainting from exhaustion." Some had told her that ISIS had abducted women and girls. Unless food and water reach those remaining, mainly on the southern slopes, they have an impossible choice between dying of dehydration and giving themselves up to ISIS. Daytime temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). Video of a Kurdish relief mission showed a helicopter landing with supplies on a barren scarp. Hundreds of desperate people ran toward it. Twenty lucky ones were able to scramble aboard for the return flight, many of them hysterical. A few dozen more have been picked up by Iraqi helicopters, which have also been bringing aid to the mountains. Photographs from last week showed thousands of people abandoning their vehicles before trekking to higher altitudes, carrying what they could. On the northern side of the range, Christians were also fleeing, as ISIS fighters pushed toward the mountains from two directions. A few took refuge in caves, according to those who have escaped. Many more wandered the boulder-strewn slopes. The U.S. Air Force has carried out three relief drops on successive nights since Thursday, which have included some 50,000 ready-to-eat meals. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the Pentagon had "pretty solid information" that of the 72 bundles dropped by C-17 and C-130 aircraft in the first mission, more than 60 had reached "the people who were trapped up there." Two more U.S. airdrops followed, the latest on Saturday night, as well as one by the Royal Air Force. The U.N. Children's Fund -- UNICEF -- estimates that at least 20 flights would be needed to keep the thousands trapped alive for a week. France is also planning aid drops. Crossroads of conflict . The Yazidis settled in the area around Sinjar in the 12th century. The mountains on which they now suffer had a special place in their beliefs. Yazidi tradition held that Noah's Ark had come to rest on the summit. As a minority, they are no strangers to conflict and persecution. Through the ages, cultures, religions and ethnicities have competed and clashed in this part of Iraq. In the early 19th century, the Kurds, Arabs and Yazidis all had different names for Sinjar. Kurdish fighters invaded Yazidi lands, killing hundreds. Frederick Forbes, a British colonial officer who visited the area in 1838, said the Yazidis had "kept the whole of the country between Mosul and Nisibin in a state of alarm" until being "pacified" by the Ottoman Empire. When he reached the town of Sinjar, Forbes found a fertile place fed by mountain streams, but the "ruins of many Mohammedan buildings" recalled earlier battles. Another colonial visitor, Gertrude Bell, wrote in the 1920s that "until a couple of years ago the Yezidis were ceaselessly at war with the Arabs and with everybody else." Everybody else included the Turkish army, which had tried to force the Yazidis to convert to Islam in the last few years of the 19th century, a story told by the traveler Oswald Hutton Parry in his "Six Months in a Syrian Monastery," written in 1895. After the Yazidis had been told to convert, Parry wrote, "none responded. Christianity they were less unready to accept; the Christians were their friends and fellow-sufferers. Islam had always cursed and persecuted them." So the Sultan sent troops commanded by his son to Yazidi villages. "The soldiers slew in all some five hundred men. ... The pretty women and girls he took captive, marrying them by force to his soldiers." The Yazidis did indeed see Christians as fellow sufferers. A hundred years ago, they helped Armenian Christians fleeing Turkey to settle in the shadow of the Sinjar Mountains, along with Chaldean and Syriac Catholics. But in the spring of 1918, Turkish forces arrived and destroyed the settlement as well as many Yazidi homes. For a while after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Yazidis were unsure whether they would end up as part of Iraq or Syria. Eventually, in 1933, an international commission placed Sinjar inside Iraq -- a decision by colonial overlords that would later haunt the Yazidis. During Saddam Hussein's rule, many of their settlements were razed and their inhabitants forced into "collective villages" as a buffer against the troublesome Kurds. As Matthew Barber writes in the blog Syria Comment, "Saddam bulldozed countless Yazidi towns until there was nothing left but gravel, and then forcibly moved their former inhabitants into collectives situated in locations that served his strategic interests." At least one of those collectives saw its population swell with refugees from Sinjar in recent days. Even after Hussein was overthrown, there was little peace for the Yazidis. Relations with Sunni Arabs remained tense, and after a 17-year old Yazidi girl in the town of Bashika was suspected of having a relationship with a Sunni teenager, extremists murdered more than 20 Yazidis. The girl was stoned to death by her own relatives for daring to have an "impure relationship" -- a so-called honor killing. At the time, the region was a stronghold of al Qaeda in Iraq and a conduit for militants arriving from Syria to fight U.S. forces. Suicide bombings in August 2007 targeted Yazidi communities in and around the town of Qahataniya, killing nearly 200 people. One U.S. military raid near Sinjar in October of that year uncovered hundreds of al Qaeda documents listing foreign fighters who had passed through the area. Now another -- much more powerful -- surge of Islamist militancy threatens the existence of one of the Middle East's most vulnerable peoples. ### SUMMARY:

Tens of thousands of people are trying to escape militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria . Many of them are Yazidis, who fled into the Sinjar Mountains last week . Members of the religious sect worship an angel figure held by many Muslims to be the devil . Sources say as many as 20,000 have been able to leave the mountains, but many remain .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 19:07 EST, 5 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:53 EST, 6 July 2012 . Someone in the Anthony house conducted several suicide-related searches on the family computer, including ‘fool-proof suffocation’ and ‘venturing into the pro-suicide pit’ on the day little Caylee Anthony vanished, Casey Anthony’s defence attorney Jose Baez said. The attorney revealed in his book entitled Presumed Guilty, Casey Anthony: The Inside Story, that the searches were conducted around an hour after Casey’s father George Anthony said she left the home. While last year’s trial famously revealed that the family computer also had searches for ‘chloroform,’ the suicide searches were not revealed, Baez said, because they were discovered after the fact. Casey Anthony's defense attorney: Jose Baez gestures as he speaks about his just-published book Presumed Guilty, Casey Anthony: The Inside Story almost a year to the day she was acquitted . One year on: Casey was sensationally acquitted by a jury last July 5, left, and walked free from jail just over a week later, right . He told Good Morning America: ‘I have . a hard time believing that law enforcement wouldn’t check the internet . history of the day that the child went missing. That would have been . bombshell evidence in the trial if it had come out.’ Jose Baez, Casey Anthony's defense lawyer, has written a tell-all book about the case . Prosecutors claimed Anthony . suffocated Caylee with duct tape so she could spend time with her . boyfriend and be free for Orlando's nightlife. Baez said during the trial - repeated . again in his book - that Caylee accidentally drowned in a family . swimming pool and that her father, George Anthony, hid the body. Baez . also claimed George Anthony sexually abused his daughter. George Anthony denied both . allegations, and there was little brought up about them during the . trial. Baez said the defence wasn't required to put on any such evidence . because proving the case is the prosecution's burden, not the other way . around. George Anthony tried to commit . suicide in January 2009, and was found in a Daytona Beach hotel after . overdosing on prescription drugs. A five-page suicide note was also . discovered at the hotel. Baez told GMA that it was hard to . determine who in the Anthony family conducted what searches on January . 16, 2008, but said it was possible to infer who searched what, based on . the terms searched. For instance, one of the terms . searched was ‘foolproof suffocation.’ Baez noted that the terms were . spelled incorrectly, and that George struggled with good spelling. He wrote in his book: ‘By looking at . the websites being researched, all concerned with suicide and death, it . certainly appears that the one who felt the blame was a guilt-ridden . George Anthony.’ Evidence and testimony showed that . Anthony was a habitual liar, even making up fake friends and pretending . every day to go to a job she didn't have. Baez was asked whether . Anthony's lies surrounding her daughter's disappearance might be . indicative that she was guilty. Troubled: Casey's father, George Anthony, seen in court last June, attempted suicide in 2009; Baez pontificates that the suicide searches could have been his . Counsel: Defence attorney Jose Baez talks to . Casey Anthony during her trial when the jury heard her father say . her car smelled of human decomposition. Baez revealed in his book he also thought he could smell a dead body . Innocent: Mystery surrounds the cause of Caylee Anthony's death after her mother was acquitted of her murder one year ago today . 'I don't think the lies are . indicative of innocence or guilt,' he said. 'The lies were there long . before Caylee passed away.' In the book, he says Anthony had built a . 'fantasy world,' and her lies weren't evidence of guilt but signs of . someone with 'serious mental health issues.' Baez said one piece of prosecution . evidence he was most concerned about was that police cadaver dogs had . indicated a body may have been in the trunk of Anthony's car at one . point and also that a body may have been in the backyard. None was . discovered in the backyard and there was nothing but rotting bags of . trash in the trunk. But, he said, people - and jurors - believe in dogs. 'That concerned me a little bit. Most people really think dogs can do magic,' Baez said. He also strongly considered early in the case whether she should plead guilty to . a lesser charge to avoid the death penalty if convicted of murdering . her two-year-old daughter Caylee, but Anthony adamantly insisted she had . nothing to do with the toddler's death. New Look: The last time the public saw Casey was when this video was released in October. She is said to be living in Palm Beach, Florida . 'Found': West Palm Beach, Florida, where Casey Anthony is reported to be staying with a friend . Baez said . prosecutors offered in 2008 to allow Anthony to plead guilty to . aggravated manslaughter of a child and serve up to 13 years in prison. He said that in those early days he thought taking it might be in . Anthony's best interest. 'There were times, difficult times, . when the evidence didn't look good for Casey,' Baez said, adding that it . was his obligation as a lawyer to convey any such plea offers. The prosecution's flaw, he added, was . that regarding the car search the dog and handler were focused only on . Anthony's vehicle and did not include others in a lineup to give the dog . options. Overall, Baez attributed the strong . public backlash against the jury's verdict to a lack of understanding . about the judicial system and because 'a lot of people bought into the . hype' that Anthony must have been guilty. He noted that jurors who gave . media interviews after the trial said they waited for weeks for strong . evidence that never came. 'We need to talk about whether an actual murder occurred,' he said. 'That's where the focus should have been, and it never was.' Baez declined to comment on what . Anthony is doing these days and on how often he talks to her. He said he . promised her confidentiality when she agreed that he could write his . book, in which she did not participate. Anthony is living in an . undisclosed location in Florida serving probation for an unrelated . conviction, which Baez said ends on August 21. Parents: George and Cindy Anthony both lied to cover up what really happened to Caylee, claims Baez . 'She's doing a lot better than she was in prison,' Baez said, but then added: 'She's a prisoner of her own freedom.' Anthony, he said, 'would not . entertain it for a second'. As he became more familiar with the state's . mostly circumstantial case, Baez said he grew convinced she would be . acquitted by a jury – as she was a year ago today of all charges except . for four misdemeanors of lying to investigators. 'There was nothing in the trial that . ever made me think Casey was guilty of anything as related to the . murder,' Baez said. 'Every single piece of evidence favored us.' In his book, Baez also lashes out at . several entities - calling the media a 'monster', the police 'careless' and the prosecution 'scheming and ruthless'. He wrote: 'This was not real life, it was the media's Casey Anthony . reality show, a show that depended on name-calling and controversy for . television ratings.' He told CBS' Crimesider: 'I think Casey Anthony's story, the whole case, was a media phenomenon. And I say that because she was young, pretty and white. 'If it didn't have those elements to it I don't think it would have taken off.' Prosecutors claimed Anthony . suffocated Caylee with duct tape so she could spend time with her . boyfriend and be free for Orlando's nightlife. ### SUMMARY:

Former defence attorney Jose Baez reveals in new book that there were also suicide searches on Anthony family computer . He speculates they could have been from Casey Anthony's father George . On July 5, 2011, a jury sensationally acquitted Anthony of all three charges which together carried the death penalty .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Richard Shears . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 21 October 2011 . The British-born prime minister of Australia has been accused of disrespect over her failure to curtsey to the Queen. Julia Gillard, who is in favour of Australia becoming a republic, said curtseying is ‘just not me’. Instead she shook the Queen’s hand when the monarch arrived in Canberra at the start of a demanding ten-day tour. She also drew criticism for not wearing a hat. Scroll down to see a video of the Queen's arrival . Look, no hat: Julia Gillard fails to curtsey and shakes the Queen's hand as the monarch arrives in Canberra at the start of her 11-day tour . Welcome: Miss Gillard, left, a staunch republican, greets the Queen and Prince Philip. Australian Governor General Quentin Bryce, in pink, who was also there to greet the monarch, did curtsey . Show of respect: Governor General Bryce curtseyed to both the Queen and Prince Philip at a later meeting . By contrast Australia’s governor . general, Quentin Bryce – who was born in Brisbane – curtseyed to both . the Queen and Prince Philip. Miss Gillard, 50, was born in Wales and moved to Australia with her parents when she was four. Asked on Melbourne radio whether she . believed curtseying was demeaning, she said: ‘Some things are you, some . things aren’t. I made a choice and I thought I would feel most . comfortable with bowing my head. The advice was to do what comes most . comfortably and naturally.’ Miss Gillard is far from being the first public figure to have breached protocol with respect to the Queen. A rule concerning the sovereign has been set in stone for generations. 'Whatever you do, don't touch the Queen,' courtiers are apt to warn. But during . a G20 reception at Buckingham Palace in 2009, Michelle Obama put her . hand around the Queen for about 10 seconds . Finding . herself next to Mrs Obama, the Queen had remarked on their height . difference. As she did so, her hand edged towards the small of Mrs . Obama's back. Mrs Obama responded - and even rubbed the Queen's shoulder . - before both women moved gently apart. The Queen and Michelle Obama put their arms around one another during a G20 meeting at Buckingham Palace . The Lizard of Oz: Paul Keating touched the Queen in 1992 . In May, during the Queen's first official visit to the Republic of Ireland, Irish president Mary McAleese, like Miss Gillard, greeted the Queen with a simple handshake. Miss Gillard, however, is not even the first  Australian prime minister to have breached royal protocol. In . 1992 Paul Keating was given the nickname of 'Lizard of Oz' after he . touched the Queen's lower back with his arm as he guided her through a . crowd of people. In 2000 another Australian premier, John Howard, denied touching the monarch as he introduced her to MPs at a VIP reception. Faux pas: Don Romero broke royal protocol in 2010 by putting his hand on the Queen's back . Last . year, while visiting Canada, racehorse owner Don Romeo put his hand on . her back as she handed a trophy to the owner of the winning horse at the . Queen's Plate Stakes in Toronto. His . breach of protocol was swiftly corrected, however, when his . Jockey, Eurico Da Silva, executed two bows so low that his head was . level with the Queen's  waist. So how should one behave? There . are no obligatory codes of behaviour when meeting the Queen or members . of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe tradition. For men this is a neck bow (from the head only) whilst women execute a small . curtsey. For those who prefer, it is in fact perfectly acceptable simply to shake hands. On presentation to the Queen, the correct formal address is 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am'. For male royals the same rules apply, with the . title used in the first instance being 'Your Royal Highness' and . subsequently 'Sir'. For other female members of the Royal Family the first address is . conventionally 'Your Royal Highness' followed by 'Ma'am'. Source: www.royal.gov.uk . Mr Romeo's actions were swiftly forgotten about when his jockey performed an elaborate bow . In the pink: The Queen smiles in the sunshine with Floriade head gardener Andrew Forster at the flower festival in Canberra today, the second day of the royal visit to Australia . Flower girl: The Queen meets six-year-old Lilly Haskins, whose elder sister saved her life. Right, the Queen radiant in the sunshine with the Duke of Edinburgh . Royal voyage: The crew of the royal barge salute as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh disembark for their visit to the Floriade Festival . On the water: The Queen and Prince Philip are ferried across Lake Burley Griffin to the Floriade festival . The royal couple were ferried across the laike aboard the Admiral's Barge, built in Brisbane in 1993 to the design of the official royal barge . Julia Gillard, the leader of the Australian Labor government, was born in Wales and moved to Australia with her parents when she was six. Last year Miss Gillard, pictured, indicated that when the Queen dies, her party should start the process of making the country a republic. Despite public opinion being divided over the question of severing all ties with the monarch, she said the Queen should be the country's final monarch. Miss Gillard, 50, said: 'What I would like to see as prime minister is that we work our way through to an agreement on a model for the republic. I think the appropriate time for this nation to move to be a republic is when we see the monarch change.' The issue is a contentious one for Australians, many of whom are British immigrants or descendants who still feel strong loyalty to Britain and the Queen. Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies. As head of state in Australia, the British monarch serves a largely symbolic and ceremonial function, and is represented by the governor-general. In a referendum in 1999 the idea of a republic was rejected by 54 per cent of the population. The royal website, which gives . official advice on how to behave when meeting the Queen, states that . there are ‘no obligatory codes of behaviour – just courtesy’. It does say that many people wish to . observe the traditional forms of greeting and suggests curtseying for . women and bowing for men as appropriate. Republicans have pointed out that . other prominent women have also decided that a handshake is more . appropriate. Cherie Blair declined to curtsey to the Queen and wore . trousers on a visit to Balmoral in 1997. William Hanson, a British etiquette . and protocol expert, told Sydney’s 3AW radio that Miss Gillard should . have curtseyed  and worn a hat. ‘She is your prime minister, she is . representing the people, but the Queen  tops her, so as a sign of . respect, whatever  her opinion on the monarchy is, she should have . curtseyed. ‘Whatever you believe about the . monarchy, if you don’t curtsey, you don’t bow, it’s not going to bring . down the monarchy. You’re not making some grand gesture that’s going to . shake it to its core. It’s just a bit churlish not to do it.’ Matthew Archer, deputy chairman of the . Victoria branch of the Australian Monarchist League, described Miss . Gillard’s choice of a handshake as ‘rude and impolite’. As the controversy took over social . websites, prominent Australian TV host  Lisa Wilkinson tweeted: ‘Small . thing: saw GG [governor general] curtsey to Queen  but not the PM. Anyone know background to that?’ Crowds of well wishers wait for the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at Floriade wharf for the flower show . But Miss Gillard insisted she had done . nothing wrong, pointing out that she was an admirer of the Queen and . believed many Australians held her with a great deal of affection and . respect – ‘and so do I’. She added: ‘I mean, what a life, what . an incredible life she’s lived over so many generations of change and to . see someone play such a steadfast role over so much change, I think, is . remarkable.’ ### SUMMARY:

Julia Gillard, a self-confessed republican, chose to bow instead . She was greeting the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on their 11-day tour . Monarchist describes Gillard's actions as 'churlish' and lacking respect .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Judge James Dabney is 'concerned' that New York lawyer Mark Heller isn't prepared to represent her . Lindsay - who was present at pre-trial - either has to get another lawyer or she has to come into court and waive her right to a competent California lawyer . He vehemently blocks Heller's attempt to put back trial from March 18 to April 1 . 'In the interest of justice, my client needs that time,' Heller maintained . By . Amelia Proud . PUBLISHED: . 13:00 EST, 1 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:09 EST, 1 March 2013 . 'Give her leeway to show that she's worth of compassion,' Mark Heller pleaded with Judge James Dabney this morning in a bid to get Lindsay Lohan's latest criminal case thrown out. The New York based lawyer even played the victim card, telling Judge James Dabney that 'there seems to be some doubt as to whether Lohan is entitled to some mercy because of her history with this department.' But the judge wasn't buying it, and he steadfastly refused to allow Heller to persuade him to move the trial date from March 18 to April 1. Unsuitable? Judge Dabney told Lindsay Lohan's lawyer that he was not versed sufficiently in California law to represent her properly at trial as he threw his attempts to have lying to police claims thrown out during this morning's pre-trial hearing . Noting that it was also April Fools' Day, Dabney pointed out that April 1st is a court holiday and said he saw no merit in postponing the reckoning. He also questioned Heller's suitability to represent Lohan, 26, as it seemed to the judge as though the lawyer - who admitted he'd practised in New York for 44 years - wasn't completely versed in California law. Heller began by questioning 'particulars', in short - he wanted to know where certain statements attributed by Lohan were made after the the June crash relating to the lying allegations. Did Lohan - who is accused of lying to cover up the fact that she was driving recklessly - make her statement at the scene, or at hospital or to police at a later date? Slammed: Heller obviously feels strongly about helping Lindsay but his preparation and suitability was questioned by the judge in court on Friday . The judge told Heller that he saw no need to discuss these details until trial, and added emphatically that this was all in accordance with California law. He added that Heller had not prepared adequately given his lack of competence in California law, which meant prosecutor Terry White's trial date remained in place. He told Heller his concerns about police not reading Lindsay her Miranda rights were of no concern, either, as Lindsay's fourth amendment rights had not been violated. Dabney also emphasized to Heller that he needs to take local guidance before trial and that Lindsay will suffer if she doesn't have a legal team who fully understand California law. Her father Michael was, as always, quick to comment on the matter to TMZ, he said: 'This guy is a loser and will drag her down. 'I already started to pray to God that Lindsay fires him before it's too late,' he added before explaining he has another lawyer lined up. Back at court: Lindsay Lohan appears at a hearing with her attorney Mark Heller on January 30, 2013 . Lohan was on probation at the time of the accident and she . faces jail time if a judge determines she violated her sentence in a 2011 theft . case. It has been reported that prosecutors offered her a 'no jail' deal if she agreed to return to rehab, but she rejected it. According to TMZ, . the Mean Girls star does not believe she has a substance abuse problem . that warrants the condition and is risking instead to take the case to . trial. The website reports that Heller had a telephone conference with prosecutors on Wednesday to discuss the terms of the bargain. Prosecutors were apparently asking for 'a significant amount of time in a residential rehab facility'. Earlier reports suggested the plea bargain stipulates she must enroll in rehab for at least 60 days, attend AA meetings and undertake community service. Heller reportedly did not accept the offer, although the insider says 'negotiations are ongoing'. Lohan is said to be against the idea of going back to rehab entirely, looking at the condition as 'punishment for something I didn't do'. Facing the music: Heller's pleas for 'compassion' and 'mercy' fell on deaf ears and Lindsay will face trial on March 18 . Details of the apparent deal surfaced after the New York-based attorney sent an emotional letter pleading with prosecutors to help the 'deeply broken' actress. Heller reveals that Lindsay is undergoing extensive psychiatric therapy and is struggling to overcome a history of family issues, and urges Santa Monica and Los Angeles City Attorneys Terry White and Spencer Hart to join forces with him to become the team that 'fix' the actress. Sent on February 4 and obtained by TMZ, the letter was also sent to the judge presiding over the case. Heller, who came onto the case after Lohan fired her long-term attorney, Shawn Holley, earlier this year, wrote the prosecutors need to understand that his client's problems are even deeper than what is publicly known. On her way: Lindsay Lohan and her mother Dina head to the car crash case pre-trial hearing on January 30 . 'I have known Lindsay for many years and have witnessed the dynamics of her family and her experiences that are not known to general public, and which have deeply impacted her and resulted in certain events in her life that has bought her before the Court and derivatively to your attention and professional assessment,' he is quoted. 'Yet, as I noted at our meeting these prior events and their portrayal in the media, regrettably always results in distortion, creating a very negative public persona without consideration of what happened in Lindsay's life that bought her to that place and without considering the pain, torment and confusion which Lindsay has experienced and been affected with.' The lawyer promises, alongside Lindsay's psychotherapist, to reveal just how bad things have become for the Parent Trap actress as he says that without knowing, the prosecutors are 'handicapped because he could you propose to fix something without known just how broken it was'. 'The only way we as a "team" are going to formulate a solution is for Lindsay, her Psychotherapist and I provide a true window revealing the real problems we must solve,' the letter reportedly continues. Family drama: Lohan's lawyer has apparently pleaded with prosecutors to join him in helping to 'fix' the actress in light of her personal issues, stemming from her relationships with father Michael Lohan, left, and Dina Lohan, right . Heller appeals to the prosecutors to consider alternatives to Lohan's previous sentences - including a lengthy probation in 2011 for stealing a necklace, which is now in jeopardy in light of the new criminal charges. 'Which is why I appeal to your good conscious to join me in not rubber stamping this case but rather to be patient and understanding and open to productive alternatives as we, as a team, help fix Lindsay Lohan,' the letter continues. The case is not Lohan's only legal worry. The actress earlier this week was fined $1000 for failing to make herself available in a civil case deposition, RadarOnline reported. Lohan was repetitively requested to attend a deposition in the civil case bought by photographer Grigor Baylan, who filed the civil lawsuit claiming he was injured when a car that the actress was riding in hit him in 2010. The actress claimed to be out of state but was in California for her criminal cases pre-trial, according to the website. She could face a reported 245 days in jail if she is found guilty in the criminal case. A spokesman for Lohan has not yet responded to MailOnline's request for comment. ### SUMMARY:

Judge James Dabney is 'concerned' that New York lawyer Mark Heller isn't prepared to represent her . Lindsay - who was present at pre-trial - either has to get another lawyer or she has to come into court and waive her right to a competent California lawyer . He vehemently blocks Heller's attempt to put back trial from March 18 to April 1 . 'In the interest of justice, my client needs that time,' Heller maintained .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . James Chapman . PUBLISHED: . 05:09 EST, 30 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:05 EST, 31 January 2013 . 'We love each other': Mr Clegg said he and his wife Miriam didn't get married because they were offered £3 a week . Nick Clegg prompted Conservative anger last night as he poured scorn on ‘odd’ proposals for tax breaks for married couples, saying a few pounds  a week would not encourage people  to get hitched. The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed he would not support Tory plans to recognise marriage in the tax system, insisting: ‘You don’t need the taxman to tell you whether you should get married or not.’ David Cameron is today expected to restate his ‘absolute commitment’ to introducing tax breaks for married couples, while indicating that they are not likely to be unveiled until next year’s Budget. But his Liberal Democrat deputy, who . will join Labour in opposing the measure, said yesterday: ‘If you say to . someone, “Oh, wouldn’t it be nice to be given some help to get . married?”, they’d go, “Oh, that’s a good idea”. ‘But if you think about it a bit more . it would be odd, wouldn’t it, to say people who chose not to get . married have to pay higher tax. ‘That’s why my party doesn’t support the idea of a transferable tax allowance for  married couples. ‘The more people will look at this, . the more they will think . . . why should you be giving, whatever it is, . £3 a week to married couples?’ Tory MPs expressed alarm that Mr Clegg was denouncing the idea in such terms, given his party’s commitment to abstain. Stewart Jackson, MP for Peterborough, said: ‘This is just part of the sneering, liberal view of people that do the right thing. ‘We know Nick Clegg is not very good . at following the details of the coalition agreement but if he has such a . big problem with this issue, why didn’t they say they would vote . against?’ Witham MP Priti Patel added: ‘Only . someone from a privileged background like his could be as dismissive as . he is of £3 a week. He shows a complete disregard and lack of . understanding of regular families.’ David Cameron is being urged by some Tory MPs to use the promise to introduce a marriage tax allowance to buy off opponents of gay marriage plans . Nick Clegg used his weekly phone-in to argue against a marriage tax allowance . Tory MPs say the need to introduce . the marriage tax break is more urgent than ever, given that the . Government is preparing to unveil support for working women to help pay . for childcare. A minister admitted the plans could penalise stay-at-home . mothers. Lord Newby, a Treasury spokesman in the Lords, admitted there could be problems associated with a ‘tax relief-based scheme’. The Lord Bishop of Chester Peter . Forster asked Lord Newby whether it would be ‘unfair to introduce this . tax relief for working parents with children while denying effective tax . relief through transferable allowances to those parents who choose to . stay at home with young children and who are currently penalised through . the tax system’. Lord Newby replied: ‘Obviously one of . the problems with simply having a tax relief-based scheme is the one . that the right reverend prelate refers to. That is why we are looking at . a number of options, some of which are tax based and others of which . are not.’ Mr Clegg, conducting his weekly radio phone-in on LBC radio, conceded that marriage was ‘incredibly important’. ‘I mean, marriage is the best thing . that’s ever happened to me, but I tell you, Miriam and I didn’t get . married because we got offered £3 a week. We got married thankfully . because we love each other and that’s what most people’s views are about . marriage.’ Culture Secretary Maria Miller, left, has said recognising marriage in the tax system is 'important' while Tory MP for Portsmouth North Penny Mordaunt, right, has challenged ministers on the progress of the policy . Under Mr Cameron’s plans, it is . expected that one member of a married couple or those in civil . partnerships would be allowed to transfer £750 of their tax-free . personal allowance to their partner, reducing their partner’s tax bill. This would be worth £150 a year to basic-rate taxpayers. The coalition agreement struck . between the Tories and the Lib Dems committed the Government to . introducing the allowance, but gave the Lib Dems special permission to . abstain. That means that even with Labour voting against, it should . still pass into law. - MORE than a third of working . mothers want to quit their jobs to look after their children, a major . government-funded study found yesterday. The survey, conducted among 6,350 parents for the Department for . Education, also revealed that rising numbers of mothers are deciding to . stay at home, either by choice or because of spiralling childcare costs. The proportion of mothers with full-time or part-time jobs has fallen . from 63 per cent to 60 per cent in just a year. ANALYSIS: By James Slack and Daniel Martin . Another year; another Nick Clegg attack on proposals to support marriage through the tax system. The Lib Dem leader first derided the Tory idea in late 2010, saying it was equivalent to taking the ‘1950s model of suit-wearing, bread-winning dad and aproned, home-making mother, and trying to preserve it in aspic’. But far from being backward-looking, giving tax breaks to married couples would merely bring Britain in line with the rest of Europe – something one might think would appeal to Mr Clegg’s Europhile tendencies. Under our system, married couples are actually punished financially – with experts estimating that most married couples with children are losing £100 a week compared to single parents who live alone. Europe is divided into two groups on the issue. The first offers married couples either transferrable tax allowances that can be swapped between spouses, or tax credits that are shared between a married couple. The countries in this system include Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Spain. The second group favours income-splitting, in which the income of the husband and wife is added together then divided into two for tax purposes. If the wife doesn’t work, or works part-time, this can bring a significant reduction in the husband’s tax liability. This system is used in Estonia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Switzerland. Here we look at how marriage is recognised in the tax system of  four EU countries: . FRANCE . Families are taxed as a unit, rather than individually as in the UK. The tax allowances – the amount they can earn without being taxed – refer to the whole family rather than each member. It means a mother who stays at home to look after her children will not lose out because the family’s tax allowance would be the same if she went to work. GERMANY . Couples can decide to be taxed either individually or jointly. If they decide to pay tax jointly, their tax allowances are doubled – whether or not they are both working. Child tax credits are doubled if the couple decide to be taxed jointly. It means that a mother who decides to stay at home to look after her children will not lose out. Married couples also get help with mortgages, cheaper health insurance and get tax relief if they make repairs to their home. And, to encourage young mothers to stay at home, they are paid a child-rearing allowance until the child is two. ITALY . Italy has a system of individual tax registration, meaning everyone gets the same allowances, regardless of their marital arrangements. However, marriage is recognised in the system because there are tax credits for spouses – meaning families get something back from the State if they are married or cohabit. It also means that when a mother stays at home to look after her children, the family will not lose out. SPAIN . The tax allowance for married couples filing jointly is higher than the allowance for unmarried or separated individuals with dependent children. This means there is a cash incentive for those who stay together and agree to be taxed together. ### SUMMARY:

Deputy Prime Minister confirms he will not support Tory policy . Told audience he and wife Miriam got married 'because we love each other' not for tax break during weekly radio phone-in . Tory MPs alarmed given Lib Dem commitment to abstain in vote .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Rob Preece . PUBLISHED: . 23:09 EST, 22 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:49 EST, 23 July 2012 . Planes have begun dropping water on forests in Spain in an attempt to put out two raging wildfires which have killed four people, injured more than 100 and forced thousands of residents to stay indoors. Dash air tankers are collecting water from a reservoir and using it to fight the fires which have devastated large parts of Catalonia, in the north-east of the country. A teenage girl and her father died after they jumped into the sea from a 165ft cliff in a desperate attempt to escape the blazes. Scroll down for video . Emergency: Dash air tankers descend to collect water from the Boadellas reservoir near the village of Darnius in Figueres, Spain . Wildfires have been raging through north-eastern Spain. Four people have died and 100 others injured as firefighters battled to douse them . Flames forced the French pair, three . family members, and about 150 other tourists out of their vehicles as . most were returning home. The group scrambled down hillsides toward the beach in the Costa Brava town of Portbou, said Deputy Mayor Elisabet Cortaba. The family of five got separated from . the rest of the group on their way down and ended up at the cliff edge . with no way out as the fire advanced, fanned by heavy winds. ‘The fire started to close in on them . and they couldn’t climb up or climb down,’ the mayor said, after . speaking with witnesses. ‘The only way out was to jump into the sea.’ The 60-year-old father died instantly after landing on rocks, and his 15-year-old daughter drowned, she said. The mother was in a critical . condition yesterday with a back injury, but the son and other daughter . did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Police said the blaze at Portbou was probably sparked by someone throwing a lit cigarette out of a car along a small road inundated by vehicles heading to France. Two other people were also killed by . the fires, which have burned across 35 square miles, including one man . who had a heart attack tackling flames around his home in Llers. The fires, fanned by strong winds, have caused transport chaos as they swept through parts of Catalonia, . forcing the suspension of train services in Alto Ampurdan and the . closure of several cross-border roads linking Barcelona with France. Mission: Planes are dropping water on forests in Catalonia in an attempt to put out the blazes which have caused four deaths and injured 100 . Challenging: Strong winds have hindered efforts to control the blazes in north-eastern Spain . Effort: A plane collects water in its attempt to fight the forest fires raging in the border area between France and northern Catalonia . A man had a heart attack and died while trying to put out the flames engulfing his home and a father and daughter died when they tried to escape . More than eighty crews attended the fires in ller near La Junquera, close to the Spanish-French border. They struggled to keep them under control . Some 15 other people, including an eight year-old girl, were taken to hospital after they also jumped off the cliff to avoid being burned . A firefighter battles to extinguish the flames while more than 140,000 people have been ordered to remain in their homes. Motorists are also being warned to take care on the roads . State broadcaster TVE said efforts were being made to reach the occupants of cars forced to stop on the highway to avoid driving into sections swept by flames . Santiago Villa, mayor of Figueres, which houses the famous Salvador Dali museum, said he had ordered the city's 44,000 residents to stay indoors until further notice . More than 140,000 . people in the region have been ordered to remain in their homes and 80 . fire crews have been deployed to fight the fires, which appear to have . started close to the border with France. 'The . situation on the roads of the area is very complicated,' the fire . service said in a statement, which added that the main highway linking . Spain with France through La Jonquera had been closed. State broadcaster TVE said efforts . were being made to reach the occupants of cars forced to stop on the . highway to avoid driving into sections swept by flames. The fire service said the flames had spread through about 32,000 acres. Santiago . Villa, mayor of Figueres, which houses the famous Salvador Dali museum, . said he had ordered the city's 44,000 residents to stay indoors until . further notice. The . Spanish Interior Ministry said it had sent three specially equipped . aircraft and an emergency unit from Zaragoza to aid Catalan . firefighters. But the aircraft were being hampered by the high winds. Spain's . rail company Renfe confirmed that the fires had forced the cancellation . of international high-speed train services linking Catalonia with . France using the Portbou and Pertus tunnels through the Pyrenees . mountains. A . north wind called the Tramontana is commonly seen in mountainous . northeastern Spain and its strong gusts, which can often exceed 100 mph, . can spread fires rapidly across the heavily forested area. The Spanish Interior Ministry said it had sent three specially equipped aircraft and an emergency unit from Zaragoza to aid Catalan firefighters . The aircraft sent to help extinguish the flames are being hampered by high winds but will continue in their efforts to try and put out the flames . Spain's rail company Renfe confirmed that the fires had forced the cancellation of international high-speed train services linking Catalonia with France using the Portbou and Pertus tunnels through the Pyrenees mountains . A north wind called the Tramontana is commonly seen in mountainous northeastern Spain and its strong gusts, which can often exceed 100 mph, can spread fires rapidly across the heavily forested area . Some motorists were being warned to stop driving and wait for help as fires raged across the north-Eastern region of Spain . Two of the victims were a 60-year-old man and his 15-year-old daughter, who had been traveling on a road near Portbou. Another man died after having a heart attack while trying to extinguish flames engulfing his home . Some 15 other people, including an eight year-old girl, were taken to hospital after they also jumped off the cliff to avoid being burned to death . The situation on the roads of the area is very complicated,' the fire service said in a statement, which added that the main highway linking Spain with France through La Jonquera had been closed . Firefighters dressed in protective gear and masks battle to keep the raging fires under control. More than 80 crews were dispatched and are being assisted by air crews . Raging: A wildfire approaches trucks in La Jonquera, Catalonia. Three people were killed as they tried to avoid the flames . Out of control: Smoke billows from the forest near the highway in La Jonquera . Tragedy: Twenty-four people were injured, including eight reported to be in a serious condition . Battle: Firefighters try to extinguish a wildfire Llers, where a man died of a heart attack while attempting to keep flames from his home . Fierce: The fires broke out near the French-Spanish border . Ferocious: Flames leap as a firefighter attempts to put out the fire . Blazing: A wildfire destroys the forest near La Junquera . A flock of 500 sheep were burned during one of the wildfires which took hold in Ller near La Junquera close to the Spanish-French border . Danger: Three people were killed and at least two dozen injured, but residents were urged to stay in their homes . Chaos: The fires caused major disruption on Catalonia's roads as sections of highways became impassable . Heat: The fires spread quickly as they were fanned by strong winds. Gusts in the region can often exceed 100mph . ### SUMMARY:

Dash air tankers collect water from reservoir and use it to fight blazes in border area between France and northern Catalonia in Spain . Man died of a heart attack while dousing flames around his home in Llers . Father and daughter were killed when they jumped into the sea to escape fires on a road near Portbou . Some 140,000 residents of the region have been urged to stay indoors .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Guy Adams . PUBLISHED: . 16:01 EST, 5 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:00 EST, 6 July 2013 . A Ferrari 599 sits outside a designer clothes store near Sloane Square in London. These powerful supercars, which go from zero to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and can reach 205mph, are designed to turn heads. But this one is a real attention-seeker: its bodywork has been wrapped in black velvet.Perhaps you could call it a Furrari. As a statement of untrammelled wealth, this motor takes some beating. Normal 599s start at £212,000, but customised versions cost hundreds of thousands more. And when that black velvet gets spattered with dirt or mud, you can’t take it to a car-wash. Instead, every inch needs to be shampooed and hand-brushed by a team of flunkies. Scroll down for video . Ramadan racer: This Ferrari is bound to grab attention with its velvet-covered roof . Touchy-feely: Passers-by in a posh part of London were stunned when they saw a 205mph Ferrari which had been wrapped in velvet . But for the Middle Eastern owner seen helping his leggy girlfriend and her luxury shopping bags into the passenger seat this week, the motor, with its customised vehicular dinner jacket, is exactly what he needs to keep up with the Joneses. In recent years, around the time of Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, and the Lord’s Test, the streets of Central London have played host to an extremely modern addition to the time-honoured calendar of the summer social season. To those in the know, it’s called the ‘Ramadan Rush’. In the weeks before and after the Muslim holy month of fasting, which this year begins on Tuesday, thousands of young and spectacularly wealthy residents of oil-rich Gulf states flock to our capital, seeking an escape from the oppressive heat and (whisper it quietly) conservative laws and social customs of their home countries. And unlike other holidaymakers, they don’t turn up with a couple of suitcases and a carrier bag full of duty free. Instead, the glamorous ‘Gulfies’ charter entire cargo jets to fly over their collection of customised supercars. Costly: A £1 million Qatari registered Pagani Huayra and an orange Lamborghini . Shimmering: A £2 million Bugatti Veron car that has been flown over to London by rich Arabs who spend June in London shopping ahead of Ramadan . Speedster: A £1 million Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport . This weekend the streets around the luxury hotels of Park Lane and the posh shops of Knightsbridge will be clogged with bespoke Lamborghinis, Bugattis, and McLarens, along with rarer brands of high-octane sports cars with names such as Koenigsegg, Pagani and Saleen. You can spot the Ramadan Rushers from their overseas number-plates, often in Arabic. Most come from Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and are in the UK for just a few weeks at a time (any foreign vehicle in Britain for longer than six months must be registered with the DVLA in Swansea, and carry British plates). Their arrival draws supercar enthusiasts from across Britain and Europe, along with a tribe of photographers and videographers known as the ‘Carparrazzi’, who run websites carrying footage of the most outrageously-designed vehicles. Among the extraordinary cars catching the Carparrazzi’s eyes this year has been a customised blue-and-white Bugatti Veyron from Saudi Arabia worth an estimated £1.6 million and known by the nickname L’Or Blanc, or White Gold. The ostentatious 250mph vehicle, which was also in London last year, has bodywork inlaid with delicate, highly polished white porcelain. Watch for the ticket! A Dubai registered Bugatti Veyron, the fastest and most expensive production car in the world . Another world: A £1.6 million Saudi-registered Bugatti Veyron L'or Blanc . Take your pick: Two Qatar-registered Hamann-tuned BMWs with a Lamborghini Aventador sandwiched in the middle . Also making waves is a Pagani Huarya which is believed to be owned by a twentysomething member of Qatar’s ruling Al-Thani family. The vehicle, which retails for £880,000, is one of a small fleet imported this year by the Al-Thanis, whose affection for London appears to be un-dented by a headline-making incident three years ago when their turquoise Lamborghini and a Koenigsegg were clamped outside Harrods. Yet the Arab invasion isn’t good news for everyone. As the Ramadan Rush has grown in popularity, so too have tensions between the Rushers and locals. The problem is noise. Specifically the sheer volume of the roar that visiting supercars make on quiet backstreets — day and night. ‘Even when they are stationary, revving their engines, we get woken up,’ complained Panda Morgan-Thomas, the chairman of the Knightsbridge Residents Association, when we spoke yesterday. ‘Last night I was woken at 3am. I get inundated with complaints from neighbours at this time of year. It’s difficult to live a normal life when you are deprived of sleep for weeks on end.’ Residents are also concerned by the allegedly dangerous manner in which many ‘Gulfies’ drive. YouTube contains clips of, among other things, a Lamborghini Aventador performing a full-throttle ‘power slide’ at speeds of around 80mph, around the corner of a leafy Belgravia street last year. In 2010, another car, also a Lamborghini, wrecked four parked cars in Lowdnes Square, Knightsbridge, after spinning out of control. Its driver and passenger, both from Abu Dhabi, were arrested. ‘At some point,’ adds Morgan-Thomas, ‘someone is going to get seriously hurt.’ Hey big spender: A £500,000 Qatari-registered Mercedes McLaren SLR 'Mansory Renovation' Colourful: A Lamborghini Aventador, which was seized on Wilton Place in Knightsbridge by police for being driven illegally without insurance . Concern over noise and dangerous driving by Arab visitors inspired the Channel 4 documentary Millionaire Boy Racers earlier this year. It raised an interesting conundrum: for while Gulfies provoke criticism, they are increasingly important to London’s economy. During the Ramadan Rush, roughly 80 per cent of guests at London’s top hotels are from Arab states. They are crucial to the restaurant and nightclub trade, and make a huge contribution to the bottom line of high-end retailers. Figures from the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue suggest they spend an  average of £1,000 per transaction, more than visitors from any other region. Yet no one, however wealthy, is above the law. In response to complaints, the Metropolitan Police tells me that officers are instructed to ensure overseas vehicles are insured and carry legal number plates. The policy made the news on Tuesday when a purple Aventador from Qatar — which boasted glow-in-the-dark orange stripes inspired by the film Tron — was seized in Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, after it was being driven illegally without insurance. It spent 24 hours outside New Scotland Yard, before being returned to its owner, who had presumably paid a hefty fine. By Thursday night, the vehicle was parked outside a bar in Mayfair. This time, it got a £120 parking ticket. But to its lucky owner, that’s small change. Green with envy? A Qatari-registered £350,000 Lamborghini Aventador . Costly: A £250,000 Kuwaiti-registered Rolls-Royce Ghost gets towed away after not having the correct documentation . ### SUMMARY:

'Ramadan Rush' sees a flurry of Middle Easter owners flaunt their wealth . Park Lane and Knightsbridge set to be clogged with Lamborghinis and Bugattis this weekend . Bugatti Veyron estimated to be worth £1.6m and has a top speed of 250mph .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 10:31 EST, 31 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:12 EST, 1 January 2014 . Reality TV stars Lateysha Grace and Carley Belmonte have been competing against each other in a weight loss battle after being hurt by cruel comments about their figures on Twitter. The Valleys co-stars packed their bags and headed to boot camp where they both lost half a stone in time for the new season of their MTV show. A bit of friendly competition combined with the boot camp’s tough exercise regime and healthy diet plan proved to be the winning formula when it came to weight loss. Let the battle commence! The Valleys stars Lateysha Grace and Carley Belmonte have been competing against each other in a weight loss battle at boot camp . 20 year-old Lateysha slimmed down from 11st to 10st 7lb and lost 12 inches of fat as she toned all sections of her body and dropped a dress size. She . lost an inch under her arms and back, two inches off her waist, three . inches off each of her hips and three inches off her waist. Lateysha said: 'I am so happy with my body now. 'The kind of comments I was getting on Twitter were disgusting but I was determined to put everything right so I could once again feel confident about my appearance. Now I feel fantastic.' Biggest loser: Lateysha slimmed down from 11st (left) to 10st 7lb (right) and lost 12 inches of fat as she toned all sections of her body and dropped down a dress size . And her 22 year-old friend Carley wasn’t far behind when it came to shedding extra pounds gained while filming the hit MTV show, which returns in the New Year. Speaking about her 11.5in shrinkage, Carley said: 'It’s so hard to lose the weight and so easy to put it on. When we were filming I was drinking every night and was eating rubbish at all the wrong times. I needed to detox. 'The weight loss has been amazing. I’m feeling good and I’m determined to keep the weight off this time.' Lateysha put on a stone during the last series. She said: 'It is impossible to keep your weight under control on The Valleys. We are drinking all the time and living off takeaways. 'My weight fluctuates massively - on a bad week, I can put on 5lbs so I have to be very careful. 'The flipside is that I can also lose weight very easily.' She's back! Carley (left, before boot camp; right, after), who was paying a second visit to boot camp, lost 2 inches from her waist and hips and 3.5 inches from her bust . Lateysha said that being overweight shattered her self-esteem. 'I feel disgusting when I am overweight. You always get a lot of abuse on Twitter. I was continually dubbed "fatty". It can affect my self-esteem so much that I don't feel that I look good in anything.' Lateysha is hoping her days of yo-yo dieting are over after the trip to boot camp. 'It is the hardest thing I have ever done,' she explained. 'I almost threw up on the first day after they told us we'd have to go for a three-mile run.' Carley from Caerphilly, visited the same military diet camp in November and lost 10lbs after cruel fans branded her 'a whale’ on Twitter. But when her party lifestyle started up again she piled on a stone in five weeks seeing her weight jump to 11st 2lbs. Taunts: Both girls decided to visit boot camp after cruel Twitter taunts made them want to lose weight in time for the new season of their MTV show . Carley said: 'I’m working really hard to get back down to my ideal weight of 10st 2lbs but I don’t care what people say. 'Going back was tough. I knew what was in store. I was getting up at 6am every morning and it killed me. I was craving chocolate the whole time. 'It took so much out of me physically and emotionally but it was worth it. Now I know it’s a lifestyle overhaul, not just a quick fix.' This time Carley lost 2 inches from her waist and hips, 2.5 inches from her upper legs and 3.5 inches from her bust. She said: 'My bust shrunk again, my boobs have gone on tour!' But Carley admits attending the camp with her friend Lateysha helped keep her focused this time around. She said: 'It was Lateysha's first time and she cried after the fitness test! And seeing her get in an ice bath was hilarious - she wouldn’t stop screaming. But it made it easier with her there; a bit of friendly competition doesn’t hurt anyone.' Tough: They both found the week extremely hard and were put through gruelling military-style fitness tests . Now Carley is taking elements of the strict regime and incorporating them into her new and improved lifestyle. She said: 'I’ve been doing boxercise classes since I’ve got back and I’m eating healthily now – no more pizza! I really want to stay on track.' And Lateysha from Port Talbot, Neath feels the same way. She said: 'They have got me into all sorts of good habits. I have developed exercise regimes which work for me and I can see the benefits of a low-fat diet. 'I am drinking three or four litres of water a day - which really cleans out your system, does wonders for your skin and makes you feel so much better. As they were: Carley (L) and Letysha (R) pictured on holiday in the early days of the Valleys . Making a change: The girls are taking elements of the strict regime and incorporating them into their new and improved lifestyles . 'I have reached a weight that I am comfortable with and looks good on me. But I am never going to be mega skinny - there will always be a bit of bum and boob.' No 1 Boot Camp, where the girls stayed, sees a 40 per cent jump in orders at this time of year as women in particular plan drastic New Year diets. Lateysha is looking forward to starring in the new series of The Valleys which starts in February. A thrilled Lateysha added: 'I am particularly grateful to No 1 Boot Camp for helping me to lose all that weight and get my body in shape. Here’s to a hit and healthy 2014.' Weight loss: 7lbs . Weight before: 11st 2lbs . Weight after:  9st 9lbs . Dress size before: 12 . Dress size now 10 . Inches lost: 10.5 in total . Bust: 3.5 inches . Hips: 2in . Upper arms: 0.5in . Upper legs: 2.5in . Waist: 2in . Weight loss: 7lbs . Weight before: 11st . Weight after: 10st 7lbs . Dress size before: 12 . Dress size after: 10 . Inches lost in total: 11in . Bust: 1in . Hips: 3in (each) Upper arms: 1in . Upper legs: 3in . Waist: 3in . Morning Activities7:00 Rise and Shine7:30 Run or a brisk walk to the beach and back8:30 Healthy breakfast to kick start your day10:30 Boxercises11:00 Snack and a short break12:30 Circuit training or similar . Afternoon Activities1:00 Lunch and a much needed break2:30 A long countryside hike4:30 Team games and exercisesEvening Activities17:30 Stretching and similar exercises19:30 A well-deserved gourmet dinnerAfter dinner guests relax with other boot campers before an early night...because tomorrow they'll be doing it all again. ### SUMMARY:

Co-stars both lost 7lbs after attending boot camp together . Lateysha lost 12in of body fat while Carley shed just over 10in . Both determined to keep the weight off into the new year . Carley, 22, lost 2in from waist and hips and 3.5in from . her bust . Lateysha says she'll never be skinny but is finally happy with her shape .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Laura Clark . and Andrew Levy . and Geraldine Hackett . The founder of a chain of academies who raised funds for the Archbishop of Canterbury has been investigated over ‘highly unusual’ payments. Officials highlighted a series of dubious financial practices at 16 schools set up by Sir Ewan Harper in the Education Fellowship Trust. These included £90,000 paid to himself and £28,000 to his wife Jane. Department for Education officials who investigated the group of 16 academies - the Education Fellowship Trust (EFT) - also criticised £45,000 expenses awarded in a year to just two governors, a £20,000 fact-finding trip to New York and excessive spending on hotels, meals and alcoholic drinks. Dubious: Payments from the Education Fellowship Trust included £28,000 in rent of office space in Titchmarsh, near Kettering, (pictured) to the wife of founder Sir Ewan Harper . Further concerns were raised over family members being given unadvertised jobs - including a director of communications on £70,000-a-year - while £1,000 was spent on Christmas cards and £630 on customised umbrellas. The EFT admitted that wine was purchased for a workshop with head teachers - as part of a training exercise designed to show that children, like grapes, can mature into ‘exceptional wines’ given the right nurturing or merely end up as ‘plonk’. Sir Ewan’s links both to education and the Church of England stretch back decades. He was tutored at Cambridge by Robert Runcie, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. In the 1980s, he helped set up the Lambeth Fund, which raises funds to support past and present Archbishops of Canterbury. Marlborough-educated Sir Ewan, 74, was knighted in 2003 for services to the Church of England, having been recommended by another former Archbishop, George Carey. Commended: Sir Ewan Harper was knighted in 2003 for services to the Church of England, having been recommended by former Archbishop, George Carey (pictured) Before founding the EFT, he led the United Learning Trust - one of the biggest backers of academy and independent schools in the country. A former businessman, he ran the family’s export firm, which he later sold. Sir Ewan became chairman of the Lambeth Fund in 2011 but retired in March. The EFT said he had also now retired from the trust. Officials from the DfE’s Education Funding Agency probed financial practices at the EFT after a review of 2012/13 accounts highlighted ‘highly unusual’ payments. These included nearly £28,000 in rent and insurance premiums to Lady Jane Harper, who is listed as owning cottages which the trust uses as an office. In a report, the agency said there was evidence ‘that the lease rental was a fair market price from an estate agent’ and that alternative premises were checked. ‘However there was no documented evidence provided to record the outcome of the inspections or the basis for the final decision to lease the current accommodation,’ it said. Checks by the Daily Mail revealed the two grade II listed stone cottages with thatched roofs under Lady Jane Harper’s name were leased to the EFT after failed attempts to find a private residential tenant. Official documents from East Northamptonshire Council show they were used by the United Learning Trust - the schools chain Sir Ewan previously headed - until it moved to larger premises. Internal changes were made to make it suitable for residential use and it was put on the market through a letting agent in September 2011. The council documents state: ‘As of 16th December no tenant had been found. ‘The applicant’s husband discovered the need to use the building as an office once again for his personal business.’ Another cottage in the same lane in the picture postcard village of Titchmarsh, near Kettering, is registered to Lady Jane Harper. All the properties are next to the couple’s home, which is in both their names and was valued at £1 million in 2010. It is hidden at the end of a long gravel driveway and is set in extensive landscaped grounds with a swimming pool. A woman who answered the door of the cottages said they were still being used by the EFT. The Government probe also raised concerns about £90,000 awarded to Sir Ewan as chairman of the trust - as well as ‘transactions with companies in which the chairman has a controlling interest’. The trust said £90,000 was paid to Sir Ewan because he was also chief executive at the time. But the investigation found that Sir Ewan was forbidden from holding both roles under trust rules. The trust, which has a turnover of £10million per year and lists 16 member schools on its website, was found to have committed ‘significant breaches of the Companies Act 2006, Charity Commission regulations and the Academies Financial Handbook’. A report on the findings, which is redacted in places, makes 26 separate recommendations. It highlights a series of questionable uses of public money including a £20,000 trip to New York by a group of heads. The report said it may not have been ‘the best use of public funds’. Expenses exposed: The Education Fellowship Trust runs a chain of 16 academies (stock image) Two governors ‘claimed £45,000 in expenses and other supplies and services’ while one academy in the group suffered a £38,000 fraud because IT security software was not up-to-date, enabling a transfer out of its bank account. The money is reportedly being reimbursed by the bank. The report also highlights that expenses policy allowed for ‘moderate consumption of alcohol’ - even though alcohol spending is considered an ‘improper use of public funds’. ‘A number of claims were made that included the purchase of alcohol,’ the report said. Meals and hotels were also claimed ‘in excess of the staff expenses policy’. Concern was also raised over unadvertised posts for family members. ‘We found that a number of the appointed head office staff were family members of either trustees or senior members of staff,’ said the report. There had been no ‘competition or advertising’ of the posts, which included a director of communication at a salary of £70,000 per year plus benefits. Meanwhile a finance manager had been appointed on £100 an hour with no formal tender for the work. It was ‘questionable’ whether this was value for money, said the report. More than half of secondary schools - and growing numbers of primaries - now have academy status which allows them to operate outside local council control. But there have been a series of financial scandals involving some of the groups which run academies, leading to calls for tighter controls. The agency issued the trust with a financial notice to improve. A spokesman for the EFT said: ‘The EFA are very clear that all issues found are from pre-September - before significant structural changes were made and Johnson Kane was appointed as CEO. ‘The Fellowship had already commenced on change of policies and governance in November 2013, before the review took place. ‘The EFA acknowledged to The Fellowship that it was under a different structure and clear evidence was showing that there was a positive change in the operation since September 2013.’ Sir Ewan wasn’t available to comment and his wife refused to comment when approached at their home. ‘I haven’t got time,’ she said. Lambeth Palace said Sir Ewan retired as chairman of the Lambeth Fund on March 31 as part of a ‘planned transition’. A spokesman for the Department for Education said: ‘The EFA has undertaken a financial review on The Education Fellowship and is working with them to agree an action plan to address the issues raised. We have issued the Trust with a Financial Notice to Improve and if they do not take the necessary steps, we will not hesitate to take further action. ‘Academies operate under a strict system of oversight and accountability - more robust than in council-run schools - which means any issues are identified and that we can take swift action to address them.’ ### SUMMARY:

Education Fellowship Trust paid rent to founder Sir Ewan Harper's wife . Lady Jane received £28,000 for cottages which trust uses as an office . Also paid £90,000 to Sir Ewan and £45,000 expenses to two governors . Around £20,000 was spend on a 'fact-finding trip' to New York . The Education Fellowship Trust runs a chain of 16 academies .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Sarah Dean . An ABC reporter who has been criticised for touching clothes and debris from the MH17 plane crash has defended his actions saying 'it's not as though it's a crime scene'. Phil Williams was shown handling victims' belongings in a report published on the ABC website after a Sky journalist was also seen sifting through personal possessions among the wreckage of the Malaysia Airlines plane - sparking 110 viewer complaints. The ABC report was removed from its website for re-editing as Mr Williams told the broadcaster's PM show on Monday: 'I am guilty of picking up, touching a scarf on the ground'. Since the bodies of the 298 victims fell from 33,000ft after their plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile, they were left in the open in sweltering heat for three days before being gathered up in bags, bundled on to trucks and driven away. Their belongings were scattered over several kilometres across fields near a village in Rassypnoye in eastern Ukraine. Scroll down for video . Phil Williams was shown handling victims' belongings in a report published on the ABC website . Mr Williams explained his actions, which have been branded inappropriate, by saying: 'There are piles of people's belongings that have just been collected and dumped on the roadside, they've been picked through and so it's not as though it's a crime scene, an uncontaminated crime scene there.' He added: 'It's a very difficult scene to report on. Literally the evidence is everywhere you walk.' An ABC spokesman told the Sydney Morning Herald that they have 'reminded journalists of responsibilities when reporting from an air crash scene such as MH17'. They confirmed: 'A report has been re-edited to avoid any distress to our audience.' In his ABC news report from the tragic scene, Mr Williams said: 'As we come over this way here, as we walk through, you will see little bits and pieces of people's everyday lives. Someone's shawl there. Over here, one of the backs of one of the plane's chairs. 'There are little bits everywhere as I walk - another large chunk of the aircraft and very sadly a lot of personal items.' The ABC are re-editing the video so that Mr Williams can't be seen picking up a victim's purple scarf . Sky News also apologised after in a live broadcast, presenter Colin Brazier was shown picking items – including a set of keys and a toothbrush – out of someone's open luggage before saying: 'We really shouldn't be doing this, I suppose.' The report has so far sparked 110 complaints with television watchdog Ofcom, amid growing anger over the desecration of the crash site and allegations of looting by pro-Russian rebels. Brazier's actions has also sparked a furious response on social media - with one Twitter user asking 'Why is Colin Brazier still on my telly?' Scroll down for video . Sky News reporter Colin Brazier was reporting from Donetsk this morning despite a row breaking out over footage of him sifting through personal belongings among the wreckage of Flight MH17 . The report has so far sparked 110 complaints with television watchdog Ofcom, amid growing anger over the desecration of the crash site and allegations of looting by pro-Russian rebels . Apology: Sky News reporter Colin Brazier apologised after rifling through a case at the scene of the crash . Brazier's actions has also sparked a furious response on social media - with one Twitter user asking 'Why is Colin Brazier still on my telly?', while others appeared to defend the veteran reporter . BBC radio presenter Shelagh Fogarty . said: ‘Sky!! Get your reporter to STOP rummaging thru the belongings at . #mH17 crash site. “We shouldn’t really be doing this” NO S**T Sherlock . !! Those items are essentially sacred things now for the relatives. Just . appalling.’ Media professor Joe Watson called it a ‘horrible moment for journalism’. A . post by Joey Blower added: ‘Colin Brazier has interfered with a crime . scene in the most distasteful manner. It must be investigated fully.’ Ofcom said there had been 110 complaints, relating to coverage on Sky News on 20 July from 12pm and throughout the day. A spokesman added: 'These are being assessed. A decision has not been made yet as to whether there will be an investigation.' Sky News has refused to say whether disciplinary action would be taken against the veteran reporter, or whether there are any plans for him to return. In a statement they added: ‘Today whilst presenting from the site of . the MH17 air crash, Colin Brazier reflected on the human tragedy of the . event and showed audiences the content of one of the victims’ bags. Colin immediately recognised that this was inappropriate and said so on . air. ‘Both Colin and Sky . News apologise profusely for any offence caused.’ Brazier later gave a . moving account of coming across scores of human remains at the site. He . said: ‘I’ve been walking around, coming across body parts all the time, . many of them charred beyond recognition. Men, women and children, . indeterminate frankly, you can’t tell. Very often you are looking at . charred spines, that’s all that’s left. Scene of the crash: Brazier has come under flack for his latest dispatch from the scene in eastern Ukraine . 'Inappropriate': Viewers blasted the broadcast as Brazier lifted up items one by one including keys and a flask . Live on air: The reporter, currently based in eastern Ukraine, censored himself saying 'we shouldn't do this' Sky News received complaints from viewers as Twitter users urging people to complain to Ofcom . ‘It is a truly macabre, horrific situation. There is a degree of anarchy and lawlessness.’ Several . witnesses have reported seeing armed separatists rifling through . possessions at the crash site and pocketing valuables, including . electronic equipment. Ukraine . has also accused members of pro-Russian militia of stealing credit . cards and has warned families of those who died to cancel their loved . ones’ accounts. Anton Gerashchenko, a government official in Kiev, said: . ‘I have received information that terrorist death-hunters were . collecting not only cash and jewellery of the dead passengers but also . credit cards. My humble request to the relatives of the victims is to . freeze their credit cards, so that they won’t lose their assets to . terrorists.’ The crash scene . was still not sealed off properly yesterday. Reporters continued to . traipse over fields, while local residents wandered around like . tourists. Emotional: Families have issued pleas to officials on the site to return their loved ones' personal effects . Recovery: Identifiable bodies have been placed in refrigerated trains but belongings remain strewn about . Political: After three days of negotiations, Russia has agreed to hand over the black box and bodies . Some respectfully left flowers beside the broken suitcases and smashed computers that littered the landscape. Many of the piles of possessions seen on Saturday, looted by officials on both sides of the conflict, had been moved again. Among . the small mementos of lives snuffed out were biographies of former . football managers Kevin Keegan, Ron Atkinson and Brian Clough, laying . beside a main road. There was speculation they could have belonged to . the Newcastle United fans John Adler, 63 and Liam Sweeney, 28, who were . killed in the disaster. Elsewhere . in the fields of wildflowers and rippling corn, sitting incongruously . among aeroplane parts and electrical innards, were heartbreaking little . pieces of evidence of the child victims aboard Flight MH17. A . girl’s ‘Secret Diary’ could be seen next to a tiny silver bracelet . glinting in the sun and a packet of unopened Haribo sweets. 59908 . 143802 . 60651 . 71425 . 29443 . ### SUMMARY:

ABC reporter Phil Williams was shown picking up a purple scarf . He defended his actions saying 'it's not as though it's a crime scene' Sky journalist Colin Brazier rummaged through victim's suitcase . Held up toothbrush and keys before saying: 'We shouldn't be doing this' Sparked outrage on Twitter, viewers calling for Mr Brazier to be disciplined .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Emma Innes . A mother-of-two has a sleep condition which means she has fallen asleep next to loud speakers, on the back of a moped and even on the bus holding her newborn baby. Claire Metters, 38, from Conwy, North Wales, says she suffers with narcolepsy and faces a daily battle to stay awake for her children. She claims she must nap for four hours a day, on top of getting nine hours sleep at night, in order to function. Claire Metters, 38, has the sleep condition narcolepsy which means she faces a daily battle to stay awake for her children - Lucie, seven (right), and Aimee, 12 (left) Ms Metters said: ‘If I didn’t take my naps when the girls are at school I would fall asleep cooking them dinner, or tidying up.’ Ms Metters is no longer able to drive or work, as her body is too worn out and constantly needs to rest. Her day starts at 7am when she wakes up and helps her daughters Lucie, seven, and Aimee, 12, get ready for school. Claire then walks her younger daughter to the nearby school for 9am and by 9.30am she is back in bed, taking the first of her scheduled naps. She wakes herself up again at 11am and will go about her day, doing the housework, preparing food and supporting the charity Narcolepsy UK charity. By 1pm Ms Metters is ready to head back to bed for her next two-hour nap, and she sleeps until 3pm when she picks up Lucie from school. Ms Metters, who had to give up work because of her illness, has to nap for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon to ensure she is awake for her children before and after school . For years doctors told Ms Metters that her symptoms were caused by stress before she was eventually diagnosed with narcolepsy after Aimee's birth . Ms Metters says she suffers with narcolepsy, a neurological condition which means although she sleeps a lot, she doesn’t get the restful sleep she needs during the night and as a result suffers constant nightmares, hallucinations and sleep paralysis. She said: ‘I have a very different sleep pattern to other people and can wake up to 15 times a night, so I don’t get the restorative sleep I need. ‘I get terrible nightmares and hallucinations which are triggered by things I have seen in the news or online - I slip straight back into dream sleep while drifting off which means I am unable to stop myself going back into the nightmare. 7am - Wake up, have breakfast, get the children ready for school . 9am - Walk Lucie to school . 9.30am - Go back to bed for the first nap . 11.30am - Wake up from nap, continue with day including doing housework . 1pm - Go back to bed for afternoon nap . 3pm - Wake up from nap . 3.30pm - Pick up Lucie from school . 3.30pm - 10pm - Prepare dinner for the children, enjoy the evening together . 10pm - Go to bed . ‘I also have hallucinations where I hear intruders coming into my home. ‘It’s exhausting and incredibly emotionally draining.’ She added: ‘I want to be the best parent I can be for my children so I have found that taking strategic naps during the day is the only way I can keep my sleeping under control.’ Ms Metters first started to notice her symptoms of hallucinations, nightmares and extreme tiredness when she was 13 years old, but her symptoms were mild and didn’t become a serious problem until she was 26. She found herself falling asleep in public and in places which could have been dangerous - like on the back a moped while on a summer holiday in Greece. She said: ‘I was that tired on the holiday that I closed my eyes sitting on the back of the bike and actually nodded off straight to sleep.’ Ms Metters got to the stage where she was unable to control her sleeping during the day had to take naps in laybys while driving to work. She said: ‘In the past I found that despite loud music, bumpy roads and being in public my tiredness could not be stopped and before I managed my condition I could sleep anywhere.’ Before she learned to control her condition, Ms Metters fell asleep on a moped and also on the bus while holding Aimee as a new-born baby . Ms Metters suffers nightmares and hallucinations at night meaning she does not sleep well. This causes her to be exhausted during the day and leaves her at risk of falling asleep in inappropriate places . The breaking point came for Ms Metters when she became a mother. She . said: ‘A few weeks after I had given birth to my eldest daughter I was . sat on the bus and I found myself repeatedly nodding off, while trying . to hold my new-born baby. ‘This was when I realised I could no longer hide from my tiredness and my doctors needed to take my complaints seriously.’ Narcolepsy, which occurs in one in every 2,000 people, is a sleep disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times. It is a long-term neurological condition that disrupts normal sleeping patterns. Symptoms include, sleep attacks, daytime sleepiness, nightmares, hallucinations and cataplexy - temporary muscle weakness in response to emotion. It is often caused by an autoimmune response - this is when antibodies are released by the body but instead of destroying disease, they attack healthy cells. In the case of narcolepsy, antibodies attack the areas of the brain that produce a sleep-regulating chemical. There is currently no cure but the condition can sometimes be managed, for example, by taking regular naps, eating healthily and exercising. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or stimulants can also help. For 12 years she was constantly told . by doctors that it was just stress was making her tired but when she was . finally diagnosed she was relieved. She . also suffers from cataplexy which means she loses control of her neck . and leg muscles at moments of extreme emotion, such as if she is in pain . or laughing hard. She manages to control this with medication, but unfortunately hasn’t managed to find an effective medication for her narcolepsy - which is why she must stick religiously to her napping routine. Before she was diagnosed, Ms Metters would resort to extreme measures to try and keep herself awake, including taking layers off to stay cold, sitting on the most uncomfortable seat available and even physically hurting herself. She said: ‘I would make excuses to go to the toilet and then slap my face, and splash myself with water to try and wake up. ‘I would pinch my skin really hard to try and try to use the pain to keep me awake.’ When she finally gained the courage to explain the severity of her narcolepsy to her friends, family and children’s school she was pleased with the support she received. However, she says there were a few people who assumed her condition made her a less attentive mother - something she fiercely rejects. She has now worked out a routine which works for her family. She will save what she calls ‘screen time’ for time when she needs to rest, letting her children watch television, play on the laptop, or watch a DVD while she sleeps. Ms Metters worries that some people think her condition makes her a less attentive mother but says she is still dedicated to her children and that she does not allow her illness to get her down . She said: ‘I do have guilt about finding . time to rest when my children are in my care. I never wanted my . children to have to occupy themselves. ‘But I also have to look after me- I have to rest and not step outside my limitations so I can be a good mother.’ She joked: ‘The children have become wise to it now. They tell me I look tired and ask if I want a nap just so they can have a go on the computer!’ She added: ‘Although I am more tired than other people, I haven’t let it get me down and I am still dedicated to my children and determined to enjoy life.’ ### SUMMARY:

Claire Metters has narcolepsy, a condition that effects sleep-wake cycles . She experiences nightmares and does not sleep restfully at night . As a result, she is exhausted during the day and has to nap frequently . She sleeps for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon . She is not able to work but organises her day so she is awake for her children when they come home from school .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The father of Bowe Bergdahl is seen here for the first time without the long beard and ponytail he grew while his son was held by the Taliban for five years before his controversial release. Bob Bergdahl, 55, raised a few eyebrows when he stood next to President Obama during his announcement of Bergdahl's release at a White House press conference at the end of May. But today – more than six weeks after his son's release - Bob was clean-shaven as he left a bike repair shop where he works in his hometown of Hailey, Idaho. Scroll down for video . Clean shaven: Bob Bergdahl looks strikingly similar to his son without the long beard and ponytail he has appeared in public with before . 'Estrangement': His son Bowe has not spoken to his parents in the six weeks that he has been free . In these exclusive photos Bob worked on a bike outside the repair shop and yesterday was picked up by wife Jani and donned sunglasses and a baseball cap. But Bob's new look can't mask an apparent family rift. Astonishingly, it emerged that Bergdahl has refused to speak with his parents since he was released from captivity in Pakistan six weeks ago. And today the POW's lawyer refused to say whether he had any plans to return to his hometown. An army official reportedly told the Wall Street Journal that the sergeant has refused to see his parents in person or even speak to them on the phone, suggesting 'a deeper estrangement between the soldier and his parents than the military understood when he was released'. The precise cause of the estrangement isn't known, but if true it must come as a bitter blow to Bob who dedicated his life to bringing Bowe home. Bob had been growing the facial hair ever since his son was . kidnapped by Taliban warlords in Afghanistan in 2009. Bob . – who dedicated his life to finding Bowe – vowed not to shave until his . son returned home safely and the beard became a symbol of his quest. Sgt Bergdahl had been held captive by the Haqqani Network for five years before he was released to U.S. Special Forces in May as part of a prisoner swap. Under that deal, Bergdahl was set free in exchange for the release of five Taliban detainees at Guantanamo Bay. The White House quickly hailed Bergdahl's release as a victory but the matter soon became embroiled in controversy as lawmakers complained they weren't given sufficient notice of the planned swap and warned of national security risks of releasing leading Taliban figures. To add to the fallout several former members of Bergdahl's platoon branded him a deserter and a traitor and said other soldiers had given their lives trying to rescue them. Support: Bob Bergdahl grew his beard and hair long during the five years his son spent in captivity and appeared at the White House when Sgt Bergdahl's release was announced . Deserter? Bergdahl now faces an Army investigation into the circumstances that led to him being taken captive . Bergdahl now faces a military investigation into the circumstances that led to him being taken captive. Bergdhal returned to active duty on Monday after finishing an intensive debriefing and therapy program at a military hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Bob, a former UPS driver, has worked tirelessly advocating for his son over the past five years while he was held by the Taliban. He learned the Pashto language, read in to the history of the Taliban and grew his beard in order to better communicate with them. 'Bowe has been gone so long, it’s going to be very difficult to come back,' he warned a few days after his son’s release. 'If he comes up too fast, it could kill him.' It was widely assumed that they would reunite after he returned to the United States and Bergdahl would be welcomed home to Hailey amid fanfare and open arms. Bergdahl returned to a 'desk job' at Fort Sam Houston this week and continues to live in army barracks in Texas. He thanked Obama for saving his life this week and his newly-appointed military justice lawyer Eugene Fidell insisted overnight the former POW is 'proud' to be back in uniform. 'Sergeant Bergdahl is deeply grateful to President Obama for saving his life,' Fidell, a Yale Law School professor who is working pro bono, told The Daily Beast on Wednesday. Fidell also appeared on the Today show on Thursday to defend his client, insisting that he was proud to be serving the U.S., despite earlier correspondence that showed him slating his nation. 'I believe he is [proud],' Fidell said. 'He's back to duty.' Jani drives Bob home from work at Sun Summit South bike shop on Thursday evening . Fidell met personally with Bergdahl last . week at the base. Bergdahl also has an Army lawyer representing him and . the two lawyers will work together. Fidell said he has met with the . sergeant and hopes to ‘facilitate’ the next chapter of his life. 'We . had extensive conversations last week,' he told MailOnline. 'The chemistry between . us is good and I enjoyed being with him, I like him based on what I’ve . seen. 'I’m . happy to be representing him and I and the other lawyers I am going to . be working with are going to give him our best efforts. 'I . hope we can facilitate the transition to the next chapter of his life. He’s got to move in to the next chapter and pursue his education and put . Afghanistan behind him. 'He . wants to pursue an education and be normal, another citizen in the . crowd. 'He doesn’t know what course he wants to do yet but that’s his . plan. Bowe is just really looking forward to putting this behind him.' Fidell told MailOnline that he doesn’t know whether Bergdahl intends to return to his . hometown of Hailey, Idaho and won’t be drawn on his relationship with . his parents and why it appears he hasn’t spoken to them yet. Fidell said Major General Kenneth Dahl, who is heading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bergdahl's disappearance from his outpost in Afghanistan, had not yet interviewed his client. He said he didn't expect Dahl to have any substantive interviews with Bergdahl for a couple of weeks. Bergdahl has not been charged with any crimes. In a . statement, the Army said that the soldier 'has completed the final phase . of the reintegration process under the control of U.S. Army South and . is currently being assigned to U.S. Army North, Joint Base San . Antonio-Fort Sam Houston (JBSA). 'He . will now return to regular duty within the command where he can . contribute to the mission. The Army investigation into the facts and . circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Bergdahl is . still ongoing.' Fox . reported that Bergdahl may also receive $350,000 from the US government . without paying taxes: $200,000 would be for wages earned during his . captivity and $150,000 if he in fact was a POW. Mind . games: This photo of Bergdahl smiling with Taliban Commander Badruddin . Haqqani was posted on Twitter recently and raised more questions about . his time in captivity . When he was swapped for five Guantanamo Bay detainees on May 31, Obama said the switch had been prompted by Bergdahl's poor health. But his former comrades have insisted he abandoned his post - putting others in danger - and last week, on a Twitter account associated with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a user said Bergdahl had been treated with kindness by his captors. MailOnline yesterday approached Bob in Hailey but he refused to comment. He . appeared down and gloomy and hid in the back of the business where he . works repairing bikes. Close friend Chip, 54, . says Bob has had enough of the media attention and the controversy that . has surrounded his family and 'isn't interested' in discussing his son. ‘He’s not interested, he thinks it’s a fiasco,’ said Chip. ### SUMMARY:

Bob Bergdahl raised eyebrows when he appeared alongside President Obama to announce release of son Bowe after 5 years in Taliban captivity . Today he has shaved off the beard he grew during that time in support of his son and is working at a local cycle shop in Hailey, Idaho . Sgt Bergdahl faces probe into whether he deserted post before capture . It has emerged that Bowe has not spoken to his parents in the six weeks that he has been free . Bob's friend told MailOnline that the whole controversy is a 'fiasco'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Britain’s most overcrowded train routes were named yesterday, as it emerged some carry double the number of passengers they should at peak times. The 4.46pm from London Euston to Crewe came out on top, with more people forced to stand than can find seats, according to figures from the Department for Transport. Last autumn, the London Midland service carried an average of 435 standard-class passengers at its most crowded point, more than twice its seated capacity of 206. Scroll down for video . Packed like sardines: A new government league table has laid bare the parlous state of Britain's rail capacity . Critics said that if the train companies were carrying animals instead of human beings they would be prosecuted for cruelty. The findings in a new Government ‘league table’ of cramped carriages come amid rising anger over soaring train fares, bumper rail profits and poor punctuality, that has led angry passengers to demand better value for money. Full to bursting: This map shows trains into almost all the biggest cities in England and Wales are running over-capacity, on average, at peak times (red bar). 100 per cent capacity already means many people are standing . Second worst was South West Trains’ 7.32am commuter service from Woking to London Waterloo, which was designed to carry 738 passengers but actually crammed 1,278 on board - or 540 more than it should. It was followed by the 7.21am Oxford to London Paddington service operated by First Great Western – dubbed ‘Worst Late Western’ by disgruntled passengers - which was 73 per cent overcrowded. And on the 6.33pm Heathrow Express service, 806 passengers squeezed into a space designed for 476 – or 330 too many. But London was not the only city affected. First TransPennine Express’s 6.30am service from Manchester Airport to Middlesbrough was 66 per cent over capacity, with 275 people in a space designed for 166. Stifling: A routine scene on peak time trains from Clapham Junction in London. The capital was hit the worst . The report from the Department for Transport also looked at overcrowding in Spring 2013. Here again the 4.46pm to Crewe had more than double the passengers it should have carroied. It crammed 414 passengers into space for 206 – some 208 more than it should. Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, said: ‘Commuters are being treated worse than cattle when it comes to overcrowding because EU laws prevent animals being transported in such cramped conditions. 'Our real time train figures show four out of every 10 trains in the South East actually running late, means they are getting the worst of all worlds, overcrowded and slow trains.' Attack: Shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh described the report as a 'misery map' The new Government figures show that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of morning peak trains into the capital are overcrowded with six out of ten passengers left standing. Just under one million passengers arrive into central London every day. The report notes: ‘In London, 120,000 passengers had to stand at trains’ busiest points in the morning peak, 20 per cent of the overall total.’ Based on rail journeys on a typical autumn weekday in 2013, the Department for Transport (DfT) figures showed crowding figures for London, nine other English cities and Cardiff. Overcrowding in London was worst at Paddington station, while there were large increases in overcrowding compared with autumn 2012 at Blackfriars, Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras stations. First Great Western was the train company with highest level of overcrowding of any London and south east England operator. The next-worse was London Midland. Peak overcrowding across the 11 cities surveyed saw 2.6 per cent of passengers exceeding the capacity of the trains they were travelling on. Overcrowding was higher in the three-hour morning peak from 7am to 10am, with 3.4per cent passengers in excess of capacity – the official measure. Overcrowding was higher in London than in other cities, with an average rate of 3.1 per cent compared to 1 per cent across the other ten cities. The highest overcrowding outside London was in Sheffield, which had 2.6 per cent rate. On London Overground the design of new trains, with fewer seats, meant that in autumn 2013 as many as 50.8 per cent of passengers stood in the morning peak and 45.4 per cent stood in the afternoon peak. David Sidebottom, the director of watchdog Passenger Focus, said: ‘Overcrowding is a daily struggle for many commuters. Our latest rail passenger survey found that 30 per cent of commuters were unhappy about overcrowding on their train.’ Unpleasant: On the London Overground (pictured) around half of all passengers stand in peak times . Rammed: On average, peak trains into the capital run 3.1 per cent over capacity, but some are much worse . There was fury this week as thousands of commuters saw their rail fares double. Changes imposed by the Government on the main rail company in the north of England, Northern Rail, mean some people will be paying 162 per cent more than they did last Friday. It forced Northern Rail to introduce evening peak ticket restrictions on local services to plug the gap caused by the cost to the taxpayer of the West Coast franchise saga in 2012. To soften the blow Mr Osborne also announced that countrywide inflation-busting fare rises planned in January will be limited to the rate of inflation in July - 2.5 per cent – and not rise by an above-inflationary 3.5 per cent as previously planned. Mr Osborne is also scrapping the ‘flex’ system where companies could raise some fares by up to two percentage points. He said more than 250,000 season ticket holders will save £75 across 2014 and 2015. A big increase in capacity was needed to cope with increased demand for trains, he said. He added: ‘This means continued investment in new and longer trains to meet existing demand, as well as ensuring that overcrowding doesn’t get worse as passenger numbers increase as predicted.' James MacColl of the Campaign for Better Transport said: ‘These figures show overcrowding is getting worse at the country’s main stations. ‘With up to one-in-five passengers having to stand and ticket prices increasing much faster than wages, rail commuters will be questioning the value for money they get.’ Labour’s shadow transport secretary Mary Creagh said: ‘As well as enduring inflation-busting fares increases, this misery map of the most-crowded services shows the reality of life for commuters under David Cameron. 'Some services are carrying twice as many passengers as they should, a far cry from the "comfortable commuting" which out-of-touch ministers imagine on the railways.’ Transport Minister Claire Perry said: ‘I understand the frustration of rail passengers forced to stand on busy services and that is why I am calling on the operators to do more. ‘Since 1995 passenger journeys on the railway have more than doubled, with 1.6billion journeys being recorded in the last year. Worst-hit: The most overcrowded service was the 4.46pm from London Euston (pictured) to Crewe. The four carriage train had space for 206 standard class passengers, including many standing, but actually carried 435 . ‘This means that on too many journeys, passengers have to stand in cramped conditions. Train operators must act now, they must find new ways to create space on the network and in their trains.’ A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, representing Network Rail and rail operators, blamed the growth in passenger numbers over the last 15 years for the problem. ‘The official measure of crowding during peak times now compared with then has remained largely unchanged despite a doubling in passenger journeys,' the spokesman said. 'But we recognise that some services remain crowded and understand people’s frustration when they cannot get a seat.’ Train companies were planning to increase peak-time seats into and out of many major cities by a third in the next five years, the spokesman added. ### SUMMARY:

Trains into almost every major city are running over capacity in peak times . Worst service, 4.46pm London to Crewe, was at more than double capacity . It had room for 206 passengers including many standing - but carried 435 . Results revealed in damning new government league tables for transport .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: As excitement builds around Sunday's final between Chelsea and Tottenham, Sportsmail asked two fans to take part in a Capital One Cup final Q&A. Rory Jennings from ChelseaFansChannel, and Dan Kilpatrick of The Tottenham Way answered questions from historic rivalry between the two clubs, previous results, as well as predictions for the Wembley showdown. Scroll down to read their answers. Chelsea play Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley on Sunday hoping to get their own back . Click here to check out Rory Jennings' work on ChelseaFansChannel . Click here to follow CFC on Twitter . Click here to check out Dan Kilpatrick's work on The Tottenham Way . Click here to follow TTW on Twitter . Feeling confident? RJ: Extremely. After the catastrophe that was New Year’s Day we owe Tottenham massively. Combine that with the fact that they played in Italy on Thursday night in a huge match while we have had over a week off, and Matic’s ban aside, we couldn’t really ask for much more going into the game. DK: Yeah, weirdly I'm very confident, perhaps because I can't bring myself to contemplate defeat. Eden Hazard (left) of Chelsea and Tottenham's Christian Eriksen (right) will hope to inspire their team to a win . There’s plenty of history between the two teams – what is it that make this rivalry intense? RJ: Its very tricky to put a finger on exactly why the rivalry is so venomous. From their perspective I assume it’s the fact that they couldn’t beat us for years even when they had a superior team. Or the fact that they haven’t won a league match at Stamford Bridge for 25 years. Or the fact that we knocked them out of the Champions League by becoming the first London club to win it. For us I think its more to do with the hatred we receive from them. It's responsive. DK: I hate Arsenal for who they are but I hate Chelsea for what they are – a morally bankrupt, jammy, despicable club, with some of the most dislikable personnel in the game. The majority of their fans are in the same vein. Our terrible record against them, plus the Champions League fiasco, also contributes to the recent bad feeling but the rivalry dates back decades. Tottenham fans generally don't have fun at Stamford Bridge, and that may be a reason for the rivalry . Stewards  remove a fan from the pitch during an FA Cup quarter-final replay at White Hart Lane . Spurs were underdogs in the 2008 final but beat Chelsea 2-1, will lightning strike twice? RJ: The Chelsea team of 2008 were not a team of winners. It had all the hallmarks of an Avram Grant team, who I believe has just taken his side to second in the Africa Cup of Nations. Under Grant we came out second best in the Carling Cup, second in the Premier League and second in the Champions League. And we were knocked out of the FA Cup by Barnsley. You say they were underdogs but I don’t think too many Chelsea fans were surprised that Grant managed to steer us to defeat that day. DK: Yeah, we'd love a 2-1 this season, and I think we're more closely matched now than then. Jubilant Tottenham player after beating Chelsea to lift the Carling Cup in 2008 . What are your memories of that day? RJ: The overriding memory of the day is the pain and torture as Woodgate got to the ball ahead of Cech right in front of us. And then being soaking wet at Wembley listening to endless renditions of 'Oh When The Spurs'... it was agony but it Tottenham deserved it. They were excellent. It takes huge character to come back from a goal down in a cup final. DK: I had a ticket but in the corporate seats at Wembley. There were more Chelsea fans and neutrals around me than Spurs fans but it was stunning looking across at the Spurs end and the noise was incredible. I can't remember much of the game but Berbatov's cool penalty obviously stands out and I went crazy when Woodgate scored. A couple of the Chelsea fans shook my hand at the final whistle, which was a touch.· . Jonathan Woodgate nods home the winner - getting to the ball before goalkeeper Petr Cech . Dimitar Berbatov netted a cool penalty during the 2-1 victory at Wembley Stadium . Which of your players will make the difference this time around? RJ: I think the only bright spot when Tottenham destroyed us on New Years Day was the performance of Eden Hazard. He seemed to really understand the rivalry and how desperate Chelsea fans were to get something from the game. If he plays to a similar level and those around him raise their game, I think that he could be too much for Spurs to deal with. DK: Kane and Eriksen are the obvious ones but I've got a good feeling about Lamela too. Harry Kane will be looking to make the difference against Chelsea at Wembley this weekend . That 5-3 game is still fresh in the memory – how will that affect this game? RJ: I think it will affect the game positively for everybody. It will definitely inspire Tottenham, they scored five goals against us. However, I also think it will inspire Chelsea. There isn’t a better way to get back at a team to whom you feel you owe one, by beating them at a final at Wembley. DK: On the one hand, it will give Spurs belief they can outplay and beat Chelsea, which is crucial. On the other, it will make the Chelsea players (who must be prioritising the Premier League and Champions League) extra motivated to exact revenge. So, it could be beneficial for both teams. Chelsea players look dejected after losing 5-3 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day . And what of Nemanja Matic's ban? RJ: Huge. Disastrous. Close to being irreplaceable. But I think that Mourinho will opt for Ramires. Now I concede that Ramires doesn’t have the presence of Matic but he is a wonderful player, capable of chipping Valdes in the Nou Camp or scoring in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. I have full faith in him. DK: He's a good player and hopefully Eriksen can exploit the space created by his absence. But it shouldn't make too much difference. If Chelsea – one of the richest clubs in the world, who routinely buy players to stop them joining rivals – can't cope without one midfielder, then their squad isn't nearly as strong as everyone thinks. Nemanja Matic was sent off against Burnley and will miss the final - his absence is a huge loss for Chelsea . Generally, Spurs don't beat Chelsea that often, do they? RJ: Well over the course of my lifetime generally not. However, we have never beaten them in a cup final which is slightly worrying. Third time lucky I hope. DK: No but I'm happy with Spurs' record against Chelsea in cup finals. Tottenham players celebrate with the FA Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1 in 1967 . What are your plans on the day of the game? RJ: A pint of Guinness around Great Portland Street to ease the nerves before Met-lining it into Wembley. There isn’t a better feeling in football. DK: I haven't got a ticket (yet) so I'm going to watch at home with some mates and try to write a few articles, then go out to celebrate our victory afterwards. There's no better feeling in football than making your way to Wembley on cup final day . Finally, your predictions, please. RJ: 3-1 Chelsea. DK: There's been lots of goals when we've played Chelsea this season, so I'll go 3-2 Spurs after extra time. ### SUMMARY:

Chelsea take on Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday . Spurs beat Blues 2-1 in 2008 - their last final at Wembley . Chelsea looking to bounce back after 5-3 defeat on New Year's Day . We ask Rory Jennings and Dan Kilpatrick questions ahead of the final . Two clubs have plenty of history - making an intense rivalry . Paul Scholes: Tottenham must show they 'have the balls to take risks' READ: Chelsea vs Tottenham Capital One Cup final head-to-head .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Meet the pampered pet who only eats food from Marks and Spencer, has his paws washed with designer soap if he steps outside - and costs his owners a staggering £5,000 a year. Louis, a Lhasa Apso, detests dog food and will only eat organic scrambled eggs for breakfast, smoked salmon for lunch and Marks and Spencer egg fried rice for dinner, and according to devoted owner Jo Jose, 60, she often hand feeds him. Louis, or Lou-Lou as he is known to Jo, 60 and husband Graham, 72 from Loughborough, Leics, regularly enjoys being pampered and having his long fur washed with salon bought shampoo - and always enjoys a proper blow dry. Louis, here with doting Jo, only eats food from Marks and Spencer and has his paws washed with designer soap if he steps outside . Louis has a list a demands which he likes Jo and Graham to meet, including having his face washed and being talked to at all times . If he goes outside Jo will make sure . Louis’ paws are hand washed with designer Bulgari soap - costing £10 a . bar - as according to Jo it makes Louis fur come out the cleanest. Doting Jo said: 'Lou Lou is utterly spoiled. He eats better than most people do and is very demanding. 'For . a dog, he is very independent and exudes an air of dignity. He has a . beautiful long coat is an impressive sight.' Jo admits that Louis, pictured here with his favorite Chardonnay wine, is more like a 'spoilt child' than a dog . Jo will wash and condition Lou-Lou¿s long fur with Treseme shampoo and conditioner and the pampered dog will often fall asleep while being brushed. Louis descends from a long line of Crufts champions but he demands to be treated like a human and Jo and Graham think of the 10-year-old mutt as a 'spoilt child.' After being taken for a long walk at 7am with Graham, in manicured gardens near the family’s home, Louis will demand breakfast for 9.30am sharp. Jo said: 'It’s as if Louis knows the time and he will come up to me and make it known that he is hungry. Longhaired Louis takes a lot of grooming and loves to be fussed over, including having his teeth done daily . Louis demands his meals at 9.30am and 6.30pm sharp, and often ends up being hand-fed . At Christmas, pampered pooch Louis will enjoy a share of a £35 filet steak-as the family always have beef wellington instead of turkey . 'He won’t eat his food unless someone sits with him in the room, and I often end up hand feeding him.' M&S dog food- £35 a week - £1820 . Dog biscuits - £40 a week - £480 . Shampoo and conditioner- £60 . Selection of fine plates and dishes- £25 . Fur lined dog bed- £75 . Dog coats- £60 . £60 Bvlgari soap- £10 every two months . Xmas filet steak- £35 . Xmas presents- £30 . Victoria sponge M and S cake- £17.50 . Birthday cards-£2 . Dog holiday- £2,000 . Total: £4664.50 . Louis hates to be left alone and when out and about demands to travel in the front seat of Jo’s Mercedes Benz convertible. Jo said: 'He will peer over the edge of the car and glare at the other cars which go past. Long-haired Louis takes a lot of grooming and loves to be fussed over. Jo will wash and condition Lou-Lou’s long fur with Tresseme shampoo and conditioner and the pampered dog will often fall asleep while being brushed. Louis also likes to wear clips in his . hair to keep it out of his eyes and has a selection of £30 dog jackets for when it gets chilly. Louis sleeps in a £75 fur-lined basket - although he will sneak into the couple’s bed if he can. After . a day of doing whatever he pleases, which includes sleeping and playing . in the garden, Louis then waits for dinner to be cooked for him at . 6.30pm sharp. Jo said: 'At . dinner time I will cook up a portion of Marks and Spencer egg-fried . rice served with freshly cooked and sliced meat. He loves it but can . sometimes be a little fussy. Louis hates to be left alone and when out and about demands to travel in the front seat of Jo's Mercedes Benz convertible . He likes you to wash his face . He likes to have his head and body massaged, particularly at night . He likes his hair in hair clips so he can see . He likes to be brushed, and will often fall asleep . Does not like to be touched if he is asleep - he may snap at you . 'I tried him with dog food but he just refuses to eat it.' Jo and her husband Graham, 72, like to go on holiday to Abu Dhabi four times a year and before they book their holiday they make sure Louis can stay at The Grove, a luxury dog hotel which caters to Louis’ every whim. Jo said: 'The Grove is fantastic for looking after Louis and cooking him all his different meals at the correct times. They really accommodate for every one of Louis’ needs and we couldn’t be more grateful. 'As soon as we get to our hotel in Abu Dhabi we will video call The Grove and make sure we can speak to Louis.' Every birthday, the couple will buy a card for Louis with his age on, and Louis will receive a Marks and Spencer Victoria sponge cake, with candles on it. Jo said: 'We like Lou-Lou to feel special and he enjoys a slice of the cake. We always treat him around Christmas and birthdays - he is like our child.' And at Christmas, pampered pooch Louis will enjoy a share of a £35 filet steak, as the family always has beef Wellington instead of turkey. Jo said: 'Lou-Lou loves Christmas because it means he can tuck into Christmas dinner - a filet steak - which is something he loves. 'We like him to feel like one of the family.' Jo always says good morning and goodnight to Louis everyday as he likes to be greeted and Jo is sure that he is aware of what is being said to him. Jo said: 'Louis is very particular about what he likes - and doesn’t - just like a child. 'He loves to be stroked and talked to a lot - he understands what we are saying.' Louis has a list a demands, including having his face washed, being talked to at all times, being massaged and brushed before bed. Jo said: 'He is hard work sometimes, but we love him and wouldn’t be without him. Lou- Lou is such a character.' Louis rules the household routine . 7.00am He wakes up and goes for a walk with Graham. 9.00am Louis is washed and dried after his walk. 9.30am Louis is ready for his breakfast, which is often scrambled eggs, or two boiled eggs and sometimes some smoked salmon. 9.30-3.00pm . Louis will play, sleep, have a few biscuits, have his hair brushed and . groomed, depending on how he is feeling. 3.00pm Louis will often have an . afternoon snack of thinly-sliced meat. 5.00pm Graham comes home and Louis will demand attention. 6.30pm Louis’ dinner time: will have his favourite M&S egg fried rice, with some roast chicken. 6.30pm- 9.00pm Louis will watch television on his favourite cushion, and will go in the garden if he feels like it. 10.00pm . Louis will have a few biscuits before bed and then he will run up to Jo . and Graham’s bed for a stroke before sleeping in his own fur lined bed. ### SUMMARY:

Eats M&S organic eggs, smoked salmon and egg fried rice . Has paws washed with £10-a-bar Bvlgari soap . Day's routine set by dog Louis, who needs to be talked to constantly . Demands meals at 9.30am and 6.30pm sharp, and is often hand-fed . If couple go away they check him into luxury dog hotel and Skype him .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Fitness guru Richard Simmons's close friends have lashed out at his spokesman's claims that he is not clinically depressed following a knee injury and the death of his pet dog, arguing: 'He is not ok.' On Friday, Simmons's longtime spokesman, Thomas Estey, said the 66-year-old - who has not been seen in public for months - is 'sad' that the 'serious' injury to his knee has sidelined him professionally . However, he shot down earlier claims the star had become a recluse in his Hollywood mansion due to 'paralyzing depression' over his poor health and the death of his beloved Dalmatian, Hattie, aged 17. 'He is not clinically depressed or a shut-in or a recluse,' he declared. But now, Simmons's friends have disputed Mr Estey's comments on his welfare, saying a number of reasons have led them to believe that 'something dire' has happened to the eighties guru. Scroll down for video . Fitness guru Richard Simmons's (pictured) close friends have lashed out at his spokesman's claims that he is not clinically depressed following a knee injury and the death of his pet dog, arguing: 'He is not ok' They told TMZ that the last contact any of them had with Simmons was on March 10 and even when the mother of one of his closest friends died a few months ago, he failed to contact her. Furthermore, Simmons was reportedly close with actress Joan Rivers, who died from complications of routine throat surgery in September, yet did not attend her funeral. One friend, who did not wish to be named, told the celebrity news site: 'There is no way he wouldn't have gone to her funeral if he was ok.' Simmons has also apparently abandoned his exercise studio, where he was regularly a fixture, and has failed to contact friends and family to inform them he is well. 'If Richard is really ok and is aware people are extremely concerned about him, he'd pick up the phone and tell them to relax. But he hasn't, and we're worried sick,' the friend said. Despite their concerns, Simmons's friends said they did not believe his knee injury, not Hattie's death, would have ultimately driven the star to cut himself off from the outside world. On Friday, Simmons's longtime spokesman, Thomas Estey, shot down claims the 66-year-old had become a recluse due to 'paralyzing depression' over his poor health and the death of his Dalmatian, Hattie (pictured) MailOnline talked to Simmons' housekeeper outside his Los Angeles (above) home on Thursday, and she said he is 'perfectly fine' and not depressed as previously reported. 'He's home and he's fine,' she claimed . On Saturday, Simmons tweeted: 'Thank you again for allllll your kindness.... remember to work out today!!!' They believe there must be another - unknown - reason. In his statement to the New York Daily News on Friday, Mr Estey suggested that Simmons may be using a disguise to venture out in public without being seen. 'If he needs to wear a disguise, he’ll wear a disguise,' he said. 'When you’re Richard Simmons, it’s not easy to get away with anonymity.' He also addressed claims that Simmons is depressed over the death of Hattie - his last surviving Dalmatian who he reportedly took out with him in LA and treated like a child - and his knee injury. According to a source, who spoke to TMZ, Simmons is in desperate need of a knee replacement and risks never being able to exercise again if he continues to avoid the routine procedure. A woman is pictured standing behind a gate at Simmons' Los Angeles mansion on Thursday, November 13 . Earlier this week, Simmons took to Facebook (above) to thank fans for their 'outpouring of love and concern' But Estey said: 'The truth is very simple, he has a knee injury, and it’s serious enough to keep him from doing what he loves most: exercising and motivating others. '[But] he is not clinically depressed or a shut-in or a recluse. [Hattie] passed away a year and a half ago, it’s not the issue. And he hasn’t lost weight recently either.' Simmons's housekeeper also denied claims that the star is suffering from 'debilitating depression', saying he is 'perfectly fine'. Speaking to MailOnline, the housekeeper, named Teresa Reveles, who is allegedly tasked with turning friends or associates away when they come to visit him, said: 'He's home and he's fine.' It comes as Simmons himself has taken to social media to thank fans for their 'outpouring of love and concern' following the surprising news of his well-being. In a post on his official Facebook page he said: 'I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern that I have received today. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do and that is to teach classes around the world.' And on Saturday, he tweeted: 'Thank you again for allllll your kindness.... remember to work out today!!!' Simmons pictured at a students' exercise symposium in 2004, wearing his trademark shorts and tank top. The eccentric entertainer hasn't been seen in public for almost a year . Reynold Gideon, who lives directly opposite, tells MailOnline exclusively that Simmons' housekeeper is adamant the sparkling fitness fanatic is merely 'resting'. Mr Gideon confirmed that Simmons had issues with his knee but believes he's doing well and is most likely to be working on something new, he understands from many conversations with the gym guru's staff. Mr Gideon explained: 'I think he's working on a new project, he's constantly recreating himself because the man has so much energy. He's a wonderful neighbor to have.' Since his 80s heyday Simmons has constantly sought to regain his faded fame, and can be easily recognized in LA by his bushy hair . 'He told me about a knee problem months ago but I've not seen him since so I don't know of any updates with it,' Mr Gideon explained. One concerned neighbor pulled over their vehicle to ask MailOnline if the dazzling star had died, such is his absence in the community. The woman, who declined to be named, enquired: 'Is he dead? We're all quite worried, nobody has seen him in months. It's so out of character but nobody knows what to do.' An unidentified man arrived at the property to hand-deliver documents in an 8.5 by 11-inch brown envelope, received by Simmons' housekeeper, but refused to comment regarding the nature of his visit. Simmons was last seen in public on January 11 at a charity event and has avoided his own famed studio 'Slimmons' in Beverly Hills for several months. Since his 80s heyday Simmons has constantly sought to regain his faded fame, and can be easily recognized in LA by his bushy hair and trademark exercise shorts and tank top. In 2011, the fitness guru had Dancing With The Stars viewers talking about his seemingly slimmed down build whist appearing on the show to coach celebrity contestant Chaz Bono. The 63-year-old's smaller frame sparked speculation that something was awry, and perhaps he might even be ill - though this speculation was later quashed by his agent. Simmons continues to run the Beverley Hills exercise studio, called Slimmons Studio, that he established in 1974. MailOnline reached out to Simmons for comment. ### SUMMARY:

Friends of fitness guru Richard Simmons claim 66-year-old is 'not ok' Their last contact with star was March 10 and he has not phoned them . He also failed to attend funeral of Joan Rivers, whom he was 'close to' 'If Richard is really ok, he would pick up the phone and tell us to relax' Comes days after Simmons's spokesman denied star is hidden away . Thomas Estey said: 'He's not clinically depressed, a shut-in or recluse' Simmons's housekeeper told MailOnline he is 'perfectly fine' at home . Contradicts claims Simmons is upset over knee injury and dog's death .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The deadly Ebola virus is more likely to claim the lives of those aged 45 or older, scientists have claimed. A new study carried out in Sierra Leone - one of the West African nations worst hit during the outbreak - has produced the most complete picture to date of how the virus affects sufferers. From its discovery in the north eastern region of Zaire in 1976, the deadly virus has proved hard to track. Until the death of a two-year-old in Guinea in December last year sparked the largest outbreak in Ebola's history, there had been just 1,500 deaths during 25 outbreaks spanning 37 years. As a result, and in comparison to other deadly viruses, relatively little data on the virus existed. A new study carried out by health workers and scientists at Sierra Leone's Kenema Government Hospital, has found the fatality rate for those aged 45 or older is 94 per cent . Forty-seven doctors and nurses collated the information while caring for 106 patients at Kenema Government Hospital, pictured, in Sierra Leone - one of the nations hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak . Health workers working with the bodies of Ebola victims at Kenema Hospital in Sierra Leone . A volunteer medical team carry the body of a victim during the burial of seven people who died from Ebola in Kenema . The team's work found the younger a patient is the more likely they are to survive, fever is the most common symptom when victims first seek care, and early medical help is crucial. Pictured, health workers carry the body of a victim in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown . The team tasked with discovering Ebola in 1976, led by Professor Peter Piot, took detailed notes of their findings. But in the central African nations plagued by the virus there commonly lacked a standardised procedure for taking medical notes. What scientists know often came from informal doctors' notes, charting incomplete recollections of the virus' effect on patients. No medical records or charts were in place to note patients' symptoms, vital signs and treatment. The team's work found the younger a patient is the more likely they are to survive, fever is the most common symptom when victims first seek care, and early medical help is crucial. The fatality rate for patients under 21 was 57 per cent, while for those aged 45 and older, mortality soared to 94 per cent. One striking finding was how devastating the severe diarrhoea, a symptom of the disease, is for patients. The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated the incubation period of the patients they examined was six to 12 days - similar to that seen during the outbreak. Fever was the most common symptom reported by patients with 80 per cent suffering a raised temperature, . The study found the higher the temperature recorded on admission to hospital, the more likely patients were to die from Ebola. Eighty per cent of patients suffered a headache, 66 per cent noted weakness, 60 per cent suffered dizziness, 51 per cent diarrhoea, 40 per cent abdominal pain and 34 per cent suffered vomiting. Only one patient was found to suffer internal bleeding - one of the most deadly symptoms. There was no way of recording accurate death rates. But at the Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone for the last 10 years, a team of US scientists has been working with staff and the country's health department to establish a new medical records system. It was introduced to help patients suffering Lassa fever, Time reports. But when the Ebola outbreak reached Sierra Leone's third largest city in May this year, the system in place began to collate the most comprehensive set of data ever collected on the virus. The findings, published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, have added to knowledge of the disease. According to the World Health Organisation, the virus has so far claimed almost 5,000 lives. In Sierra Leone there have been 5,235 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of the disease, of 13,703 across the world, while 1,500 people have died. Forty-seven doctors and nurses collated the information while caring for 106 patients at Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone - one of the nations hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak. Seven of the health workers conducting the research died - six from Ebola, while one suffered a stroke. Among them was Dr Sheik Humarr Khan, the doctor hailed a hero by his government having led Sierra Leone's fight against the virus until his death in July. According to the World Health Organisation, the virus, pictured under the microscope, has so far claimed almost 5,000 lives. In Sierra Leone there have been 5,235 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of the disease, from 13,703 across the world, while 1,500 people have died . Dr Sheik Humarr Khan, the doctor hailed a hero by his government having led Sierra Leone's fight against the virus, died conducting the study in July . The team's work found the younger a patient is the more likely they are to survive, fever is the most common symptom when victims first seek care, and early medical help is crucial. Dr John Schieffelin, an infectious diseases specialist at Tulane University in the US, said the findings highlight the advantage of youth. The fatality rate for patients under 21 was 57 per cent, while for those aged 45 and older, mortality soared to 94 per cent. Dr Schieffelin said: 'They're more resilient and younger and tougher. 'This is definitely the most detailed analysis of symptoms and factors related to survival,' he added. One striking finding was how devastating the severe diarrhoea, a symptom of the disease, is for patients. 'If you can keep up with simple hydration during that phase, you can prevent a lot of deaths,' Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital, New York, told CBS News. Basic supportive health care, providing intravenous fluids and nutrients, and maintaining a patient's blood pressure can be the difference between life and death. Of the 213 people initially tested for signs of haemorrhagic fever, around half - 106 patients - were diagnosed with the disease. An Ebola checkpoint in Sierra Leone, where Oxfam is providing handwashing facilities and electronic thermometers. Individuals are stopped, have their temperature taken and if they are older than 38 and have signs of a fever they are taken to a holding centre for diagnosis . The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated the incubation period of the patients they examined was six to 12 days - similar to that seen during the outbreak . The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, estimated the incubation period of the patients they examined was six to 12 days - similar to that seen during the outbreak. The World Health Organisation advises the incubation period can range from two to 21 days. Fever was the most common symptom reported by patients with 80 per cent suffering a raised temperature, . The study found the higher the temperature recorded on admission to hospital the more likely patients were to die from Ebola. Eighty per cent of patients suffered a headache, 66 per cent noted weakness, 60 per cent suffered dizziness, 51 per cent diarrhoea, 40 per cent abdominal pain and 34 per cent suffered vomiting. Only one patient was found to suffer internal bleeding - one of the most deadly symptoms - but researchers said some other cases may have been missed as a result of incomplete record-keeping. The study found patients suffering weakness, dizziness and diarrhoea were more likely to die. ### SUMMARY:

47 health workers at Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone conducted comprehensive study of Ebola patients . Seven of the team died during study - six from the virus . They found age is a key factor establishing the fatality rate for over 45s is 94% while for those aged up to 21 is 57% . Study is significant because it adds new knowledge of the virus . From Ebola's discovery in 1976 there were just 25 outbreaks in 37 years, killing around 1,500 people . As a result in comparison to other viruses relatively little reliable data existed for scientists trying to understand the disease . Study found incubation period was six to 12 days and if those patients who suffered weakness, dizziness and diarrhoea were more likely to die .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Shahab Reza, 52, of Perivale, London (pictured outside an earlier court hearing), has admitted his role in the scam and now faces years behind bars . A deaf couple fuelled a lavish lifestyle by using their disability to pocket nearly £1million in a sophisticated benefits fraud. Shahab Reza, 52, and his wife Shahnaz, 53, were described as ‘breathtakingly arrogant’ after using the money to buy luxury properties and jewellery, including a ‘flawless’ £8,000 diamond. The couple set up a complex network of fake companies around the world while still receiving benefits. By submitting bogus invoices for sign language interpreters, they duped officials out of the huge sums with ‘scandalous ease’. The elaborate scam saw the greedy couple net £800,000. They also lied to a council about their financial position, getting a further £100,000 in other benefits and tax exemptions. They used the money, which was earmarked to help vulnerable individuals find work, to fund a holiday to Dubai, where they bought a £600,000 penthouse apartment. Shahab Reza, an accountant who was described as the mastermind of the fraud, even recruited his university-educated children to take part in the scheme. Their son Abbas, 26, and daughter Zainab, 22, spoke on their parents’ behalf and signed off paperwork from their early teenage years. Abbas, who works as a doctor, even used the money to fund a ‘jolly’ to America while still a student and the siblings allegedly used the companies to harvest false expenses claims. The children said they were ‘doing what they were told’ by their malicious father, who abused their vulnerability. Shahab Reza orchestrated the four-year con by submitting fake invoices for sign language interpreters to the Department of Work and Pensions through the Access to Work scheme. The money was then laundered through six sham companies set up in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the UK to claim thousands every month in bogus fees. Shahab even used his connections at a local mosque and training college to recruit fraudsters to widen the scheme. Their ‘employees’ were given a cover story and paid hundreds of pounds a month for their ‘silence and co-operation’, the court heard. The couple’s lies about their financial circumstances also netted nearly £100,000 in benefits and tax exemptions from Harrow Council between 2002 and 2010. Prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC said: ‘The ease with which these frauds were perpetrated is scandalous; the extent of the Reza family’s greed and ability to lie is breathtakingly arrogant.’ She told jurors at Southwark Crown Court that the son and daughter were ‘drawn into the fraud very early’. A contract was found at the family home’s in Stanmore, north-west London, from 2008 that detailed an employment contract involving the brother and sister. Shehnaz Reza, 53, (left) and her children, Zainab, 22, (centre) and Abbas, 26, (right), denied involvement in the plot but Shehnaz and Abbas were found guilty of fraud charges. The jury could not reach a verdict on Zainab . The couple's son Abbas (pictured outside court) was found guilty of fraud charges at Southwark Crown Court . ‘The agreement was to employ [Zainab] for £400 a month – that is just a sham agreement,’ Miss Cottage said. ‘Shahab Reza knew he could trust his children to sign those documents and they would not ask any questions. 'We say that the young people – Abbas Reza and Zainab Reza – are intellectually able. 'Certainly we know that Abbas Reza is a fully trained and qualified doctor, Zainab Reza has a degree as well and they are no fools, however young they were when they first signed the documents. ‘The ease with which these frauds were perpetrated is scandalous; the extent of the Reza family’s greed and ability to lie is breathtakingly arrogant.' The court heard how the family laundered the cash through accounts in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the UK and then spent on luxuries. The family bought property in Dubai, a new luxury family home and £600,000 penthouse apartment. Detectives later seized thousands of pounds worth of gold jewellery and gems in a safe at their house, as well as a £8,000 ‘flawless and beautiful’ diamond. The family also bought investment bonds and savings policies with the stolen funds. Abbas also splashed cash on a ‘student jolly’ to America in July 2009 and claimed back spending money and travel in expenses. Shehnaz regularly claimed business expenses while Zainab claimed her travel costs and Abbas was claiming for his mobile phone insurance. Zainab and her mother also claimed for travel and ‘everything they ate’ on a trip to Dubai to purchase an investment property. Shahab orchestrated the four-year con by submitting fake invoices for sign language interpreters to the Department of Work and Pensions through the Access to Work scheme. The accountant set up six sham companies to claim thousands a month in bogus fees on the basis of the fraudulent claim forms. But he had to widen the pool of people the cash was being paid to so Shahab used his connection with his mosque and the training college UCanDoIt to recruit further fraud members. Southward Crown Court heard how Shahab and his wife Shehnaz, who are both deaf, oversaw a four-year benefit swindle on the Department of Work and Pensions using false invoices for sign language interpreters . Shahab admitted his role in the con before the trial began and is facing years behind bars. The jury also found Shehnaz and Abbas guilty of fraud charges but were unable to reach verdicts in respect of Zainab. The jurors also failed to return verdicts on a string of further charges and were discharged from considering five counts after more than 60 hours of deliberation. The CPS has yet to indicate whether it will take the outstanding charges to a retrial. Sentencing has been adjourned until February. Daiva Alisaskaite, 42, from Hackney, east London, was their cleaner, while Natela Babina, from Middlesex, also attended meetings at the house. They were both found guilty of fraud by false representation and also await sentence. They were given a cover story and paid hundreds of pounds a month for their ‘silence and co-operation’, the court heard. Neither of them ever required an interpreter or support worker yet they submitted false claims worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Among those cleared was friend Saifur Rahman, 31, from Camden Town, northwest London, who had been charged with fraud by false representation and showed palpable relief as the verdict was read. The jury failed to return a verdict for co-accused friend Ahsan Naseer, 29, from Birmingham, for the same charge. Rahman, Naseer, Babina and Alisauskaite admitted signing the bogus forms but said they ‘did not knew there was anything dishonest’ about it. Enquiries began after concerns were raised by Access to Work staff who investigated the fraud while the Reza family continued to make their bogus claims. Abbas, Shehnaz, and Zainab Reza, of, Stanmore, north west London, each denied conspiracy to defraud for which no verdict was reached. Shehnaz further denied a single count each of fraud by false representation, obtaining money transfer by deception, and dishonestly obtaining exemption from liability but was found guilty. Zainab denied a further charge of fraud by false representation for which no verdict was taken. Abbas denied but was convicted of one count of fraud by false representation but the jury was hung on a further charge of the same offence. The jury was discharged from considering a charge that Abbas lied about his finances to the Student Loans company. ### SUMMARY:

Shahab Reza, 52, admitted scamming £900,000 from Government in scam . Wife Shehnaz and children Abbas, 26, and Zainab, 22, denied part in plot . Shehnaz, 53, and Abbas found guilty of fraud charges at Southwark court . Jury could not reach verdicts on whether Zainab was involved in swindling . Prosecutor said the disability fraud was committed with 'scandalous ease'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Paranoid schizophrenic Harry Street, 70, originally called Barry Williams, had a fatal heart attack at high-security Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside . A mass killer who gunned down five people in a one-day 'orgy of terror' and then planned another rampage when he was freed has died behind bars. Paranoid schizophrenic Harry Street, 70, originally called Barry Williams, had a fatal heart attack at high-security Ashworth Hospital in Merseyside on Christmas Eve. The gun fanatic opened fire on three neighbours in 1978 following a long-running dispute over noise and then killed an elderly couple at a petrol station in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He was detained indefinitely in Broadmoor after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility in March 1979 – but was released just 15 years later. Last year it emerged that neighbours Warren and Sharee Smith complained to police about a five-year campaign of harassment which had chilling similarity to the dispute decades earlier. When police raided the Birmingham home Street shared with wife Beverley and daughter Amy, 18, they found six guns, a homemade bomb and more than 50 bullets. He was again detained indefinitely by a judge who said a tragedy had been missed by only a 'narrow margin' and Street threatened to blow up Mr Smith's family after his release. Mr Smith told the Sunday Mirror: 'I feel shock but also relief. He was a very clever guy - he played the system and serious mistakes have been made. 'We actually got on well with his wife and daughter, and I do feel sorry for them. We were very, very lucky as I know that something was about to happen before his arrest.' He spoke of his anger that the killer had been allowed to change his name and that police had no idea of the dangerous history of their 'nuisance neighbour'. Street went on a rampage in 1978 killing neighbours George Burkitt, 48, his wife Iris Burkitt, 47, and their 20-year-old son Philip after a day out drinking whisky. The couple's teenage daughter, Jill Burkitt, who was 17 at the time, was left with serious gun wounds after she was hit in the back and thigh by five bullets at her West Bromwich home. The gun fanatic's merciless killing spree in 1978 claimed five lives and prompted front-page headlines which shocked Britain . After hearing Street had died, Ms Burkitt told The Sun on Sunday: 'The devil has gone back to hell. 'It was always my fear that one day he'd be released again and hunt me down. 'No one likes to hear of anyone dying but in his case it was best.' It emerged that Street, then aged 34, had a firearms certificate for a semi-automatic weapon he used legitimately at gun club ranges after the shootings in 1978. Following his arrest by officers who overpowered him, more than 900 live bullet cartridges and a 0.22-calibre pistol were found stashed inside Street's Ford Capri. Two charges of attempted murder were ordered to lie on the file by a judge at Stafford Crown Court in March 1979, who described Street's crimes as a 'dreadful series of events' driven by mental illness. He was detained under mental health laws in 1979 for the manslaughters, but was released 15 years later . Psychiatric experts told the court Street had an active paranoid psychosis requiring hospital treatment. Street's release, after he was deemed safe to be returned to the community, also attracted significant media attention. A decision in 1994 to allow him to live in a bail hostel around six miles away from the scene of the West Bromwich shootings was described as 'crass, insensitive and dangerous' by a local MP. One of Street's original victims also voiced anger at the decision to free Street. George Burkitt (right), his wife Iris (left) were both shot in the head, while their son Philip was shot through the heart . Speaking to a newspaper in 2003, Judith Chambers, who survived being struck by two bullets, warned that Street may one day attempt to repeat his slaughter. Referring to her attacker by his original surname, she told the Sunday Mercury: 'One of my fears is that one day he will decide to come back to Birmingham and finish the job off. If he ever got his hands on another gun, I dread to think what the consequences might be. 'Some day, someone will be sorry that Williams was let out.' It was only after Street's arrest on October 14 last year that police discovered his real identity was mass killer Barry Williams. Prosecutor Michael Duck QC told Birmingham Crown Court officers found six guns and an explosive device in a cupboard at the pensioner's home. The serial killer adapted blank firing weapons and built homemade bullets before testing his fguns by firing them at an Argos catalogue from close range. Street killed Michel and Lisa Di Maria (left), an Italian-born couple who ran a petrol station and Philip Burkitt (right) Mr Duck said: 'Officers searched the premises at Hazelville Road and the results of that search were in the context of this case, revealing and frightening. 'The methodology mirrored what he did in 1978. Of course, having discovered those items, there was further investigation into Harry Street and the reality of him having been Barry Williams in 1978 then emerged.' Sentencing Street to be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act, Mr Justice Blair said: 'The effect of these orders is that the defendant may never be released.' The judge added that the risk of a further tragedy had only been 'narrowly avoided' and a serious case review is due to be released in January. A spokesperson for Ashworth Hospital said: 'A patient in our long term care was taken to general hospital after becoming acutely physically unwell. He did die.' He attacked the family on Andrew Road, the Bustleholm estate (pictured) and then drove to a petrol station and killed an elderly couple . In 2007 Street became obsessed with his neighbours the Smiths, pictured is Warren Smith arriving at Birmingham Crown Court with his daughter Shaneze . When police raided Street's Birmingham home they found six guns, a homemade bomb and more than 50 bullets . October 26, 1978 - Barry Williams guns down the Burkitt family, killing Iris and George and their son Phillip and leaving their daughter Jill serious wounded at around 7.10pm. October 26, 1978 - He pulls up to service station in Arbury Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, and walks up to the kiosk before shooting Mike Di Maria and his wife Liza at around 8.10pm. October 27, 1978 - Williams is finally overpowered and arrested by officers after a car chase in Buxton, Derbyshire. March 26, 1979 - The killer is sent to Broadmoor for killing five people after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. October 1994 - He is released from Broadmoor and found to be living just six miles away from the scene of the massacre to public outcry. He then moves to Wales, marries and has a daughter before returning to Birmingham as Harry Street. 2007 - Street becomes obsessed with his neighbours the Smith family and starts to harbour delusions they are harassing him. October 14, 2013 - Police investigating allegations of harassment by Street find firearms and explosives at his home in Hazelville Road, Hall Green. The bomb squad is called in to recover IEDs and weapons. October 6, 2014 - Street is detained indefinitely at the high-security Ashworth psychiatric hospital in Liverpool after admitting three charges of possessing a firearm, one charge of harassment and one of making an explosive device. ### SUMMARY:

Harry Street, originally called Barry Williams, shot dead five people in 1978 . He had heart attack at high-security Ashworth Hospital on Christmas Eve . Street was detained under mental health laws in 1979 for manslaughters . But the firearms fanatic was released from indefinite detention in mid-90s . He then started a campaign of harassment against neighbours the Smiths . Police searched his home and found homemade bomb and six guns . He was then detained by judge who said tragedy was 'narrowly avoided'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Choosing a stunning red carpet gown for a high profile awards ceremony can be a daunting task so how do you do it when you have to factor a baby bump into the equation? It's a style dilemma that a number of women attending last night's Golden Globes awards and after-parties had to consider. Keira Knightley, Terri Seymour and Molly Sims were among the stars on the red carpet at various stages of pregnancy. Scroll down for video . Pregnant Keira Knightley wore a butterfly print Chanel gown with a high waistline and embroidered frills . The nominated actress said her small, black clutch carried her real essentials - nuts to nibble on . Is it a nightdress? Style and colour consultant for women Jules Standish thought Keira's outfit was too frilly. The actress is pictured here with husband James Righton, keyboardist for The Klaxons . Keira, 29, who is expecting her first child with husband James Righton, chose a butterfly print Chanel gown. The actress, who was nominated for an award for her role in The Imitation Game, often wears dresses cinched in at the waist to show off the slim frame. But with a blossoming baby bump to accommodate, this time she opted for a high waist. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight's Nancy O'Dell on the red carpet she said of her pregnancy style: 'The waistline goes up somewhat. There is no waist any more, so it's risen.' She added that she only had room to carry the essentials in her small black clutch, so make-up was out in favour of nuts. She said: 'I don't have lipstick. I only have nuts in here. It's the wonderful thing about being pregnant. You just need to make sure you have snacks. So this is a snack bag.' Baby on board: Benedict Cumberbatch and fiancée Sophie Hunter are expecting their first child . A hint of a bump can be seen under Sophie's floral Erdem dress as she supports her nominated partner at the awards but with a big glass of water it's clear she had to say 'no' to the flowing Champagne . Style and colour consultant for women, Jules Standish, author of How Not To Wear Black, told FEMAIL she was not entirely won over by Keira's choice of maternity wear. She said: 'It looks like a nightdress. Frills and ruffles swamp her tiny frame, however empire line is very flattering in pregnancy. I love the butterfly accessory, overall it's a very girlie, young look.' Another mother-to-be at the awards was Benedict Cumberbatch's fiancée Sophie Hunter. The couple revealed last week they they are expecting their first baby. Sophie wore a floor-length floral gown from Erdem's pre-fall 2015 collection as she supported her nominated fiancé, who missed out on winning the best actor trophy to fellow Brit Eddie Redmayne. Benedict, Sophie and Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman (centre) chat to friends Keira and James . Catherine Hudson, fashion and beauty editor at Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine and content editor for Junior online said Sophie was a clear winner in the style stakes. She said: 'Theatre director Sophie Hunter looked timelessly elegant in a winter floral jacquard maxi dress by Erdem. 'A plunging V-neck is a good choice to highlight your décolletage, and a sleeveless dress will accentuate toned arms. 'The wide waistband is comfortable for a growing bump and the pleating detail from the waist down is super flattering to skim over and out. 'The colours of the dress have been reflected in the pink tones of Sophie's make-up and the blue of her eyes. 'This is our favourite look.' Keira and Sophie could have asked fellow awards attendee Rosamund Pike for tips on how to get back into shape after having a baby. The British actress, who was nominated for best actress for her role in Gone Girl, appeared on the red carpet just five weeks after giving birth. Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike wore this daring gown just five weeks after giving birth to her second son . Not everyone was fan of the Rosamund's Grecian-style Vera Wang gown that left a lot of skin exposed . And while some new mothers may feel self-conscious about their post-baby body, the 35-year-old appeared to have no such reservations. She flashed the flesh in a white low-cut Vera Wang gown that was cut away at the sides and exposed her back. The 'brave' choice of dress drew both admiration and criticism from viewers. While many praised her slim figure, news website Mic said her 'outfit choice left a lot to be desired from a fashion perspective'. The website's lifestyle editor Ellie Krupnick continued: 'The white Vera Wang gown was a beautiful Grecian style but noticably ill-fitting. 'The slightly baggy top and droopy neckline were not the most flattering, nor was the overly loose bodice. As many fashion writers noted, when it comes to red carpet style, fit is key.' But Rosamund revealed her dress got the seal of approval from most important man in her life - her new son. She told US TV presenter Ryan Seacrest who was interviewing the stars on the red carpet for E!: 'He was looking at me getting ready. He didn't cry; he seemed to approve.' More baby bumps were on show at the Golden Globes after parties. Terri Seymour posed hand on bump at the Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globes After Party . Mother-to-be Terri wore a flattering black floor-length dress, flashing some flesh with her plunging neckline . Presenter Terri Seymour, 41 - a former flame of Simon Cowell - is in her final trimester and will soon give birth to her first baby with boyfriend Clark Mallon. As she attended the Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globes After Party, she wore a flattering black floor-length gown that wrapped around the top of her bump. She kept the outfit daringly stylish with a plunging neckline with two strips of fabric covering her chest. Prima Baby's Catherine Hudson said of the look: 'No stranger to a revealing outfit, Terri wore a similar (non-maternity) number to the awards last year. 'While some may say that it is a touch too much, she does at least prove that it is possible to keep your own sense of personal style while pregnant.' Model Molly Sims showcased her baby bump in her flowing acid yellow dress with embroidered detailing . Meanwhile model turned actress Molly Sims summed up the term pregnancy glow by wearing an eye-catching bright yellow gown to the InStyle Post-Golden Globe Party. The 41-year-old, who is expecting a sibling for her two-year-old son Brooks in March, posed with her hand resting on her blossoming baby bump. Jules Standish said Molly's look was her winner when it came to the best dressed baby bump. She said: 'It's a great colour that stands out in the crowd. It's well cut and pretty and she shines in it, showing off her pregnancy without flaunting herself.' Catherine agreed. She said: 'We are big advocates of wearing colour while pregnant or as a new mum. 'Wearing a bright colour can really enhance your mood and lift your confidence. The vertical detail on Molly's dress lengthens her proportions and the loose fit skims over her bump. A winning combination.' She added: 'No matter what your body shape or size, it is the fit and proportions of the clothes that will make all the difference. 'Make trends work for you rather than being a slave to fashion, and find out what flatters you and your body type, so make the best of your assets and skim over the rest. 'If you have slim legs, show them off. If you have toned arms, like Rosamund or Sophie, go sleeveless. Classic styles, like Keira's empire line are classics for a reason. 'Just make sure to choose colours that suit your skin tones, and don't shy away from brights: the key is to have confidence in what you are wearing.' ### SUMMARY:

Keira Knightley, Terri Seymour and Molly Sims all had a baby on board . Keira wore frilly Chanel gown that a fashion expert described as a nightie . Terri chose revealing black dress and Molly was praised for bright colour .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Tommy Caldwell's free climb up the sheer face of El Capitan in California makes him one of the world's bravest men. He's now revealed that his courage and drive in life partly comes from a terrifying kidnap ordeal at the hands of murderous Islamists, which only ended when he pushed one of his captors off a cliff. Caldwell has told how after this 'pain and suffering paled in comparison'. Scroll down for videos . Tommy Caldwell (left) beside fellow climber Kevin Jorgeson during a news conference in El Capitan meadow following their taming of the mountain's Dawn Wall . Tommy Caldwell's free climb up the sheer face of El Capitan in California makes him one of the world's bravest men - and he's now revealed that his drive partly comes from a terrifying kidnap ordeal . The horrifying drama took place in 2000 while he was attempting to scale a sheer face in the Pamir mountains in Kyrgyzstan with three other climbers, including his then-girlfriend, Beth Rodden. While they were resting in a tent attached half-way up the rock-face, four terrorists from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a group linked to Al Qaeda, began spraying them with bullets. Fearing that they were just seconds from being killed, they abseiled down to the ground. Six days of hell followed as the gunmen moved them from place to place, with little food or water. Kyrgyz army helicopters hunted the terrorists, who told the group, which included climbers Jason Smith and John Dickey, that they would be shot if they didn't hide from them. Beth Rodden (left) and Tommy Caldwell pose for a photo during an interview in 2002 about their harrowing experience as captives in Kyrgyzstan two years previously . Happy to be home: Caldwell and Beth speaking to the media after their ordeal in 2000 . Dangerous territory: Caldwell, his then girlfriend Beth, and two other climbers, were kidnapped while climbing  in the Pamir mountain range . Eventually, the group saw a chance to escape when just one terrorist was left in charge of them. They knew that they could die in the sub-zero temperatures and that drastic action had to be taken. Caldwell described how he grabbed the terrorist's gun as they crossed a narrow ridge and shoved him off. Their captor bounced off a ledge below and disappeared into the darkness. Caldwell was immediately wracked with guilt. He told the Daily Mirror: 'I totally panicked. I thought I was an evil person. I said to Beth, 'How can you love me after I did something like this?' 'I was, like, "What is inside me that allowed me to do this?". And I was basically curled up in a ball. I had totally broken down. And they were trying to comfort me. They were saying how I'd just saved their lives. It was helping, but I still couldn't believe that I had just done that.' The experience, however, changed his perspective on life permanently. He added: 'I was pretty sure I was going to die. I'm so glad to be alive. I have to embrace every day of my life. After than incident, any pain and suffering paled in comparison.' And his anguish over his attack on the guard subsided when he learned that he'd survived the fall. Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, both from the US, completed the ascent of El Capitan, one of California's most iconic features, on Wednesday. It was a feat deemed impossible by many. They called their 19-day taming of the sheer 900-meter (2,950-feet) rock face in Yosemite National Park a 'spiritual experience.' The iconic rock formation El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California . The two made the journey up the previously untraversed Dawn Wall, a sheer granite rock face on the massive formation considered one of the most difficult free climbs in the world. 'It felt like a very spiritual experience the whole time, even now it feels a bit surreal to me,' Caldwell told reporters following the climb. Jorgeson added: 'When you would grab that last hole you could literally feel all of the hope, desire and stress drop off of you.' Free climbing involves climbing with only the hands and feet. The only ropes are fixed from below as a safety precaution. The two had trained for years and planned their climb months in advance, carefully studying their route up the Dawn Wall. During the journey Caldwell and Jorgeson slept in small tents affixed to the rock face and climbed up the ropes to where they had left off for a new day of climbing. 'I think that the camaraderie that we had was crucial,' Caldwell said. As the two neared the end of their journey, they attracted international attention for the incredible feat. People watch as the two climbers ascend the 'Dawn Wall' In this December 28, 2014, photo provided by Tom Evans, Tommy Caldwell ascends what is known as pitch 10 of El Capitan . El Capitan rises more than 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. The first climber reached its summit in 1958, and there are roughly 100 routes up to the top . Kevin Jorgeson grips the surface of a razor-sharp edge as he makes his way up the 3000ft El Capitan . The climb took a grueling 19 days and the climbers kept the public up to date with their progress using social media . Dozens of news outlets covered the finale of the climb when Jorgeson and Caldwell were greeted by friends and sprayed with champagne. US President Barack Obama tweeted words of congratulations with a photo of himself in front of a painting of the notable rock face. 'You remind us that anything is possible,' Obama wrote. The critical moment for Jorgeson came at the beginning of the month about half way up the free climb. Their climbing was divided into sections or 'pitches' between which their safety ropes were strung. On pitch 15, Jorgeson reached an impasse. The taller climber needed to reach out with his full armspan, and hold with just two fingers of one hand to pull himself to the next hold and finish the pitch. Determined: Tommy Caldwell, top, climbs Pitch 17 with Kevin Jorgeson handling the line . Caldwell, center, standing with a photographer at a base camp before climbing a half-mile section of exposed granite in California's Yosemite National Park . Rock on: Caldwell and Jorgeson set up camp as they begin their epic climb . President Obama posted this photo on Twitter congratulating the men in front of White House painting of El Capitan . But his fingers, worn down after days of climbing in the cold winter nights, were cracked and cut and he couldn't reach the hold the slighter Caldwell had already completed. Giving up crossed Jorgeson's mind, and he considered telling Caldwell to continue ahead without him. 'The idea of topping out without Kevin was something I didn't want to think about,' Caldwell told reporters. Fortunately, the weather stayed cold and dry, best for climbing because of the friction, and Caldwell said they would stay as long as they needed until Jorgeson could make the spread-eagle move. Jorgeson had the film crew following him splice together all his failures on pitch 15. He studied his mistakes, corrected his technique and made the difficult grab. 'Everything really had to come together for that to work out,' he said reflecting on the moment. 'You are just hanging there in silence and relief and joy and it's like the coolest feeling.' El Capitan: The courageous pair closing in on the top of the 3,000-foot peak . The world was watching as the pair's grueling half-mile journey up the peak's Dawn Wall route ended with an emotional reunion with their families at the summit in Yosemite National Park. The climbers celebrated on Wednesday with a hug at the top . ### SUMMARY:

Tommy Caldwell conquered the sheer face of El Capitan on Wednesday . Free climbing the 'Dawn Wall' of the mountain was considered impossible . He has now revealed that some of his courage comes from a kidnap ordeal . Caldwell was captured in Kyrgyzstan and held captive for six days . The horrifying experience only ended when he pushed a guard off a cliff . Caldwell, full of guilt, later learned to his relief that the guard had survived .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: He was notorious for terrorising shipping in the west Atlantic, but treasures discovered among the wreckage of Blackbeard's ship suggest the feared pirate may have had a caring side. Marine archaeologists have found evidence of medical equipment used to heal the sick and wounded on board the pirate captain's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. The artifacts are the latest clues of what life would have been like on the ship that became feared along the east coast of America and the West Indies. A pewter syringe (above) was found to contained mercury, which was used to treat diseases like syphilis . The wreckage of the Queen Anne's Revenge was discovered in 1996 on a sandbar in Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina, where Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach, ran it aground in 1718. Since then archaeologists working on the Queen Anne's Revenge project have recovered cannons, glass beads, coins, pottery and gold dust from the remains of the vessel that have provided a glimpse of the pirates' lifestyle. Experts have found an array of fascinating artifacts from Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge wreckage since 1996. Archaeologists have recovered onion bottles, two bells of Spanish or Portuguese origin a coin weight with Queen Anne's likeness stamped on it, buckles, glass beads, buttons, cuff links, pieces of wine glasses, a syringe, gold flakes, among others. The same team are said to have also found 11 cannons from the pirate ship, including one in 2005 and another in 2007. Another rare find was a partly gilded hilt thought to have held the sword of Blackbeard himself. But among the wreckage they have also found a number of items that would have been used for medical care, including a syringe, a blood porringer, an apothecary's weight set, along with a mortar and pestle. Archaeologists who have been studying the artifacts say that they suggest Blackbeard made great efforts to keep his crew healthy. It is a image that contrasts greatly with the pirate captain's ruthless and ferocious reputation. The English pirate had a fearsome appearance, tying his thick black beard into pigtails, stringing weapons from slings around his shoulders and sticking lighted matches under his hat when he went into battle. He also had a reputation for marooning members of his crew and enforcing strict discipline on board his ships. Linda Carnes-McNaughton, an archaeologist with the Department of the Army at the Directorate of Public Works in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, said: 'Treating the sick and injured of a sea-bound community on shipboard was challenging in the best of times. 'Chronic and periodic illnesses, wounds, amputations, toothaches, burns and other indescribable maladies of the crew, captain, and enslaved cargo had to be treated.' She added that maintaining his crew's health was so important to Blackbeard that when he turned the captured French slaver ship La Concorde into the Queen Anne's Revenge, he released most of the original crew but forced the three ship's surgeons to stay. The wreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge was discovered where it had run aground in Beafort Inlet (above) A mortar and pestle (above) was thought to have been used to prepare medical treatments for the crew . Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane in the Pirates of the Caribbean films (above), had a fearsome reputation . Among the medical equipment discovered on board were a pewter urethral syringe that has been found to contain traces of mercury. It is believed this was used to treat the sexually transmitted disease syphilis, although the mercury itself would have eventually poisoned the patient. Divers have also recovered a set of apothecary weights that were thought to have been used to weigh out medicines while a mortar and pestle was used to crush treatments. They have also discovered the remains of two pump clysters, which would have been used to perform enemas, which would have allowed medication to be quickly absorbed. An 11ft anchor, weighing nearly 3,000lb, was recovered from the wreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge in 2011 . The graphic above shows what the Queen Anne's Revenge would have looked like at the time of Blackbeard . They have yet to analyse the clysters to discover what they had contained. A blood porringer - used to measure out blood during bloodletting that was thought to cure some conditions - was also found. The remains of glass bottles and pots that may have contained drugs and balms were also discovered. Dr Carnes-McNaughton, who presented her findings to the Society for Historical Archaeology, also said that other items have been found that could have had medical uses. A silver needle and the remains of scissors could have been used to help repair injured sailors after battle while a brass set of screws could have been used in a tourniquet during amputations. Dr Carens-McNaughton has used records from the original crew list of La Concorde to discover the names of some of the surgeons that served on the Queen Anne's Revenge. The remains of square glass bottles were found on the wreck that may have contained drugs or medical gin . Blackbeard used his appearance to strike fear into his enemies but the new finds suggest he had a softer side . These included the La Concorde surgeon major Jean Dubou, from St Etienne, Marc Bourgneuf, from La Rochelle and Claude Deshayes, who was also a gunsmith. She claims that there is also evidence from records at the time that Blackbeard would trade hostages for medical supplies. in 1718, for example, he blockaded the port of Charleston, South Carolina, capturing the ships that tried to enter. While parleying with the governor of South Carolina, Blackbeard demanded a chest of medicine or he would murder all their prisoners. The governor complied an the prisoners were released. Dr Carnes-McNaughton told the Mail Online: 'To our knowledge, he never killed anyone directly, but did issue harsh punishment to some and wounded one of his crew on purpose. 'But the fact that he retained, or kidnapped, if you prefer, the French surgeons leads us to think he had no other medical professionals on board at the time he stole the La Concorde and his men were suffering the ills of syphilis and scurvy and perhaps other wounds. 'They were no good to him as crew members if they were not able to sail the ship and maintain the business at hand - that of piracy. 'Medical equipment and supplies and surgeons, may have been equally as important to him as gold was.' However, in November 1718, Blackbeard was finally hunted down by the Royal Navy and he died in a final battle after apparently receiving more than 25 wounds. Among the other items to be recovered from the shipwreck of the Queen Anne's Revenge are five cannons that Blackbeard had installed on the vessel after he captured it. The cannons, one of which weighed more than 3,000lb, would have fired 6lb cannon balls at any ships daring to confront them. One of the five cannon used by Blackbeard is raised from the wreck of the Queen's Anne Revenge in 2013 . Grains of gold have also been found on the vessel (above) hinting at the riches enjoyed by Blackbeard's crew . Historians believe the largest cannon found was made in Sweden, meaning Blackbeard who was also known as Edward Teach or Thatch, had guns from different countries on board. In total, 40 cannons were believed to have been on board the Queen Anne's Revenge. Since the wreck was discovered in 1996, 22 of the ship's guns and about 280,000 artifacts have been recovered. Other finds have included onion bottles, bells, buckles and a partly gilded hilt thought to have held Blackbeard's sword. ### SUMMARY:

Archaeologists discovered a syringe and enema pumps in the ship wreck . They also found equipment for 18th century treatments like bloodletting . The pewter syringe contained traces of mercury used for treating syphilis . The shipwreck was found on a sandbar in Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina . Historic records show Blackbeard traded prisoners for medical supplies . His care for his crew contrasts with his fearsome and ruthless reputation .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: A working plastic gun has been printed using a self-assembled 3D printer, a nail and some household screws. The gun, based on blueprints made available online by Defense Distributed last month, cost just $25 (£16) to make and has already successfully fired nine .38 caliber shots by the Wisconsin engineer who built it. Up until now, the blueprints for the 'Liberator' gun have been mainly printed using industrial-grade 3D printers that cost around £5,250 ($8,000). Scroll down for video . A Wisconsin engineer has printed a 3D plastic gun using a self-assembled 3D printer he bought online, a nail and some household screws. In a video posted to YouTube, the engineer known only as Joe, successfully shoots nine .38 caliber shots. It is one of the first models to be printed on cheap, at-home 3D printers . 3D printing is poised to revolutionise engineering and reforge industries from medicine, to construction to aerospace. The process, also called additive manufacturing, creates a three-dimensional solid object from a digital model. The feat is achieved by laying down layer upon layer of plastic. The layers are then joined together to create the final shape. The machine takes blueprints from computer aided designs and 'slices' them into digital cross-sections that the machine uses as a guideline for printing. The process of addictive manufacturing has been in use on a large industrial scale since the early 1980s. Since 2010, an entire industry has sprung up around personal 3D printers, which are increasingly small, powerful and affordable. Defense Distributed used a higher-end $8,000 (£5,250) model to build its 3D gun. However entry-level desktop models can cost $500 to $1,000 (£329 to £659). The technology is used in a huge range of industries from construction to aerospace. Researchers recently used 3D printing to print bionic ears, that contained living cells from pigs. This latest gun is one of the first to be 3D printed using the much cheaper Lulzbot A0-101 3D printer - a printer that can be bought online, assembled at home and costs £1,136 ($1,725). Because of the use of the Lulzbot, the engineer behind the cheap gun known only as Joe, has called it the Lulz Liberator. In a video posted to YouTube, Joe is shown firing the printed gun which was pre-loaded with .380 caliber rounds. Eight shots were fired using the original printed plastic barrel. The barrel was then damaged, so it was replaced and Joe used it to fire one more shot. Joe told Forbes he believed it could have shot even more. The video was filmed by fellow Wisconsin engineer Michael Guslick. The Lulz Liberator is slightly different from the original plans because it has a rifled barrel and uses screws to hold it together, rather than printed plastic pins. It took two days to print the gun and Joe used generic ABS materials and household items that cost a total of $25 (£16). The blueprints for the first-ever . plastic gun produced on a 3D printer were released online, for free, by . Defense Distributed (DD) in March. The company's founder, 25-year-old Cody Wilson, spent a year working on the plans before successfully testing the designs. The first models based on DD's designs were printed in April. The plans behind the Liberator 3D-printed gun were designed by 25-year-old Cody Wilson, founder of Defense Distributed. Wilson, pictured, spent a year working on the plans. He then made them available online, before the US State Department Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance ordered him to remove them because the guns could violate export regulations . This picture shows the printed parts of the Liberator gun designed by Cody Wilson of Defense Distributed. The version printed using the Lulzbot printer used metal screws to hold it together, rather than the plastic pins shown in this image . Earlier this month, DD announced the plans had been downloaded over 100,000 times and this led to the U.S. State Department ordering the . website to take down the plans, on the basis they could . violate export regulations. Because the original gun is made entirely from plastic it makes it possible to carry the gun through airport security metal detectors, for example, without being found out. Earlier this month, the Mail On Sunday tested this theory by smuggling a version of the Liberator gun onto a Eurostar train. Two reporters passed completely unchallenged through strict airport-style security to carry the gun on to a London to Paris service in the weekend rush-hour, alongside hundreds of unsuspecting travellers. The pistol was produced in under 36 hours using a £1,700 machine, bought online, to ‘print’ its components. Reporter Simon Murphy carried the plastic gun on to a London to Paris service in the weekend rush-hour . Once on board the packed 5.31pm Eurostar train, the reporters were able to assemble the pieces to create a fully functional firearm, and pose for pictures close to unsuspecting passengers . The train operator began an urgent investigation into the security breach following the expose, as experts called for airports and public buildings to review their procedures in light of our revelations. The Mail on Sunday pieced together the 16-part Liberator after downloading the designs. An American university student has proved earlier the same week that the designs worked, by  successfully firing a bullet on a shooting range. To test the procedures at St Pancras International Station, the gun produced by the MoS was split into three pieces and concealed in the clothing of two reporters who bought standard class tickets to Paris. The reporters then walked through the usual security procedures, manned by UK Border officials. They placed their luggage and metal objects, including loose change and watches, in plastic trays which were then passed through airport scanners. But although they were carrying parts of a potentially deadly weapon, they were able to walk through a metal detector without triggering the alarm. While some passengers were patted down by security guards, they said they proceeded unchallenged to passport control, manned by French police. Once on board the packed 5.31pm Eurostar train on Friday, the reporters were able to assemble the pieces to create a fully functional firearm in just 30 seconds, and pose for pictures close to unsuspecting passengers. The two reporters said they did not attempt to smuggle the firing pin or bullet for safety and legal reasons, but claimed small metal items could be easily concealed. Following the expose, security experts and politicians said they were horrified at the implications of the investigation. Lord West, the former Labour security Minister, called for a review to see how the ‘extremely dangerous’ weapons could be better detected. But he said he was ‘not surprised’ that Eurostar checks had failed to spot the weapon because they were so hard to detect. He said: ‘What we need is a review of how we can look at these things and how we can discover them more easily. That will take work and it will cost money. ‘These weapons are extremely dangerous because they are very difficult to detect with the methods we normally use. This is going to be a real problem, no doubt about it. People are going to have to rethink whether we need more checks.’ A Eurostar spokeswoman said: ‘Eurostar has a high level of security, with a number of checks  as specified by the authorities in order to protect the integrity of the Channel Tunnel. We take any issue relating to security very seriously. We will be investigating immediately to fully understand the nature of this issue with our security partner which carries out checks on our behalf at St Pancras. We will also investigate the matter with the Department for Transport, who oversee our security operation, and specify the checks that need to be undertaken.’ The Transport Department said the UK had ‘one of the strictest transport security regimes in the world’ and added: ‘This is kept under constant review in response to  new or emerging threats, but we do not comment on specifics for obvious reasons.’ Cody Wilson, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Texas spent the last year designing the weapon. A self-styled libertarian, he argues that everyone should have access to guns, and said last week: ‘I recognise the tool might be used to harm other people ... it’s a gun. But I don’t think that’s a reason not to do it.’ ### SUMMARY:

Wisconsin engineer uses self-assembled 3D printer to create cheap plastic gun and has already successfully fired nine .38 caliber shots . Video showing £16 pistol successfully firing nine shots posted to YouTube .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- A lawyer for the family of Robert Champion, a Florida university drum major who died this month in what officials have called a hazing-related death, said Monday he will sue the school. "We are intending to file a lawsuit to get answers" about hazing at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, lawyer Chris Chestnut told reporters. "We are concerned about the culture of cover-up, that hazing has been covered up at the Band FAMU for generations. So, it's time now that we expose the truth, eradicate this culture and come up with creative remedies on how to continue the excellence of FAMU's band, but without hazing." Chestnut said he was not at liberty to discuss the facts of the case and noted that the medical examiner has not issued a report on the cause of death of the 26-year-old musician. But, he added, the facts that have emerged to date "point to the fact that hazing was a cause of Robert Champion's death, and it was under FAMU's watch." He said he could not address the scope of the lawsuit but added, "I can tell you that FAMU will be named in it." Chestnut described hazing at the school as a don't ask, don't tell culture. "The family's message today is: Please, tell." Because FAMU is a state institution, it is protected by sovereign immunity, which means that Chestnut must file a notice of intention to sue as a prerequisite to the suit, the lawyer said. "After a six-month window, we will file a lawsuit," he added. "He loved the band -- so much, I always called him Mr. Band," Champion's mother, Pam Champion, told reporters of her son. "That was his life." She added that she was in suburban Atlanta, where the family lives, when a phone call informed her of her son's death. The call came shortly after her son had called to say he was coming home for Thanksgiving. "I thought it was some kind of mean joke. ... Maybe it's the wrong kid, maybe it's somebody else." "They had no idea of anticipating that he'd be coming to Willie Watkins' Funeral Home when he came back to Atlanta," Chestnut said. "That's not what you send your kid to college for." "It needs to stop," Pam Champion said. "No one wants to hear on a phone call that your son collapsed and died." Champion became ill at an Orlando hotel after a game on November 20. He reportedly threw up in the parking lot and started complaining of not being able to breathe, authorities said. Champion was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told CNN last week that hazing was involved but added that authorities were trying to determine an official cause of death. Under Florida law, any death that occurs as the result of hazing is a third-degree felony. After the death, FAMU President James H. Ammons suspended all band performances and said he will convene a task force "to determine if there are any unauthorized and questionable activities associated with the culture of the Marching 100." In addition, FAMU moved to fire longtime band director Julian E. White. White had led the 420-member band since 1998 and has hired an attorney to fight for his job. "We believe that he was not treated with the respect that was due," Tallahassee attorney Chuck Hobbs said. He described as "ludicrous" the university's assertion that White did not do what he could do to address hazing. White, who said he will speak Wednesday at Champion's funeral, said he had told the victim's parents about their son's death. "That was extremely difficult for me," he said. "I wish that this could have been avoided. I took the necessary steps that this tragedy could have been avoided." He said he had ordered the suspension of 26 band members two weeks before Champion's death. "I thought that that would really be the end of these kinds of things," he said, adding that his move brought criticism from some band members and parents who asked him whether the band would be able to perform adequately without 19 trombone players and others. "My comment was: 'It doesn't matter,' " he said. "I am not going to sacrifice the performance for the principle." White added that he wished the administration had suspended from the school the students allegedly involved in hazing. "If some strong actions had been taken, then Robert Champion may well be alive now, and we may not be having this gathering," he said. White added that he sent memoranda in 1989 and in the 2000s about hazing's presence on campus, not just among band members. "It's no secret," he said. "It's just a culture -- as much as I regret it -- that kids nowadays engage in." Every year, he offers hazing workshops, and anytime a band member has been suspended for hazing, White sends a note to the school president, the vice president of student affairs, the chief of police and the band staff. "I probably have more than 100," he said. "I don't know how many." He added, "I feel very comfortable that I did everything that I could to eradicate hazing. I coined the phrase, 'Zero tolerance for hazing in the Florida A&M U band.' " Asked whether he believes he is being made a scapegoat, White said, "Yes, I do." He said he had tried his best to make the administration aware of the problems. "How would I be negligent in reporting the activities when I did report them?" he asked. David Frank, a Tallahassee lawyer who represented another hazing victim, said it was not clear whether it was White or others who were at fault. "He's a legend over there," he said. "He walks in a room, people listen. Maybe he did. Maybe it's the rest of the system over there that fell apart." Frank filed a suit against the school on behalf of a band trumpeter, Marcus W. Parker, who was beaten in 2001. Frank won the case for undisclosed damages (FAMU's sovereign immunity caps its liability for a negligence action at $100,000) and won another case against those who beat his client for $1.8 million, he told CNN in a telephone interview. Frank described the hazing as part of a deep tradition with the band, where each section acts like a fraternity. "The trumpet section was the Screaming Eagles," Frank said. "The school says you don't have to be a member of this fraternity. That's just horse s***. You couldn't survive as a trumpeter if you were not a member of the Screaming Eagles." The beatings meted out were carried out with paddles, but that doesn't fully describe what happens, he said. "Paddling is just the wrong word for it. It's vicious beating. I think one guy got hit over 100 times. And this is a solid, wood paddle. This isn't some Wiffle bat. This is something that would kill you." In Parker's case, he was hit 30 times in his buttocks -- "so hard they put him into renal failure," Frank said. "His kidneys stopped working and he had to go into the emergency room. He almost died." Parker spent at least five days in critical condition, endured several surgeries and quit school, the lawyer said. The former student is now living in Jacksonville, where he is in poor physical condition, has never fully recovered and is struggling, Frank said. "It ruins their life," he added. "You don't have to be beat to within an inch of your life to play a trumpet. That's nonsense, and they know it, and this tradition is just way off base." A spokeswoman for the school did not return a call seeking comment. On Wednesday, Gov. Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey asking the department to join the investigation "to assure that the circumstances leading to Mr. Champion's death become fully known, and that if there are individuals directly or indirectly responsible for this death, they are appropriately brought to justice and held accountable." Ammons has acknowledged that at least 30 band members were let go this semester because of possible involvement in hazing. ### SUMMARY:

"That was his life," mother says of the victim's band work . Robert Champion, a 26-year-old drum major, became ill and died after a game . At least 30 band members were let go this semester because of alleged hazing . "We are concerned about the culture of cover-up," family lawyer says .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- We tend to think of the 2008 financial crisis as the atom bomb that smashed the American economy, and from which we have yet to recover. But what if our economic woes started far earlier than that? The recession officially began in December 2007, and some scholars, including Jeremy Nalewaik of the Federal Reserve, argue that if we measure gross domestic product by looking at incomes rather than expenditures, it actually started in the last three months of 2006. That is, we started digging the hole even earlier than is commonly understood. And now a number of scholars are suggesting that our troubles really began in the early 2000s, yet they were masked by an unsustainable housing boom. The recovery has been extremely uneven, with college-educated workers faring better than non-college-educated workers. This has led a number of economic thinkers to suggest that the persistence of high unemployment flows in no small part from a structural dynamic. Just as the transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy created tremendous dislocation in the Depression era, and the transition from an industrial to a service-oriented economy devastated America's Rust Belt in the sharp recession of the early 1980s, one possibility is that we are living through another painful transition, only we don't have a good sense of what the United States will look like on the other side. This is the view embraced by thinkers on the left, like Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University, and in the center, like Raghuram Rajan of the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, as well as many conservatives and libertarians who advocate structural reform. Though these thinkers acknowledge that weak consumer demand plays a role, they vary considerably in what they consider the appropriate formula for jump-starting growth and they are convinced that fixing the demand problem alone isn't enough. Others maintain that our current economic stagnation is almost entirely about weak consumer demand that flows from the damage the housing bust did to household balance sheets, and that some combination of fiscal and monetary stimulus should be our highest priority. This view is most commonly associated with liberals such as New York Times columnist and Princeton economist Paul Krugman. CNNMoney.com: Wall Street faces barrage of data . A related view, which attributes dismal growth to a monetary policy that is far too tight, has been championed by the libertarian Bentley University economist Scott Sumner and a growing number of right-leaning thinkers. These thinkers tend to maintain that the "structuralists" are missing the point. Even if there is a big economic transition is going on, its importance is swamped by the more straightforward shortfall in consumer demand. A number of economists, many of them based at the University of Chicago, have been devising new ways to test these theories to determine what has really happened to cause high unemployment. Last year, Atif Mian of the University of California, Berkeley; and Amir Sufi of the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business released a paper arguing that the central driver of the decline in employment levels between 2007 and 2009 -- the massive economic blow from which we have yet to recover -- was a drop in demand caused by shocks to household balance sheets. Mian and Sufi tested this proposition by comparing employment declines in high-leverage counties, in which households had higher ratios of debt to disposable income, and in low leverage counties, in which households had lower ratios. They found that high leverage counties saw a steeper drop in "non-tradable employment" than low leverage counties, which led them to conclude that consumer demand shocks were indeed key. The non-tradable part matters because employment in tradable industries such as manufacturing depends on the health of the national and global marketplace while non-tradable employment (think restaurant waiters or physical therapists) depends on the health of the local marketplace. Of the 6.2 million jobs lost between 2007 and 2009, Mian and Sufi attributed 4 million to this hit to consumer demand. Though Mian and Sufi don't make explicit policy recommendations, one implication of their findings is that the best way to restore economic growth might be to address household balance sheet weakness directly, whether through debt forgiveness or an increase in inflation. Debt forgiveness would allow households to reduce mortgage payments, thus giving them more to spend, and inflation would erode the value of accumulated debt, thus making it more manageable. Just this month, Kerwin Kofi Charles of the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and Erik Hurst and Matthew Notowidigo, both of the Booth School, offered a somewhat different take. Rather than focus exclusively on the period since 2007, Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo analyze shifts in the composition of employment from 2000 to 2007. Specifically, they focus on how declines in manufacturing employment interacted with housing booms in different cities across the United States. Essentially, the authors find that while a negative shock to manufacturing employment had a big negative impact on employment for non-college-educated men, a positive shock to housing prices more than made up for it. Until, that is, the housing bust wiped out these gains. And so Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo conclude that in the absence of the housing boom, the unemployment crisis facing non-college-educated men would have arrived much sooner. In other words, the 37% rise in housing prices between 2000 and 2007 functioned as a kind of invisible stimulus that shielded non-college-educated men from most of the fallout from the collapse in manufacturing jobs, 3.5 million of which evaporated over that same period. By way of comparison, there are 12 million manufacturing jobs in the United States today. One irony of the housing boom is that it convinced millions of American men that there was no need to retrain for a new economic landscape, a decision that many might now regret. The views of Mian and Sufi and Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo are not necessarily at odds. Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo are very open to the possibility that household balance sheet weakness has played a significant role in the persistence of high unemployment. Yet there are interesting tensions between these views. By offering a compelling structural explanation for the steep employment decline among non-college-educated men in the wake of the housing bust, Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo reinforce the view advanced by, among others, Booth's Raghuram Rajan. In his well-regarded book "Fault Lines," Rajan argued that one of the reasons the federal government subsidized mortgages and pushed for low interest rates is that politicians saw it as a cheap and easy way to boost the economic prospects of low- and middle-income households in a deindustrializing economy. If Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo are correct, tackling household balance sheet weakness might not be enough to address the economic challenges facing these men. Rather, men who were well-suited for either manufacturing or residential construction work will have to be retrained for jobs in very different fields. A darker possibility is that many of these men will drop out of the formal labor force entirely, and will find themselves living on the margins of society. This is the kernel of truth in the debate over outsourcing. Though the offshoring of production has greatly benefited the American economy in many important respects -- by lowering the cost of goods and services, by increasing the demand for skilled labor, and by facilitating innovation, among other things -- it has contributed to the deterioration of the labor market position of non-college-educated men. Automation has played a far larger role in declining manufacturing employment than offshoring, and indeed offshoring can be seen as nothing more than a transitional step as increasingly sophisticated machines start displacing less-skilled foreign labor. But it is offshoring that sparks the most anxiety in American workers. By documenting the scale of U.S. manufacturing's decline, Charles, Hurst, and Notowidigo have done a great deal to shed light on why. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Reihan Salam. ### SUMMARY:

Reihan Salam: We think of the 2008 crash as the bomb that caused today's economic woes . He says evidence is building that U.S. economy was troubled years before that . Experts say the housing boom hid the dire effects of manufacturing layoffs, he says . Salam: The power of the outsourcing issue flows from sharp decline in manufacturing .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- A sniper who ambushed volunteer firefighters in upstate New York on Monday, killing two and seriously wounding two others, left a note saying he hoped to burn down his neighborhood and kill as many people as possible, police said Tuesday. A charred body, believed to be his sister's, was found in the burned house she shared with him Tuesday, police said. William Spengler, 62, used a Bushmaster semiautomatic rifle, the same kind of weapon used in the assault on Sandy Hook Elementary School, Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering said. "He was equipped to go to war," Chief Pickering said. The shooter, who was convicted of killing his grandmother decades ago, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound hours later. Read more: N.Y. man who shot dead 2 firefighters killed grandmother in 1980 . Pickering, at a news conference Tuesday, read a sentence from the three-page typewritten note that detectives believe Spengler left behind: "I still have to get ready to see how much of the neighborhood I can burn down and do what I like doing best -- killing people." The note indicated Spengler's intentions, but not his motive, Pickering said. The rest of the contents will not be made public because it is evidence in a criminal investigation, he said. There is "all kinds of speculation" about why he wanted to destroy his neighborhood and kill firefighters and residents, Pickering said. One theory is that he was upset about a donation his mother, who died in the past year, made to the fire department, he said. Another theory is there could be a connection to his arrest in the killing of his grandmother, he said. "Motive is always the burning question, and I'm not sure we'll ever really know what was going through his mind," Pickering said. Spengler was convicted in 1981 of first-degree manslaughter in the death of his grandmother and had been released on supervised parole, Pickering said. It will be a challenge for the medical examiner to determine if William Spengler's sister -- 67-year-old Cheryl Spengler -- was killed before the fire was set, because it was a "raging inferno," Pickering said. A former neighbor, Roger Vercruysse, said that Spengler was a nice guy who used to come over to Vercruysse's sister's house for holiday parties and would wave to the family from his front porch, where he often sat during the summer. "He'd come to our house, we used to have picnics," he said. Spengler was especially attentive to his mother, who passed away in October, Vercruysse said, visiting her every day in the nursing home where she lived until she died. "He loved his mama," Vercruysse said. "He always talked about his mother." Spengler did not share the same closeness with his sister, with whom he shared his home, Vercruysse said. "He told me he hated his sister and never could tell me why," he said. "I'd always wave to the sister, but she was not friendly." Firefighters from the Rochester-area town of Webster responded before 6 a.m. Monday to a 911 call, reporting a fire that Spengler is believed to have set, when the gunfire began, Pickering said. "This was a clear ambush on first responders," he said. Spengler was firing from "a natural depression" against a bank and a tree, he said. An off-duty police officer, who happened on the scene, returned gunfire and sheltered firefighters with his car, Pickering said. "Had the police officer not been there, more people would have been killed because he immediately engaged the shooter with a rifle," he said. "Essentially, it was a combat condition." Investigators won't know until after an autopsy if any of his shots hit Spengler, he said. Officer John Ritter of the Greece, New York, Police Department, suffered minor shrapnel wounds but was released after treatment at a hospital. The two wounded firefighters were in stable condition after surgery Tuesday, Pickering said Tuesday morning. They were being treated for "serious injuries" in intensive care at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, he said. Seven houses were destroyed and several others damaged by the fire, which investigators believe spread from a car parked next to the home where they believe Spengler lived, Pickering said. Authorities do not know how Spengler obtained the Bushmaster rifle, .38-caliber revolver and 12-gauge shotgun he used, Pickering said. As a convicted felon, Spengler was not allowed to legally possess weapons. In chilling audio heard over a scanner Monday, a West Webster Fire Department firefighter reported "multiple firemen shot" -- including himself, with wounds to his lower back and lower leg -- and "shots still being fired." "I'm pretty sure that we have two DOAs" -- the term for dead on arrival -- "on the street," the wounded firefighter said. "... They're down and not good." For several hours after that, the threat of gunfire stopped firefighters from battling the blaze and forced police SWAT teams to evacuate 33 people in the neighborhood of small waterfront homes. The fire destroyed seven houses. It was under control by 2:30 p.m. ET, but authorities weren't able to get into any of the homes. Pickering said it's possible that more victims could be inside. Lt. Michael Chiapperini, a firefighter who died at the scene, was a veteran of the West Webster Fire Department and a police lieutenant. He'd been named Firefighter of the Year just two weeks ago. And not long before that, he had volunteered to go to Long Island to help those suffering after Superstorm Sandy, New York Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy said. The other slain firefighter was Tomasz Kaczowka, who was also a 911 dispatcher. He'd been with the West Webster Fire Department for just more than a year, department spokesman Al Sienkiewicz said. The shooting occurred amid a renewed gun control debate after the December 14 elementary school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 26 people, most of them children. The gunman in that case, Adam Lanza, also killed his mother and himself. The head of a lobbying group that represents first responders said the Monday shooting was "senseless and cruel." "The firefighters who responded today were performing a selfless, meaningful service to their community, unaware that a cold-hearted maniac was planning to ambush them and take their lives," said Harold Schaitberger, general president of the Washington-based International Association of Fire Fighters. "Coming on the heels of the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and on Christmas Eve, this shooting is even harder to comprehend." New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo described the Webster shooting as "horrific." And the state's attorney general called it a "senseless tragedy" President Barack Obama has set a January deadline for "concrete proposals" to deal with gun violence after the Newtown shooting. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, has said she will introduce legislation to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004, while National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre has said his group will fight any new gun restrictions, saying most gun laws now on the books are rarely enforced. Pickering, the Webster police chief, said it was important -- after the shooting in his town and others -- to "get a handle on gun control." He also said more needs to be done to make sure that dangerous people aren't in society, where they can kill. "For the last 20 years, we have been turning people loose and de-institutionalizing people, and I think we've swung too far," he said. "I think there are still people that need to be in institutions that are a danger to themselves or others. And this is a classic example." CNN's Brittany Brady, Chuck Johnston, Jake Carpenter and John Fricke contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

NEW: A charred body believed to be the shooter's sister's was found in her burned house . The shooter used a Bushmaster rifle, the same kind used in the Sandy Hook assault, police say . William Spengler, 62, shot himself to death after his ambush killed two firefighters, police say . Spengler was convicted in 1981 of killing his grandmother .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (ArsTechnica) -- The Federal Communications Commission is releasing the details of its new net neutrality Order in stages. Although the FCC's new ban on "unreasonable discrimination" for wired ISPs allows certain kinds of traffic discrimination (not all bits need be equal), the agency made clear after Tuesday's meeting that "paid prioritization" deals with Internet companies are unlikely to be allowed. Critics had worried that the new Order would only affect outright website blocking, leaving paid prioritization untouched (or even implicitly sanctioned). "Pay for Priority Unlikely to Satisfy 'No Unreasonable Discrimination' Rule," advises one subheading of the new net neutrality rules. Ed Whitacre's dream of directly charging Google and Yahoo to "use his pipes" -- a key event in starting the entire net neutrality debate -- appears to be dashed. "A commercial arrangement between a broadband provider and a third party to directly or indirectly favor some traffic over other traffic in the connection to a subscriber of the broadband provider (i.e., 'pay for priority') would raise significant cause for concern," the Commission then elaborates. This is because "pay for priority would represent a significant departure from historical and current practice." Insofar as engaged . As we've reported, the FCC's new rules forbid Internet providers from blocking lawful content and they require transparency from ISPs. They also require that network management and packet discrimination to be "reasonable," but that only applies to wireline broadband. Wireless operators gets a free pass on rationality; they're limited only to the transparency and blocking provisions. Here's the text of the Commission's "no unreasonable discrimination" rule: . A person engaged in the provision of fixed broadband Internet access service, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not unreasonably discriminate in transmitting lawful network traffic over a consumer's broadband Internet access service. Reasonable network management shall not constitute unreasonable discrimination. What are "reasonable network management" practices? Here you go: . A network management practice is reasonable if it is appropriate and tailored to achieving a legitimate network management purpose, taking into account the particular network architecture and technology of the broadband Internet access service. Legitimate network management purposes include: ensuring network security and integrity, including by addressing traffic that is harmful to the network; addressing traffic that is unwanted by users (including by premise operators), such as by providing services or capabilities consistent with a user's choices regarding parental controls or security capabilities; and by reducing or mitigating the effects of congestion on the network. "Specialized services" like IPTV (think AT&T''s U-Verse) will also be allowed over the last-mile broadband connection, although the FCC insists it will watch their deployment for anti-competitive behavior. But the Order rather strongly suggests that priority deals are "unlikely" to fit into this "reasonable" framework. Why not? First, "since the beginning of the Internet," the agency explains, "Internet access providers have typically not charged particular content or application providers fees to reach the providers' consumer retail service subscribers or struck pay-for-priority deals, and the record does not contain evidence that US broadband providers currently engage in such arrangements." Second, priority deals would represent a "departure from longstanding norms" and "could cause great harm to innovation and investment in and on the Internet." They would raise barriers on entry for edge providers and could also boost "transaction costs arising from the need to reach agreements with one or more broadband providers to access a critical mass of potential users." Third, pay for priority could hurt users at the low end of the economic ladder -- bloggers, students, libraries, schools, advocacy groups. "Even open Internet skeptics acknowledge that pay for priority may disadvantage non-commercial uses of the network, which are typically less able to pay for priority, and for which the Internet is a uniquely important platform." Finally, ISPs that push pay for priority service "would have an incentive to limit the quality of service provided to non-prioritized traffic." As some game developers worry, ISPs might effectively charge for non-inferior service, investing "less in open access and more in services that they can provide at a premium." "In light of each of these concerns, as a general matter, it is unlikely that pay for priority would satisfy the 'no unreasonable discrimination' standard," this section of the FCC's Order concludes. "The practice of a broadband Internet access service provider prioritizing its own content, applications, or services, or those of its affiliates, would raise the same significant concerns and would be subject to the same standards and considerations in evaluating reasonableness as third-party pay-for-priority arrangements." History . All of these assertions will soon be contested. AT&T has all but told the FCC that it could live with net neutrality rules... provided those rules give a green light to priority access arrangements. As AT&T warned the FCC a year ago, a "strict" nondiscrimination provision "would completely ban voluntary commercial agreements for the paid provision of certain value-added broadband services, which would needlessly deprive market participants, including content providers, from willingly obtaining services that could improve consumers' Internet experiences." On top of that, AT&T has its own take on the history of this matter. The ISP insists that paid priority access was "fully" and even "expressly" contemplated by the Internet Engineering Task Force decades ago as it mapped out the 'Net's key protocol, TCP/IP. But the Center for Democracy and Technology pushes back that AT&T is misreading early IETF documents, which were purposed to "describing the technical architecture needed to deploy differential services not the payment schemes that may be associated with it." Hello, Level 3 . Then there's the sticky question of whether the dispute between Level 3 Communications and Comcast falls into this zone of scrutiny. The Internet backbone and Content Delivery Network operator insists that Comcast crossed the line by charging it to move Netflix movie data to Comcast network subscribers. Comcast pushes back that this is just a private peering/transit dispute, in which Level 3's sudden jump in traffic required a economic response. When asked if the FCC would scrutinize the Level 3 dispute, Chairman Julius Genachowski responded that the agency was "looking into it." It seems likely that if controversies like this keep coming up, complaints invoking the FCC's new Order will be filed, requiring the Commission to look into the matter quite a bit over the coming months. Or maybe not. Comcast seems quite sanguine about Tuesday's decision. "While we look forward to reviewing the final order, the rules as described generally appear intended to strike a workable balance between the needs of the marketplace for certainty and everyone's desire that Internet openness be preserved," Comcast Vice President David Cohen declared. "Most importantly, this approach removes the cloud of Title II regulation that would unquestionably have harmed innovation and investment in the Internet and broadband infrastructure." Reasonable and timely . Rather than Title II common carrier regulations, much of the Order's legal framework is based on Section 706 of the Communications Act, which requires the FCC to "encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans." The question of whether this and various other sections of the Act that the FCC is invoking will survive court scrutiny is an interesting one, but there are other potential legal bugbears ahead. The ISPs also insist that they've got the First Amendment right to cut priority access deals with content providers. "The First Amendment protects the right not just to decide what to say, but how to say it," former National Cable and Telecommunications Association CEO Kyle McSlarrow declared last year. "Does the First Amendment really allow the government to prohibit a content or applications provider from paying to acquire the means to distribute its content in the form or manner it wishes?" How will all this play itself out? It depends on how the FCC enforces this advisory, and who sues the government in response. "We have a legal basis for the rules we adopted today that is very strong -- that gives us the authority we need," Genachowski told reporters in a press conference held after Tuesday's Open Commission meeting. "And I am confident it will in court." COPYRIGHT 2011 ARSTECHNICA.COM . ### SUMMARY:

The FCC's new rules forbid Internet providers from blocking lawful content . Critics worried that the new Order would leave paid prioritization untouched . FCC: Reasonable network management shall not constitute unreasonable discrimination .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- When Tahani Hamdan booked her trip to the Middle East, the 25-year-old was excited to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with her family for the first time. Born and raised in Houston, Hamdan normally feels safe making the trip to the Middle East. But the recent violence has made the Palestinian-American fearful for her safety, even though she's visited several times. "I feel like I'm putting my life in jeopardy by going," she said. Hamdan left Houston on July 19, and after two days of flight delays, she arrived in Jordan and drove into the West Bank, where she's staying. She said she wishes she could have postponed her trip, but she doesn't know when she'll see her family again. "I have multiple sclerosis as well as rheumatoid arthritis, so I don't know if I'll be physically able to visit again if I don't go this summer," Hamdan said. The violent conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants has intensified this month after the June killings of three Israeli teenagers and a Palestinian teen. The conflict has made for tense and scary times for Israelis and Palestinians, with rocket attacks and airstrikes occurring daily. On July 16, an Israeli strike killed four children playing on a Gaza beach. After a temporary cease-fire, the situation escalated further the next night when a ground operation started with Israeli tanks entering Gaza. Over the weekend, the fighting continued to intensify, with the increasing death toll of Palestinian militants, Israeli soldiers and civilians from both sides. Some travelers are questioning their safety and reevaluating their scheduled trips, but others remain committed to going. Israel warns it may further expand Gaza operation . Jennifer Tapiero has waited her whole life to visit Israel, and the 25-year-old talk radio host finally was about to embark on July 13. Her plans changed that day, when family members in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem called and told Tapiero and her sister not to come. With increasing rocket strikes, they didn't believe the women would be safe there, even though they were traveling with an experienced tour group. "We canceled right before the plane was supposed to take off," said Tapiero, a Los Angeles resident. "Our family was so worried for us." While Tapiero is deeply saddened by the events of the past few days, she's also glad she didn't go, knowing that her safety couldn't be guaranteed. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines responded to the increased violence last week, waiving fees to reschedule certain flights to Tel Aviv. More than the 3.5 million people visited Israel in 2013, a record, according to the country's Central Bureau of Statistics (PDF). Before the recent violence, the bureau reported a record 1.4 million visitors for the first half of 2014, but the latest outbreak is expected to affect the numbers. Anywhere from 15% to 25% of vacationers cut their stays short because of the violence as of Tuesday, when CNN spoke with Yossi Fatael, managing director of the Israel Tourist and Travel Agents Association. Fatael said that about 25% of travelers were canceling upcoming trips. Even if the conflict eases over the next few days, Fatael expects to see summer bookings down about 30%. He predicts that it will take several months for the country's travel industry to recover. With a trip scheduled for September, would-be first-time visitor Eli Arias of Los Angeles feels unsure about his travel plans. Although he was aware of the tension in the area when he booked his trip two months ago, he didn't think the violence would escalate to this point. He was planning to travel alone, and his family in the United States has expressed concern over his going. At this point, he's undecided about the trip but knows he still wants to "experience this beautiful country." What makes Jerusalem so sacred? Taglit-Birthright Israel, a group that provides free educational trips to Israel for Jewish teens, said that at the beginning of the crisis, it was seeing 5% to 10% daily cancellations. That percentage had increased this week, but there's been no further increase since Thursday's events. However, the group doesn't think it will affect travelers once the conflict dies down. "It's only natural to expect a small drop in arrival at such times," said Taglit-Birthright CEO Gidi Mark. On Monday, the U.S. State Department updated its February travel warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, recommending that travelers postpone all nonessential travel to the Israel and the West Bank. The warning also urges citizens to avoid all travel to Gaza, saying it is "under the control of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization." In the United Kingdom, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all travel to Gaza and said it was unable to offer consular assistance to citizens heading to the region. The office also recommended avoiding nonessential travel to areas of Israel within 25 miles of the Gaza border. (That would not include Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.) The Australian and Canadian governments have also issued alerts advising against travel to Gaza. The violence isn't enough to dissuade some travelers. Eboni Johnson of New Orleans has planned a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in November, and she still plans to go with a religious tour group. For Johnson, it's not just a vacation. It's a spiritual awakening in which she'll experience the places she reads about every day in the Bible. "I truly believe Israel is chosen and special to God," Johnson said. "I'm not concerned about what is going on, because I trust that God would keep me from all harm." For Larry Ritter, president of New Jersey-based Israel Tour Connection, the impact has been mixed. "We had tour groups there when the violence broke out last week," said Ritter, whose travel company offers religious and general tours of Israel. "They all stayed until the end of their scheduled trip." Travelers scheduled for tours with the company aren't feeling so secure. The company had groups scheduled to leave on Sunday, and Ritter expected about half of the 35 tour group participants to cancel. Most were likely to be families traveling with children, he said. On Monday, Ritter's company announced that it had put together a last-minute solidarity mission to the country. He'll be leaving Saturday, along with 40 rabbis, priests and pastors who simply want to show support for Israeli citizens. Ritter said that Thursday's escalation of the conflict caused an influx of sign-ups. "There's an emotional connection between Israel and people that transcends personal safety," Ritter said. Jerusalem's five most contested sites . Other companies are experiencing different results. Offering a range of trips for Muslims, Christians, Jewish and interfaith travelers, Virginia-based MEJDI Tours hasn't had any cancellations as of Friday morning, said office manager Haley Douglass. "Many of the phone calls and e-mails I have received are from travelers asking about the situation, hoping that their tour is not canceled," she said. An Islamic-focused tour of Israel scheduled for late July with Ahalan Olympus Ltd. was canceled a few days after the crisis started, according to owner and general manager Kfir Schwarz. Because of the holy month of Ramadan, very few Muslim tourists are traveling anyway, he said. It's normal for all travelers to feel some sort of anxiety during times of violence, says Peter Vlitas of Protravel International in New York. The travel agent's job is to keep customers up to date on the situation. "We don't wait for them to come to us," Vlitas said. "We reach out to our clients and advise them of State Department and UK travel advisories, and present them with their facts and options." Abram Murray of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is glad he took his first trip to Israel and the West Bank in May through a tour group. Although he didn't notice any violence during his visit, and the places he visited on the West Bank were far from the current conflict zone, he's not sure he'd feel safe traveling to Israel now. "With tensions and fighting escalating these days, I'm glad that I went when I did," Murray said. "I'm not sure if I'd want to go over there right now." 'They went to the beach to play': Deaths of 4 children add to growing toll in Gaza conflict . CNN's Barry Neild contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

Violence in the Middle East has some travelers concerned . Some tourists are canceling trips to Israel and surrounding areas . Others are going forward with plans to see family and the Holy Land .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Damn those extreme Republicans. President Obama and White House press secretary Jay Carney have found Republicans guilty of extortion and blackmail. Joe Biden, per a report in Politico, once christened Republicans as terrorists. Liberals have led a media assault, calling the GOP anarchists, jihadists, "gun to head" hostage takers, and the political equivalent of the Taliban. White House advisor Dan Pfeiffer has likened Republicans to suicide bombers "with a bomb strapped to their chest." What could be more extreme? The Democratic Party. True, the Ted Cruz wing in the House of Representatives is relentless, uncompromising and unmoved by practicality. As we all know, there are perhaps 40 or so "bullet-proof Republicans" in the House, in safe GOP districts, invulnerable except to Kryptonite. They fear a fellow Republican getting to their right in a primary more than a long-shot Democratic opponent who would paint their district blue in a general election. No doubt, the GOP is a party divided, but there are a lot of Democrats in safe districts, too. Why don't they fear a fellow Democrat getting to their left in a primary? Why aren't the Democrats a party divided between a centrist mainstream and a more extreme, radicalized left? Let us count the reasons: Barack Obama has taken the Democratic Party left of Clinton. He left blue-dog, centrist Democrats to be punished for his sins and they were wiped out in the GOP's 2010 Congressional landslide. All the while, the Internet has empowered and organized the party's remaining and most extreme elements. The Democratic Party can't go left. It is left, in entirety. They already occupy America's left fringe. Bill Clinton's New Democrats are dead. This is not Hillary Clinton's Democratic Party. Today's Democratic Party belongs to Elizabeth Warren. It is the party that just nominated a Sandinista trainee who returned from Nicaragua with "a vision of unfettered leftist government" for mayor of New York City, according to the New York Times. And today's Democrats think this is a good thing. They dream audaciously, as Ruy Teixeira wrote in the Atlantic, of a new "Emerging Democratic Majority." As Peter Beinart noted in a Daily Beast piece, "The Rise of the New New Left," "Bill de Blasio's win in New York's Democratic primary isn't a local story. It's part of a vast shift that could upend three decades of American political thinking." The Democratic Party is now animated by the "mobilized left," Beinart writes, emboldened by Internet activism. Their cause was galvanized by President Obama's seemingly impossible re-election. Once, Obama may have campaigned as a centrist, but that was long ago. He has since governed as an old school economic liberal from the '60s. As Fred Thompson has noted, Barack Obama has been "George McGovern without the experience." Obama's answer to every economic challenge has been top-down. Our governing class knows best, he believes, especially since Washington's elite now includes him. If the world has changed in eight decades, our President hasn't noticed. His view of government is cast from the bronze of Franklin Roosevelt and the '30s. He puts our big, dumb, inflexible public sector at the top of American life, to mandate redistribution and prosperity. At every opportunity, he has grown the public sector's archaic program-and-policy factory. This empty presidency tries only to cure too much old government with even more of it. Though little of what he has tried has worked, it has not seemed to deter his party. It hasn't deterred him. His government doesn't govern education: The U.S. educational system barely edges out nations such as Slovakia, in international rankings. His government doesn't govern retirement: Our public-sector retirement system is akin to an unsustainable Ponzi scheme. His government doesn't govern health care: The Affordable Care Act is making health care more unaffordable for many seniors. His old government doesn't govern our economy: A record high 89 million Americans don't participate in the workforce and 300,000 more dropped out this August. Barack Obama is building the largest public sector since World War II and, yet, our government governs nothing. Still, an intellectually exhausted Democratic Party proposes nothing new. If at first you don't succeed, keep trying until you are $20 trillion in debt and failure litters your streets. The rollout of the Obamacare website is but another symptom of an old, hierarchical bureaucracy incapable of keeping pace with the complexities of a modern, adaptive America. Healthcare.gov is the best old Washington can do, not the worst. While our world transforms itself through revolutions in energy, technology and communication, the ideologists of the left stagnate. Barack Obama's Democratic Party is intellectually exhausted. Their old Democratic Party has nothing up its sleeves but more of the same. How our young President could only offer such dated ideas will be studied for decades. For now, we can mark candidate Obama's transformation from agent of hope and change to defender of liberal calcification as one of the great sleight-of-hand tricks in political history. With any luck, he will be the last President who tried to teach our dinosauric public sector to dance to the music of a new and adaptive era. Others, beyond Obama, will not expand but instead transform what we now pretend "governs" us. As for his legacy, today's tweeters and texters will remember Barack Obama as the last President of the Industrial Age and once he is gone, there will be no cover for his party's intellectual barrenness. Obama will leave a Democratic Party epitomized by ancient ideas, radically positioned left of our political center. The political trouble Barack Obama inherited from George W. Bush is nothing compared to what Obama has teed up for a future contender such as Hillary Clinton. Our former secretary of state has had no choice but to campaign for president earlier than she would have chosen. Clinton can see that this radicalized Democratic Party could easily leave her behind and find another champion. It did so before, to her distress, in 2008. No other member of the old Democratic elite can possibly hold its left-sliding legions together, yet Hillary Clinton has only one credential that appeals to her party: She could be our first female president. Elizabeth Warren's growing followers, more in tune with today's radicalized, populist Democrats, are likely to find that distinction unimpressive. If Clinton's rationale begins to fray, all hands on deck: The Democratic Party's 2016 nomination process is going to look like the casting call for "One-Flew-Over-The Cuckoo's Nest." Howard Dean may have screamed his way past the Democratic nomination in 2004, but the revolution he started has borne fruit. The 2016 nomination battle may be a fight between Elizabeth Warren, Governors Martin O'Malley and Deval Patrick, an unpolished pack of ideological duds and even a reinvigorated Dean, all vying to out-crazy each other and take the Democratic Party over a precipice. They'll make the troupe that sought the 2012 GOP nomination look like the committee awarding the Nobel Prize for Physics. Which party is more extreme? A Republican Party divided between 180 mainstream House members and 40 Ted Cruz mini-me's? Or a Democratic Party united to preserve our fossilized, ineffective public sector? A Republican Party advocating a path to fresh, natural, economic growth? Or a Democratic Party offering young voters the outdated economics of conformity, artificially imposed by Washington's elites? A Republican Party being driven to offer change? Or a Democratic Party united against it? Entrepreneurs, start printing tie-died shirts now. They will be hot sellers at the next Democratic Convention. Both sides are in for an interesting ride, but for Democrats, it's going to be an extreme 2016. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Alex Castellanos. ### SUMMARY:

Alex Castellanos: While everyone focuses on GOP's right, the Democrats are being ignored . He argues that Democrats as a party have moved much further, in this case, to the left . Democrats are celebrating the shift to a more liberal view of role of government, he says . Castellanos: Elizabeth Warren wing of party could make life difficult for Hillary Clinton in 2016 .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- The deadliest Ebola outbreak in history continues to plague West Africa as leaders scramble to stop the virus from spreading. Over the weekend, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf closed most of the country's borders. The few points of entry that are still open will have Ebola testing centers and will implement preventive measures, she said. The president also placed restrictions on public gatherings and ordered hotels, restaurants and other entertainment venues to play a five-minute video on Ebola safety. "No doubt the Ebola virus is a national health problem," Sirleaf said. "It attacks our way of life, with serious economic and social consequences. As such we are compelled to bring the totality of our national resolve to fight this scourge." As of July 20, the World Health Organization had confirmed 224 cases of Ebola in Liberia, including 127 deaths. Overall, Ebola has killed at least 660 people in West Africa. There were 45 new cases reported in the region between July 18 and July 20. Ebola: Fast Facts . Health officials are worried about the virus spreading to other countries in the region. This is the first such outbreak to hit West Africa. On Friday, a Liberian man with Ebola died in Lagos, Nigeria, Nigerian Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu said. Patrick Sawyer arrived at Lagos' airport on July 20 and was isolated at a local hospital after exhibiting common Ebola symptoms. He told officials he had no direct contact with anyone who had the virus. Lagos State Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris said authorities are working to identify people who may have come in contact with the man on his flights. The process has been delayed, he said, because the airline has not provided the passenger lists for all three of the flights Sawyer took. Sawyer flew first to Ghana before he went to Togo and then switched planes to fly to Nigeria, according to the health commissioner. "In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Aviation, I've also put into motion mechanisms to track down all contacts at high risk," Idris said. The state department has identified 59 people so far who came into contact with the man. Twenty have been tested for Ebola. On Monday, Arik Air, one of Nigeria's biggest airlines, suspended operations into the country's capital, Monrovia, and another city called Freetown, according to AllAfrica.com. It is unlikely the virus would spread on a plane unless a passenger were to come into contact with a sick person's bodily fluids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, American health care workers helping to fight this deadly disease abroad have put themselves at risk. Dr. Kent Brantly, a 33-year-old Indianapolis resident, had been treating Ebola patients in Monrovia when he started to feel sick. Brantly works with Samaritan's Purse, a Christian international relief agency founded by evangelists Franklin Graham and Robert Pierce. He has been the medical director for the Ebola Consolidated Case Management Center in Monrovia and has been working to help Ebola patients since October. Deadliest ever outbreak: what you need to know . "When the Ebola outbreak hit, he took on responsibilities with our Ebola direct clinical treatment response, but he was serving in a missionary hospital in Liberia prior to his work with Ebola patients," said Melissa Strickland, a spokeswoman for the organization. After testing positive for Ebola, he went into treatment at a Samaritan's Purse isolation center at ELWA Hospital in Paynesville City, Monrovia. His condition is rapidly deteriorating and Samaritan's Purse has been working to evacuate him for better care, but Liberia is not allowing the evacuation, according to Samaritan's Purse vice president of international relief, Ken Isaacs. The reason for the delay is unclear. The CDC said the doctor's family had been with him, but left for the United States before he became symptomatic; as such it is highly unlikely that they caught the virus from him. Out of an abundance of caution they are on a 21-day fever watch, the CDC said. Another American working with Samaritan's Purse has also been infected. Nancy Writebol from Charlotte, North Carolina, works with Serving in Mission, or SIM. She and her husband used to work with orphans and other children who struggle with poverty-related issues but expanded their efforts to take on the complex medical problems in Monrovia. She had teamed up with the staff from Samaritan's Purse to help fight the Ebola outbreak in Monrovia when she got sick. She, too, is undergoing treatment. A spokesperson for Samaritan's Purse said there have been riots outside the clinic. Another doctor who has played a key role in fighting the outbreak in Sierra Leone, Dr. Sheik Humarr Kahn, is sick. He is being treated by the French aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres --also known as Doctors Without Borders -- in Kailahun, Sierra Leone, according to a representative of that agency. Kahn had been overseeing treatment of Ebola patients in isolation units at Kenema Government Hospital, which is about 185 miles (298 kilometers) east of the capital, Freetown. Sierra Leone's minister of health and sanitation called the doctor a national hero for the sacrifices he has made in trying to stop the outbreak. Doctors and medical staff are particularly vulnerable to the virus because it spreads through exposure to bodily fluids from the infected. It can also spread through contact with an object contaminated by an infected person's bodily fluids. The disease is not contagious until symptoms appear. Symptoms of Ebola include fever, fatigue and headaches. They can appear two to 21 days after infection, meaning many who are sick don't know it. The early symptoms then can progress to vomiting, diarrhea, impaired kidney and liver function, and sometimes internal and external bleeding. Leaders in the international health community characterize the Ebola epidemic as the "deadliest ever." While the World Health Organization has mobilized to fight the epidemic, it can be a difficult one to stop. It is so highly infectious that it typically kills 90% of those who catch it. The death rate in this particular outbreak had dropped to roughly 60% since it has been treated early in many cases. There is, however, no Ebola vaccination. Is it time to test experimental vaccines? With the announcement that Liberia is closing its borders, the country also instituted a new travel policy to inspect and test all outgoing and incoming passengers. The hope is that such measures will stop the spread of the virus. There has never been a confirmed case of Ebola spreading to a developed country, said Kamiliny Kalahne, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders. "This is because people generally transmit the infection when they are very sick, have a high fever and a lot of symptoms -- and in these situations, they don't travel. "And even if they do get sick once they travel to a developed country, they will be in a good hospital with good infection control, so they are very unlikely to infect others," she said. "This is not the great plague," CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta said after his trip to the region in the spring. "But it is a pretty formidable killer." "The grim reality is it often kills so quickly, people don't have time to spread it." The CDC held a media briefing Monday to emphasize the fact that there is "no significant risk in the U.S." for an Ebola outbreak. CDC officials said with the spread of Ebola to U.S. health care workers, there is a real need for "vigilance" to make sure workers are careful, get tested if there is any suspicion of illness, and that all sick travelers should remain isolated when returning from areas affected directly by the epidemic. Stephan Monroe, CDC's deputy director of the National Center for Emerging & Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, said the CDC is working with American health care providers to educate them about Ebola. The agency sent a notice Monday to remind doctors to take important steps to avoid the spread of the illness, including asking their patients about their travel history, particularly if they have traveled to West Africa in the last three weeks. Watch: Dr. Gupta dispels Ebola myths . ### SUMMARY:

Aid organization trying to evacuate doctor infected with Ebola . Liberia closes its borders to stop Ebola from spreading . This is the deadliest outbreak in the history of the disease .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Los Angeles (CNN)Barbara Boxer's announcement that she would step down from her U.S. Senate seat is the golden opportunity that many of California's Democratic stars have waited years for, and it's touching off one of the most unpredictable and expensive scrambles for federal office in the Golden State in years. With California's two Senate seats locked down for more than two decades by Boxer and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Boxer's announcement Thursday -- via a video with her grandson -- set up a key test of the state's top-two primary system. Given the shallow Republican bench in California, many political observers predicted a fierce runoff in November 2016 between two of the state's top Democrats, depending on who emerges from the June primary. Top Democratic contenders weigh California Senate run . "There's an entire generation of Democratic politicians who have been waiting for an opportunity like this one," said Dan Schnur, executive director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. "That's a lot of pent up energy and ambition." Three of the strongest potential Democratic contenders for the seat — Attorney General Kamala Harris, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer — have been coy about their plans, praising Boxer's long tenure as a champion for progressive causes, but staying mum on their own ambitions. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released a statement Saturday expressing his interest: "Too many Californians are struggling to make ends meet, pay the bills, and send their kids to college. They are looking for progressive leaders in Washington who will fight for them, like Senator Boxer has done for over 20 years," the former Los Angeles mayor said in a statement. "The urgency of the needs of the people of this great state have convinced me to seriously consider looking at running for California's open Senate seat." Steyer is expected to make a decision within days. For the others, there was a political chess match underway behind the scenes. Boxer's vacancy could be just the first of three statewide openings in California in the next few years. The Governor's office will be vacant in 2018 and that's when Feinstein's current term expires. She could step down, though the 81-year-old senator has given no indication that she will retire. Pelosi on Boxer retirement: 'What?' Harris, Newsom and Villaraigosa have all expressed interest to confidantes in running both for Senate and Governor's race over the years. Harris and Newsom share the same California-based strategists, including Ace Smith, raising the possibility they could strike a pact where Harris runs for Boxer's seat and Newsom waits to run for Governor after his two terms as lieutenant governor. (Smith, who also advised Villaraigosa before the former Los Angeles Mayor returned to the private sector, is often mentioned as potential top strategist for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign). The two Northern California politicians have an amicable, if not close, relationship. If pitted against one another, they could split that region of the state between them -- clearing a path for a strong Southern California candidate like Villaraigosa, who has won prior races with strong support from Latinos. Increasing speculation about a deal this week, Harris and Newsom sent a message of unity on Monday when Newsom chose the Attorney General to administer his oath of office at his swearing in for his second term as lieutenant governor. Another wild card are the future plans of Gov. Jerry Brown, who faces term limits in 2018 after his fourth term as governor. Newsom, who has had a fraught relationship with Brown over the years, withdrew from his first bid for governor in 2009 after struggling to raise money with the specter of Brown entering the race. Brown, who barely campaigned in his re-election race last year and won overwhelmingly, has said little about what he would do after the Governor's office. Beyond those big names -- which rose to the top because of their strong fundraising potential in California, and Steyer's ability to self-fund -- the list of potential candidates seemed almost endless Thursday. More than a half-dozen members of Congress are weighing whether to jump into the race, as well as a number of state lawmakers and treasurer John Chiang, who is widely talked about as an underestimated candidate. But federal limits on fundraising are far more restrictive than state limits—setting up steep challenges for any of the contenders. Further complicating matters for Democrats, many well funded labor groups who have played an active role in other state races will be wary of choosing sides between high profile Democrats. While Republican Kevin McCarthy would be the most formidable candidate on the GOP side, he is unlikely to leave his post as House Majority Leader. Boxer's opponent in 2010, former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, now resides in Virginia and is weighing a run for President. "I don't think there's an obvious (Republican) contender," said longtime Republican Strategist Kenneth Khachigian, who advised Fiorina in her run against Boxer in 2010. "California has become a very, very difficult state. It's going to be somewhat easier not to have to run against an incumbent, but 2016 will be a presidential year -- so the result is that there will be a lot heavier Democratic turnout, which makes it an even bigger hill to climb for a Republican." Other Republicans who could throw their hat in the ring include Neel Kashkari, who ran unsuccessfully for governor against Brown last year, as well as Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. But few GOP aspirants are thought to have a chance against the top tier Democratic contenders. "This race is going to cost $20 million just to get to the starting gate," said longtime California political analyst Tony Quinn. "There is nobody who would be likely to run as a Republican who could come up with that kind of money." (Boxer, in conjunction with party committees raised more than $35 million for her 2010 re-election bid). Rep. Darrell Issa, who could have funded his own campaign, withdrew his name from consideration. Democrat Eric Garcetti was among the first to step aside, saying he was focused on his new job as Los Angeles Mayor. Boxer, who is 74 and was elected with Feinstein in the so-called "year of the woman" in 1992, did not reveal her leanings toward a potential successor during a call with reporters Thursday afternoon. If faced with a competitive Democratic race for her seat, she could very well opt not to endorse given how many people underestimated her in her own Senate race in 1992. When she ran in that cycle against two formidable Democrats, then-Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy and Rep. Mel Levine, Boxer was pressured to drop out, but pulled off a surprise victory: "I was an asterisk," she mused Thursday. She said discussions of an endorsement were premature: "I don't know if one person will come forward or if 15 will come forward," Boxer told reporters on a call Thursday. She said she made her decision over the holidays to be fair to the contenders. "I am doing it this early," Boxer said, "because I think it's important for the field -- give them plenty of time to look at this; don't give any one person the advantage, and just send the message out loud and clear." Feinstein similarly did not tip her hand on who she would favor in the race, but she noted that the candidates would need to get off to a fast start given the enormous expense of running a statewide campaign in California. "Most candidates don't realize, until they've run, how big the state is and how you have to reach people," Feinstein said during a press gaggle on Capitol Hill Thursday. "You have to figure: 'How many hands can I shake in two years. 100,000? 200,000?' (You've) got 38 million people. So it really comes down to media, unfortunately." CNN's Alexandra Jaffe, Ted Barrett and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report . ### SUMMARY:

Antonio Villaraigosa says he'll 'seriously consider' a run . Barbara Boxer's retirement creates potential for wild race . Villaraigosa, Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom among strongest candidates . California's top-two primary could lead to fierce Democratic race in Nov. 2016 .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: There has been a lot of debate about Florida's "stand your ground" law in recent days. From my perspective, the George Zimmerman and Michael Dunn cases were not "stand your ground" cases, although I know reasonable people disagree about my stance on this. What I think most people can agree on is that the "stand your ground" law is confusing. I know because I've tried to explain it a hundred times. And here is my 101st attempt, this time in the context of the hung jury on the murder charge in the Dunn trial. When you hear "stand your ground," think "no duty to retreat." For centuries, traditional self-defense implied a duty to retreat, meaning when someone finds himself in a threatening situation, he has a duty to exhaust all viable options to retreat before resorting to deadly force. The problem with the duty to retreat is that, in the cold light of day, jurors may have a better perspective on a person's options to retreat than the person had during his life-threatening encounter. Because of concern over this Monday morning quarterbacking -- and with the thought that we were sending people to jail who were otherwise justified in using deadly force -- legislatures in many states modified their justifiable use of force laws to say that people who have a reasonable fear of imminent great bodily harm or death very affirmatively DO NOT have a duty to retreat. In other words, they can "stand their ground" and meet force with force, including deadly force. "Stand your ground" refers specifically to the removal of the duty to retreat. In a self-defense scenario where imminent harm is so immediate that retreat is not possible, there is no "duty to retreat" to waive, and therefore "stand your ground" does not apply. According to evidence presented at his trial, at which I represented him, George Zimmerman was on the ground, being beaten, when he pulled the trigger; he had no way to retreat, and it was not "stand your ground." Michael Dunn, if we are to believe his story, thought Jordan Davis had a shotgun; there is no retreating from a shotgun at short range, and therefore it was, arguably, not "stand your ground." If we repealed "stand your ground" laws tomorrow -- if we reinstated the duty to retreat -- George Zimmerman still gets an acquittal, and the Dunn jury still hangs. The underlying concern with the statute is that those who are aware of it may be emboldened by its protection, and place themselves in, or remain in, a circumstance that increases the likelihood of using force. A concern with the national focus on these two recent cases is that the concept of "stand your ground" has been misperceived by so many that there are now those who believe use of deadly force is more justified than it is, and there are those who believe that it is intentionally used to kill minorities. Even if unintended when enacted, "stand your ground" suffers from enormous misunderstanding and, consequently, mistrust. People who think I'm wrong and who argue that Zimmerman and Dunn are, in fact, "stand your ground" cases often point out that the "stand your ground" language from the statute appears in the jury instructions. It does. There's a lot of language from Florida's justifiable use of force statute that shows up in the jury instructions, and in any given self-defense case, much of it doesn't apply to the details presented in court. I think this is why juries -- and not just Florida juries -- find deliberating self-defense cases so challenging. There is a simple solution: I think we should remove the instructions about "no duty to retreat" in any self-defense case where the facts don't support it. After defending the Zimmerman case, and after providing in-depth commentary on the Dunn trial, I've discovered that when people say they have a problem with the "stand your ground" law, it's not really the "no duty to retreat" aspect of our self-defense laws that gets them upset. What causes people to be upset is the concept of "reasonable fear" and how subjective it is. In effect, it is possible for someone to believe they are justified in killing another human being -- that they have reasonable fear -- even if that fear turns out to be unwarranted in the cold light of review. The standard is, and has to be this: Was that fear reasonable under the circumstances? This has been the standard for determining self-defense for centuries, and it has nothing to do with "stand your ground." Repealing the "stand your ground" provision won't change the fact that sometimes self-defense homicides will be ruled justified based upon a technically unwarranted, but otherwise reasonable, fear. The concerns that are voiced in this regard are more properly focused not on a law, (be it "stand your ground" or simple self-defense), but on the system that harbors subtle but undeniable biases toward certain demographics. Where the discussion about the strange nuances of our self-defense laws becomes most disturbing is when you introduce race into the equation. I think it is sufficiently established as a sociological fact that black men -- especially young black men -- are regarded by many people, of all races, as more suspicious and more threatening than men and women of other races. It's heartbreaking to think this is true, but it's folly to deny it. If young black men are regarded, in general, as more threatening, then some people may be more likely to manifest that fear -- however unwarranted in the individual case it may be -- and act on that fear, sometimes with deadly force. When this element is added, the job of the jury includes trying to wade through whether these subtle biases (or justifications) for fear are present, and what weight to give them. Now, we are asking our juries to see deep into the heart of the citizen accused -- maybe too deep. Is it fear, or disdain? And how much of each? It's outrageous that these tragedies occur, but repealing "stand your ground" laws will not stop them. The problem is not in our legislation, it's in our collective hearts. We have a system that is still, without question, the best in the world, but it's far from perfect. It still, unfortunately, carries with it the inertia of more overt racial inequities from our recent past. As an example, while there are studies that support that the immunity afforded by "stand your ground" can produce racially disparate results, I contend the statute itself is race-neutral, and it is the inequitable application that evidences an inherent bias of the system. But our self-defense laws are not the only laws applied with racial inequity. Look at the incarceration statistics in the United States: Black men are disproportionately represented by an extraordinarily wide margin for virtually every type of crime, from petty theft to drug charges to murder. Repealing laws against these crimes won't fix the problem of racial inequity in our justice system, just as repealing the "stand your ground" provisions will not either. Rather, the solutions lie in a more system-wide or society-wide approach. We have a success in this area already. The recent changes to federal sentencing statutes to address the strong negative effect on blacks charged with certain crack cocaine charges shows that we can both acknowledge these disparities in application and change them. In addition, the systemic biases are not simple to explain. While it is admitted that there is bias in the system, this does not fully explain the numbers. The black community must look not only to the system, but also to itself for answers to how and why young black males find themselves in the system in wildly disproportionate numbers. There is no easy or quick solution. I am, however, encouraged for this reason: We, as a nation, have focused more energy, and have begun more discussion on these issues than I have ever witnessed. At least not since the days of my childhood, when I was too young to offer a voice to the conversation about civil rights, a conversation started by men I respected, men who, unfortunately, died too young. It takes courage, it turns out, to talk about race. I believe that we can fix the problem of racial inequity in our justice system, but first we have to admit that the problem exists, and then we have to have the courage to engage in an open, honest and thoughtful conversation about the true state of race relations in America. ### SUMMARY:

Mark O'Mara: "Stand your ground" eliminates duty to retreat from a threatening situation . He says according to testimony in two Florida cases, retreat wasn't perceived as an option . O'Mara: "Stand your ground" should be removed from jury instructions to avoid confusion . He says we need to deal as a society with how race affects perceptions .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Rob Cooper and Arthur Martin . Last updated at 9:28 AM on 7th December 2011 . Accused: Mundill Mahil is accused of luring her ex-boyfriend to her flat in Brighton where she was attacked. She denies murder . A medical student ordered two ‘gangster friends’ to kill a ‘besotted’ television executive in revenge after he tried to rape her, a court heard yesterday. Mundill Mahil, 20, lured millionaire Gagandip Singh to her house, where he was beaten unconscious then bundled into the boot of a car and burned alive, the jury was told. She allegedly told friends she wanted Mr Singh dead – and, the court heard, persuaded another man who was infatuated with her to murder him. Mr Singh, 21, was killed in February, after the ‘intelligent and attractive young woman’ convinced him, through a series of  text messages, to come to her student digs in Brighton at 11pm, the jury was told. But when he walked into her bedroom, carrying a teddy bear and flowers, he found Harvinder Shoker – who was also in love with Mahil – and ‘hired muscle’ Darren Peters waiting for him, the court heard. During the beating Mr Singh – the owner of a new broadcasting service called Sikh TV – screamed Mahil’s name and begged for help, it was claimed. The two men, both 20, wrapped the victim in Mahil’s duvet and bundled him into the boot of the Mercedes he arrived in, then drove to a quiet street in Blackheath, south-east London, doused the car in petrol and set it alight, the Old Bailey was told. A post mortem examination revealed Mr Singh was still alive when the fire was started. Prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC told the jury that the attack was carried out to ‘exact revenge and retribution’ on Mr Singh, whom Mahil knew ‘remained besotted by her’. ‘At the heart of this case there lies some unattractive and raw human emotions at work,’ he said. Mahil, of Chatham in Kent, Shoker, of Greenwich, south-east London, and Peters, of Blackheath, all deny murder. ‘Gagandip Singh was plainly, on the evidence, besotted with her,’ Prosecutor . Aftab Jafferjee QC told jurors of the relationship that began in 2009. Murdered: Gagandip Singh, 21, was in a car that was set on fire . He . wooed her with gifts, while she provided him with emotional support - . particularly when his father was murdered on a visit to India in . September 2009 - and would spend hours chatting with him on the phone . and internet, the court heard. Gagandip's father's . packaging business had been turning over more than £2million year when money started going missing from the firm. His accountant was based in India and the father went to investigate but was murdered there. His son took over the firm and also started the Sikh TV channel on Sky. However Gagandip's relationship with his . girlfriend Mahil broke down in August 2010 after Mr Singh 'attempted to . rape' her in her student house. A housemate, Becky Edwards, . described Mahil as an 'agony aunt' and said: 'During our first year she . talked to him about very intimate, personal things. 'He was a millionaire who offered her . lots of gifts which she refused. After his father died they became . closer and he was dependent on her.' But Mr Jafferjee said the attempted rape changed everything. He said: ‘It is common ground that he tried to have sex with her by getting into her bed. ‘Both were to describe it as an attempted rape - although in fact her description of events, even to her friends, suggest it did not get as far as that. ‘It is common ground that he tried to have sex with her by getting into her bed.' ‘She forced him away, he broke down in tears and he left.’ Mahil became increasingly upset and angry, and spurned Mr Singh’s attempts to strike up further contact with her, jurors were told. She became so resentful that after the attempted rape she referred to him only as s***face,' the court heard. 'That she disliked him intensely there can be little doubt,' the barrister said. 'She can be extremely manipulative. She knew that he was completely besotted by her and would jump at the . chance of contact with her.' At the same time, she also began a relationship with Shoker, who Mr Jafferjee told jurors was also ‘besotted’ with her. ‘She told her housemates about how on . occasions certain of her male friends, which she referred to as gangster . friends, wished to exact revenge and retribution on him (Mr Singh) but . that she would discourage it,’ he added. Tributes: Flowers next to the charred tree where the dead body of Gagindip Singh was found in the boot of a burnt out car . ‘Unfortunately . by February this year, far from discouraging anyone from harming him, . she lured him to Brighton, suggesting a meeting at the same house at . 11pm.’ The victim was both ‘excited’ and ‘wary’, he said, adding: ‘He . asked her whether she was sure this was such a good idea.’ Mr Jafferjee added: ‘On February 25 he drove down in his sister’s Mercedes. ‘But laying in wait for him in the basement of the house, where her bedroom was, were Ravi and Darren Peters. ‘He had no idea what lay in store for him. He was attacked and beaten unconscious. ‘He . was then wrapped up in Mahil’s duvet and carried by Ravi and Peters and . dumped in the boot of the Mercedes he had arrived in.’ After the car had been driven to Blackheath it was set on fire with Mr Singh still in the boot. ‘Petrol was poured on to the car, including onto him as he lay either still unconscious or on any view completely helpless inside the boot,’ said Mr Jafferjee. ‘It is scientifically clear beyond any doubt that he was still alive at that point. ‘The car was then set alight with him in the boot and that is how his life was ended.’ The prosecutor added that Mahil was key to the killing and initiated it. 'Her . role was central. If she had agreed to lure him to Brighton that . fateful evening the deceased would have been safe and alive today,' Mr . Jafferjee said. 'No-one else had the ability to get the deceased to a place where he was completely vulnerable.' ‘It is scientifically clear beyond any doubt that he was still alive at that point. The car was then set alight with him in the boot and that is how his life was ended.’ Her new boyfriend, Shoker, 'almost certainly had his own agenda and it was not of the righteous crusader protecting a young woman's virtue,' the barrister added. 'He being besotted with her was more than happy to get rid of Gagandip.' Peters was hired to help deal with the victim who was one grade below black belt at Taekwondo, the court heard. 'Mahil was the person who lured the victim into the trap that had been laid,' Mr Jafferjee said. 'Peters and Ravi were the hired muscle who would draw this plan to its awful conclusion.' Housemate Live Thorsen said on the night of the killing she saw sobbing Mahil coming up from the basement. 'She was shaking with tears in her eyes. She was very traumatised. She said "He's been here." She said she had a flashback (to the attempted rape) on seeing his face. 'I could hear noise coming from down the stairs. It was very loud like someone was trying to tear the house down. It was a loud fight.' Mahil told her she had asked Mr Singh to come to the house and he had turned up with a teddy bear for her. 'She said that she was told to get him into the house and get him downstairs and then open the door to her room and then run upstairs. 'She described how once she had opened the door they had leapt straight on him and she remained on the stairs unable to move. 'The deceased had been screaming her name asking for help, but she couldn't bring herself to help.' Later Mahil told her the two men were taking the victim to the car, the court heard. The trial continues. ### SUMMARY:

Gagandip Singh, 21, beaten, put in a car, driven to London and set on fire . Student Mundill Mahil, 20, 'got two men to take revenge'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Rob Cooper . UPDATED: . 17:57 EST, 18 August 2011 . Held: Former U.S. editor James Desborough was arrested this morning raising fresh questions about whether the NotW hacked phones in America . An award-winning Hollywood-based News of the World reporter was today being questioned by police about phone hacking allegations. James Desborough, who was the paper's U.S. editor, and based in Los Angeles was arrested as he arrived at a south London police station today. The questioning of an America-based journalist raises fresh questions about whether the NotW were involved in hacking phones in America. The FBI are probing claims that 9/11 . victims may have had their phone's hacked by journalists working for . News Corp - the parent company of the News of the World. The phone hacking is not alleged to have occurred while the reporter was in the U.S. Desborough, 38, met police at 10.30am this morning for a pre-arranged appointment and was arrested. It has been revealed that Celebrity couple Leslie Ash and Lee Chapman have settled their phone hacking claim against the News of the World - and now plan to take action against other newspapers. The actress and the former footballer sued the now-closed Sunday tabloid over fears that it illegally listened to their voicemails while Ash was recovering from a superbug in hospital in 2004. The couple said they were 'pleased' the claims they and their sons brought against the paper's publishers, News Group Newspapers, and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire had been settled. In another development this evening, the private investigator jailed over phone hacking for the newspaper revealed that he is taking legal action against News International. Glenn Mulcaire, who was jailed for six months in 2007 for intercepting messages on royal aides' phones, has lodged papers at the High Court. A spokeswoman for News International, which owned the now-defunct Sunday tabloid, confirmed the action was being taken, adding that 'the claim will be vigorously contested'. Neither News International or Mr Mulcaire's solicitor Sarah Webb, of Payne Hicks Beach, would give any further details about the nature of the action. The newspaper, which was shut down last month, is also facing new claims that knowledge of phone hacking was much wider than previously thought. A letter written by the News of the World’s former royal editor Clive Goodman alleged that other colleagues were involved in phone hacking and that it was widely discussed in editorial conference - until reference to it was banned by then editor Andy Coulson. Desborough's arrest comes a day after allegations . of misconduct against former Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Paul . Stephenson and his top officer John Yates were dismissed by the Independent Police Complaints . Commission. Fresh arrest: James Desborough became the 13th person to be held when he was arrested today. The News of the World has been shutdown by parent company News International . Celebrity couple Leslie Ash and Lee Chapman (pictured) have settled their phone hacking claim against the News of the World - and now plan to take action against other newspapers. The actress and the former footballer sued the now-closed Sunday tabloid over fears that it illegally listened to their voicemails while Ash was recovering from a superbug in hospital in 2004. The couple said they were 'pleased' the claims they and their sons brought against the paper's publishers, News Group Newspapers, and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire had been settled. But they added that they believe phone hacking also went on at other media organisations and intend to bring claims against other papers. They said in a statement: 'We are pleased to say that our and our sons' claims against News Group Newspapers (NGN) Limited and Mr Mulcaire have been resolved. 'NGN has agreed to pay our family an appropriate sum by way of compensation and costs and it has apologised for the harm and distress it has caused us. The couple revealed in January that police investigating phone hacking at the News of the World had found documents listing their names, addresses and phone numbers as well as the mobile details of their children. They said they feared highly personal voicemails left by their sons were intercepted while former Men Behaving Badly star Ash was recovering at home after contracting the MSSA infection, a strain of the superbug MRSA, in hospital in 2004. News International declined to comment. Sir Paul and Mr Yates launched a furious broadside at the . police watchdog last night as they were cleared of misconduct. Both men quit over the furore . surrounding the force’s hiring of hacking suspect Neil Wallis – a former . News of the World deputy editor – as a PR consultant and Sir Paul’s . £12,000 freebie at a luxury health spa promoted by Mr Wallis, who was . arrested in July over alleged phone hacking. Separately, reporters at the News of the World have been accused in a Daily Mirror report of offering to pay a New York police officer for private phone records of some victims of the 2001 attacks. Phone hacking suspect Desborough is the 13th person to be arrested as a result of the investigation Operation Weeting. Desborough was being questioned on suspicion of conspiring to intercept communications. A Scotland Yard spokesman said the suspect remains in custody over allegations of intercepting voicemails. The . reporter has been based in Los Angeles since April 2009 - a month after . he was named the showbusiness reporter of the year at the British Press . Awards. Desborough had . been with the paper since 2005 and broke a story that Fern Britton's . weight loss was down to having a gastric band operation rather than . simply dieting. He is among journalists in the midst of a . 90-day consultation period following News International's decision to . kill off the paper in the wake of the scandal. A statement from News International said: 'We are fully cooperating with . the police investigation and we are unable to comment further on . matters due to the ongoing police investigation.' Scotland Yard's fresh investigation into phone hacking was launched in January. A series of high-profile figures have . been arrested, including former News International chief executive . Rebekah Brooks and ex-Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson. The scandal has already caused the . closure of the News of the World after 168 years and the resignation of . Sir Paul and assistant commissioner John Yates. Rupert Murdoch has said there is nothing to suggest that phones have been hacked by News Corp employees in the U.S. A key letter in the phone hacking investigation which had sections redacted was not altered by police, it can be revealed. News International has been accused of trying to cover up claims that knowledge of phone-hacking was widespread at the paper. The bombshell Clive Goodman letter which alleged that other colleagues were involved in phone . hacking had significant sections redacted before it was given to a parliamentary committee. Spot the difference: The above letter was supplied to MPs by law firm Harbottle and Lewis and shows five numbered paragraphs with only the names of journalists blacked out. But below is the same letter, this time submitted by News International, showing that paragraphs three and four are missing completely. These excerpts refer to claims Goodman was employed despite saying he was guilty of hacking and later while in prison. Allegations that Tom Crane and Andy Coulson promised he could have his job back if he did not implicate anyone else on the paper are all missing completely. The News International copy of the letter also redacts more information relating to the editor and discussions during editorial meetings . It also alleged that phone hacking was openly discussed in editorial conference until then editor Andy Coulson banned reference to it. The police asked the publisher to . preserve the integrity of the investigation by removing names, a source . told the Daily Telegraph. News International has been accused of . attempting to cover-up after giving the Commons Select Committee a . version of the letter which had significant sections blacked out. Metropolitan Police investigators did . not ask for any other alterations to be made. It was News International . that took the decision to remove whole paragraphs. Law firm Harbottle & Lewis released a new version of the letter without the key sections redacted. A source 'close to News International' told the Daily Telegraph: 'Redactions were made after discussions with police.' Redacted: News International version of the letter . ### SUMMARY:

Arrest raises fresh questions about whether the NotW hacked phones in the U.S. James Desborough the 14th person to be held . Glenn Mulcaire to sue News International . Leslie Ash and Lee Chapman settle with News Group - but plan to fight other newspapers .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Patricia Kane . PUBLISHED: . 21:08 EST, 17 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:36 EST, 18 November 2012 . It was intended as a 17th birthday celebration for his twin sons at the family’s holiday villa in southern Spain. But Stephen Mallon’s dream of a two-week break in Competa, with its labyrinth of pretty cobbled streets and spectacular views, ended in tragedy. Attacked by a mob of 30 men as he left a local bar with his sons, he died after spending 12 days in hospital in a coma. Stephen Mallon (right) had dreamed of a two-week break in Competa with his children Jenny, Peter and Carl. But, it ended in tragedy when he was attacked by a mob of men . Now three-and-a-half years later, the businessman’s body is still preserved in a British mortuary, while his devastated family wait for the Spanish courts to bring his killers to justice. Charges of manslaughter were brought 16 months ago but no trial date is yet set and Mr Mallon, originally from Glasgow, must remain, according to Spanish law, where he is until the case is over. But the delay has taken its toll on his grieving family, who have decided to speak of their ordeal for the first time in the hope a trial will take place soon, allowing them to finally find closure. Last night, Mr Mallon’s daughter Jenny, 23, a St Andrews University student, told The Scottish Mail on Sunday: ‘Our family has been destroyed by what happened to dad. He was a decent, honest man who loved his family. It’s hard for us to accept he’s gone. It’s like a nightmare we never wake up from.’ The family believe the killing was fuelled by anti-Britishness towards the expatriate community and are concerned for British families still visiting the area, oblivious to on-going ill-feeling. She added: ‘Dad was attacked by men with knuckle dusters, bottles and metal bars intent on inflicting harm. We couldn’t bear for this to happen to another family.’ Miss Mallon, who was at the family’s house in Bournemouth, Dorset, with her mother, Teresa, 45, when the attack happened, has had to rely on eye-witness accounts to piece together the moments before the assault. Mr Mallon and his sons, Carl and Peter, were attacked after leaving La Estrella pub, in Competa, a village the family liked for its quiet location away from the busy Costa del Sol resorts an hour away. An altercation in the pub beforehand, between a local youth and another British man, led to the bar owner closing the premises. Jenny Mallon said: 'Our family has been destroyed by what happened to Dad.' She told of how he was attacked by men with knuckle dusters, bottles and metal bars intent on inflicting harm . Her brothers, now 20 and promising boxers who hope to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, were unable to help their father when the mob struck. Mr Mallon, wounded by a bottle to his head, was forced over a balcony, sustaining horrific injuries as he landed on concrete 25ft below. Miss Mallon said: ‘The Mayor has tried to play down anti-Britishness for fear it will affect tourism but we believe there is no other explanation. ‘Lies were spread that one of my brothers looked the wrong way at a local girl and that’s what started the fight. But my brothers were quite shy and unlikely to do that. ‘My dad hadn’t even been drinking – the post mortem showed no alcohol. They were just out for a nice meal and got dragged into this nightmare.’ The family are also angry about ‘insensitive’ treatment from police and medical staff. Miss Mallon and her mother flew to Malaga after a phone call from the twins. They found Mr Mallon, who suffered a brain haemorrhage, in intensive care in the city’s Carlos Haya Hospital. ‘Peter and Carl, their clothes covered in blood, one with a broken nose and the other a fractured right hand, hadn’t been allowed to see dad and had been left to sit outside on the grass all night waiting for news,’ said Miss Mallon. ‘Inside the hospital, we were desperate to know what was happening but there was no compassion. No one seemed to want to do anything to help us. Maybe they assumed my dad and brothers had caused the fight but it set the tone for the next 12 days. It was horrific.’ She also learned there appeared no sense of urgency in getting her father to hospital for the one hour journey to Malaga, despite his terrible injuries, and when paramedics eventually turned up in an ambulance, according to eye witnesses at the scene, they seemed more intent on texting on their mobile phones than rushing to Mr Mallon’s side. At police headquarters, the family were interrogated and the twins made to wait in cells before questioning. Miss Mallon said: ‘A bag with my dad’s blood-covered clothes was handed to my shocked mum. We refused to take it, saying the clothes might contain DNA evidence and they should be examined. Tests later identified a number of people. We thought it was unbelievable incompetence on their part.’ Days later, the family were told Mr Mallon would not recover and three doctors had decided to switch off his life support machine. ‘We were given an hour to say goodbye,’ added Miss Mallon. ‘I remember afterwards seeing two orderlies pushing my dad, his face covered, along the corridor, whistling as they passed by us. Mum and I were crying yet they didn’t seem to notice. The memory never leaves me.’ It was six months before he was repatriated and the family told he must be preserved in case of another post mortem. She said: ‘The Bournemouth coroner gave dad a place in the mortuary but we never imagined he would still be there three years on.’ The Mail on Sunday has learned a number of youths were arrested by police after the June 6, 2009, incident and questioned before being handed over to investigating magistrate, Silvia Coll Carreno, at a court in nearby Torrox ,to decide who should face charges. Sworn statements were taken from suspects, scenes-of-crime officers, paramedics and Mr Mallon’s sons in court hearings closed to the press and public. The magistrate has now finished her task and, in an indictment, has formally accused five Spaniards with manslaughter and another 12 with wounding and affray. They are all aged between 18 and 25. It is understood delays have been caused by a ‘minor’ administrative error, resulting in the indictment being returned to the Torrox court to be corrected and resent. Now prosecutors and defence lawyers will formally submit their reports on behalf of their clients to Malaga’s Provincial Court and a trial is expected to be held in six months. A court source said: ‘Prosecutors will outline the sentences and punishments they are asking for and their version of what happened the night of Mr Mallon's death and the defence lawyers will do the same. That hasn’t happened yet because of the large number of accused but the court hopes to be ready for trial in at least six months.’ But Miss Mallon, who has since learned to speak fluent Spanish in order to understand everything at the trial, is sceptical about the date. She said: ‘They keep saying six months, one month, two months….I hope for everyone’s sake it is finally going to happen.’ It is only through counselling from Scottish charity PETAL – People Experiencing Trauma and Loss - that Miss Mallon can finally talk about what her family have been through. The marine biology student, who developed post-traumatic stress following her father’s death and has struggled to cope with her university studies at times as a result, said: ‘It is like a form of torture and there is still no end in sight. How can we ever move on without being able to say goodbye or any sense of closure?’ She added: ‘We were a really close little family before this happened. Now we are all just functioning and frozen in time.’ Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. ### SUMMARY:

Stephen Mallon was set upon when left a local bar in Competa with his sons . He was wounded by a bottle to his head and forced over a balcony . Three-and-a-half years later, family still awaits justice from Spanish courts . His daughter Jenny said the family has been 'destroyed by what happened' She thinks the attack was prompted by anti-Britishness in the region .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 12:26 EST, 9 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:56 EST, 9 January 2013 . Troubled: Chevonea Kendall-Bryan, who died after falling from a block of flats, was filmed being forced to perform sex acts on two youths, an inquest heard today . A 13-year-old girl plunged 60 feet to her death after mobile phone footage of her being forced to perform sex acts on two youths began spreading around her school, an inquest heard today. Chevonea Kendall-Bryan, 13, had been forced into performing sex acts on the boys at a party just a month before her death in March 2011, the hearing was told. Westminster Coroner's Court today also heard of a 'chain' of mistakes from school staff responsible for pupil welfare. A friend of Chevonea spoke of how the video began circulating among pupils at St Cecilia's Church of England School in Wandsworth, south London, showing the tragic teen performing the sex acts. The friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the hearing: 'There was girls on my bus talking about a video and Chevonea was in it. 'I saw it when I was at my friend's nan's. We were outside and some boys were next to us and they was like "do you know Chevonea?". 'They gave us the phone and said 'watch this'. I looked at it until I realised what was going on and then looked away.' The friend, named only as E3, told the hearing the boy with Chevonea in the video was black, and that someone else was recording it from directly behind the teen so she did not know if she knew she was being recorded. She added: 'There was a friend who was talking to me. 'She said Chevonea was getting bullied about the video because people from her school had seen or heard about it. 'Her friends were saying she weren't really happy and she was a bubbly person, but got really sad and weren't who she was.' The inquest also heard the teenager was branded a 'narcissistic attention-seeker' by the teacher in charge of child protection. Tragic: The hearing was told Chevonea Chevonea Kendall-Bryan, 13, was sexually-abused at a party and bullied before she died . Teacher Zach Darlington today admitted repeated failures, including giving the impression that Chevonea was a 'narcissistic attention-seeker' in a referral to a mental health authority. The inquest heard how Mr Darlington, who was the teacher responsible for child protection at the Church of England school, did not paint a 'clear picture' of the troubled teen in a letter to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the inquest heard. Chevonea had been repeatedly bullied at the school by a gang of boys and had started cutting herself with scissors in class, the hearing was told. Mr Darlington, who handed in his notice before Chevonea's death, told the inquest he was 'let down' by Wandsworth social services who failed to pass the case on to mental health services. Sorrow: Floral tributes were laid outside Flat Seldon House in Battersea, where the 13-year-old fell to her death . But he did not know the school had a social worker who would have been able to offer advice and help fill in the referral. When asked by Westminster Coroner Bernard Richmond QC if he should have done anything differently, Mr Darlington replied: 'Yes. There are three main areas I would've done differently. 'Firstly, the delay in the sexual assault information being passed on. I waited for fuller information, but I should've let Mr Gallagher [the head teacher] know straight away. 'Secondly, I focused on the support which had already been given to Chevonea which led me to let social services fall off my radar and I shouldn't have done that. 'Finally, I hadn't painted a full picture on the CAMHS referral. I was trying to paint a picture on the behaviours Chevonea was displaying. 'I should've focused on other pupils. It would've have provided a clearer picture had I done that.' Mr Richmond said to Mr Darlington: 'The impression you gave was that she was narcissistic and attention-seeking.' Mr Darlington replied: 'If that is the conclusion, that was not my intention.' However, when rumours of the sexual activity began to circulate around the school Mr Darlington said he did not know how to deal with the abuse claims. He told the inquest he turned to head teacher Mr Gallagher for advice what to do when the allegations first came to light. He said: 'Mr Gallagher was the person to speak with for advice. 'It was a situation I have never come across before. If he hadn't been in, I would contact him at home or contact someone else who had child protection training. 'I know it would not be an acceptable amount of delay for a child protection officer. I was slow and action should be taken as soon as possible.' However, Mr Richmond pointed out 'nobody seemed to understand' what was going to happen to Chevonea after the allegations surfaced because she had not been taken straight to a police station for DNA testing. Grief: Amanda Kendall at the inquest of her daughter Chevonea on Monday . Mr Darlington added: 'Contacting her family - that was our priority. Our intention was in the best interests of Chevonea and her family. Now we would drop everything.' The hearing also heard how a school nurse did not follow up a referral over Chevonea's self-harming because of 'work demands'. Sally Bishop was a nurse at Saint Cecilia's School and told the inquest she was qualified to deal with self-harm cases and took the work from Mr Darlington. However, although she saw Chevonea, she never followed up on the referral to mental health services because of 'work demands'. Evans Amoah-Nyamekye, representing the family, said to Mr Darlington: 'A teacher asked the nurse to see Chevonea because of her attendance due to health issues. 'There were reports of Chevonea cutting herself. 'There was a referral, but the nurse didn't follow it up because of work demands.' Mr Darlington replied: 'There weren't systems in place to check things were being followed up. 'I referred this to Ms Bishop because she was in an appropriate position to deal with self-harm.' Mr Richmond said: 'Well, she isn't because she can't prioritise.' Although Mr Darlington was told by the nurse, who has since retired, that she was an 'appropriate' person to speak to about Chevonea's problems, he did not take any steps to make sure she was, the inquest heard. And the teacher told the hearing it was not a child protection issue, even though the troubled teen was self-harming. Mr Darlington added: 'There comes a time where you have to trust people's professionalism. 'The impression you gave was that she was narcissistic and attention-seeking.' Coroner Bernard Richmond QC, speaking to Mr Darlington . 'If someone has a particular profession, we have to trust the professional words they have given us. It was not child protection, although it was self-harming.' Mr Richmond said: 'There is a difference between someone who has no problems with pupils and those who self-harm. 'If Chevonea threw herself out the window, that is one of the most destructive things she can do. 'If she did, it might be because of mental health problems that started when she cut herself.' He told the hearing the 'failure' is the 'start of a chain' of mistakes, and questioned Mr Darlington's referral to social services as it 'was not what it was meant to be' The teacher agreed, saying it 'wasn't as full as it should be' as he has not had 'direct training' in filling out the documents. And when he told the inquest Chevonea had become more 'positive' in Year 9, Mr Richmond said: 'What about if you were lulled into a false sense of security? You didn't chase up the referral form.' Mr Darlington replied: 'It fell of my radar.' The inquest continues. ### SUMMARY:

The video of Chevonea Kendall-Bryan was allegedly distributed by pupils . She died a month later after falling from a block of flats . Chevonea had begun self harming in class and was 'being bullied' Coroner says there was a 'chain' of mistakes from staff .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Glen Owen And Brendan Carlin . PUBLISHED: . 17:47 EST, 8 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:02 EST, 10 December 2012 . Britain is losing the war on drugs and should consider the radical option of legalisation, a powerful committee of MPs will argue this week. In a controversial move which could lead to yet another Coalition rift, the influential Commons Home Affairs Committee is expected to put pressure on David Cameron to establish a Royal Commission to draw up changes to the law. The MPs have concluded that prison sentences – which can be up to life for dealers of heroin and cocaine –  are failing to deter drugs barons, and may even be encouraging a crime-riddled black market in the substances. Pressure: David Cameron, left, will be told by the Commons Home Affairs Committee, which heard evidence from witnesses including Russell Brand, right, that current drug laws are no longer 'fit for purpose' Despite a youthful flirtation with the idea of drugs liberalisation when he first became an MP, the Prime Minister is now opposed to the idea – as is the majority of his party. But a number of senior Liberal Democrats recently backed reforms under which drug users would receive treatment rather than be classed as criminals. Last night, an MP on the Home Affairs Committee – which took evidence from dozens of witnesses, including comedian and reformed addict Russell Brand – told The Mail on Sunday that current laws were no longer ‘fit for purpose’. The MP said: ‘The general view [of the committee] was that the drug laws in Britain are all a bit out-dated. We have a Drugs Act that’s really outlived its usefulness and that really belongs in the 1960s and 1970s. 'It seems to deal with the drugs world as a fairly simple market with a relatively small number of controlled substances out there. But that’s not the case.’ The MP added that, although the committee ‘had not reached a settled view’ on the decriminalisation of drugs, its members agreed Britain was ‘fighting a losing battle over drugs policy’. Holding forth: Comedian and actor Russell Brand tells the Commons Home Affairs Committee that the Government needed to change its approach to combating drug addiction among the young . In need of reform: Russell Brand told the Commons Home Affairs Committee that he once 'loved' heroin . Details of the report will not be . revealed until its publication tomorrow, but it is understood that it . will call on the Prime Minister to establish a Royal Commission on drugs . to report in time for the next General Election in 2015. Although the . conclusions of such commissions are not binding on Governments, they . have such clout that it is politically difficult for Prime Ministers to . reject their findings out of hand. The . MPs are not expected to specify which drugs could be subject to the . relaxation. But their report follows the controversial decision by two . American states, Washington and Colorado, to decriminalise cannabis – a . move expected to be copied widely throughout the US. The . committee also studied the situation in Portugal where, for the past . decade, it has only been an ‘administrative offence’, not a criminal, . one to possess small amounts of any drug. As a result, say supporters, criminal . offences such as robbery have fallen, as have HIV infections from dirty . needles used to inject heroin. Confusion: The British public are bombarded with differing views on the best ways to combat drug addiction . According . to the most recent UK poll on the subject, conducted by YouGov, 49 per . cent of voters supports keeping the law on drugs as it is, while 45 per . cent support liberalising the law on soft drugs – either by downgrading . offences or completely decriminalising drug use. In . the UK, under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, possession of Class A drugs . – ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack and magic mushrooms – carries a . jail sentence of up to seven years, while dealing carries a term of up . to life. Class B drugs – . including cannabis, amphetamines and unprescribed Ritalin – carry a . five-year sentence for possession and 14 years for dealing.  Even . dealing in Class C drugs, such as tranquilisers, carries a possible . sentence of 14 years – more than the maximum prison term for gun . dealers. Supporters of . decriminalisation cite the example of gay marriage, which has gone from . being a marginal issue to a key area of policy debate. The committee is also expected to call . for responsibility for drugs policy to be switched from the Home Office . to the Health Department, as part of a shift in policy emphasis from . ‘criminality’ to ‘medical addiction’. Punishment: Possession of Class A drugs, such as heroin, pictured, carries a jail term of up to seven years while being caught with Class B drugs – including cannabis – carries a five-year sentence. (Posed by model) In . his evidence to the committee, Mr Brand said that taking drugs should . not be seen as a ‘criminal or judicial matter’ and users should be shown . more compassion. He . argued that drug addiction was primarily a health matter, and while he . approved of partial decriminalisation, he opposed a ‘wacky . free-for-all’. In his 2007 . autobiography, Mr Brand described his extensive use of drugs and how his . ‘love’ of heroin in particular had damaged his relationships, health . and career. Addiction: Russell Brand, pictured before attending the Select Committee, spoke about his extensive use of drugs and how his ¿love¿ of heroin . One MP on the committee revealed: ‘We are going to back a Royal Commission as the way forward.’ Royal . Commissions – made up of a panel of experts appointed by the Government . and headed by a distinguished public figure such as a judge –  have . been used over the last 200 years to find answers on the key issues of . the day, covering everything from the width of railway gauges to capital . punishment. The most recent was the 1998 Royal Commission on long-term care for the elderly. The Home Affairs report comes ten years after the committee’s previous examination of drugs laws. That committee’s call for Ecstasy to be legally downgraded was firmly rejected by David Blunkett, the Home Secretary at the time. Angela Watkinson, a Tory member of the committee, distanced herself from the report, claiming colleagues were on a ‘slippery slope’ by even discussing legalisation. Last year, Tom Brake, head of the Lib Dem committee on Home Affairs, called on Ministers to establish an independent panel to examine the Portuguese experiment and to consider the ‘costs and benefits’ of decriminalisation or legalisation. But former Tory Shadow Home  Secretary David Davis  said: ‘The failure of drugs policy is at the centre  of a whole range of criminal problems from organised crime through petty pilfering. 'So what is needed is a firm implementation of clear anti-drugs policies – not procrastination that appeases today’s metropolitan elite, who are surrounded by a haze of  confusion.’ Fellow Tory MP Peter Bone said: ‘There’s a liberal, fashionable view at the moment that will back softening the drugs laws as they back gay marriage. 'But making these drugs legal is not the answer – the answer is to break up the gangs that deal in these substances. 'We should not be giving these gangs any encouragement by giving the impression we’re setting off down the soft route of decriminalising hard drugs.’ Last night, Baroness Meacher, chairman of the all-party group on drugs policy reform at Westminster, said a full review of drugs laws was now needed to cope with the influx of new drugs. She said: ‘These are coming on the market at the rate of one a week – we cannot cope any longer.’ Last night, a government spokesperson said: 'Drugs are illegal because they are harmful - they destroy lives and blight communities. 'Our current laws draw on the best available evidence and as such we have no intention of downgrading or declassifying cannabis. 'A Royal Commission on drugs is simply not necessary. Our cross-government approach is working. 'Drug usage is at its lowest level since records began and people going into treatment today are far more likely to free themselves from dependency than ever before. 'We will respond to the report more fully in due course.' ### SUMMARY:

Cameron under pressure to consider Russell Brand option of decriminalisation . Current laws 'no longer fit for purpose' Committee says Britain was ‘fighting a losing battle over drugs policy’

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Katy Winter . PUBLISHED: . 08:47 EST, 20 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:29 EST, 21 May 2013 . A brave bride who lost both her legs and one arm to an infection has made a miraculous recovery to walk down the aisle and marry her long term love. Debbie Bury, 44, was struck down with a rare form of pneumonia last year and was forced to call off the wedding to partner Bob Bury, 63. Debbie, from Gilberdyke, East Yorks, managed to pull through, despite falling into a coma - but doctors were forced to amputate both her legs, and part of her right hand. Debbie Grant was able to walk down the aisle to marry Bob Bury despite having had both legs amputated after contracting a rare form of pneumonia . Debbie decided to postpone the nuptials, and, determined to walk down the aisle, began learning to walk again on prosthetic legs. Twelve months on, inspirational Debbie finally said 'I do' in front of hundreds of her friends and family after proving doctors wrong and fighting to tie the knot. Debbie said: 'It's been a marvellous day, very tiring, but worth it. 'I was a bit nervous, but because people were all be looking at me, not because I thought I'd fall. 'There were times when I thought I wouldn't be able to walk down the aisle, but I had a test run and that went okay. 'I'm so excited to be marrying Bob - I've waited long enough for it.' Debbie clutched her partner's hand after exchanging rings and family and friends applauded as she was led out of the church. Bob was dressed in his Merchant Navy uniform, while his bride wore a white dress with a long train, which she was able to wear despite having had the fitting for the dress before falling ill and losing her legs. The rare form of the lung condition meant Debbie spent 6 weeks in a coma, and doctors were forced to amputate both of her lower legs as well as her fingers and half the palm of her right hand . Bob said: 'Debbie looked beautiful and she's a very happy girl. It was about time we finally got married.' Reverend Rob Taylor, who led the wedding ceremony, said he felt proud to marry the couple. Revered Taylor said: 'Every wedding is a joyous occasion but when there are special circumstances like this, it's all the more memorable. It was a real delight.' The couple were taken by horse and carriage to the Lowther Hotel, in Goole, for their wedding reception and they are planning a honeymoon later this year. Family member Gareth Davies, 45, walked Debbie down the aisle and she wore dainty shoes attached to her prosthetic limbs. Debbie was determined to walk down the aisle and was able to wear her original wedding dress on the big day, despite having had it fitted before she lost her legs . Gareth said: 'We're all really proud of her, it's amazing how she's overcome everything. 'This is a day we never thought would come after she fell ill.' Bridesmaids at the were Gareth's wife Nicola, Debbie's stepdaughter and sister Claire Bury, who wore red gowns. Nicola, 38, said: 'It was a bit strange to see my dad get married but it's been a very emotional day and it's a real milestone for the pair of them. 'I think Debbie was quite overcome by it all afterwards.' Best man, Paul Holland, 30, Bob's grandson, said: 'It's been a nice ceremony and it's about time they had some good luck. 'This is the happy ending they both deserve.' Pneumonia is inflammation of the tissue in one or both of your lungs. It is usually caused by an infection.At the end of the breathing tubes in your lungs are clusters of tiny air sacs. If you have pneumonia, these tiny sacs become inflamed and fill up with fluid. The most common cause of pneumonia is a pneumococcal infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, there are many different types of bacteria and viruses that can lead to pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly (over 24-48 hours) or may come on more slowly, over several days. Pneumonia symptoms vary and can be similar to those of other chest infections, such as acute bronchitis. You are likely to have a cough. This can be dry, or may produce phlegm (thick mucus) that is yellow, green, brownish or blood-stained. Most people recover well with antibiotics and rest, but the elderly and those with a weakened immune system may be at increased risk . If you experience any symptoms of pneumonia, see your GP for diagnosis. Learn more about Pneunomia here . Debbie, who insisted she had waited 'long enough' to marry Bob, had a wedding dress fitting the day before she became ill. She went into a six-week coma last year before undergoing several surgeries. Debbie said: 'I woke up in the night feeling ill, and I went straight to the doctor the next day. 'They said I had contracted a viral infection and that I had a serious form of pneumonia. 'That is all I remember until I woke up a month later.' Debbie was rushed from Hull Royal Infirmary, where her initial diagnosis was given, to Glenfield Hospital near Leicester, which has a special unit for dealing with viral infections. While Debbie was transferred, relatives frantically tried to contact her fiancee, who was working in the merchant navy in Brazil. He was able to fly back to the UK and arrived in Leicester two days after Debbie was admitted. Bob said: 'They said it was one of the worst cases they had seen.' As the cocktail of medicines and Debbie's body fought to keep her vital organs going, her limbs started to die. Bob said: 'We started talking about funeral arrangements at the hospital, the doctors advised me to start making them. 'I thought I would be travelling back to cancel our wedding and book a funeral. 'But that week, she started improving.' Debbie had begun to feel tired and was coughing on the evening of Sunday, March 11, last year. She was taken by ambulance to Hull Royal Infirmary and then Leicester the following day. Bob arrived at Glenfield Hospital on Wednesday, March 14. Bob said: 'When she was in the coma I would keep talking to her. 'I'd just tell her about everyday things like what was going on and who would be visiting her that day. 'When I spoke to her, her eyes would flutter like she was trying to open them, so the nurses said keep doing it.' In April, Debbie was transferred back to Hull Royal Infirmary and she started to come round. She said: 'When I woke up I couldn't even move my head and I had a bed sore, which had worn through to my skull because I had been on the bed such a long time. 'It was very scary when I woke up, I didn't know what was happening.' At first, doctors thought they would be able to save Debbie's legs near her ankles, but when surgery began they realised they would have to remove most of her calves, almost to her knees. Her fingers and half of her palm was amputated on her right hand. She also had to have her little finger on her left hand removed. Debbie was allowed home on July 13, last year and in August she was fitted with her first pair of new prosthetic legs. Debbie said: 'As the swelling keeps decreasing, I will need different legs in future. 'I don't know whether I'll be able to have a bionic hand, but I've told them I don't just want a plastic thing that is for show. I'd rather just have nothing if it isn't going to have a function.' ### SUMMARY:

Debbie Bury 44, was planning her wedding to Bob Bury, 63 when she fell ill . She contracted rare form of pneumonia and was in coma for 6 weeks . Bob flew from Brazil, where he works for the Merchant Navy, to be with her . Doctors amputated both legs and fingers and half the palm of right hand . Bob was told to begin funeral plans but Debbie made a amazing recovery . Determined to walk down the aisle she learnt to walk on prosthetic legs .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 20:45 EST, 7 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:46 EST, 7 October 2013 . Hero: lollipop lady Karin Williams was among those honoured with an award at tonight's Pride of Britain Awards in London . A lollipop lady who dived in front of an out-of-control car to push a group of children to safety was among those honoured at an awards ceremony to celebrate the country's unsung heroes. Karin Williams was one of the courageous men and women recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards in London last night. But despite her honour, the mother-of-one still insisted: 'I'm not brave.' A host of famous faces including X Factor judges Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger, Queen guitarist Brian May and Prime Minister David Cameron turned out for the awards ceremony, now in its 15th year, at the Grovesnor Hotel in central London. Among the other heroes honoured were Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban because of her outspoken views on education for girls; Matthew Wilson, a soldier who carried on fighting to save his colleagues despite being shot in the head; and three women who comforted dying soldier Lee Rigby after he was killed in Woolwich earlier this year. Mrs Williams,  50, from Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, was hailed by actor and comedian James Corden for 'one of the finest acts of bravery' at a star-studded event in central London. She threw herself in front of a car when its 61-year-old driver lost control outside the school where she served as a lollipop lady to protect schoolchildren standing in the car's path. Describing the horrifying incident, she said: 'I don't remember pushing the children away. 'I just remember standing on the pavement with the children around me waiting to cross, and the next thing I knew I was on the ground with a paramedic leaning over me telling me not to move. Recovering: Mrs Williams is pictured recovering in hospital after extensive surgery following the incident, left, and managing to stand with the aid of a walking frame during her recovery, right . Courage: Karin's lollipop sits close to the crash site in the aftermath of the incident . 'I wasn't in pain. I was in shock.' Insisting that she isn't brave, she added: 'I did my job. It was pure instinct." Brought onto the stage in a wheelchair, Mrs Williams was joined by a group of the children she saved, all of whom wore lollypop lady outfits and signs saying: 'Thanks Karin'. Mrs Williams was rushed to hospital where she went through an eight-hour operation on multiple injuries to her kneecaps, legs, elbow and shoulder. The hero lollipop lady managed to stand after being presented the award with her mother watching via video link from Germany - it was the first time she'd seen her stand since the incident. The event was backed by more than 100 stars and public figures including David Beckham, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, and Usain Bolt, the six times Olympic sprint champion and fastest man in the world. Beckham was shown presenting the teenager of courage award to Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani teenager who was shot in the head by the Taliban after campaigning for girls' education. Survivor: Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban and survived, is pictured receiving her Pride of Britain Award from former England captain David Beckham . Pulling through: Malala - who now attends Edgbaston High School for Girls - was treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after the bullet went through her left eye . He told her: 'You're an amazing young lady, a very special young lady, and your story has moved millions of people around the world. I'm so privileged and honoured to present this award to you.' Also honoured at the event - now in its . 15th year - at the Grosvenor House Hotel were RNLI rescue workers Paul . Eastment, 46, Chris Missen, 25, and Martin Blaker-Rowe, 33, who saved a . woman swept from a car in surging flood water in Umberleigh, Devon. Other unsung heroes who received awards included the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in recognition of their long fight for justice. Award: Hillsborough Family Support Group member Margaret Aspinall picked up a Pride of Britain Award on behalf of the families of those killed in the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy . The award was collected by Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Families Support Group. Eight-year-old Harley Lane, from Stockport, Cheshire, whose legs and arms were amputated to save his life after he suffered meningitis as a toddler, was also honoured. The schoolboy raised more than £1,000 earlier this year in a sponsored run using new prosthetic limbs. Harley was struck down by meningitis, which developed into deadly meningococcal septicaemia within hours. His heart stopped three times and doctors told Sam and her husband Adam that the only hope of saving their son’s life was to amputate both his arms and his legs . Clifford Harding, 36, from Birmingham, who volunteers as a youth worker with vulnerable children, won the Prince's Trust young achiever award. Passers-by Ingrid Loyau-Kennett, from Cornwall, Amanda Donnelly, 44, and her daughter Gemini Donnelly-Martin, 20, received a bravery award for their actions in the aftermath of the killing of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich, south-east London, earlier this year. His unit had been on a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines in Nahr-e Saraj when they came under enemy fire. By drawing the sniper's attention, L/Cpl Wilson won time for a helicopter to fly in and rescue the injured soldier. But his bravery almost cost him his own life, when a bullet struck his helmet, knocking him out. His horrified comrades feared L/Cpl Wilson was dead. A few seconds later they watched in astonishment as he groggily got to his feet, sprinted 50 yards across open ground and began returning fire at the insurgent. Fundraiser: Harley Lane, who almost died when he was struck down with meningitis as a toddler, was given an award. He is pictured here in 2010 . Good Samaritan: Ingrid Loyau-Kennett was recognised for comforting soldier Lee Rigby as he lay dying in Woolwich earlier this year . Incredibly, the round had deflected off . the soldier’s helmet – saving his life, and leaving him with nothing . worse than a ‘massive headache’. His selfless actions allowed a helicopter to land and fly his stricken colleague, who had been shot in the leg, to safety. He earned a Military Cross for his efforts. The Pride of Britain awards will be screened on ITV at 8pm tomorrow. Close call: Rifleman Matthew Wilson was honoured for saving the lives of some of his colleagues despite being shot in the head . Sat turn out: X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was one of a host of celebrities to turn out at this year's awards . Picture time: Nicole spent time saying hello to her fans who were eager to meet her on the red carpet . We like it a Lott: Pixie looked stunning in her strapless gown with sheer skirt detailing at the Pride Of Britain Awards on Monday evening . It's a girl band thing: Kimberley Walsh (L) and . Ashley Roberts (R) also made very dramatic entrances to ceremony held at . Grosvenor House . Golden girl: Sarah Harding stunned in her gold frock with sheer front panel . ### SUMMARY:

Karin Williams was among the heroes recognised at the London awards ceremony tonight . Malala Yousafzai, 16, shot in the head after standing up to the Taliban, was also honoured . Three women who comforted soldier Lee Rigby as he died were recognised for their bravery . A soldier who continued to fight for his colleagues lives after being shot in the heard was given an award . A host of celebrities turned out for the 15th annual awards at London's Grovesnor Hotel .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:41 EST, 3 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 16:29 EST, 3 February 2014 . A petite mom of four has chomped through another eating world record on Sunday just two days after gulping down hundreds of wings. Molly Schuyler, who is 5'7 and weighs 125lb, took down the Adam Emmenecker sandwich in four minutes, 50 seconds - two minutes faster than her previous best time. Mrs Schuyler, 33, devoured the 5lb sandwich - along with 1lb of waffle fries - in front of cheering crowds at Jethro’s Pork Chop Grill in Johnston, Iowa. Scroll down for video . Mrs Schuyler, 33, ate the 5lb sandwich - along with 1lb of waffle fries - to cheering crowds at Jethro's Pork Chop Grill in Johnston, Iowa . Molly Schuyler, who at 5'7 weighs 125lb, ate the 5lb sandwich in under 5 minutes at the Iowa restaurant . The Adam Emmenecker sandwich weighs 5lb and contains pork, steak burger, brisket, chicken tenders and a lake of melted cheese, coming in at around 6,000 calories . The sandwich is made up of a 14-inch pork tenderloin, Angus steak burger, slabs of Texas brisket, applewood bacon and fried cheese, finished wth buffalo chicken tenders. It is then smothered in melted cheddar cheese and white chedder sauce and comes with a side. The monster sandwich has a warning attached: 'This could hurt you!' and a price tag of $24.95. The Adam Emmenecker comes in at around 6,000 calories. Mrs Schuyler, from Bellevue, Nebraska, told desmoinesregister.com: 'I tried to swallow most of it all. If it’s soft you can just swallow it.' She said that her technique was 'divide and conquer'. The mother-of-four became the first woman to complete the sandwich challenge in 2012 and has eaten the mammoth meal another four times since. The eating feat came just two days after . Mrs Schuyler, a waitress, devoured 363 chicken wings in 30 minutes at a competitive . eating contest in Philadelphia, the Wing Bowl 22. Then on Saturday, she munched through 59 pancakes in 20 minutes during a competition at a Pancake Bowl at IHOP in Urbandale, Iowa. Then later came a stellar performance at the . Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival where she defended her title from last year by eating 2lb of bacon in three and a half minutes. The mom-of-four even helped her children clear their plates after she finished the massive sandwich . On Friday at 8am, the mom swallowed hundreds of chicken wings for her breakfast as second-place finisher . Patrick Bertoletti from Chicago could only chomp home in second place . with a total of 356 wing. Mrs Schuyler, whose performance host Angelo Cataldi dubbed 'the greatest ever', won $22,000. Asked by Mr Cataldi what she would do with the money, Schuyler said, 'I have car payments and kids, so it's all good.' 'Who eats 363 chicken wings in 30 minutes?' Mr Cataldi asked, still mystified by the performance. The petite mother from Nebraska chowed down 2lb of bacon on Saturday (after finishing 59 pancakes) Winging it: The mother of four from Bellevue, Nebraska cleaned up at the WIP's Wing Bowl 22 . She's no chicken: Molly Schuyler, who stands 5'7" tall and weighs just 125 pounds, ate 363 chicken wings to take the crown - and set a new Wing Bowl record . Victory! Molly Schuyler is the champion chicken eater! Not bad for a morning's work: Molly Schuyler is handed the winning check for $22,000 before heading to Iowa for her next eating competition . Ms. Schuyler breezed to the first-round lead, eating 186 wings in 14 minutes as the top 10 advanced. One of those eliminated in the first round was Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who managed only 65 wings. The second round lasted 14 minutes, and the final round was a two-minute sprint to the finish. 'To tell you the truth, I didn’t even think I was going to win this, I was looking and hoping to finish in the top three,' said Ms. Schuyler to CBS 3. 'We come from Omaha and we don't really have the kind of wings you guys have out here,' she said smiling. 'I had to ''wing'' it.' Where did it all go? Molly has a petite frame. At 5ft 7in and 125 pounds, her eating abilities are truly incredible . Make mine a large! Molly's been competitive eating for less than a year and says she eats to support her 4 kids . 'I think I could eat some more,' Ms Schuyler said with the Wing Bowl 22 crown skewed on her head. 'This was freaking crazy. I kept eating and I kept saying I didn’t want to know how many wings I ate until the end. I just wanted to focus on what I was doing. But I don’t think I want to eat another chicken wing for a while. Hopefully I’ll be back next year.' Each year, Wing Bowl brings out some of the region’s best competitive eaters, who themselves have to prove their worth to qualify for the event by performing a miraculous feat of eating. To qualify for the Wing Bowl, Schuyler ate nine pounds of cottage cheese in 114 seconds. She also holds a world record for eating a 72-ounce steak in less than three minutes. The previous record of 337 was established in 2012 by one of the world's best-known competitive eaters Takeru Kobayashi. The only other woman to ever win the contest was Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas, who won Wing Bowl 12 with 167 wings in 2004. Wing Bowl creator Al Morganti had predicted Ms Schuyler odds-on favorite for the event at 2-1. Asked whether she would return next year to defend her championship, presumably still feeling rather full, Ms. Schuyler said, 'maybe!' Large appetite: Previously, Molly Schuyler wolfed down a 72oz steak in 2 minutes 44 . seconds, earning her a place in the world record books . Non stop: Earlier this year, Mrs Schuyler smashed another record by . demolishing a 12-pound sandwich, one pound of French fries and a large . soda as part of the Mad Greek Deli Challenge in Portland . Talking about her speed-eating abilities, she added: ‘It's an unexplained phenomenon. ‘I was just born that way. I started doing this about a year ago, and I guess it's like a stupid human trick.' Her husband Sean also says she is 'amazing when it comes to eating'. In 2013 Mrs Schuyler competed in more than 20 different food eating contests across the country. Victories included eating 9lbs of fried mushrooms in 8 minutes and eight beef patties in 1 minute and 46 seconds. All Pro Eating, the world's only independent competitive eating organization, lists her as the world's number one female. Slender: Molly Schuyler's slim physique may come as a surprise to those who've watched her eat . New-found skill: Mrs Schuyler, a full-time server, only started eating competitively last Augus . ### SUMMARY:

Molly Schuyler, 34, of Nebraska, weighs 125lb and is 5'7 . She devoured the Adam Emmenecker sandwich which contains a pork tenderloin, burger, brisket and chicken tenders in a matter of minutes . On Friday, she ate 363 chicken wings at roughly 32,670 calories . Mrs Schuyler said that her skill is to 'divide and conquer'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Tara Brady . and Damien Gayle . Yashika Bageerathi will be put on a flight at Heathrow Airport at 9pm this evening . An A-level student's last-ditch bid to delay her deportation so that she could appeal her case has been denied. A . judge at London's Law Courts refused to grant an emergency injunction . to block the removal of Mauritian teenager Yashika Bageerathi from . Britain. The 19-year-old . will now be sent back alone to her home country, separated from her . mother and her siblings, after immigration authorities refused her claim . for asylum. The decision . slaps down a high-profile campaign which had sought to reverse the . decision to deport Ms Bageerathi, a promising student, before she was . able to take her A-level exams. The . teenager had been held at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Detention . Centre in Hertfordshire since March 19, and is due to board an Air . Mauritius flight back to Port Louis, the Mauritian capital, tonight. A . spokesman for the Oasis Academy Hadley in Enfield, north London, where . Ms Bageerathi was a student, earlier said that the youngster was 'very . distressed and worried' at the prospect of her deportation. 'We’re . encouraging everyone to tweet Air Mauritius and to phone them to stop . this,' he added, speaking as Ms Bageerathi was being transported to . Heathrow by immigration officials. Ms . Bageerathi has earlier sobbed as she told her school friends she . 'feared for her life' when she was suddenly told at 3.30pm that she was . due to board a plane in less than six hours. Two previous attempts to deport her were stopped when airlines reportedly refused to let her board their aircraft. Her . deportation was branded 'outrageous' by her headteacher who said Ms . Bageerathi was an 'exceptional' case that should stop her being kicked . out of the country. The . teenager fled from Mauritius in 2011 and claimed asylum last summer . alleging she suffered physical abuse from a relative. She was living in . the UK with her mother, younger sister and brother. The 'gifted' schoolgirl was due to take her A levels next month. Ms . Bageerathi was allowed one phone call before being made to leave and . broke down as she told her teacher at Oasis Academy in Enfield, north . London what was going on. Lynne . Dawes, headteacher of the school, said: 'She was crying and just . doesn't know what to do. She's scared for her life right now. 'It's . outrageous to send a young girl back to a really dangerous situation. It's not even common sense. People are rightly outraged. 'We are absolutely devastated at this news. We have not been given any notice that this was going to happen.' Demonstrators gather in London, to protest against student Yashika Bageerathi being deported . The . move comes after a long campaign by teacher, students and politicians . to try and convince the Home Office that Ms Bageerathi should be able to . stay here with her family. A petition calling for her deportation to be blocked attracted around 175,000 signatures. 'We . are devastated, the students are devastated,' Ms Dawes said. 'They have . all have worked really hard to keep their friend with them here in the . community and we have supported them.' Yashika was due to take maths, further maths, chemistry and French in her A levels in May and was predicted As or A*s. 'She's . very gifted. She teaches the younger students and she teaches her . peers. She did lots of fund raising for the school and helped out at out . community events. 'She was very much involved in our school community,' Ms Dawes added. Demonstrators with banners gather in Parliament Square, London, to protest against the deportation of student Yashika Bageerathi . Despite the widely supported . campaign, Immigration Minister James Brokenshire told a Commons Home . Affairs select committee yesterday Ms Bageerathi must be deported. The . Conservative said all the facts of the case involving Ms Bageerathi had . been considered but were not deemed to be of the 'exceptional nature' required for intervention. She was due to be deported on Mother’s Day but her removal was deferred. Mr . Brokenshire remained steadfast on the controversial decision despite . pleas from fellow MPs to show 'compassion' as he appeared before the . committee. Her tearful . mother Sowbhagyawatee Bageerathi appeared briefly before the committee . with David Burrowes MP and headteacher of Oasis Academy Hadley, Lynne . Dawes, breaking down as she told the committee: 'I saw her (on) Mother’s . Day.' Support: The case sparked a petition which attracted 175,000 signatures but Ms Bageerathi was detained . She called for the minister to free her daughter from Yarl’s Wood, adding 'it’s not a place for her, it’s a place that is cruel'. Mr Burrowes, Tory MP for Enfield Southgate, had tweeted earlier today that Mr Brokenshire 'just replied to my reps and says he “can find no compelling and compassionate circumstances (in her case)'. Mr Burrowes said the Home Office was in contact with the British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, and told him Ms Bageerathi could complete her A-levels in Mauritius. He added the department said there were good universities in Mauritius for the student to attend. But the MP said: 'Yashika needs to be able to finish with the support of her family and friends. The Home Office has ignored their own policy. Demonstrators gather in Parliament Square, London, to protest against the deportation of Yashika Bageerathi . Students at Oasis Academy Hadley, in Enfield, demonstrate against the deportation of their friend Yashika Bageerathi . 'As her headteacher said, 80 per cent are over 18 when they take A-levels. The guidelines apply to people taking A-levels.' Mr Burrowes said the options to stop the deportation were limited unless the teenager's lawyers get a last-minute injunction to stop it. He condemned today's actions as 'far from compassionate' and that it was 'compelling she should stay'. Immigration Minister James Brokenshire told a Commons Home Affairs select committee yesterday Ms Bageerathi must be deported . But a Home Office spokeswoman disputed Mr Burrowes' claims and said guidelines regarding deportation after examinations apply only to under-18s taking GCSEs and A-levels. She added: 'We consider every claim for asylum on its individual merits and in this case the applicant was not considered to be in need of protection. 'The case has gone through the proper . legal process and our decision has been supported by the courts on five . separate occasions.' Promising . student Yashika came to the UK with her mother, sister and brother in . 2011 to escape a relative who was physically abusive and claimed asylum . last summer. She was due to take her A-level exams next month, with the first on May 14 and the final one will be held on June 23. The committee heard that her age means she is not protected by deportation rules that protect children sitting examinations. But . lawyers for Ms Bageerathi had hoped to make an application to the High . Court today for the student to be given an interim period to stay in the . UK to complete her A-levels, Ms Dawes said. The headteacher said they were now trying to lobby support to stop tonight’s deportation and get 'the message as far as we can' that she should stay. Ms Dawes said she had spoken to the student less than an hour before and that Ms Bageerathi was 'really upset and absolutely devastated'. ### SUMMARY:

Yashika Bageerathi due to board a flight at Heathrow Airport at 9pm . The 19-year-old was being held at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre . Ms Bageerathi was studying at Oasis Academy Hadley in Enfield, London . Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said she had to be deported . A petition with 175,000 signatures called for her to be allowed to sit exams .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Emma Innes . A mother-of-two is recovering after becoming paralysed during a Zumba class. Kelly Hindson, 32, was taking part in her regular exercise class when her legs suddenly stopped working. Ms Hindson, from Birmingham, West Midlands, was horrified as her lower body slowly became paralysed, and she was unable to use her legs or feet. Kelly Hindson, 32, suddenly lost the ability to use her legs and was paralysed during a Zumba class . But remarkably, a year after her ordeal began, she is finally on the road to recovery. She said: ‘I was in my Zumba class last July when the instructor asked us to run on the spot and I just couldn’t do it. ‘I couldn’t move my legs properly and I just had no idea what was wrong. ‘I told my friend and she joked that I was being lazy, but I could tell that there was something seriously wrong. ‘As a swimming teacher I’m usually really active and I went to Zumba at least twice a week, so it was really worrying. ‘As time went on I couldn’t move my legs and feet were completely numb - I was basically paralysed from the waist down.’ In hospital, Ms Hindson was diagnosed with a rare condition which occurs when the immune system starts to attack the nerves causing them to become inflamed . Ms Hindson was released from hospital after two weeks and it was thought she had recovered but she soon developed symptoms again and had to return to hospital with partial paralysis . After continuously experiencing the strange symptoms, Ms Hindson was eventually diagnosed with a rare condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Guillain-Barré syndrome (pronounced Ghee-lan Bar-ray) syndrome is a rare but serious condition of the nerves that control the body's senses and movements. Guillain-Barre syndrome (pronounced Ghee-lan Bar-ray) syndrome is a rare but serious condition of the nerves that control the body's senses and movements. It affects about 1,500 people in the UK every year and is slightly more common in men than women. It causes the immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) to attack these nerves, causing them to become inflamed. Symptoms include a tingly, numb sensation in the arms and legs which can result in a loss of feeling and movement. Most people who develop it have suffered from a viral or bacterial infection a few weeks before. Around 80 per cent of people make a full recovery within a few weeks or months, and do not have any further problems such as permanent nerve damage. It affects about 1,500 people in the UK every year and is slightly more common in men than women.It causes the immune system to attack these nerves, causing them to become inflamed. Symptoms include a tingly, numb sensation in the arms and legs which can result in a loss of feeling and movement. Most people who develop it have suffered from a viral or bacterial infection a few weeks before. Around 80 per cent of people make a full recovery within a few weeks or months, and do not have lasting problems. Ms Hindson said: ‘At A&E the doctors began to test my reflexes and I didn’t have any - that was a clear sign that I had GBS. ‘As soon as they told me I rang my mum - she was really worried because she knew someone that had it before. ‘The doctors explained to me what it was in a roundabout way, but it was only when I looked at some information myself that I really understood the full extent of the condition. ‘I was horrified - I’d never heard of GBS before and all of sudden I was reading that I could become completely paralysed, it was really scary. ‘I was told they would start me on some treatments but as the condition progressed I couldn’t walk or put any pressure on my legs. ‘Luckily after about 12 days I was back on my feet again, but I knew something still wasn’t right.’ Unfortunately, after contracting GBS, Ms Hindson went on to develop an extremely rare form of the condition known as chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP). When Ms Hindson's symptoms returned, she was found to have an extremely rare and more serious form of Guillain-Barré syndrome. she is pictured with her daughters . Ms Hindson spent months experiencing bouts of partial paralysis and, nearly a year on, still requires crutches to get around. This is because she still has numbness in her legs and feet as well as balance problems . Ms Hindson said: ‘Two weeks after I left hospital - supposedly recovered - I was back in again. ‘All my symptoms were back again, and they seemed even worse. ‘At first doctors thought I just wasn’t handling my symptoms properly, but finally after even more tests and investigations, I was diagnosed with the CIAP form of the condition at the end of last year. ‘This form of the condition affects the inner nerves, where as normal GBS affects the outer - the type I have is considered to be more serious. ‘It was a relief to get the diagnosis but I felt so unlucky - most people just get GBS and eventually recover, but I had to be the one to get this. ‘It affects only about one or two people in every six million.’ Ms Hindson (pictured in hospital) still does not know if she will ever make a full recovery . Ms Hindson spent the next few months in and out of hospital experiencing bouts of paralysis and constant problems with tingling and numbness. She went through phases of being paralysed from the waist down and struggled to get around because of numbness and problems with her balance. But remarkably, after suffering from the condition for almost a year, she is starting to show signs of recovery. She said: ‘I underwent a lot of treatment, and I’m now on my feet again, but I do still need crutches. ‘I have been taking aloe vera supplements which I think have played a big part in my recovery as it gives me more energy. ‘I could potentially stop progressing at any point, so it’s quite scary, but I just have to stay positive and take everything day by day. Ms Hindson said: 'I underwent a lot of treatment, and I'm now on my feet again, but I do still need crutches' ‘My balance is still quite poor, but I just have to keep going. ‘I’m back at work as a swimming teacher so I stay active, and I have two little girls that that keep me busy. ‘Although my GBS journey has been a long and complicated one, doctors believe the symptoms have finally slowed, and my life should finally be getting back to normal.’ Caroline Morrice, director of the Gain Charity which provides support for people with GBS, said: ‘Guillain-Barré syndrome is an uncommon illness that causes weakness and a loss of sensitivity, affecting about 1,500 people in the UK a year. ‘It will start with a tingling or loss of feeling in the toes and fingers and progresses from there. Ms Hindson said: 'I could potentially stop progressing at any point, so it's quite scary, but I just have to stay positive and take everything day by day' ‘In a worst case scenario it can cause total paralysis, and about 10 per cent of people will die as a result of it. ‘A similar amount of people will be left with very severe residual effects, but the majority of people make a full recovery. ‘There is no known cause for GBS, although we often find people who suffer from it may have just had a stomach bug or some kind of infection. ‘Chronic inflammatory axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) is a very rare type of GBS which affects the inner nerves - it is a condition that usually affects Chinese people, so Kelly’s case is unusual. ‘If we eventually find the cause of GBS, we hope that we could find a cure.’ ### SUMMARY:

Kelly Hindson suddenly couldn't use her legs during an exercise class . She went to A&E and tests revealed she had Guillain-Barré syndrome . This is a rare condition which occurs when the nerves become inflamed . After two weeks it was thought she had recovered and she went home . But she soon had to return to hospital has her symptoms had returned . It was discovered she had an extremely rare, and more serious, form of the illness and for months she experienced periods of paralysis . Nearly a year on, she is slowly recovering but still needs crutches to walk . She does not know whether she will ever make a full recovery .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Lizzie Parry . and Emma Innes . She has survived three brain haemorrhages, each of which could have killed her. Despite stunning doctors by cheating death, Ellie Calder continues to live with a ticking timebomb in her head, which threatens to claim her life at any moment. The 20-year-old suffers from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a rare mass of abnormal blood vessels, that can haemorrhage at random. Ellie Calder, 20, has already had three brain haemorrhages and could have another one at any moment . Miss Calder, from Nantwich in Cheshire, was seven years old when she suffered her first brain bleed. Four years later the second struck, followed by the third haemorrhage when she was 16. But despite living at risk of suffering a fatal brain bleed at any moment, Miss Calder refuses to let her condition affect her life. She said: 'Sometimes I can’t quite believe how lucky I am - I know that to survive three brain haemorrhages is pretty remarkable. 'A lot of people would have a permanent disability, but I’m fortunate to have no lasting damage. 'The hope is that through the treatment I’m receiving from the incredible people at the Walton Centre in Liverpool, the AVM will shrink and disappear completely. Miss Calder (pictured with her boyfriend in hospital) has an abnormal mass of blood vessels in her brain which can haemorrhage dangerously without warning . Miss Calder (pictured with her brother, William) had her first haemorrhage when she was seven. She had her second one four years later and her third one when she was 16 . 'It’s amazing to think that one day I might not have to live with this. 'I try not to think too much about the risks of what I’m living with as I’d just scare myself - there’s no point living in fear. 'Thanks to the Walton I live just like any other girl my age - I go to uni, I have friends and an amazing boyfriend - I owe everything to them really. 'I just try not to focus on my condition, and get on with my life.' An arteriovenous malformation in the brain is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels. Normally, arteries carry high pressure blood and veins carry lower pressure blood but in an AVM blood is diverted directly from the arteries to the veins. They can cause brain haemorrhages, seizures, headaches and difficulty with movement, speech and vision. Brain AVMs occur in less than one per cent of people - they are more common in men than women. It is not known why they occur but patients are usually born with them. Treatment options include surgery and radiosurgery. Source: American Stroke Association . Miss Calder was just seven years old when she collapsed on Boxing Day, having had her first subarachnoid haemorrhage. She said: 'I don’t remember much of it as I was so young, but all of a sudden I was totally unable to move my arms and legs. 'I was rushed to hospital, but after a few tests and investigations I was discharged. 'My parents were really worried as they were sure that something more was wrong.' Four years later, while at school, Ms Calder was struck down with another bleed. She said: 'I wasn’t really able to comprehend what had happened or the seriousness of the situation. 'But again I remember waking up and not being able to use my legs. 'I was at the Walton Centre for two weeks - at first I was treated with suspected meningitis but then a consultant sent me for a CT scan. 'It was that that they discovered I had an AVM about 5cm by 5cm just millimetres away from my brain stem. It was a shock to everyone - we just had no idea.' Miss Calder was told that she would be monitored twice a year, and would undergo gamma knife radiosurgery to reduce the size of the AVM. But the condition struck again the day before Miss Calder's high school prom. She said: 'I’d had my nails and tan done and was in the shower when I experienced a sudden sharp pain. Miss Calder (pictured with her brother, Karl) has, amazingly, not suffered any long term brain damage following the brain haemorrhages that she had suffered so far . Miss Calder (pictured with her stepmother and baby sister) is now hoping doctors will be able to shrink the growth to prevent her having another bleed . 'It felt as though someone had hit me on the back of the head with a shovel. 'The next thing I can remember is looking down at my hands and seeing my nails had grown out and my tan was patchy where the tubes and drips were. 'I cried and cried when I realised I’d missed my prom. 'This time I underwent a surgery called endovascular surgery, but I lost the ability to walk or see properly - I couldn’t even do basic things. 'It was like my brain just didn’t want to work properly anymore, and I was warned that in 50 per cent of cases it could be permanent. 'It was pretty terrifying but the Walton Centre staff helped me to walk and see again. Miss Calder (pictured with her brother, William, and sister, Florence) says the abnormal blood vessels are too close to her brain stem to enable surgeons to operate . Miss Calder said: 'Sometimes I can't quite believe how lucky I am - I know that to survive three brain haemorrhages is pretty remarkable' 'Thanks to them I was out of hospital within a few months and starting college - I really owe my life to them.' Ms Calder's AVM is still present, but so close to her brain stem that it makes open brain surgery impossible. She continues to be monitored at the Walton Centre, and hopes the radiosurgery will continue to shrink the AVM until it disappears altogether. She said: 'I try not to let my AVM and what it could do affect me - I’ve known about it from such a young age so I’m used to the idea now and I feel normal. 'The only symptom I get is migraines but it could be a lot worse. 'I can’t go too crazy on the rides at Alton Towers, and I have to be a bit careful if I go on nights out - but apart from that I’m a normal university student. Miss Calder (pictured with her grandfather) said: 'I try not to think too much about the risks of what I'm living with as I'd just scare myself - there's no point living in fear' 'I just have to stay positive, and one day hope that I can put all this behind. 'I’m fortunate to have an incredible family, boyfriend, and group of friends that keep me positive.' Consultant neuroradiologist Dr Hans Nahser of The Walton Centre said: 'A brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) consists of abnormal connections between arteries and veins. 'They appear in the brain as tangles of blood vessels and are usually diagnosed following a scan after someone feels ill with symptoms such as headaches or a seizure. 'In serious cases the blood vessels can rupture and be the cause of a disastrous bleed in the brain, known as a brain haemorrhage. Miss Calder is pictured with her family. L to R: brother Karl, stepmother Christine, brother Charlie, sister Florence, brother Matthew, brother William and father, Arthur . 'Brain AVMs are still considered to be maldevelopments of cerebral arteries you are born with. 'At The Walton Centre brain AVMs are treated in a range of ways including open neurosurgical operations, endovascular embolisation, stereotactic radiosurgery or a combination of these treatments. 'Endovascular embolisation is a minimally invasive treatment using microcatheters through the arterial system to block of the arteriovenous shunts with special glue.' Miss Calder is raising money for the Walton Centre who have helped her throughout her treatment. You can help herby sponsoring her at www.justgiving.com/Eleanor-Calder, or text UBEX92 to 70070. ### SUMMARY:

Ellie Calder, 20, has a mass of abnormal blood vessels in her brain . These can haemorrhage at any time leaving her with a ticking timebomb . Had her first bleed when she was seven and her second four years later . She had her third one when she was 16 and could have another at any time . Amazingly, she has not been left with any permanent brain damage . She is now hoping doctors will be able to shrink the growth to prevent her having any more haemorrhages .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Catherine Ostler . As a writer and former magazine editor, I can deal with deadlines. Most of us can. But when it comes to anything that doesn’t have one, it’s another matter — I often start to procrastinate. Consider this sorry chain of events, which happened when I sat down to write a recent assignment, which had no firm deadline. First, I went to buy a cappuccino — I needed caffeine, I reasoned, to shake up my brain cells — followed by some wrapping paper for a child’s birthday present that I remembered had to be delivered that day. Scroll down for video . It's easy to procrastinate when you can convince yourself that everything is important but panic soon sets in . Then, when I got back, I rang the doctor (before the surgery shut for lunch) and listened to a recording of ‘your call is being held in a queue’ before giving up and browsing the local estate agent’s website for an hour (we’re not moving, I was just nosy) and picking at last night’s supper from the fridge — which was surprisingly good cold. Then I read the newspaper (research), washed my hair (so it could dry while I worked) and texted a man about a long-standing problem with the roof. A free magazine on the hall table beckoned — more research. By then, I’d lost two hours. In short, or rather at length, with a growing knot of anxiety in my chest, I procrastinated. Everything else seemed infinitely more pressing, or at least more doable, at that minute. And although I told myself I was clearing my slate of all other tasks that might distract me from work once I was sat down at my desk, the diminishing hours I had left became rather panic-stricken. I’m far from alone with this bad habit: about a quarter of people say procrastinating is a defining part of their personality. In fact, it’s a trait that’s been with us for a long, long time — a magazine reported this week that Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back to 1400BC have been found that read: ‘Friend, stop putting off work and allow us to go home in good time.’ Social media and internet browsing seem productive but valuable hours can be lost online (posed by model) But thanks to the rise in social media and the ease with which we can spend hours on the internet (there are even sites where you can take tests to find out how much of a procrastinator you are), it’s never been so easy to put things off. Procrastination has always been my pet demon, sitting on my shoulder suggesting non-urgent activities to delay the one at hand. When I was at school, I filled up my homework book with lists of projects until there were so many outstanding tasks that I threw it away in the end, overwhelmed, work unfinished. At university, I spent far more time drawing up a multi-coloured revision timetable than doing any studying. Procrastinating students suffer more colds, flu and gastro-intestinal problems . I’m so used to this demon, I’m even slightly fond of it, kidding myself I work best under pressure. But this love/hate relationship recently developed from one of indulgent self-tolerance to deep annoyance. Late one sleepless night, going to extremes, I had this thought: ‘What if I keep deferring everything I need to do until I’m dead, so I don’t do any of it?’ After sharing this thought with a novelist friend, she put me in touch with personal coach and business mentor Fiona Harrold. ‘People who procrastinate are most likely to be high achievers who set high standards for themselves, but perversely never feel that they’re good enough,’ she says. ‘They are often creative types and self-expression is part of the job, so they feel their work exposes a part of them. The task builds up and they became fraught with anxiety and concern about being judged. ‘We become so scared of the task at hand, that putting it off becomes an easier option. The problem is that we can’t put them off for ever, so we end up doing things in a rush, then feel far worse. It’s a perfect example of being unable to exhibit enough self-control to resist something that feels good at the time, even though we know it is bad for us.’ Business mentor Fiona Harrold says ‘People who procrastinate are most likely to be high achievers who set high standards for themselves, but perversely never feel that they’re good enough' (posed by model) She tells me that a classic example of this is ‘second novel syndrome’, where the fear of it not being good enough is so overwhelming it takes years, or can’t be written at all. ‘Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote Eat, Pray, Love, said she was actually relieved when her second book failed, because it liberated her to write a third without the pressure of expectation,’ says Fiona. Procrastination is fed not just by perfectionism, but a hazy grip on the notion of time. ‘People get attached to the idea that you have to have a certain time-frame to complete something really well — say, an hour. If they can’t see a clear hour to do something, they’ll keep putting it off,’ says Fiona. ‘Drop that idea and you’ll get results quicker — sometimes it’s more important to get things done at all, than to do them perfectly.’ It makes sense in theory, but how do I stop myself from procrastinating in practice? ‘Give yourself a shorter deadline, because work will always stretch to fit time allocated,’ says Fiona. In other words, if you don’t have one, or it’s too far away, make a deadline up — any task with uncertain timing, no matter how mundane, can grind the mind to halt with its uncertainty. Catherine found that the coffee run was a good way to procrastinate (posed by model) ‘Do first the thing you’re most likely to put off, even if you only do it for 15 minutes,’ she adds. ‘Not knowing how long something will take can make it feel unbearable. ‘Especially since we all now have a shortened attention span, thanks to the internet, smartphones and screens in every room.’ No one ever feels like going for a run, she says, but if you commit to just 15 minutes, it seems less scary and more do-able. You might end up running for half an hour and find yourself enjoying it. But you can’t do it alone. ‘Numerous studies on New Year’s resolutions show the people who give up quickly tend to be those who don’t tell their peers what they are doing. ‘Those who succeed have a strong support network. If you are out of your comfort zone and aren’t sure you can get things done, you need cheerleaders — plus, you lose face if you don’t do it.’ Equally, Fiona says you shouldn’t label yourself a procrastinator, because other people’s expectations shape your behaviour. ‘Be very careful with how you are training others to see you, because it’s a vicious cycle as people often perform as others expect them to.’ For things that really aren’t that important, like ironing, or sorting out your wardrobe, either delegate and pay someone else to do it if you can afford it, or cut yourself a deal. Do it for 15 minutes or with the promise of a reward. Inspired by this wise advice, I tell my husband that I’m through with procrastinating — he looks dubious rather than encouraging, which is annoying — and put the 15-minute rule into practice. With enough caffeine in the system, it works. Fifteen minutes of most things is bearable and once you’ve started anything you stop worrying about how well you’re doing it, and just get on with it. I tidy the dolls’ house with my daughter (yup, even the dolls’ house is a tip in our house) for 15 minutes. I throw away the mound of bits of paper on my desk — I can’t read my own writing anyway. I send lots of outstanding emails. I pay bills. Procrastination can feel like a treat but actually, as Fiona says, it wears you out. The good news is that you can give it up — so stop putting it off. You can watch more helpful videos over at howcast.com . ### SUMMARY:

A quarter of people say procrastinating is a defining part of their personality . Personal coach and business mentor Fiona Harrold offers advice . Egyptian hieroglyphs from 1400BC read: ‘Friend, stop putting off work' Dividing tasks into 15 minute slots makes them more manageable . Procrastination is a trait often found in high achievers and perfectionists .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Kelly Strange . A woman who once feared she could never have children is due to give birth to four babies in one year. Sarah Ward, 28, conceived triplets just weeks after giving birth to her first baby. They are due to be born in March when her son, Freddie, is just nine months old. Sarah Wood, 28, and her partner, Benn Smith, are due to have four babies in one year. Ms Wood conceived triplets just a few weeks after baby Freddie was born . Ms Ward, who lives with partner postal worker Benn Smith in a one bedroom house said: ‘Falling pregnant so soon after having our baby was a real shock but to find out it was triplets knocked us for six. ‘Having four babies under the age of one is going to be insane, but I cannot wait to hold them in my arms. We feel so blessed.’ The babies will be delivered in nine weeks’ time at the Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent when Ms Ward is 34 weeks pregnant. At first the couple, from Crayford, were told they were expecting three non-identical sons, but later scans revealed one of the babies was a girl. They have named their sons Reggie and Stanley and daughter Charley. Ms Ward says: ‘To find out one of the babies was a girl was another huge shock. It means I’ll have three princes and one little princess and our family will be complete. The triplets - two boys and a girl - are due to be delivered by C-section in March. Freddie will be just nine months old when they are born . The couple have named their triplets Charley, Stanley and Reggie. Image shows a scan of the babies . ‘I can’t believe I’ve gone from thinking I will never be a mum to giving birth to a perfect family in under a year.’ The couple started trying for a baby in September 2011 shortly after starting their relationship. As they had already been friends for years, there seemed little point in waiting to start the family they both dreamed of. But each month brought disappointment. Ms Ward explains: ‘It seemed everyone around us was becoming pregnant. I tried to be happy for them but couldn’t help wondering when it would be my turn.’ When a year had passed with no joy Ms Ward started to fear there might be something wrong and booked an appointment with her GP in September 2012. Ms Ward said: 'I can't believe I've gone from thinking I will never be a mum to giving birth to a perfect family in under a year' But the week before her appointment, her period was late. She says: ‘After waiting so long I didn’t get my hopes up. But I did a test anyway and was stunned to find out I was finally pregnant at last.’ The couple moved into their first home together – a one-bedroom privately rented house – as they awaited the arrival of their son. After a textbook pregnancy, Freddie was born on June 1 last year. Ms Ward said: ‘Freddie was such a perfect happy baby and we both loved being parents so much that we already decided we wanted another before we left hospital.’ The couple (pictured before Freddie was born) feared they would be unable to have children as it took a year for them to conceive Freddie . But because it had taken her so long to conceive, Ms Ward assumed the same would happen again. So when the couple made love again for the first time four weeks after Freddie was born they didn’t use any contraception. One month later, Ms Ward’s period was late. She says: ‘Benn laughed and made a joke about me being pregnant but of course neither of us really expected that. I thought it was just my hormones after the birth.’ But a week on she took a test which confirmed she was expecting again. Ms Ward says the couple will struggle with space and money once the babies and born as they live in a one bedroom house. However, she says they will not be short of love . Freddie was just eight weeks old. She said: ‘I was shaking. I was looking at the blue line on the stick and then at my tiny baby thinking this cannot really be happening.’ Mr Smith was equally stunned but the couple’s shock soon gave way to excitement. Mr Smith says: ‘Yes it was happening sooner than we thought but we both knew another baby would complete the family.’ Ms Ward’s bump grew rapidly and at first she put it down to becoming pregnant again so soon after having a baby. ‘I hadn’t lost any of my baby weight from Freddie and was pregnant again so I expected to be big,’ she says. But weeks later her first scan revealed the shocking reason why her bump was so large. She says: ‘I hopped onto the bed and lifted up my top. It was only a few months since I’d been in getting scanned with Freddie so I knew what to do.’ But this time the sonographer paused during the scan and asked the couple if they knew how many babies they were having. Ms Ward says: ‘It was an odd question. I’d never been asked that with Freddie so I thought it was weird. Then I twigged what she was getting at and asked her if I was having twins.’ The sonographer shook her head and replied: ‘Triplets.’ Ms Ward says: ‘I just started shaking with shock and asking her if she was sure. Benn’s mouth was hanging wide open. Neither of us could speak.’ Suddenly her huge baby bump made perfect sense. Former care worker Ms Ward says: ‘When she turned the screen towards me I could see three wriggling little shapes and I just started to cry. I couldn’t get my head around the fact there were three babies inside me as well as the one at home.’ When the due date was confirmed as April 28th 2014 Ms Ward realised it meant she would have given birth to four babies in less than one year. Ms Wood and Mr Smith (pictured when Freddie was a week old) say they feel very blessed . She says: ‘Considering I thought I wouldn’t ever be a mum at one point, to then go to having four babies felt like a miracle.’ The couple both have twins in their families, but neither had considered a multiple birth. ‘I think because I had struggled to fall pregnant we never ever thought about twins let alone triplets,’ Ms Ward says. As the news sunk in she and Mr Smith alternated between tears of shock and joy. The following week the couple were warned that being triplets put the babies at high risk of premature birth and were asked to consider terminating one. But they refused. Mr Smith says: ‘There was no way we could choose one baby to die. It would have been impossible. We loved them all already.’ Ms Ward says: 'I'll be changing 40 nappies a day and making up to 20 bottles. It's going to be manic' With regular monitoring Ms Ward’s pregnancy progressed well. She says: ‘I looked full term by 14 weeks and sometimes it feels like I’m going to burst. ‘The heartburn with one was bad enough, but with three it’s been horrendous. But it’s all worth it.’ Ms Ward is now 25 weeks pregnant. Doctors plan to deliver the babies in nine weeks’ time when she is 34 weeks pregnant. She’s already expressing breast milk in preparation for their arrival, as well as stocking up on vests and baby grows. The couple are hoping the council will find them a bigger house when the babies have been born . She says: ‘I’ll be changing 40 nappies a day and making up to 20 bottles. It’s going to be manic. ‘Freddie will only be nine months old with the triplets arrive. ‘Unfortunately we will have to bring them back to our one bedroom house because the council cannot offer us a three bedroom home until they have been born. ‘It’s going to be very cramped with four babies in a one bedroom house until we move and I’m disappointed that they cannot offer us a properly earlier. ‘But we have amazing family and friends supporting us and we cannot wait to meet our little miracles. ‘We’ll be short of space and money with four babies under one – but we’ll not be short on love.’ ### SUMMARY:

Sarah Ward, 28, learnt she was pregnant with triplets, who are due to be delivered by C-section in March, when baby Freddie was just eight weeks old . She struggled to conceive Freddie so didn't use contraception after his birth . She says she is delighted but that she and her parter, Benn Smith, will struggle for money and space as they live in a one bedroom house . The pair will be changing 40 nappies a day and making up to 20 bottles .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Ruth Styles . It's the world's most watched sporting event, with 100 million viewers tuning in each year for a glimpse of the colourfully garbed cheerleaders, the high octane half time entertainment, and, of course, the on-pitch action. But if the thought of American football leaves you flummoxed - and let's face it, it's a complicated game - then FEMAIL can help. We asked the game's top players and leading commentators to explain why the Super Bowl is worth staying up for. The prize: Joe Flacco of last year's winner, the Baltimore Ravens, lifts the Super Bowl trophy . THE GAME EXPLAINED . From the British perspective, American football looks very much like a game of rugby, albeit with added padding. But that's not so, says Nat Coombs, NFL presenter for Channel 4. Instead, he says, it's all about possession which means risks, thrills and spills crop up far more often. 'The ball changes hands far less frequently than in football or rugby,' he reveals. 'So teams like to protect the ball much more than they do in other sports, which means they take less risks.' Glitz: The Super Bowl - and the NFL - is famous for its cheerleaders such as the Minnesota Viking's ladies . Our experts: Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and NFL aficionado and TV presenter, Vernon Kay . For those who have absolutely no idea what it all means, he explains: 'The objective is drive the ball . down the field as efficiently as you can until you score either a . Touchdown (worth six points, plus a shot at an extra point “conversion”) or a Field Goal (a kick through the upright . worth three points). 'Teams usually try for a field goal from around 50 yards or nearer - . often they want to bank the points rather than risk coughing the ball . back to the other side.' 'American football . is a really strategic game,' adds American Football aficionado, TV presenter Vernon Kay. 'It’s like chess, only with really, really . big pieces.' MEET THE TEAMS . This year's tussle pits the Denver Broncos against the Seattle Seahawks, with the Broncos the favourite to win, largely thanks to efforts of their star quarterback, Peyton Manning. But according to Matthew Stafford, a quarterback playing for the Detroit Lions, Manning has competition in the shape of his teammate, Knowshon Moreno. 'One player who is flying a little bit . under the radar is my old College mate Knowshon Moreno – running back . for the Denver Broncos,' says Stafford. Star name: Denver Bronco's top quarterback Peyton Manning warms up ahead of his Super Bowl debut . Ready for action: A crowd of Seattle Seahawks fans prepare to head to New Jersey for the big game . Hot dog expert and American food expert Steven Raichlen explains how to make the perfect Super Bowl snack. INGREDIENTS . 8 thick knockwursts or hot dogs4 to 6 jalapeno pepers, sliced crosswise (32 slices)4 to 5oz Cheddar or Gruyere cheese8 hot dog buns2 tablespoons melted butterMustard, ketchup, relish, and/or diced onions, for serving . METHOD . For more American recipes, see Steven's website, barbecuebible.com . 'If the weather isn’t great in New York he will . be called on a lot more and I will be looking out for him this weekend.' The pair will, however, have to overcome the Seahawks' formidable defensive line if they want to take the trophy home and that means getting past the likes of Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas - both of whom came within a whisker of being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 'You’ve got the Seahawks defense, whose . defensive backs call themselves the Legion of Boom,' enthuses Kay. 'I love that. Any . part of a team that has a nickname should be commended. They’ve got . great defensive players all over their team, and that’s why they’ve . conceded so few points over the season – an average of just 14 points . per game.' 'The Super Bowl happens just once every . year and the two best teams in the world meet for the ultimate prize in [American] . football,' adds Stafford. 'Whatever happens it is going to be exciting.' HOW TO STAY ENTERTAINED . Along with eating your own weight in nachos and watching the action, according to Kay, drinking games are a popular way to keep your spirits up while play continues. 'There’s been a lot of talk . about [Denver Broncos quarterback] Payton Manning ahead of the game, and about how one of the calls . he makes at the line of scrimmage [see Nat Coomb's explanation below] is Omaha,' he explains. 'If you go to Twitter, . there’s a fantastic Omaha drinking game. It’s one way of entertaining . yourself during the game. Not that I’m encouraging drinking during . football, of course. But it’s very funny!' HALF TIME FUN . He might not have the glamour of last year's halftime performer, Beyonce, but Bruno Mars certainly knows how to knock out a tune. One of the youngest performers ever to perform during the Super Bowl, the 28-year-old star will be joined on stage by veteran rockers, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. 'The Super Bowl is just such an amazing spectacle,' adds Stafford. 'Everything that goes into it, helps make it the biggest sporting event in the world. 'From the half time . shows to the TV adverts this is the game everyone wants to be involved . in.' The Super Bowl: American Football Live - Channel 4 on Sunday 2nd February from 10:30pm . Half time: Bruno Mars will become one of the youngest ever half time performers when he takes to the stage . Glamour: The Red Hot Chilli Peppers will join Mars this year - Beyonce wowed the crowds in 2013 . NFL is a game of possession . The ball changes hands far less frequently than football or rugby. So teams like to protect the ball much more than they do in other sports, which means they take less risks. Broadcaster Alistair Cooke compared the strategy found in the NFL to a game of chess and the surface level complexity of the game – each man has a very clear, mapped out set of objectives for each play – sometimes confuses the newbie fan. But although it’s highly technical in some respects, it’s ultra simple at the core. The objectives explained . Drive the ball down the field as efficiently as you can until you score either a Touchdown (worth six points, plus a shot at an extra point “conversion”)  or a Field Goal (a kick through the upright worth three points) which teams usually try from circa 50 yards or nearer, often if they want to bank the points rather than risk coughing the ball back to the other side. It's ALL about possession . The team with the ball (the offense) has four shots (downs) at advancing it a minimum of 10 yards and this is all run by its offensive general, the Quarterback. If they make the 10 yards (or more) they get another four chances, and this keeps on going till they get the ball into the EndZone (for a touch down) or decide to kick the Field Goal or if they give the ball back to the opposition, consciously or otherwise. Here's how things can go wrong... If they feel that they’re in danger of losing possession – they need too many yards to guarantee another set of downs, or its too far for a Field Goal attempt - then they’ll punt (kick, like an supersized up and under) the ball back to the other side who promptly try and take the ball back up the field the other way to score. They can also lose possession by fumbling - losing control of the ball allowing the other team to gain it, or via an interception which is when the quarterback throws it and a defender catches it instead of the intended target. And don't forget the opposing team! Oh, and while the Offense is trying to get lucky, the opposing team’s Defense is trying to nail each and every one of them. ### SUMMARY:

Flummoxed by American football? Femail reveals how it works . Commentator Nat Coombs explains the rules of the game . Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on the players to watch . Presenter Vernon Kay explains why Super Bowl is worth watching . Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers to appear at half time .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Moira Petty . Geoff says light was incredibly bright, and bits of the world were 'missing' Earlier . this year, the acclaimed British author Geoff Dyer fulfilled his . ambition of moving to Los Angeles for the 'wonderful' weather and . outdoors lifestyle. He and his wife Rebecca quickly fell into a . routine of coffee and almond croissants at a local cafe at 8am; she'd . then go off to work (as chief curator of the online  gallery, Saatchi . Art) and he'd go home  to write. Every other afternoon, he'd cycle to . the tennis courts at Venice Beach as the sun set over the Pacific. Two . weeks after they'd moved to LA, Geoff was getting ready to head out . with Rebecca when he remembered he had to put out the rubbish. Within . seconds, he found himself in the middle of a medical emergency that . might easily have cut this idyllic existence brutally short. 'I bent . down to put the rubbish in the bin, but when I stood up again, half the . world - everything to the left-hand side of me - had disappeared. 'Initially, . I thought I'd lost the sight in my left eye, but I soon realised it was . more complicated. I could see the frame of the mirror, but my face . wasn't reflected in it, as though I was a vampire. 'Rebecca came out . of the bedroom and I could see her up to chest level, but from there . upwards she was missing; no shoulders, no head.' Although this was . 'disorienting and disturbing', Geoff wasn't unduly worried. He was fit, . slim and a non-smoker; he'd no reason to suspect anything serious. Rebecca . called the hospital's ophthalmology department and made an appointment . for 9.30am. With an hour to wait, they decided to keep to their routine . and go to the cafe first. Geoff, however, found himself scrabbling . around to gather his belongings. 'I was incredibly confused,' he . recalls. 'I kept saying “Where are my keys?” and Rebecca would tell me . that I was holding them. 'On the five-minute walk, I had to cling on . to Rebecca. The light was incredibly bright, and bits of the world were . still “missing”.' At the hospital, an eye test established that the . problem was not his eyes but his brain. 'The doctor said the options . were a migraine or a stroke - and as I'd never had migraines, I feared . it had to be a stroke.' A neurologist did tests, then sent him for . an MRI scan. Within an hour, the neurologist delivered the bad news: . Geoff had had an ischaemic stroke - caused by a blood clot in the back . of the right half of his brain. 'My heart sank,' says Geoff. 'Two hours . earlier, the world had been fine. Now I felt a series of trap doors was . opening up beneath me. I thought: “Oh no, it's my brain. My whole . writing life comes from there.”' Geoff, 55, is the author of 14 . books, and in 2011, his collection of essays, Otherwise Known As The . Human Condition, won America's National Book Critics Circle Award for . Criticism. A neurologist did tests, then sent him for an MRI scan. Within an hour, they delivered the bad news . In many ways, his stroke didn't make sense. He cycles six . miles a day, plays tennis and table tennis, and his diet is healthy. 'I . hate all the food you're meant to avoid, such as fried, fatty foods, but . I do have a fondness for pastries.' He doesn't smoke and drinks only . moderately. Nor was there any family history of strokes. 'Of all my contemporaries, I'd have thought I was least at risk from a stroke,' he says. Strokes affect 150,000 a year in England, and are the third most common cause of death. 'The . majority of sufferers are over 75, and it is linked to factors such as . furred-up arteries and high blood pressure,' explains Dr Richard Perry, . consultant neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and . Neurosurgery in London. 'However, one-quarter of all sufferers are . under 65. In younger patients, most strokes are caused by a clot which . has formed in the heart or blood vessels and then travelled to the . brain.' After his initial diagnosis, Geoff stayed in hospital . overnight for more tests. His eyesight was steadily improving, and by . 9pm he 'could just about see to type'. His wife brought in his laptop . and he began reading up about strokes. One of the things he learned . was that strokes can often be preceded by mini strokes, or TIAs . (transient ischaemic attacks), which can last anything from a few . seconds to 24 hours. These are regarded as warnings that a major stroke . is on the way. Number of people who have a mini stroke and then have a full stroke within a year . Geoff now realised that he had suffered several of these episodes over the previous two years. 'Several times, but for less than a minute each time, my vision went all weirdly sparkly and was incredibly bright. 'And . once, in spring of last year, my thumb and index finger went totally . numb for a few minutes. It was startling enough for me to comment on it . to Rebecca. But then it passed - and I forgot all about it.' In . fact, anyone experiencing a sudden onset of neurological symptoms such . as numbness or weakness in the limbs, drooping of facial muscles, speech . problems or loss of vision, should be  checked out immediately at . A&E, says Dr Perry. He says national guidance now is that such . patients should then be seen by a stroke specialist within a day if they . are deemed to be at high risk of a further stroke, within seven days if . they are low risk. This approach was introduced following a 2007 . study by the Radcliffe Infirmary at Oxford that 'sent shock waves' through the specialism, said Dr Perry. 'By seeing TIA patients . immediately and with aggressive management with statins (they asked . patients to take the first dose in front of them!), the medical . researchers were able to prevent 80 per cent of strokes that would have . happened when the patient wouldn't have seen a specialist for several . weeks. 'It's also very cost-effective. You don't have to prevent . many strokes before you start to reduce the massive expense of . disability.' By noon next day, Geoff was relieved to find more of his left side vision had returned. The . signs of a mini stroke or TIA (trans ischaemic attack) are similar to . those of full-blown stroke but they tend to last just a few minutes. If you suspect you've experienced one, it's vital to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Signs to watch out for are: . 'The . neurologist said they didn't know whether the blockage had cleared or . whether the brain, with its great ability to re-route stuff, had just . got round the blockage, but it all seemed pretty good.' He was . discharged with low-dose aspirin to prevent another clot and a statin to . be taken daily (20 mgs Lipitor) for cholesterol-lowering as a . precaution. 'The next day, the neurologist rang to say my cholesterol results were through the roof, and the statin dose was doubled.' The . precise cause of his stroke was never established but Geoff was one of . the lucky ones. While a third of stroke sufferers recover fully, . one-third die and a third are left with a physical disability. 'It was incredibly lucky to have had such a mild one,' he says. After three months, his statin dose was halved as his cholesterol levels were down to a respectable 4.25. Today, he has 98 per cent of his vision back. But Geoff admits that it's only recently that he's stopped feeling vulnerable. 'I . worried that a bigger stroke might be on the way.' His stroke, he says, . has highlighted 'how very precarious this thing of good health is'. Geoff's latest book, Another Great Day at Sea: Life Aboard The USS George H.W. Bush, is published by Visual Editions, £25. ### SUMMARY:

Acclaimed British author Geoff Dyer, 55, suffered an ischaemic stroke . Caused by a blood clot in the back of the right half of his brain .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Mark Prigg . The giants of the technology world have revealed just how often they hand over information to the government on their users - and it runs into the tens of thousands. Freed by a recent legal deal with government lawyers, the major technology firms revealed for the first time how often they are ordered to turn over customer information for secret national security investigations. The publications disclosed by Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr provided expanded details and some vented criticism about the government's handling of customers' Internet data in counter-terrorism and other intelligence-related probes. Freed by a recent legal deal with government lawyers, major technology firms released new data on how often they are ordered to turn over customer information for secret national security investigations . The figures from 2012 and 2013 showed that companies, such as Google and Microsoft, were compelled by the government to provide information on as many as 10,000 customer accounts in a six-month period. Yahoo complied with government requests for information on more than 40,000 accounts in the same period. The companies earlier provided limited information about government requests for data, but a new agreement reached last week with the Obama administration allowed the firms to provide a broadened, though still circumscribed, set of figures to the public. Seeking to reassure customers and business partners alarmed by revelations about the government's massive collection of Internet and computer data, the firms stressed details indicating that only small numbers of their customers were targeted by authorities. Still, even those small numbers showed that thousands of Americans were affected by the government requests approved by judges of the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. The data releases by the five major tech firms offered a mix of dispassionate graphics, reassurances and protests, seeking to alleviate customer concerns about government spying while pressuring national security officials about the companies' constitutional concerns. The shifting tone in the releases showed the precarious course that major tech firms have had to navigate in recent months, caught between their public commitments to Internet freedom and their enforced roles as data providers to U.S. spy agencies. In a company blog post, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith scolded the U.S. and allied governments for failing to renounce the reported mass interception of Internet data carried by communications cables. Google is one of the firms to reveal the number of FISA request it receives . The new figures were released just a week after major tech firms announced a legal agreement with the Justice Department. The companies can only reveal how many total requests they receive every six months, with the numbers in groupings of 1,000. And even those general numbers must be concealed for at least six months after any reporting period ends. That restriction means the FISA requests for the final half of last year can't be shared until July, at the earliest. Top lawyers and executives for major tech firms had previously raised alarms about media reports describing that hacking by U.S. and UK spy agencies and cited them during conversations with U.S. officials during President Barack Obama's internal review of planned changes to the government's spying operations. 'Despite the president's reform efforts and our ability to publish more information, there has not yet been any public commitment by either the U.S. or other governments to renounce the attempted hacking of Internet companies,' Smith said in a Microsoft blog release. Smith added that Microsoft planned to press the government 'for more on this point, in collaboration with others across our industry.' The new figures were released just a week after major tech firms announced a legal agreement with the Justice Department. But lawyers and executive for the companies openly vented their discomfort with the government's continuing insistence that they could only provide broad ranges instead of the actual numbers of government requests. The companies said they would press for narrower data ranges that would offer more details. 'We will also continue to advocate for still narrower disclosure ranges, which will provide a more accurate picture of the number of national security-related requests,' said Erika Rottenberg, LinkedIn's general counsel. A spokesman for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the companies' releases and comments. The spokesman pointed to a late January statement by DNI James Clapper and Attorney General Eric Holder that said the agreement would allow the firms to 'disclose more information than ever before to their customers.' Google and all the other companies denied that they gave any government unfettered access to their users' info. The companies are worried more people will reduce their online activities if they believe almost everything they do is being monitored by the government. A decline in Web surfing could hurt the companies financially by giving them fewer opportunities to show online ads and sell other services. Yahoo listed the highest number of people swept up in FISA requests for online content during the first half of last year. The orders seeking user content spanned 30,000 to 30,999 accounts, according to the company.The requested content could have included emails, instant messages, address books, calendar items and pictures. The companies can only reveal how many total requests they receive every six months, with the numbers in groupings of 1,000. And even those general numbers must be concealed for at least six months after any reporting period ends. That restriction means the FISA requests for the final half of last year can't be shared until July, at the earliest.The data coming out Monday indicated the U.S. government is digging deeper into the Internet as people spend more time online.Most of the companies showed the number of government requests fell between 0 and 999 for each six-month period. But the numbers of customers affected by those searches ranged more widely.Google, for instance, has seen the number of people affected by FISA court orders rise from 2,000 to 2,999 users during the first half of 2009 to between 9,000 and 9,999 users during the first half of last year. The company showed an unusual spike in the number of Americans whose data was collected between July and December 2012. During that period, metadata was collected from between 12,000 and 12,999 users. Under the restrictions imposed by the government, no explanation was provided for that anomaly. Yahoo listed the highest number of people swept up in FISA requests for online content during the first half of last year. In a company blog post, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith scolded the U.S. and allied governments for failing to renounce the reported mass interception of Internet data carried by communications cables. The orders seeking user content spanned 30,000 to 30,999 accounts, according to the company. The requested content could have included emails, instant messages, address books, calendar items and pictures. All the companies also received FISA requests that weren't aimed at scooping up online communications or photos. Those demands sought things such as billing information and locations of where people made an Internet connection. Google described Monday's disclosure as a positive step while promising to keep fighting for the right to provide more precise numbers about the FISA requests and more specifics about the data being sought. 'We still believe more transparency is needed so everyone can better understand how surveillance laws work and decide whether or not they serve the public interest,' Richard Salgado, Google's legal director of law enforcement and information security, wrote in a blog post. Even if the companies can share more information about the FISA requests, they still might face doubts raised by other National Security Agency documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden asserting that U.S. government has found ways to tap into the lines transmitting personal information between data centers. The companies are trying to thwart the hacking by encrypting most, if not all the data, stored on their computers. 'The limited information that can be gleaned from the reports suggests that the government is using its spying powers extremely broadly, likely infringing on the privacy rights of many innocent Americans,' said Alex Abdo, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. Meanwhile, a conservative lawyer who has challenged the constitutionality of the NSA's daily collection of phone data said he had filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and review his case. Attorney Larry Klayman said he had mailed a petition to the top court asking it to intervene in the case, which is already under appeal. Judge Richard Leon, the presiding U.S. district judge in the case, ruled last December that the NSA program had constitutional flaws. Leon has held off shutting the program down pending court appeals. ### SUMMARY:

Recent legal ruling allowed the information to be revealed for the first time . Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr have all released their data . Tech firms now pushing to be able to release more accurate figures .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: 'The couple of weeks that I came back I really struggled - my fiancé said, "You are different" - I was very negative, crying a lot, struggling with a sense of sad lonely souls. 'How do you write something that means so much to them?' Kumi Taguchi, a journalist from the ABC told Daily Mail Australia. Ms Taguchi spent two weeks inside a specialised rehabilitation hospital for returning war veterans who suffer from sever Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her mental state was put to the test after soldiers allowed her access to their deepest, darkest, secrets and fears they just could not shake. Kumi Taguchi, a journalist from the ABC spent two weeks inside a specialised rehabilitation hospital for returning war veterans who suffer from sever Post Traumatic Stress Disorder . Ms Taguchi, who is passionate about mental health and studies of the mind spent a year pursuing entry inside Ward 17 at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne . Ms Taguchi, who is passionate about mental health and studies of the mind, spent a year pursuing entry inside Ward 17 at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne. During her time she spoke with six men who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after coming back from war. Their stories of isolation and loneliness hit home for the ABC News 24 Presenter who said she just 'could not stand the thought of people being lonely'. Faced with the dilemma to report like a journalist while trying to protect the soldiers, Ms Taguchi knew it would be a difficult journey. She also knew the objective of the clinicians at Ward 17 was to protect the war veterans, firefighters, emergency workers and police who are suffering from sever PTSD. 'The PR guy didn't want me to pitch a story - he just wanted to know who I was, so I spent lots of time speaking with him so he could get to know me,' she said. 'By the end of it he said, "I think you and I are going to get a long" and so he organised me to meet with people who work there - we spoke on how to deal with privacy, and trust I'd not bang down doors'. Ward 17 is a critical point where war soldiers who can no longer cope with their PTSD seek help. There is an in-ward and an out-ward . Only men have been through the in-ward at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne . Ms Taguchi and the hospital workers came to the decision that the best way to understand the veterans would be to spend a long period of time in the hospital - two weeks. 'It wasn't at all confronting in the way some people think it was - there weren't people shouting and crying or patients so messed up that they weren't able to function. 'You imagine a big room with beds lined up but it's not like that all - it's peaceful'. Ward 17 is a critical point where war soldiers who can no longer cope with their PTSD seek help. There is an in-ward and an out-ward. The out-ward is where suffers can seek specialised help without sleeping there and the in-ward is where they spend nights. Only men have been through the in-ward. Ms Taguchi witnessed the steps clinicians took to help these soldiers get their life back . 'Two women were in an out-ward program. I saw them but they did not want to speak', Ms Taguchi said. 'There are two theories; women are dealing with their mental illness or stress better than men, or that women are not dealing with it but thinking that they are dealing with it.' Walking into the hospital with only pen and paper, Ms Taguchi had no agenda but after talking to the six men aged between 29 and 50 the issue of identity proved to be a reoccurring theme amongst the soldiers. 'When you can't let go of that identity, you are forever looking back in time,' she said. Ms Taguchi made a point to the men living in the ward that they were under no obligation to speak with her, leaving it completely up to them. Before speaking with the veterans Ms Taguchi had no idea how opened they would be. 'Psychologists told me, "once they trust you, you will be trusted by them for life", and it was true - their honesty was so raw from the point where it was unbelievably brave and much more honest than I or anyone I know would be. 'I was amazed at how broken they were, how lost they felt, how lonely they felt and hopeless they felt - I had tears in my eyes,' she said. 'A lot of them struggled with sacrifice - feeling like they weren't worthy to suffer because they have never been fought on the front-line.' One of the men she spoke with was a young man she named Tim. She said he had a sense of 'utter loneliness' which broke her heart. 'He didn't think he had anything to say but if you read his CV you would think it was like a spy novel. 'He is a highly trained young man who sat there opposite me with shaggy hair and a beard. He said he wanted to put nicer clothes on because he had no interaction with anyone - only his mum and his psychologist. 'I saw a young man, fit and handsome who was could be on top of the world.' What really struck a cord with Ms Taguchi was the amount of courage every veteran had. 'I would ask them, "Do you realise how courageous it is to tell a story? It isn't only on a battlefield" - but they couldn't see that.' Ms Taguchi witnessed the steps clinicians took to help these soldiers get their life back. She said they worked with the men to help confront anger, disappointment, guilt, sadness and acknowledging that these notions are valid and need to be addressed. Walking into the hospital with only pen and paper, Ms Taguchi had no agenda but after talking to six men aged between 29 and 50 the issue of identity proved to be a reoccurring theme amongst the soldiers . Ms Taguchi said, 'It wasn't at all confronting in the way some people think it was - there weren't people shouting and crying or patients so messed up that they weren't able to function' 'It gave them a platform to start to address their lives', she said. 'A number of guys said this place saved me, without this place I wouldn't be here,' Ms Taguchi said. She told Daily Mail Australia listening to these men speak so highly of Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital raised the question of whether Australia needs more places dedicated to veterans. 'We only have one more place in Adelaide which works with veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.' The ABC reported 96 Australian Defence Force members and 13 veterans have committed suicide since 2000. Ms Taguchi admits when she returned back to Sydney after her two weeks in Melbourne life was tough. 'I realised it really got to me,' she said. 'As a journalist you are meant to write a story and then move on.' 'I recognised symptoms within myself - you have to get your mental health to a point where it is quite resilient. 'I got to a point where I couldn't write - I had to reset what I thought it was to be a journalist and look after my own health - plus I had a deadline.' 96 Australian Defence Force members and 13 veterans have committed suicide since 2000 . Ms Taguchi said Australia has only have one more place in Adelaide which works with veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder . Ms Taguchi's unique online report captured the daily struggles soldiers face when returning home from war. She said a lot of the soldiers were relieved that the story was treated sensitively and honestly. 'I received some very sad texts from the soldiers saying it was great to tell their story and it also made them realise how tough their life really is. 'A guy [soldier] texted me after it was published saying thank you so much for letting people know about their struggles.' You can read Kumi Taguchi's 'The Battle After the War' online . ### SUMMARY:

Kumi Taguchi, ABC journalist, spent a year trying to get inside Melbourne's rehabilitation clinic for war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) She spent two weeks behind the walls of the hospital . Six men aged 29 to 50 were brutally honest with Ms Taguchi, sharing their deepest fears and secrets . The men are being treated in Ward 17 at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital . War veterans, firefighters, emergency workers and police suffering from PTSD are treated at the hospital .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Britain enjoyed the warmest day of the year so far yesterday with temperatures rising above 26C. But the warm weather gave way to heavy rain overnight with up to 20mm expected to have fallen in the space of an hour in the south-east from midnight. Yesterday afternoon, the Met Office confirmed the temperature had hit 26.4C in Herstmonceux, East Sussex. Hottest day: University students (pictured left to right) Lindsay Varty, Zosia Gamgee, Maryna Farrell, Billie Blue and Jennifer Grant enjoy the warm weather on Barry Beach, Wales . Hottest day of the year: Sarah Balogh, 24, sunbathes near the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol today, as temperatures hit 26C yesterday . Storm: Lightning seen in Kingsdown, Kent, this morning ahead of what was the warmest day of the year so far . Summer sun: Hannah Woolley, 23, and Jess Gray, 24, enjoy an ice cream in Bristol . Meanwhile, it was slightly cooler at 25C on Rio de Janeiro's famous Copacabana beach in Brazil. At Ascot, racegoers fanned themselves to try and stay cool in the Royal Enclosure and sunbathers were out in force on Brighton beach. It was not just London and the South East that enjoyed balmy conditions with maximum temperatures of 24C in the Midlands; 22C in Northern Ireland; 21C in Manchester and 20.3C in Scotland. Taking a dip: Paddle Boarders make their way up the River Chelmer at Maldon as the sun blazed across the UK . Temperatures reached 25C in Essex the hottest day in the UK since September 2012 - which was also in Essex . Flower garden: Philippa Christie, 22, from South Shields, enjoys the sun in the Rhododendron garden at Belsay Hall in Northumberland . Summer bloom: People enjoy the sun at Belsay Hall in Northumberland as Britain enjoyed the warmest day of the year so far . Warm weather: Philippa Christie, 22, from South Shields (right), and her friend Alex Hughes, 21, from Hartlepool, enjoy the sun in the Rhododendron garden at Belsay Hall in Northumberland . Beautiful day: Gardeners tend to the grass at Belsay Hall. While temperatures hit 26C in the south-east, there were temperatures in the low 20s in the north . Cooling off: University students (left to right) Lindsay Varty, Zosia Gamgee, Maryna Farrell, Billie Blue and Jennifer Grant paddle in the sea on Barry Beach, Wales . Hot weather: As temperatures reached 26C, these university students were on the beach enjoying the weather . Summer day: Harry Tate, aged two, from North Shields, enjoys some fishing near St Mary's Lighthouse at Whitley Bay . Warm weather: Daniel Reber, aged four, builds sandcastles on Charlestown beach in Cornwall as Britain enjoyed the hottest day of the year . Beach day: Daniel, aged four, enjoys the sunshine in the south-west as temperatures are set to hit 26C . The pollen count will be high in the next few days as Britain enjoys warmer weather, the Met Office warned today. Britain has had a relatively low pollen count so far this year because of unsettled weather. Yolanda Clewlow, Health Manager at the Met Office said: 'We have seen some very high pollen counts during the recent fine weather. 'Further high counts are also expected during periods of warmer, drier weather across most parts of England and Wales.' The Met Office said the pollen season is split into three phases and we are currently in the 'grass pollen season' which lasts from mid-May through to August. Tuesday had been tipped to be the . warmest day of the year but the sunshine struggled to break through the . cloud, and the highest temperature recorded was 24C in Manchester - . slightly below 25C on June 6 in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire. Further north today, temperatures are remaining lower, with the driest weather expected in Wales, Northern Ireland and northern England. North-west Scotland will be the coolest region. The warm weather comes as Met Office experts warned that Britain faces a decade of wet summers, as they got together to discuss recent unusual weather patterns. They blame natural warming in the . Atlantic for pushing a current of fast-flowing air in the upper . atmosphere, known as the jet stream, further south. Scientists say the likelihood of . successive heavy downpours is increased if Britain is stranded north of . the jet stream for long stretches of summer. They claim more traditional summers will return after between five and ten years. Game on: David Cameron shares a joke with Commons Speaker John Bercow at the LTA's #TennisIS event in the grounds of the Houses of Parliament . Summer sun: Racegoers at Royal Ascot (pictured from left to right) Denise Enstone, Stephanie Lewars, Denise Rogers, Rachael Richley and Cath Riggs . Warm weather: Racegoers try and stay cool in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot on what was the warmest day of the year so far . Good day for winter sports: Shelley Rudman practices the skeleton bob at Bath University . Winter sports: Shelley Rudman trains on the specialist track at Bath University . Summer sun: A sunbather on Brighton beach enjoys the wonderful warm weather . Warm weather: A woman enjoys the sunshine lying on the beach at Brighton . Best of the sun: People relax in deckchairs in Hyde Park, central London, . Summer bloom: Ebony Costello, aged 22 months, finds some shade in the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, South Yorkshire . Summer flowers: Matthew May, 11, and his sister Hannah, seven, make their way to school in Portchester, Hampshire . Summer bloom: Hannah May, seven, among the flowers in Porchester, Hampshire . Since 2007, when forecasters suspect . the phenomenon began, six of the seven summers have been washouts with . higher than average rainfall. Known as the ‘Atlantic multidecadal . oscillation’, it is a natural warming or cooling of the ocean over a . period of several decades. Britain experienced a series of wet summers when Atlantic conditions were similar in the Fifties, early Sixties, and the 1880s. The country endured the coldest . spring since 1962 this year, with a mean temperature across March, April . and May of 6C (43F), 1.7C below the long-term average. Feeling the heat: A robin sits on a garden fence in the sunshine in Fareham, Hampshire, on the warmest day of the year so far . Cooling off: A European bear in his pond covered in pond weed at Whipsnade Zoo . Meet the horse that looks more like a zebra after being dressed in an animal-print suit to stop him scratching. Charlie has been dressed up in a black and white striped jacket to keep the flies away. His skin becomes itchy when he is bitten, and the scratches become sore because of the irritation. His owner Laura Forsyth said: 'It's a fly suit which keeps the flies from biting him. Zebra horse: Charlie, who looks like a zebra in this stripey coat, is fed by owner Laura Forsyth, 23, in his field . 'The flies get confused when they see stripes so they tend to avoid him. Charlie gets a reaction to flies and becomes extremely uncomfortable as they make him itch and causes him to have sores from where he scratches his bites. 'It protects him from them and covers his back, neck and legs, as well as going round his stomach. 'There's also a mask which I can put over his face if the amount of flies dramatically increases.' Equestrian clothing company Bucas came up with the stripey design, specifically for horses with allergies to insects. The £100 suit, which is made from a specially developed light mesh fabric is part of the Buzz-Off Zebra range by Bucas. Passing motorists stop to look at Charlie in Plompton, North Yorkshire, because of the unusual design of his jacket. ### SUMMARY:

Temperature hits year-high of 26.4C in Herstmonceux, East Sussex . Forecasters warn we could face a decade of wet summers . Six out of the last seven summers have seen above average rainfall .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Unpacking their Waitrose delivery earlier this month, one family from South London found a rather unwelcome addition to their order: a lethal spider. The Brazilian Wandering Spider — the world’s most venomous species of arachnid — was nestling in a bunch of bananas and sparked a terrifying game of hide-and-seek before it was eventually captured by a pest control expert. While autumn is a time when spiders traditionally come into homes as temperatures fall outside, at least in Britain we’ve always been able to console ourselves with the fact they will be harmless. Scroll down for video . Scare: South London couple Lisa and Tim found a Brazilian Wandering Spider, right, in their bananas . But thanks to our growing desire to eat imported organic food, this may no longer be the case. Whereas in the past the animals would be killed off by chemicals used in the growing process, or cold temperatures, it is thought the trend for pesticide-free food — combined with unseasonably warm weather this summer and autumn — has been behind a recent acceleration in cases of Brazilian Wandering Spiders being found in our homes. Britain has already seen an increase in False Widow spiders (native species and those accidentally brought in with imported items), which also pack a painful bite, for the same reasons. Worryingly, no statistics are kept; the Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said this week that responsibility lay with the retailers bringing in the deadly creatures with their produce. Yet sightings of the Brazilian Wandering Spider — whose scientific name is Phoneutria, Greek for ‘murderess’ — have exploded in recent years. In the past two months alone, there have been two incidents involving potentially lethal spiders. In both cases, egg sacs containing thousands of spiderlings were found. Caught: The Brazilian Wandering Spider, which arrived in a bunch of bananas that were part of a Waitrose delivery, sparked a terrifying game of hide-and-seek before it was eventually captured by a pest control expert . Families who suspect the species has invaded their home are encouraged to evacuate so it can be thoroughly fumigated. Worse still, the large arachnids — which can have a 6in legspan and are also known as banana spiders because of their penchant for nesting among the fruit — are extraordinarily aggressive. Jake Willers, the naturalist and television presenter, said this week: ‘Most spiders won’t jump out and attack you. They only tend to bite as a last resort, when they are cornered and threatened. But Brazilian Wandering Spiders can be extremely aggressive and they will bite you repeatedly, injecting more venom every time. ‘For about 10 per cent of the population, particularly the very young, the elderly and those who suffer allergies, there is a genuine risk of death from the venom.’ Guinness World Records lists the Brazilian Wandering Spider as the most toxic on earth. Its venom is 30 times more powerful than that of a rattlesnake, leading humans to suffer an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, vomiting and eventual death. Despite an antidote being developed in the Nineties, there is currently no anti-venom stored in Britain. In homes, the Brazilian Wandering Spider will usually search for cover and dark places to lurk during daytime, favouring clothes, shoes, boxes and log piles. If disturbed, it rears up and attacks. This was the risk facing the family in South London with their Waitrose delivery. As the father put it: ‘Although people might think these things are funny, the spider could have killed me or my son if he’d gone to get a banana.’ Fortunately for them, the spider was caught by a pest control expert sent by Waitrose and its sac of hundreds of spiderlings was placed in the freezer to kill them. Not everyone is so lucky, however. Matthew Stevens, 32, was working as a chef in a Somerset pub when, while wiping down a surface, he felt a pricking sensation in his hand. He dropped the cloth and a large spider fell out. When he tried to move it, the spider bit him again. Thinking fast, he took a photograph of the arachnid with his mobile phone and a colleague drove Matthew to hospital. But with no major symptoms showing, he was sent home. Surge: Britain has already seen an increase in False Widow spiders (native species and those accidentally brought in with imported items), which also pack a painful bite. Above, file image of a False Widow spider . ‘Within ten minutes of getting home I was practically paralysed down one side, my hand swelled up like a balloon,’ he said. He promptly collapsed, with his heart beating so hard ‘I thought it was going to come out of my chest’. He was taken by ambulance to a different hospital where the image on his phone was sent to a specialist centre and identified as a Brazilian Wandering Spider. Matthew was put on a saline drip to clear the poison out of his system and gradually recovered. Had he been a young child, he might not have been so lucky. With the long list of incidents which have unfolded since his experience in 2005, many pest control experts believe it is only a matter of time before there is a tragedy. Poisoned: Matthew Stevens, 32, was working as a chef in a Somerset pub when he was bitten by a Brazilian Wandering Spider in 2005 . Last month Abby Woodgate, 30, of Essex, was told to incinerate her vacuum cleaner after using it to collect hundreds of Brazilian Wandering spiders which had fallen off a bunch of bananas. In March, Jamie Roberts, his wife and two young children were ordered to evacuate their Staffordshire home for the same reason, until it had been fumigated. Consi Taylor, 29, bought some Colombian Fairtrade bananas at Sainsbury’s in Hampton, South-West London, and had eaten about half when she spotted a white nest at the bottom of the fruit. As she bit into a banana the tiny black dots she assumed were bruises fell to the floor and scuttled away. Pest control experts identified Brazilian Wandering spiders and the house was evacuated. Supermarket staff are also in danger. Some Co-op and Tesco stores have had to close temporarily after these spiders were spotted. Tesco warehouse worker lan Harbidge, from Cardiff, spent almost a month in a coma after a suspected spider bite last year. He came home from work complaining of groin pains and discovered a rash. Soon his fingers swelled up ‘like sausages’ and he was taken to hospital, where he suffered kidney and liver failure. Yesterday, he told the Mail: ‘There has been no definitive answer to what caused it, but a spider bite is one of the most likely. ‘I didn’t handle any fresh produce in that warehouse but there were containers from all around the world. I don’t blame anyone for what happened. But this is a global market now and these things can happen.’ A spokesman for DEFRA said responsibility for dealing with imported venomous spiders lay with regional councils: ‘It should be reported to the local authority, who would get an environmental health officer to look at it, as this is related to food safety.’ But Matt Shardlow, chief executive of invertebrate protection charity Buglife, says: ‘People don’t need to worry about finding spider eggs on bananas. The spiderlings would have to be an awful lot bigger to pose any threat. ‘In their native environment, hardly any survive to adulthood; in Britain they’ve got no chance. It’s too dry for them to survive indoors and too cold outdoors. ‘Frankly there is no need for homes to be fumigated. That only happens because of the corporate need for supermarkets to be seen as taking action.’ There is also a trend for keeping spiders as pets, one of the most popular in this country being the Phoneutria Nigriventer, part of the Brazilian Wandering family. ‘That’s the most likely environment in which we’ll see someone bitten by one of these spiders,’ concedes Mr Shardlow. Whether this reassures arachnophobes is another matter. ### SUMMARY:

The Brazilian Wandering Spider was found nestled in bunch of bananas . Fruit was part South London family's Waitrose delivery earlier this month . In the past animals would be killed off by chemicals used in growing process . It's thought pesticide-free food trend has been behind foreign spiders surge . Two incidents involving potentially lethal spiders in past two months alone .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Italian captain Francesco Schettino returned to the stricken Costa Concordia for the first time since he jumped ship two years ago in a tragedy that claimed 32 lives. Wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses, the disgraced captain fought off a media scrum as he arrived in the tiny port on Giglio Island, donned a life jacket and got on a boat that took him out to the vessel. Schettino's visit was part of a court-ordered inspection in the ongoing trial against him for multiple counts of manslaughter and abandoning ship before all the passengers had been evacuated. Scroll down for video . Back on board: Costa Concordia captain Francesco Schettino (left) stands on the upper deck of the doomed ship on his first visit since the disaster that claimed 32 lives two years ago . Capsized: The Costa Concordia capsized when it crashed into rocks two years ago. The wreckage has since been righted in the biggest-ever salvage operation of its kind and will be towed away for scrapping in June . Covering all bases: Schettino's lawyers asked the court in Grosseto to authorise the search to determine if any factors beyond human error contributed to the disaster . Denies charges: Schettino's visit was part of a court-ordered inspection in the ongoing trial against him for multiple counts of manslaughter and abandoning ship before all the passengers had been evacuated . Looking for clues: Captain Schettino stands aboard the Costa Concordia, and appears to point something out to the team with him . Gathering evidence: The court granted special dispensation for Schettino to attend after a request by his lawyers but specified he was there 'as a defendant, not a consultant' His lawyers asked the court in . Grosseto to authorise the search to determine if any factors beyond . human error contributed to the disaster. After searching the bridge and lifts last month, experts will examine the emergency generators today. 'They . want to show that I am weak, just like two years ago. It's not true! I . want to show I'm a gentleman, not a coward,' Schettino, who was dubbed . 'Captain Coward' by the tabloids, was quoted by Italian media as saying. Schettino . claims he fell onto a lifeboat as the ship keeled over on the night of . the disaster on January 13, 2012 and then stayed on dry land because he . wanted to co-ordinate the nighttime evacuation from there. Surveying the damage: Schettino (right) and his lawyer Domenico Pepe (left) spend time surveying the upper deck of the crashed cruise liner . Crashed: Schettino (right) boards a ferry to leave the site of the crash. What remains of the wreckage of the Coata Concordia, which sank two years ago, is seen in the background . Setting sail: Schettino (front) climbs aboard a ferry as he leaves Giglio harbour with the crashed Costa Concordia in the background . Defence: Schettino claims he fell into a lifeboat and wanted to run evacuation of the ship from the shore . Evidence: Schettino's lawyers wanted to see if any faults with ship contributed to the disaster . Investigation: Schettino's (centre) lawyers asked the court in Grosseto to authorise the search to determine if any factors beyond human error contributed to the disaster . In a recorded phone call from that . dramatic night, a senior coast guard official was heard shouting at . Schettino: 'Get back on board, for f***'s sake!' With . 4,229 people from 70 countries on board, the giant luxury liner crashed . into rocks just off Giglio as it allegedly attempted a risky 'salute' manoeuvre. It capsized near . the coast but has since been righted in the biggest-ever salvage . operation of its kind and is due to be towed away for scrapping in June. Schettino . returned to the island on Tuesday for the first time since that night . and had been hiding from the media glare in a white-painted house on a . cobbled side street near the port in a picturesque fishing community . that numbers only a few hundred people. Surrounded: Schettino faced a media scrum on the island of Giglio before boarding the Costa Concordia . Disgraced: Captain Schettino pictured in Giglio harbour, as he came ashore after visiting the Costa Concordia . Facing the media: Schettino faces the scrum of journalists after visiting the stricken Costa Concordia with his solicitor . Address: He told the crowds: 'I want to show I'm not a coward' Guarded: Schettino attended a two-hour safety briefing at a local hotel. before returning to the ship . Anger: The former captain of the Costa Concordia faced an angry mob, with one local shouting: 'Drown yourself' Before boarding the Concordia, Schettino attended a two-hour safety briefing at a local hotel. As he emerged he refused to answer questions from waiting journalists, saying only: 'Get out of the way.' TV footage showed the chaotic scenes and one local could be heard shouting at him in Italian: 'Drown yourself.' Islanders . reacted with mixed emotions to his presence, with some saying they felt . sympathy for someone they consider a 'scapegoat' for wider blame and . others saying he and the ship should get off the island. Francesco Schettino (right) takes images with his cell phone as he leaves the shipwrecked cruise liner . Difficult reunion: Captain Schettino (right) on the boat that took him to the stricken cruise liner . 'I'm not a coward': Wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses, the disgraced captain is seen in the tiny port on Giglio Island before getting on a boat that took him out to the Costa Concordia . Anxious: Captain Schettino talks on the phone as he waits to board the wreck of the Costa Concordia . Sergio Ortelli, the mayor of Giglio, . said there was 'indifference' to Schettino's visit and more concern . about when the luxury liner would be taken away. 'What marked this island more was when he got off that boat on the night of the accident,' Ortelli said. 'When . the spotlights are turned on, the pain of this event returns. The . relatives of the victims and the people of Giglio need an explanation of . what happened.' But the . mayor added: 'More than his two-day presence, we are interested in the . two-year salvage of the ship, which we hope will finish as soon as . possible.' 'This island wants to return to normality, to tourism' - a major earner in the summer months, he said. Media scrum: Schettino arrives for a briefing prior to boarding the wreck of the Costa Concordia . Defence: Schettino claims he fell onto a lifeboat as the ship keeled over and then stayed on dry land because he wanted to co-ordinate the nighttime evacuation from there . Thursday's technical inspection will . focus on a lift where several of the victims died and an emergency . diesel generator which the defence says malfunctioned on the night of . the disaster on January 13, 2012. The . court granted special dispensation for Schettino to attend after a . request by his lawyers but specified he was there 'as a defendant, not a . consultant' and was only allowed to follow the proceedings. Schettino's lawyer Domenico Pepe told AFP earlier: 'Schettino is confronting the whole world on his own.' The . lawyer, who was accompanying Schettino on the island, said the . captain's former employer and ship owner Costa Crociere, the biggest . cruise operator in Europe, had focussed the blame on him. 'It is very, very difficult because Schettino does not have the economic resources of Costa,' he said. Salvage operation: The Costa Concordia after it was raised upright in September in the biggest salvage operation of its kind. It is due to be towed away for scrapping in June . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. ### SUMMARY:

Francesco Schettino tells media scrum: 'I want to show I'm not a coward' Schettino faced angry mob, with one local shouting: 'Drown yourself' His lawyers want to see if any faults with ship contributed to the disaster . Islanders say they want the stricken vessel removed from their coastline . Schettino says he fell in lifeboat and wanted to run evacuation from shore .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The angry mother of a victim of the Oxford sex grooming gang last night demanded: ‘Someone needs to take the blame.’ Catastrophic failings by police and social services enabled the sadistic group to drug, rape and traffic girls as young as 11 for eight years. Victims repeatedly told police they had been abused and sexually tortured and care-home staff just watched as the men collected the under-age girls at night. But despite the catalogue of appalling blunders and missed opportunities – and David Cameron warning police and council chiefs they faced ‘very searching questions’ – nobody is  prepared to take the blame. Scroll down for video . Oxfordshire County Council's chief executive Joanna Simons, left, and Thames Valley Police chief constable Sara Thornton, right, have both refused to resign despite their organisations' failure to stop the abuse sooner . Seven members of a paedophile ring were found guilty at the Old Bailey of a catalogue of child sex abuse charges . Both Thames  Valley Police Chief . Constable Sara Thornton and Joanna Simons, head of Oxfordshire County . Council, say they will not resign. Their defiance, a day after the seven . vicious and ‘medieval’ predators were convicted at the Old Bailey, came . as: . Most of the eight-year campaign of . abuse by the gang took place after Miss Thornton was appointed head of . the Thames Valley force in 2007. Brothers Bassam Karrar (left) and Mohammed Karrar (right) were found guilty at the Old Bailey yesterday . Assad Hussain was cleared of raping Child A but convicted of having sex with a child . She yesterday apologised for not . acting sooner, but when asked if she had considered resigning from her . £160,000-a-year post, she said: ‘The focus has got to be moving forward. I think the focus for me is on driving improvements in the future.’ Five of the six girls were abused . while in the care of Oxfordshire County Council’s social services . department. But Miss Simons also said she was not quitting her . £182,000-a-year job as chief executive. She said: ‘My gut feeling is that I am . not going to resign because my determination is that we need to do all . that we can to take action to stamp this out. ‘[We are] incredibly sorry that we . weren’t able to stop this abuse any sooner . . . what we understand now . is much more about the grooming process. 'We didn’t understand that going . back seven or eight years ago. ‘All I can do is apologise if we didn’t listen enough, if we didn’t do enough.’ The mother of one of the victims, only . 14 when the gang began plying her with drink and drugs before . exploiting her for sex, said: ‘Oxford Social Services has failed our . children and someone has to pay for it. ‘They were supposed to be looking . after my child, yet the social workers went home at night knowing that . she was being abused and did nothing. Brothers Anjum Dogar (left) and Akhtar Dogar (right) have been convicted of offences involving underage girls . Zeeshan Ahmed (left) and Kamar Jamil (right) were among those who were convicted today at the Old Bailey . ‘The police are talking about there . being more victims, something like 50 more girls, who they want to come . forward. But how can they expect them to have the courage to come . forward when these six girls have been failed so badly.’ Speaking in New York, the Prime . Minister refused to defend the Chief Constable and county council chief, . saying the authorities would have to ‘respond for themselves in terms . of what happened’. Mr Cameron, an Oxfordshire MP, said: . ‘It really is just appalling, absolutely appalling – it’s shocking what . took place. Everyone’s going to have to ask some very searching . questions about how this was allowed to continue for so long.’ Abuse was carried out at the Nanford Guest House in Oxford. Pictured is a room at the guest house . CCTV issued by Thames Valley Police of Mohammed Karrar, who was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child, during an interview with the police . As with similar outrages in Rochdale . and Rotherham, police officers, social workers and staff in residential . homes knew or suspected that children were being used and sold for sex . by large numbers of men. But a catalogue of opportunities to stop the abuse were missed from as early as May 2005. Two of the three care homes where victims of the Oxford gang lived have been closed down. But only one person has been sacked – a . manager at Dell Quay, a privately run care home in Henley-on-Thames . where the council placed girls, was dismissed after refusing to pay a . victim’s taxi fare when she returned after running away. The 14-year-old was driven back to Oxford where she was raped. Steve Heywood, assistant chief . constable of Greater Manchester Police, said yesterday: ‘Our No 1 . priority at the moment is child sexual exploitation. It is now ahead of . gun crime. Expect a lot more convictions.’ Kamar Jamil, 27, who was convicted of rape, facilitating child prostitution and trafficking, during an interview with the police . Prosecutors . have pledged to 're-review' three historic cases involving victims of . the Oxford sex ring after admitting more could have been done to . investigate their claims. The . Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it would look again at the . decision to take no further action over the allegations of abuse . involving the girls from 2005 to 2006. In one case, the CPS said information was requested from Thames Valley Police but the force did not respond. Baljit . Ubhey, chief crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern, said the CPS . would now be more 'proactive' when dealing with sex abuse allegations. She said: 'We want to encourage people who have experienced something similar to have the courage to come forward. 'What . we shouldn't do is as soon as we see a weakness - the girls had taken . drugs or alcohol or they lied about something in the past - that means, . "this case is hopeless and we can't go ahead with it". 'Rather . than be fatalistic and negative, it's about being really positive and . saying, "how can we really get to the truth here?"' Ms Ubhey admitted the CPS should have pursued Thames Valley Police when information was first requested about one of the claims. The further allegations do not involve any of the defendants involved in the Old Bailey trial, she added. 'I think we could have been more proactive,' Ms Ubhey said. 'Of four cases we looked at, in three of those it's arguable we might have been able to do more. 'What . I can't say is that we will change our decision. What I can say is . perhaps we could have taken a more proactive approach in making further . enquiries.' Ms Ubhey confirmed a serious case review would be conducted following the conclusion of the trial.She . said she expected more cases of a similar nature to come to light as . new guidance is issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in . the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal. Ms . Ubhey added: 'I think what these cases have highlighted is that they're . probably not isolated incidents and there's probably more of this . activity going on.' ### SUMMARY:

Sara Thornton, who has been chief constable of Thames Valley Police since 2007, rejects suggestions she should resign . Joanna . Simons, chief executive of Oxfordshire County Council whose social . services failed to help the girls, also refuses to resign . Seven men found guilty of catalogue of offences involving underage girls . Verdicts delivered at Old Bailey at the end of a five-month trial . The seven men have been remanded in custody for sentencing next month . Girls were so young 'they had just stopped believing in the Easter bunny' Police identified as many as 22 girls who were 'sold for sex and worse' Two of three care homes where victims lived have been closed down but only one member of staff was sacked . It emerged that only one care worker has been sacked in the aftermath of the scandal. An MP urged courts to impose ‘the . most severe penalties’ on the gang so the victims receive ‘the justice . they were denied by the local authorities’. One of the UK’s largest police forces said tackling child sexual exploitation is now a bigger priority than gun crime.

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The Prince of Wales will be an excellent grandfather to the new Royal baby, according to his wife Camilla, who said today that he is 'brilliant with children'. But six-month-old Emily Scott may not agree - the youngster burst into tears when she met Charles as he continued his visit to Yorkshire. The Prince admitted that he toasted the . birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's child by opening a bottle . of champagne last night - however, he told well-wishers he had 'no idea' what his grandson would be called. Scroll down for video . Better luck with the grandson! The Prince of Wales with a weeping six-month-old, Emily Scott, during his trip to Bugthorpe in Yorkshire today . On duty: The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall continued their scheduled engagements today . Sunshine: The Royal couple enjoyed pleasant weather as they talked to villagers in Bugthorpe . The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall were met by cheering crowds as the visited an East Yorkshire village. Locals . queued up to congratulate the couple as they walked around the green in . Bugthorpe, which was decked out with Union flags and bunting. Resident Alex Dale told Charles: 'We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house - I hope you did too.' The Prince replied: 'Yes. But just a little bit.' He also told locals he was 'thrilled and very excited' by the news that his daughter-in-law had given birth. Happy day: Prince Charles appeared to be in very high spirits the day after his grandson's birth . Anticipation: The Prince told Isla Lister, pictured, that he couldn't wait to meet the new arrival . One member of the crowd, Robert Barrett, raised a chuckle from Charles by greeting him, 'Morning grandad!' Mr Barrett later said, 'He obviously likes being a grandad.' And a little boy asked the Prince: 'When's the little baby coming?' to which Charles replied: 'We haven't been able to bring him yet.' Camilla said her husband would make a 'brilliant' grandfather as she spoke to crowds during the visit. 'I think it's wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,' she told the BBC. Placing an order: The Duchess of Cornwall approaches the counter in a fish and chips restaurant . Meal: The Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a snack of fish and chips during a visit to Bridlington . Tasty: Camilla praised the food, saying it was one of the nicest meals she'd had in recent times . 'And I think it's a wonderfully . uplifting moment for the country. It's very exciting and it's wonderful . for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children.' Yesterday . Charles continued his scheduled appearances after Kate went into Labour . at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London. The Prince visited the National Rail Museum in York as well as York Minster, and went on to a reception at Harewood House. Isla Lister, eight, said both Charles and Camilla told her they could not wait to see the new baby. She . said: 'She was really nice and she said was really excited. I spoke to . Prince Charles too and he said he couldn't wait to see him too.' Welcome: The Duchess was beaming as she met staff and members of the public at the fish and chip shop . Good mood: There was a festive atmosphere in Bridlington in the wake of the Prince's birth . Several members of the Royal Family are carrying out engagements today despite the arrival of William and Kate's baby boy. The Queen will give a reception for the winners of The Queen's Award for Enterprise in London. The Earl and Countess of Wessex will also attend the reception, while the Countess is meeting members of the British wheelchair basketball team at the Swiss Cottage Sports Centre. The Princess Royal will open the newly renovated Underground Tour and Roadways at the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield. She will also visit Clayton Hall Farm and Candy Makers in West Yorkshire, before attending the Herriot Hospice Homecare 21st Anniversary Garden Party in Masham, North Yorkshire. The Duchess of Gloucester will visit Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Green, Essex. The Duke of Kent will attend the reception hosted by the Queen. Her mother Debbie asked Camilla about the baby's name. Mrs Lister said: 'She said they had no clue whatsoever. She wasn't giving anything away. I thought she might tell me something, but no.' And Isla's grandmother, Judy Willis, said Charles told her: 'Grannies are getting younger, you know.' Camilla later enjoyed a lunch of 'celebration fish and chips' in Bridlington, described the meal as 'the best thing I have eaten in an awfully long time'. She ate the takeaway from the box it came in - but declined an offer of batter 'scraps' on her meal and opted instead for a healthy slice of lemon. However, while she might have enjoyed the experience, she was unwilling to reward the proprietor with a sneak peek at the name of the Royal baby. The Prince also enjoyed a nautical snack, when he was given a portion of Bridlington crab cakes by local chef David Nowell. He . spoke to Holderness Fishing Industry Group about how offshore wind . farms affect the fishing industry, and was offered the chance to hold a . live lobster but politely declined. During . the trip to Bridlington harbour, Geraldine Kynaston asked the Prince if . she could give him a cuddle to congratulate him on becoming a . grandparent. There were spontaneous rounds of applause and cries of 'Congratulations, Grandad' as Charles was shown around the port. At Bridlington Priory, hundreds of . people waited under gloomy skies to see the Royal couple as they . attended a celebratory service. Proud: Charles took particular interest in saying hello to small babies like his new grandson . Firm friends: Charles made pals with 11-week-old Hugo and his mother Heather Bradley . Wet the baby's head? The Prince was given a selection of real ales from a micro-brewery in Burton Fleming . Thanks: Charles talks to locals who helped with recovery efforts after a devastating flood . Outside the church he met Charles and Janet Gardner and their son Matt, who had travelled 70 miles from their home in the suburbs of Leeds to see the Prince. 'I shook his hands and said "Congratulations",' Mrs Gardner, 70, said as she cried with emotion. 'He said, "I don't know if I have done a lot to deserve it. There's lots of proud grandmas and grandpas today." 'We came here from Leeds to see them. We are really big royalists in our family.' Her 33-year-old civil servant said: 'To shake the future king of England's hand - this is the proudest day of my life.' Charles and Camilla finished their day in Yorkshire with a walkabout among thousands of well-wishers in the seaside town of Withernsea. Tour: Charles in the historic steamer Mallard during a visit to the National Railway Museum yesterday . Everywhere they went in the town they . were greeted with shouts of "congratulations" and some people gave them . teddies and other presents. But Charles resisted all attempts by . people in the crowd to find out more details about his new grandson, . including any potential names. Charles earlier paid a visit to a pub . in the village of Burton Fleming, where he met people who were affected . by severe floods last Christmas. He was given a selection of real ales by Kate Balchin, who works at her parents' nearby micro-brewery. 'He . said he was looking forward to trying some,' she said. 'It's a . coincidence that the visit happened today, but the beers can wet the . baby's head.' One group of pensioners in the village serenaded him with the song: 'Grandad, we love you, Grandad, we do.' Announcement: The easel outside Buckingham Palace where the official proclamation of the birth was made . ### SUMMARY:

Prince of Wales is on a tour of Yorkshire with Camilla after grandson's birth . Told well-wishers in Bugthorpe he did not know the name of the child . But said he was 'thrilled and excited' and had celebrated with champagne . 'He's brilliant with children,' Camilla says as she heralds 'wonderful news' Duchess enjoys snack of fish and chips and Charles visits harbour .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: An internet 'troll' who sent a threatening email to a Conservative MP was banned today from contacting a host of celebrities - including Lord Sugar. Frank Zimmerman avoided jail by a whisker when a district judge suspended a 26-week prison sentence for two years after he sent an offensive email to Corby MP Louise Mensch. The bearded 60-year-old, who was taken to court by police today after being arrested for failing to attend his sentencing last week, was given the suspended sentence, ordered to pay costs and made subject of a restraining order. Agoraphobic Frank Zimmerman was today spared jail as he was sentenced for 'trolling' Louise Mensch . The order - until further notice - bans the agoraphobic from contacting a string of well-known people. The list includes Mrs Mensch, her businessman husband Peter, and Mrs Mensch's ex-husband, property developer Anthony LoCicero. Lord Sugar, the Amstrad businessman and star of hit TV Show The Apprentice, was named on the restraining order, as was Terence Blacker, a columnist with the Independent newspaper and Zimmerman's former neighbour in London. Also listed was General Sir Mike Jackson - once head of the British Army - and David Petraeus, former US Army commander in Iraq and Afghanistan and now director of the CIA. Tory MP Louise Mensch tweeted to her followers: 'Had some morons threaten my children by email. To those who sent it; get stuffed losers' A previous hearing heard how Zimmerman had last year targeted the outspoken Mrs Mensch, telling her to stop using the social networking site Twitter or face the consequences. The white-haired defendant, who lives in a run down house in Gloucester, told Mrs Mensch she faced a 'Sophie's Choice' - a reference to a novel in which heroine Sophie has to choose between the life of her son or daughter at a Nazi concentration camp. The email, which was dated August 22, 2011, said: 'Subject: You have been HACKED :D . 'Louise Mensch, nee Bagshawe, the slut of Twitter. 'We are Anonymous and we don't like rude c**** like you and your nouveau riche husband Peter Mensch. You have been hacked! 'We are inside your computer and all your phones, everywhere ... and inside your homes. 'So get off Twitter. 'We see you are still on Twitter. We have sent a camera crew to photograph you and your kids and will post it all over the net, including Twitter. C***face. 'You now have a Sophie's Choice. Which kid is to go? One will, count on it c***. 'Have a nice day . 'From all of us at MIT 617-253-1000.' The Northamptonshire MP, 40, who has a Twitter following of 50,000, immediately called in the police and arranged security for her family. Unbowed, she went on to tweet to followers: 'Had some morons threaten my children by email. To those who sent it; get stuffed losers.' But in her victim impact statement read to the court, Mrs Mensch revealed the fear that the email had caused her. 'I was terrified on behalf of my children. I was in New York with my husband recovering from an operation and my children were with their father and to receive a threat like this made me very upset,' she said. 'I was 3,000 miles away from my children and I was worried for their safety and the safety of my ex-husband. I felt powerless to do anything.' 'He made reference to the contents of the email and that one of my children would die and it made me believe he was responsible,' she said. The offensive email was later traced to the IP address of Zimmerman's home computer. He was charged with an offence of sending by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing message or matter. The case against Zimmerman, from Barnwood, Gloucester, had been proven in his absence after he failed to attend court - blaming his agoraphobia and depression. He was supposed to have been sentenced at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court last week but failed to attend. Police arrested him this morning for breach of bail, an offence he admitted once he was brought to court. Some of the horrific emails sent to Louise Mensch by Frank Zimmerman . Zimmerman, who is extremely well spoken, wore a dark blue coat and glasses for today's short hearing. The last time he had faced District Judge Martin Brown he had appeared via video link from a side room but today he was in the dock of court room one surrounded by two guards, having been brought up in handcuffs from the cells. Zimmerman does not accept his guilt and blamed hackers for sending the email from his IP address. At a previous hearing he said he had received correspondence from broadband supplier Virgin Media stating his computer had been hacked but has, so far, failed to produce the letter to the court. Zimmerman has been told not to contact Ms Mensch and other high-profile people as part of his sentence . Kirsty Gordon-Cleaver, defending, said her client was maintaining his innocence. 'Mr Zimmerman wants the court to know that he is considering an appeal,' she said. 'He never will contact the people on the restraining order and it does not cause him any problems. He does, however, uphold his innocence in respect of this.' Passing sentence, the district judge told Zimmerman that he had committed a very serious crime. 'I have heard about the allegations and in my view they went beyond mere mischief,' he said. 'These were ugly, unpleasant and serious remarks to the complainant by email. Quite understandably they caused her great concern. 'They cross the custody threshold because of the seriousness. 'Because of your age and because of your conditions and I accept that you have certain problems, although I do not accept they are as severe as you make out, I am prepared to suspend the sentence.' As part of the suspended sentence, Zimmerman is banned from contacting Mrs Mensch. On hearing that, the defendant replied: 'There are no problems with that happening. You have my word.' The district judge continued: 'If you do, you will be in breach of that suspended sentence and you will give the court no alternative but to implement it. 'If you commit any further offences, that will also trigger the activation of that suspended sentence.' District Judge Brown told Zimmerman that if he breached the restraining order, he could be jailed for up to five years. The defendant was also given a four-week sentence for the bail offence, which runs concurrently to the 26-week sentence, and ordered to pay £300 prosecution costs. The district judge said he had decided against banning Zimmerman from using a computer. 'It had been my intention to prohibit him from using a computer and I accept the human rights angle and I accept the problems of policing that,' he said. Louise Mensch made her followers aware of what was happening when Zimmerman started sending the vile messages . Mrs Mensch took to Twitter to praise the police and the House of Commons authorities.'Now finally free to talk about this,' she wrote. 'I want to thank Det Sgt Iggy Azad & all at House of Commons & Northants Police. 'Other women besides myself were targeted by this man; and police forces (not knowing who was behind threats) were forced to devote resources. 'Sentence seems proportionate and just. I hope it will deter others from this kind of abuse and bullying.' Before Zimmerman was released, he asked the judge: 'May I ask how I am able to get home? I have no money.' The judge said he did not have any duty to get him home and added: 'You have had plenty of time to organise your finances.' As he left the dock, Zimmerman said: 'I thank you for your time.' Previously, Zimmerman told the court that he does not have enough money to even eat. 'I have no means of getting home,' he said. 'I am not physically capable of walking and I have no money. I have no money. I simply cannot afford to eat. 'I still have a vestige of pride. I do not have enough money to eat continually for four weeks every month, so every month I don't eat for seven days. 'It is 11 days since I had anything to eat. 'There is no way that I can afford a taxi to Cheltenham and back.' ### SUMMARY:

Frank Zimmerman contacted Tory MP telling her to choose one of her children . Banned from contacting Mensch and other high-profile people . Zimmerman went to court in custody after failing to turn up to previous hearings . Handed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Facing bankruptcy, the U.S. Postal Service is pushing ahead with unprecedented cuts to first-class mail next spring that will slow delivery and, for the first time in 40 years, eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day. The estimated $3billion in reductions, to be announced in broader detail on Monday, are part of a wide-ranging effort by the cash-strapped Postal Service to quickly trim costs, seeing no immediate help from Congress. The changes would provide short-term relief, but ultimately could prove counterproductive, pushing more of America's business onto the Internet. Save our post: Nearly 100,000 postal workers could lose their jobs in an unprecedented budget cut that would also halt next-day mail . They could slow everything from check payments to Netflix's DVDs-by-mail, add costs to mail-order prescription drugs, and threaten the existence of newspapers and time-sensitive magazines delivered by postal carrier to far-flung suburban and rural communities. That birthday card mailed first-class to Mom also could arrive a day or two late, if people don't plan ahead. 'It's a potentially major change, but I don't think consumers are focused on it and it won't register until the service goes away,' said Jim Corridore, analyst with S&P Capital IQ, who tracks the shipping industry. 'Over time, to the extent the customer service experience gets worse, it will only increase the shift away from mail to alternatives.' The cuts, now being finalized, would close roughly 250 of the nearly 500 mail processing centres across the country as early as next March. Because the consolidations typically would lengthen the distance mail travels from post office to processing centre, the agency also would lower delivery standards for first-class mail that have been in place since 1971. Currently, first-class mail is supposed to be delivered to homes and businesses within the continental U.S. in one day to three days. That will lengthen to two days to three days, meaning mailers no longer could expect next-day delivery in surrounding communities. Periodicals could take between two days and nine days. Deliver the letter: First-class mail will experience the downgrade as early as March in certain areas . About 42 per cent of first-class mail is now delivered the following day. An additional 27 per cent arrives in two days, about 31 per cent in three days and less than 1 per cent in four days to five days. Following the change next spring, about . 51 per cent of all first-class mail is expected to arrive in two days, . with most of the remainder delivered in three days. 'The things I have control over here at . the Postal Service, we have to do. If we do nothing, we will have a death . spiral.' -Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe . The consolidation of mail processing centres is in addition to the planned closing of about 3,700 local post offices. In all, roughly 100,000 postal employees could be cut as a result of the various closures, resulting in savings of up to $6.5billion a year. Expressing urgency to reduce costs, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said in an interview that the agency has to act while waiting for Congress to grant it authority to reduce delivery to five days a week, raise stamp prices and reduce health care and other labour costs. The Postal Service, an independent agency of government, does not receive tax money, but is subject to congressional control on large aspects of its operations. The changes in first-class mail delivery can go into place without permission from Congress. Better late than never: Time-sensitive materials like mailers and prescription drugs would take two to nine days to deliver if the new plan takes effect . After five years in the red, the post office faces imminent default this month on a $5.5billion annual payment to the Treasury for retiree health benefits. It is projected to have a record loss of $14.1billion next year amid steady declines in first-class mail volume. Mr Donahoe has said the agency must make cuts of $20 billion by 2015 to be profitable. It already has announced a 1-cent increase in first-class mail to 45 cents beginning January 22. 'We have a business model that is failing. You can't continue to run red ink and not make changes,' Mr Donahoe said. 'We know our business, and we listen to our customers. Customers are looking for affordable and consistent mail service, and they do not want us to take tax money.' Separate bills that have passed House and Senate committees would give the Postal Service more authority and liquidity to stave off immediate bankruptcy. But prospects are somewhat dim for final congressional action on those bills anytime soon, especially if the measures are seen in an election year as promoting layoffs and cuts to neighbourhood post offices. Industries hurt: Netflix, which delivers movies to some of its customers, could potentially suffer from the lag in mail delivery . Technically, the Postal Service must await an advisory opinion from the independent Postal Regulatory Commission before it can begin closing local post offices and processing centres. But such opinions are nonbinding, and Mr Donahoe is making clear the agency will proceed with reductions once the opinion is released next March. 'The things I have control over here at the Postal Service, we have to do,' he said, describing the cuts as a necessary business decision. 'If we do nothing, we will have a death spiral.' The Postal Service initially announced in September it was studying the possibility of closing the processing centres and published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments. Within 30 days, the plan elicited nearly 4,400 public comments, mostly in opposition. Among them: . Maine Senator Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate committee that oversees the post office, believes the agency is taking the wrong approach. She says service cuts will only push more consumers to online bill payment or private carriers such as UPS or FedEx, leading to lower revenue in the future. 'Time and time again in the face of more red ink, the Postal Service puts forward ideas that could well accelerate its death spiral,' she said, urging passage of a bill that would refund nearly $7billion the Postal Service overpaid into a federal retirement fund, encourage a restructuring of health benefits and reduce the agency's annual payments into a retiree health account. That measure would postpone a move to five-day-a-week mail delivery for at least two years and require additional layers of review before the agency closed postal branches and mail processing centres. 'The solution to the Postal Service's financial crisis is not easy but must involve tackling more significant expenses that do not drive customers,' Miss Collins said. In the event of a shutdown due to bankruptcy, private companies such as FedEx and UPS could handle a small portion of the material the post office moves, but they do not go everywhere. No business has shown interest in delivering letters everywhere in the country for a set rate of 44 cents or 45 cents for a first-class letter. ### SUMMARY:

Post office set to close 250 of nearly 500 mail processing centres as early as March . USPS would also lower delivery standards in place since 1971 . Roughly 100,000 postal workers could lose their jobs, saving USPS around $6.5B . Agency says it must cut $20B by 2015 to be profitable . Small-town mayors and legislators in states including Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania cited the economic harm if postal offices were to close, eliminating jobs and reducing service. Small-business owners in many other states also were worried. ESPN The Magazine and Crain Communications, which prints some 27 trade and consumer publications, said delays to first-class delivery could ruin the value of their news. Their magazines are typically printed at week's end with mail arrival timed for weekend sports events or the Monday start of the work week. Newspapers, already struggling in the Internet age, also could suffer. AT&T, which mails approximately 55million customer billing statements each month, wants assurances that the Postal Service will widely publicize and educate the public about changes to avoid confusion over delivery that might lead to delinquent payments. The company is also concerned that after extensive cuts the Postal Service might realize it cannot meet a relaxed standard of two-to-three day delivery. Netflix, which offers monthly pricing plans for unlimited DVDs by mail, sent one disc or two at a time. Longer delivery times would mean fewer opportunities to receive discs each month, effectively a price increase. Netflix in recent months has been vigorously promoting its video streaming service as an alternative.

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Dawood Ibrahim is counting his blessings after his alarm clock failed to work yesterday - because it meant he overslept and avoided getting caught up in the massacre at his school in Pakistan. The 15-year-old is now the only member of class 9 left at the Army Public School in Peshawar after terrorists slaughtered every one of his classmates. His story came to light after a tweet appeared that read 'there is no class 9 in APS anymore... Dawood, 15, is the only survivor'. Scroll down for videos . Tragic: Dawood Ibrahim is the only member of class 9 left. He didn't go to school on the morning of the attack because his alarm didn't go off . His older brother, Sufyan Ibrahim, confirmed his remarkable escape to The Express Tribune of Pakistan. He said: 'It was fate. No one from his class survived. Every single one of them was killed.' It's believed that his class may have been murdered by one of the gunmen detonating a suicide vest. Dawood spent yesterday attending funerals, his brother added - having been at a wedding the night before. Meanwhile, horrifying accounts from child survivors of the Pakistan school massacre continued to emerge - including one who was sprayed with the 'warm blood and flesh' of his friends as gunmen opened fire during a first-aid class. Their horrendous ordeals came as the first devastating images emerged today of the blood-soaked classrooms where 132 innocent children and nine teachers were massacred by the Taliban at an army-run school in Peshawar. Ehsan Elahi, 13, told how he survived by playing dead after being shot twice in the arm as militants 'sprayed bullets like hell' into his class, turning the room into a 'pool of blood and death'. Speaking to MailOnline from his hospital bed, the eight-grade pupil said he was being taught first aid by army instructors in the main hall when he heard the sound of gunfire drawing nearer. He said: 'Our teachers and instructors asked us to calm down but the sound of the bullets started came closer and closer. 'In the next minute, the glass of windows and doors of the hall smashed with bullets. Some people started kicking the hall doors.' He said that situation created panic among the 100 students in the hall. He said: 'Everybody was trying to find a place to hide but there was not such places in the hall. 'The students were crying and weeping. 'There were only chairs and benches to hide behind in the hall. I jumped behind a bench and laid on the ground.' He said the attackers burst in and started 'spraying bullets like hell'. Elahi continued: 'I saw army instructors falling on the ground first. I saw many of my friends getting bullets on their heads, chests, arms and legs right in front of me. 'Their body parts and blood were flying like small pieces of cotton in the class room. 'Warm blood and flesh of my friends fell on my face and other parts of my body. It was horrible. 'They kept on firing bullets for at least 10 minutes and then stopped. It was a pause of a maximum of a minute. 'Next moment, they started spraying bullets again towards those who were crying with pain or moving. I also received two bullets on my right arm. 'I did not cry because it meant death': Ehsan Elahi survived by playing dead after being shot twice in the arm when Taliban militants stormed his first-aid class, massacring his friends and army instructors . 'Blood, flesh and body parts were scattered every where': Ehsan Elahi (centre) saw the 'lifeless faces of his friends' as he fled the hall during the massacre . 'I wanted to cry with my full voice but I held my pain and did not cry because it meant death.' Elahi explained how his life was eventually saved by Pakistani soldiers. He said: 'They were not ready to leave alive even a single person present in the hall. After around 15 minutes, we heard some bullets shots from outside. 'I think army soldiers reached the school by that time and they fired those bullets. This diverted the attention of the attackers. 'They ran out from the hall. But, I did not move or cried for next 10 minutes unless army men came to rescue us. Devastation: Mrs Kazi's office, where a terrorist blew himself up during a nine-hour rampage . Shocking: The scene of the final gun battle between the jihadists and Pakistani soldiers . Harrowing: A blood-splattered doorway leading to an auditorium at the school in Peshawar, with spectacles on the floor belonging to one of the victims of the massacre . Chairs are upturned and blood stains the floor at the Army Public School auditorium . 'The hall has turned to pool of blood and death. Human blood, flesh and body parts were scattered every where. 'I saw lifeless faces of many of my friends when I was leaving the hall. Their faces are still in front of my eyes.' Another pupil told how he watched his female teacher being burned alive as she courageously stood in the path of the terrorists and told her children to run for their lives. Afsha Ahmed, 24, confronted the marauding gunmen when they burst into her classroom and told them: 'You can only kill my students over my dead body.' The militants doused her with petrol and set her alight, but she still mustered the strength to beckon her pupils to flee. One of her students, 15-year-old Irfan Ullah, wept as he recalled her incredible bravery. Tahira Kazi (left), the principal of the Army Public School and College in Peshawar, was set on fire by jihadists who slaughtered 142 people, most of them children . It is believed Mrs Kazi (right) was targeted because she's married to a retired army colonel, Kazi Javaid . He said: 'She was a hero, so brave. She jumped up and stood between us and the terrorists before they could target us. 'She warned them: "You can only kill them over my dead body". I remember her last words - she said: "I won't see my students lying in blood on the floor".' Irfan, who suffered serious injuries to his chest and stomach in the chaos, said he hoped Mrs Ahmed would forgive him for not trying to protect her and for any mistakes he ever made in class. 'I felt so selfish as we ran away to safe our lives instead of trying to save our teacher who sacrificed her life for our better tomorrow,' he added. Meanwhile, horrifying pictures have revealed the carnage wrought by seven extremist gunmen who sprayed children with bullets as they sat receiving first aid tuition and exploded suicide bombs in a room of 60 pupils. As the Pakistani city of Peshawar began the harrowing process of conducting mass funerals, the family of a teacher torched alive in front of her class gathered to say funeral prayers. Tahira Kazi, the principal of the Army Public School and College in Peshawar, was set on fire by jihadists who slaughtered so many. It is believed she was targeted because she is married to a retired army colonel, Kazi Zafrullah. The picture obtained by MailOnline shows her standing proudly next to a student believed to be her son. Today the Pakistani prime minister lifted a moratorium on the death penalty, as the school reopened to reveal the terrifying aftermath of the atrocity, including Mrs Kazi's office, where a terrorist blew himself up. The masscre led to calls for the death penalty to be restored. 'It was decided that this moratorium should be lifted. The prime minister approved,' said government spokesman Mohiuddin Wan, referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's approval of the decision by a ministerial committee. ### SUMMARY:

Dawood Ibrahim, 15, was fortunate to escape the Peshawar massacre . His alarm clock didn't go off so he overslept and missed school . Every single member of his class was killed in the atrocity, it was reported . Ehsan Elahi, 13, shot twice in arm when Taliban stormed main school hall . He said: 'I saw my friends hit with bullets in the head, chest, arms and legs' He survived by playing dead despite suffering horrific injuries in the attack . 'I wanted to cry with my full voice, but I held my pain as it meant death' Another pupil saw female teacher burnt alive when she confronted gunmen . She shouted at the militants: 'You can only kill them over my dead body'

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: West Pittston, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The swollen Susquehanna River began receding in northern Pennsylvania on Friday as authorities there and in other eastern U.S. states hit by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee surveyed the damage. The Susquehanna appeared to crest at 42.66 feet at Wilkes-Barre, said Charles Ross with the National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania. Earlier, officials had said the river crested there at 38.83 feet, but that estimate was based on a faulty flood gauge, said Ross. "Unofficially, it appears to be a crest of record," he said, surpassing the previous high set by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Flood stage there is 22 feet, according to the National Weather Service. While the flood-engorged Susquehanna crested in some Pennsylvanian and New York cities, other communities braced for still-higher water levels. The tropical moisture brought floodwaters that have left at least four people dead, caused widespread damage, and prompted police and the National Guard to patrol neighborhoods in an effort to ward off looters. On Thursday, President Barack Obama signed emergency declarations for Pennsylvania and neighboring New York, making federal resources available to respond to the flooding and its aftermath. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo surveyed some of the hardest-hit areas of his state Friday. "There's no doubt that there is significant damage," he said. "My guess is that there will be thousands of homes that will have sustained damage when all is said and done -- hundreds of businesses." Cuomo said officials were moving from emergency operations into an assessment phase, but warned residents to remain vigilant. "Stay off the roads. It's not yet time to go home. The water hasn't receded," he said. In Luzerne County, in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, between 65,000 and 70,000 people were ordered to leave their homes as the Susquehanna rose above flood stage, according to Emergency Management Coordinator Stephen Bekanich. The valley has a levee system that tops out at 41 feet, said Drew McLaughlin, a spokesman for the Wilkes-Barre mayor's office. McLaughlin and other officials were examining the levees. "We're closely monitoring, and it seems they are holding steady," he said. "It's pretty much a ghost town," McLaughlin said from south downtown, adding that residents appeared to heed the call to leave. Other Luzerne County communities not protected by the system were not so fortunate. Heavy flooding was reported in West Pittston, Harding and Plymouth Township. "At this point, we haven't been able to assess that (flooding and damage) because the water is so high," Bekanich said. Plymouth Township resident Francis Federici was forced to leave his home, which sat in five feet of floodwaters. "On a normal day, we love it here," he said. "There's nobody around us. We have a beautiful yard. We were fixing our home up." Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla told CNN that "potentially thousands of homes" have been affected. Shelter space for 4,100 was rapidly being filled, and the county was looking for more space, she said. The area from Ithaca to Syracuse to Utica, in New York, and from Wilkes-Barre, to Scranton, to Monticello, in Pennsylvania, continued to experience major to record flooding, said CNN meteorologist Dave Hennen. An 8-year-old boy died Thursday in East Cocalico Township, Pennsylvania, after he was caught in a storm-water drain, said Cpl. Melissa Arment with the East Cocalico Township police. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, she said. A 71-year-old man died Wednesday night in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, as he was bailing water out of the basement of his home and the walls of the structure caved in, said Chief Patrick O'Rourke of Derry Township Police. A third person drowned early Thursday near Brickerville in Lancaster County, CNN affiliate WGAL-TV reported. And a fourth person died about 4:30 a.m. Thursday in North Lebanon Township, Pennsylvania, police said. A motorist became stranded in high water and was outside the vehicle when struck by another vehicle, which then left the scene. The suspect and that vehicle were found, authorities said. Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, had received an incredible 15.37 inches of rainfall associated with Lee. At least six other communities had rainfall totals exceeding 10 inches. Many in the area recalled the flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. That storm dumped as much as 18 inches of rain on the area in two days, destroying more than 68,000 homes and 3,000 businesses, and leaving 220,000 Pennsylvanians homeless. In Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, CNN iReporter Nick Bohacz said flooded roads prevented him from getting to work. Bohacz, who sent in several photos of the flooding, said he saw a line of people outside a hardware store waiting for supplies. The rising Susquehanna and Chenango rivers were also triggering evacuations in upstate New York, where evacuation orders were issued for portions of Binghamton and the towns of Conklin, Endicott, Johnson City, Union and Vestal, according to CNN affiliate YNN-TV. Numerous cities and counties declared a state of emergency. Video from Johnson City showed a flooded shopping mall and a football field with water nearly up to its goalposts. Water was coming over the flood walls in Binghamton, county spokeswoman Colleen Wagner said. About 15,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and about 1,400 were in shelters, she said. State officials sent in food and water. A number of boat rescues have taken place, she said, but she did not know how many. Broome County Emergency Services Director Brett Chellis urged people in the evacuation areas to leave and not return for now. Water was topping flood walls in Union and Vestal as well as Binghamton, he said. In Otego, New York, about 50 miles northeast of Binghamton, CNN iReporter Don Wyckoff captured footage of water cascading down a road. Wyckoff said he was stunned after watching neighbors and family members lose their homes to the floodwaters. "You are seeing the tiny mill creek rip out culvert pipes and tearing away roads," he said. "We never thought we would see this again. It happened in 2006, but it is worse now." In Oneonta, on the Susquehanna upstream of Binghamton, Police Chief Gary O'Neill said some roads were washed out and parks flooded, but the water appeared to be receding. On the down side, water was flooding the chief's home in Binghamton. Mandatory evacuations were also in place for low-lying areas near Schenectady, New York, YNN said. In neighboring Montgomery County, authorities closed all roads and county buildings, saying only emergency vehicles would be allowed to travel. The New York State Thruway Authority opened and closed several roads and ramps. In Maryland, areas near Baltimore were also affected. High water blocked dozens of roads in Baltimore County, according to CNN affiliate WMAR-TV. The Prince George's County, Maryland, Fire and EMS Department said it was responding to numerous emergency calls, and nearly two dozen people had been rescued or helped by firefighters and the department's swift-water team. Additional rain is in store for much of the region the next couple of days, with up to an inch forecast through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The rain comes on top of the heavy precipitation that has fallen in the region from Hurricane Irene. What's left of Lee stalled across the central Appalachian Mountains and has since drifted into Indiana. CNN's Chandler Friedman, Ashley Hayes, Phil Gast, Sarah Dillingham, Ines Ferre, Mary Snow, Scott Thompson and Jesse Solomon contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

NEW: At least four people have died in the flooding so far . NEW: The Susquehanna River crests nearly 21 feet above flood stage . NEW: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo: "There's no doubt that there is significant damage" Wilkes-Barre officials say they believe the levees will hold .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: London (CNN) -- If you want to make a phone call you will have to find a big red box on the street -- that's if you're prepared to brave the occasional dense smogs that afflict London. Or you could instead curl up on the sofa with a hot drink and watch the only channel on television; as long as you haven't already used your tea ration for the week and your family is one of the few that has a TV set. Anyone taking a ride in a time machine back to the London of 1952 when Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne would find a dramatically different country to the UK's modern capital. The country was still suffering from the aftermath of World War II and there was very little to resemble what we might now recognize as youth culture . There were no mobile phones of course, but 60 years ago few people in the UK owned a car, television or washing machine. Some food rationing was still in place -- tea rationing ended in October of that year but sweets and sugar were still rationed until 1953. Even clean air was not guaranteed. In December 1952, 4,000 people were killed by the choking urban fumes that accompanied the London fog, and thousands more were made ill. Winston Churchill was British prime minister, identity cards were only just being ripped up and the blockbuster "Singin' in the rain" starring Gene Kelly was playing at the movies. Even money was different. British people bought and sold in farthings, florins, tanners, shillings, half crowns and thrupenny bits, and sometimes using coins minted in the reign of the queen's great, great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. Finding the 1952 smash hit . So what was life really like in 1952 and how does it compare to modern Britain? "I hated it," recalls Sparrow Harrison who set up the Cae Dai 1950s-era museum in Denbigh, North Wales, UK. "It was miserable. Sex was forbidden and smoking was chic. "You had to do exactly the same as your parents. You wore the same clothes as your parents.There wasn't really a youth culture -- music wasn't orientated towards youth," he said. So if you journeyed back to 1952 and turned on a bakelite radio, what would be the summer's smash hit? It's difficult to say. Elvis hadn't happened yet and neither had an officially compiled UK pop chart -- success was previously measured in sales of sheet music. The first list based on record sales in the UK was published by New Musical Express in November 1952 and the first chart topper was Al Martino's "Here in my heart." Listen to Al Martino's hit and then compare it to the current UK top-selling single by Fun. called "We are young," and featuring Janelle Monae. The early 1950s belonged to traditional singers like Bing Crosby and Vera Lynn though the male youth culture centered on the "Teddy Boy" was starting to make an appearance. With their distinctive swept-back hair, smart jackets and crepe-soled shoes, the fashion grew out of a revival of the clothing of the reign of the queen's great-grandfather Edward VII -- these "New Edwardians" became the Teds. Fashion was also changing for women. Dennis Nothdruft, curator at London's Fashion and Textile Museum, said: "Fashion changed tremendously in the years immediately following the war. The real emphasis became femininity and luxury after years of 'make do and mend.' Designers such as Lucienne Day revolutionized surface pattern with strong sophisticated color and style. Firms like Horrockses Fashions also created brightly colored, fashionable cotton dresses." It's the new color that Kenneth Taverner, 76, recalls from his youth in Tottenham, north London. "Ladies wore flowery frocks," he said. "They went colourful after the drab clothes during the war and wore long gloves on special occasions. Men always wore a hat or cap when out." He said he liked being freed from rationing and the independence of getting his first scooter. Tell us how are you marking the jubilee . Salary levels clearly depended on your job but most people earned less than £10 ($15.40) a week... roughly equivalent to £260 ($400) now. The UK's minimum wage is currently set at about £240 ($369) a week for 40 hours' work. New coinage introduced in early 1970s . Even most British time travelers would find 1950s London bewildering. There were 12 pennies in a shilling, 20 shillings in pound, and each penny had a quarter value. Some of the coins had nick names so a shopkeeper might tell you a purchase was "two and a tanner" or a "bob, three farthings." The currency changed in the early 1970s so time-travelers younger than their mid-40s might find themselves confused ... or conned. The cost of some things are roughly equal. Take bread for example. In 1952, a loaf cost about three pence (about 50p or 77 cents) in modern terms ... but for a limited choice. Now we can buy a huge range of different styles -- from ciabattas to chilli flatbread. One big food chain store in the UK lists more than 100 bread options on its website, ranging from 45p (60 cents) to £1.87 ($2.88), and all can be bought online. The term "buy with a click of a mouse" would be complete nonsense to someone living in the mid-50s as home computers had yet to be invented and the web was decades away. A study of spending over the last half century reveals some surprising trends. A mid-1950s family spent 33% of their budget on food, compared to around 15% in the modern era. And according to the same figures from the UK's Office for National Statistics, the biggest expense on the shopping list after rent or mortgage payments was for cigarettes. Six per cent of the family budget went up in a haze of blue smoke. "Everyone smoked -- that's a really big difference to nowadays," said Sparrow Harrison. "To chat up girls you would always offer them a cigarette." London smokers now have to puff away in the street because smoking inside public buildings is banned. And they might not recognize the local landscape either. "In 1952, Britain hadn't really turned the corner from World War II," said Jim Gledhill, curator of social and working history at the Museum of London. "You would still see significant evidence of bomb damage and the legacy of the war -- a lot of recovery was still going on." Some things may never change . So has anything stayed the same -- would our time travelers recognize anything from 1952? Agatha Christie's play The Mousetrap opened in London in 1952 and is still showing at St. Martin's Theatre. Mr. Potato Head was launched in the U.S. by Hasbro and is sharing a diamond anniversary with the queen, though both the popular toy and the monarchy now have a Facebook page. The British are still passionate about football and cricket, and they still drink in pubs. London's great landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament still stand but are somewhat cleaner since the dark days of the smog. Distinctive, red double-deck buses and black cabs still cruise the streets, and the weather is much the same. Adventurous older time travelers returning to their youth might also take some comfort from the queen's words. In Queen Elizabeth II's first Christmas speech in 1952 she said: "We must keep alive that courageous spirit of adventure that is the finest quality of youth; and by youth I do not just mean those who are young in years; I mean too all those who are young in heart, no matter how old they may be." You can see more of the London of 1952 by visiting a collection of pictures at historypin . ### SUMMARY:

Tea rationing ended in October 1952 but sweets and sugar were still rationed until 1953 . In 1952 4,000 people were killed by the London smog and thousands more made sick . When Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne, 6% of the family budget was spent on cigarettes . Agatha Christie's play The Mousetrap opened in London 60 years ago and is still showing at St. Martin's Theatre .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (EW.com) -- In a close race that saw each of the top three films swap places between Friday and Sunday, animated smash "Despicable Me 2" once again won the weekend at the box office. The $76 million family film from Universal and Illumination Entertainment fell 46 percent from its debut weekend to $44.8 million, pushing its total all the way to $229.2 million after only 12 days. "Despicable Me 2" has easily asserted its dominance over Disney's "Monsters University" in the last two weekends. Though "Monsters" has been in theaters twice as long (it opened June 21), its $237.8 million domestic total is only $8.6 million more than "Despicable Me 2." Universal's minion-filled comedy should easily overtake its rival release sometime this week. Worldwide, "Despicable Me" is about to surpass "Monsters University" as well, as the films have earned $472.4 million and $474.2 million, respectively. In second place, Adam Sandler's first-ever sequel, "Grown Ups 2," opened to a great $42.5 million. The $80 million Sony comedy started off slightly better than its 2010 predecessor, "Grown Ups," which debuted with $40.5 million on the way to a $162 million domestic finish. If estimates hold up, "Grown Ups 2" will stand as Sandler's second-best opening ever behind 2005′s "The Longest Yard," which debuted to $47.6 million. Review: "Grown Ups 2" Sandler has proven himself to be one of the most consistent box office draws in Hollywood over the last 15 years, during which time he has accrued 12 live-action hits that grossed more than $100 million, as well as the animated winner "Hotel Transylvania," which topped out at $148.3 million. But after back-to-back live-action misfires with 2011′s "Jack & Jill" ($74.2 million) and 2012′s "That's My Boy" ($36.9 million), many questioned whether Sandler's brand of comedy was still viable at the box office. "Grown Ups 2's" impressive debut should mitigate those concerns — and put the comedy on track to become Sandler's 14th $100 million movie. According to Sony, audiences for "Grown Ups 2" were 53 percent female (this follows "White House Down" and "World War Z" — two other films with unexpectedly majority-female audiences), and 54 percent below the age of 25. Crowds surveyed by CinemaScore issued the film a ho-hum "B" grade, and critics were largely dismissive. "Pacific Rim" opened in third place with $38.3 million, a difficult start for Warner Bros.' $190 million monsters vs. robots adventure, though the best ever debut for director Guillermo del Toro. Headed into the weekend, "Pacific Rim's" sales on Fandango were outpacing those of "World War Z," which recently opened with $66.4 million. On Thursday, "Pacific Rim" garnered an eye-popping $3.6 million from shows beginning at 7:00 p.m. But the film, like many others that have targeted geeky crowds, proved extremely front-loaded in its box office returns. After a $14.6 million Friday, "Pacific Rim" fell 13 percent on Saturday to $12.5 million, and Warner Bros. expects it will fall another 15 percent today to $10.9 million. If the film's domestic total follows the same trajectory as its opening weekend, "Pacific Rim" will top out right at $100 million. Review: "Pacific Rim" That's why Warner Bros. is depending on strong word of mouth to carry the film financially. "We've got critics that love it, we've got audiences — male and female — that love it," says Dan Fellman, Warner Bros.' president of domestic distribution, who points to "Pacific Rim's" encouraging "A-" CinemaScore grade from crowds (that were 61 percent male) as a sign that the film may hold up well in weeks to come. "What we need to do is go aggressively into week two and broaden that audience base. That's our job." "Pacific Rim" fared particularly well in 3-D, which accounted for 50 percent of its opening-weekend gross, the highest ratio all summer (though still a far cry from the 70 percent 3-D shares that were typical in 2009 and 2010). The film also played well in 331 IMAX theaters, where it earned $7.3 million — a full 19 percent of its opening-weekend haul. Internationally, "Pacific Rim" scored $53 million from 38 markets this weekend, bringing its global launch to $91.3 million altogether. The film fared best in Korea, where it started with $9.6 million, and Warner Bros. expects it will play well throughout Asia during its run. In fourth place, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy's buddy cop comedy "The Heat" dipped 44 percent to $14 million in its third weekend. The film surpassed the $100 million mark on Friday and has now earned $112.4 million total against a slim $43 million budget. Despite 'The Lone Ranger', Disney will press on with 'branded tentpole strategy' "The Lone Ranger" wasn't so lucky. The $225 million Western, which last week stumbled with only $47.9 million in its first five days, plummeted 62 percent in its second weekend to $11.1 million, which gives the film $71.1 million and puts it on pace for a finish below $100 million. Despite "The Lone Ranger's" disappointing run, a Disney exec this week said the studio remains committed to a "branded tentpole strategy." 1. "Despicable Me 2" -- $44.8 million . 2. "Grown Ups 2" -- $42.5 million . 3. "Pacific Rim" -- $38.3 million . 4. "The Heat" -- $14 million . 5. "The Lone Ranger" -- $11.2 million . Two indie releases also made waves in limited release this weekend. Fox Searchlight's "The Way Way Back" expanded into 79 theaters and grossed $1.1 million, giving it a robust $14,051 per theater average — and guaranteeing that more theater owners will want to show the film on their screens soon. "Fruitvale Station's" performance was even more impressive. The film, which stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant, the 22-year-old Oakland resident who was detained and shot by a police officer in 2009, earned $377,000 from only seven theaters, yielding a blazing $53,898 average. George Zimmerman verdict: Celebs rally around the late Trayvon Martin . "Fruitvale's" plot and racial themes coincide with the national conversation (and controversy) surrounding George Zimmerman, who was last night found not guilty of killing Trayvon Martin. The debate sparked by the Zimmerman trial's verdict could propel "Fruitvale Station," a Weinstein release, even further than its impressive debut already suggests. Next week, four new releases are hitting theaters, and "Turbo," "The Conjuring," "Red 2" and "R.I.P.D." will all compete for box office supremacy. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. ### SUMMARY:

It was a close race, but "Despicable Me 2" was No. 1 with $44.8 million . The movie is on track to surpass "Monsters University" At No. 2 was Adam Sandler's first-ever sequel, "Grown Ups 2," with $42.5 million . Guillermo del Toro's "Pacific Rim" ended up in third place with $38.3 million .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- What does it mean when 86 percent of the Americans surveyed last week by CNN/Opinion Research Corp. say they believe that their system of government is broken? It probably means, Michael Kazin says, that Americans are behaving like they always do. A repeated theme in American history, says Kazin, a historian at Georgetown University, "is Americans believing the country is in decline and then finding ways to rebound from both the fear of decline and the problems that gave rise to that fear." There is reason for optimism, says Kazin, who specializes in populist movements and is the editor of The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History. For one thing, populist movements similar to, for example, Tea Parties, have reared up repeatedly in American history to rail against social inequities and faltering financial systems. But rather than heralding the end of the republic, he says, they "often spur politicians to make changes that in the end make the country stronger." What optimism? For another view, click here . Americans apparently understand this: Of the 86 percent in the survey who thought the government was broken, 81 percent say that it could be fixed. "Most Americans are still optimistic about the future of the country," Kazin says, "and even of politics." Kazin's most recent book is "A Godly Hero: The Life of William Jennings Bryan." He is also co-editor of Dissent magazine. He talked to CNN.com last week (the interview has been edited for length). CNN: You have said that the United States is doing rather well, and that what is in decline is a myth that America will always be richer, freer, and superior to other nations. So the country is not in decline? Kazin: I think we are in trouble, but that's not the same as saying we're in decline. We have an economic crisis, unsolved problems, our political situation is deadlocked, many Americans are unhappy with the government. But we've been there before. In the 1930's there was such a period: the Great Depression. And what came afterward was victory in World War II and then the greatest sustained economic boom in American history. One of the continuing themes in American history is Americans believing the country is in decline and then finding ways to rebound from both the fear of decline and the problems that gave rise to that fear. I see no reason to believe that won't happen again. CNN: Why do some people think America's greatness is waning? Kazin: Many Americans believe that the United States is immune from history, that we have always been the greatest nation and are destined always to be the greatest nation -- and if we aren't living up to that promise, our politicians are doing something wrong. But the United States is doing well from the perspective of most of the rest of the world. If decline means that we are not the mightiest economy in the world by a long shot, then we might be declining. But it's also quite possible that what we're evolving into is being part of an interdependent world economy, which includes several powerful economic centers --including Europe, China, Japan -- and if we can all get along together, it's quite possible that it'll be better for Americans rather than worse." CNN: How would it be better? Kazin: We would specialize in certain goods and certain services and other countries would specialize in others. That's the way a world economy is supposed to work. We have tended to see our position vis-á-vis the rest of the world as a zero-sum game: if we are in decline, then the other countries must be gaining on us and that means we're worse off, that our economy will decline and we'll be vulnerable to threats from abroad. There have been periods in history where several powerful nations have been able to prosper together. [For example] roughly the period from the 1870s to World War I. That was also known as the Age of Empire, so the U.S. and European nations were conquering other peoples. But history doesn't produce eras of unambiguous joy or unambiguous sorrow, it's always more complicated than that. CNN: Can you talk about periods in history that resemble this one, but in which the country has miraculously pulled itself together and become better? Kazin: There was a lot of fear of decline in the 1890s: a nationwide railroad strike, small farmers in the south and west joined the People's Party; the populist movement was gaining large numbers of adherents who accused the powers that be of a conspiracy against the interests of the common people. CNN: What happened? Kazin: What happened was the depression ended and prosperity returned, and the United States soon became the most powerful industrial nation on earth. CNN: And what about the People's Party? Kazin: Some Populists rejoined the mainstream political system, but the populist movement was very beneficial in pointing out problems that needed to be addressed. The Populists helped build support for national regulation of the financial system -- which resulted in the Federal Reserve System -- as well as the income tax and the Tillman Act of 1907, which banned direct corporate contributions to candidates." CNN: Why do most of the fears of America's decline seem to come from the political right wing and not as much from the left? Kazin: Barack Obama is in power and most people on the left supported him and so they are ambivalent about opposing him now; if he fails, they will have failed. The whole idea of a populist movement is rail against the establishment, in this case, the party in power. Conservative ideas have been the dominant ones over the past 40 years, the way liberal ideas were dominant from the Great Depression to the late 1960s. The left doesn't have institutions that can generate mass protests right now. Just as with the original populists and the labor insurgency of the 1930's, the actual demands that are raised by the populist movements don't usually get met but the issues that are raised by those movements often spur politicians to make changes that in the end make the country stronger. CNN: So do you discern this vibe of pessimism in the culture -- a population beaten down by wars, a lousy economy, joblessness, etc.? Kazin: Not beaten down. I think people are worried -- as they are in any recession, as they are when the political system seems not to be delivering solutions to problems people know exist. But there are a lot for ways in which the nation is quite strong. First of all, we have a very vibrant culture that is popular all over the world -- in sports, in entertainment -- our universities are considered the best in the world, people come from all over to study in the United States. And this is still the country to which most people would like to emigrate. Millions of people aren't trying to get into Russia, or Nigeria, or Japan. We're not going to return to manufacturing inexpensive goods anytime soon -- but at the same time we'll still produce high-tech goods, we have service industry that we export around the world -- people who build things. We still have some of the best engineers in the world, and I think once we realize that we have to produce green technology, we'll be exporting that around the world. This recession was fairly deep and millions of people are still suffering. But compared to the Great Depression it's been rather mild and short. I think the stimulus plan helped, I think bailing out the investment firms and the auto companies was also necessary. Morally, those huge Wall Street bonuses are reprehensible. But, absent a government takeover of the financial sector, keeping Wall Street in business was essential to any recovery. In every downturn, the government has stepped in to help stabilize things, and in every downturn, it's worked." CNN: And you think that will be the case again. Kazin: The one thing I point to as decline is the gap between the richest Americans and average Americans has increased quite a bit. There are a lot of reasons for that, but in a society where most people consider themselves to be middle-class that we are "one people," that gap should be troubling. It helps to generate a certain kind of populist rage--about those bonuses, for example. Few Americans want an equal distribution of income, but most do believe in economic fairness, and so they get angry when one group seems to be gaming the system. Will this mean decline? Not for the nation as a whole, but it may increase cynicism that there's nobody able to solve our problems. ### SUMMARY:

Michael Kazin says Americans' worry about U.S. decline is repeated through history . Americans may have to accept prospering with others, he says . Fear of decline sparks populism, which often spurs positive change, he says . Kazin: U.S. is strong, especially in culture, entertainment, services, intellectual capital .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Notre Dame star linebacker Manti Te'o acknowledged to ABC's Katie Couric that he maintained the illusion of his dead girlfriend in the weeks after he received a call claiming that Lennay Kekua and her death were hoaxes. It wasn't that teo was lying, said spokesman Mathew Hiltzik, who also reportedly represents Couric. Rather, he was still trying to determine exactly what had happened after learning a woman he thought was his girlfriend may never have existed. Opinion: Te'o story, big fail for sportswriters . During the interview, set to air on Couric's syndicated show Thursday, the Heisman Trophy runner-up said he mentioned Kekua and her death to reporters after receiving a December 6 phone call from someone he thought was Kekua, saying she was not dead. "Katie, put yourself in my situation. I, my whole world told me that she died on September 12. Everybody knew that. This girl, who I committed myself to, died on September 12," Te'o said, according to clips released on the ABC News website. Te'o has said he believed Kekua, whom he thought was his girlfriend despite never meeting her face to face, had died of leukemia on September 12 after a car accident left her hospitalized. "Now I get a phone call on December 6, saying that she's alive and then I'm going be put on national TV two days later. And to ask me about the same question. You know, what would you do?" Te'o said, according to clips of the interview. Opinion: Why we fell for Manti Te'o story . On December 8, ahead of the Heisman Trophy presentation, Te'o said he "lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer." In a New York Post interview published more than three weeks later, Te'o said memories of his grandfather helped him cope with the losses of his grandmother and girlfriend, whom he'd previously said died on the same day. "So when I lost my grandmother and Lennay, I thought of him. He was my strength," Te'o told the Post, according to a December 30 article. It was true that his grandmother had died, but Te'o conceded that he mentioned Kekua again even after -- as Couric put it -- he "knew that something was amiss," according to the interview clips. While he said he didn't know whether the now-debunked storyline helped him place second in Heisman Trophy voting, he insisted his emotions surrounding Kekua's loss were authentic. "What I went through was real. You know, the feelings, the pain, the sorrow -- that was all real, and that's something that I can't fake," he said. Who's who on the Internet? Who knows . Couric said she believes Te'o sincerely thought he was having a relationship with Kekua. Couric said she heard voice mail messages on Te'o's phone, allegedly from Kekua, and even saw his phone bill. "There were multiple calls to this number, where he would stay on the phone for hours," Couric told ABC's "World News with Diane Sawyer" on Wednesday. Te'o denied reveling in the attention he received for playing so outstandingly on the gridiron after suffering such devastating personal losses. "I think, for me, the only thing that I basked in was that I had an impact on people; that people turned to me for inspiration. And I think that was the only thing I focused on," the Hawaii-born Mormon said. "My story, I felt, was a guy who in times of hardship and in times of trial, held strong to his faith, held strong to his family, and I felt that was my story." Te'o's parents, Brian and Ottilia Te'o, were on hand for the interview. Couric said she believes they were as stunned as their son when they found out Kekua didn't exist. Te'o's mother talked to the woman many times on the phone, and his father texted biblical passages to the woman and discussed them with her, Couric said. Te'o's father was quoted in an October article in the South Bend Tribune, saying his son and Kekua had met at a football game in Palo Alto, California, and exchanged numbers. Their love affair ensued from there, the paper reported. Manti Te'o: A linebacker, a made-up girlfriend and a national hoax . Last week, Te'o said, however, that he had lied to his dad because he was embarrassed to admit he was in love with a woman he'd never laid eyes on. "I knew that -- I even knew that it was crazy that I was with somebody that I didn't meet," he told ESPN. "And that alone, people find out that this girl who died I was so invested in, and I didn't meet her as well." Asked his response to those who say his son is a liar who "manipulated the truth, really for personal gain," Te'o's father gave a tearful reply, according to ABC. "People can speculate about what they think he is. I've known him 21 years of his life, and he's not a liar. He's a kid," Te'o's father told Couric. Questions have also been raised about Te'o telling Sports Illustrated in October that Kekua had attended one of his games, when he issued a statement last week saying he'd never met her. Because ABC News has made public only snippets of the interview, it's not clear which parts of the hoax Te'o will address, but the Notre Dame standout has said he's sure he'll be vindicated. Read a timeline of events in the Te'o hoax . "When (people) hear the facts, they'll know," Te'o told ESPN last week. "They'll know that there is no way that I could be part of this." Nine days after the Alabama Crimson Tide dismantled the Fighting Irish in the college football national championship, Deadspin broke the story that Kekua didn't exist. The oft-irreverent sports news website has reported that a man named Ronaiah Tuiasosopo is involved in the scam and that he created a fake Twitter account for Kekua. Deadspin's Timothy Burke, co-author of the story, said friends and relatives of Tuiasosopo's said he was "doing the Lennay Kekua fake online profile for several years and that he's caught other people in his trap, but that they caught on way earlier than Manti Te'o did." Diane O'Meara, whose photo was used for the fake account, told NBC's "Today" show that she'd never spoken to Te'o but that Tuiasosopo called her to apologize. "Ronaiah has called and not only confessed, but he has also apologized, but I don't think there's anything you could say to me that would fix this," she said. Watch a clip of O'Meara's interview . Te'o, likewise, told ESPN that Tuiasosopo tweeted him after the Deadspin story broke, saying he was behind the hoax. He apologized, Te'o said. "Two guys and a girl are responsible for the whole thing," Te'o said, according to ESPN. An anonymous Notre Dame source told CNN the university's investigation yielded the same conclusion -- that two men and a woman perpetrated the hoax. At least one of Tuiasosopo's relatives has defended him, though. His uncle told CNN, "It definitely takes two to tango," and, "This is not just a matter of blaming it all on Ronaiah." Tuiasosopo's father had no comment. Burke said he isn't buying the notion that Te'o is innocent and emphasizes that Te'o and Tuiasosopo knew each other. "How dense would Manti Te'o have to be to not realize this was his friend who was behind the account the entire time?" he asked. "I don't believe Manti Te'o could be that dumb." CNN's Steve Almasy, Lateef Mungin, Greg Botelho and Paul Vercammen contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

NEW: Publicist says Manti Te'o was simply trying to learn truth after learning of hoax . Katie Couric says Te'o's phone bill shows long phone calls to Kekua's alleged number . Te'o insists during interview that his "feelings, the pain, the sorrow -- that was all real" Father breaks into tears, says despite speculation, his son is "not a liar. He's a kid."

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Earth never stops surprising us. Every corner of the planet offers some sort of natural peculiarity with an explanation that makes us wish we'd studied harder in junior high Earth science class. Some of these sites are challenging to get to; others are busy tourist destinations. They keep natural scientists searching for answers and the rest of us astounded by the secrets and mysteries the world continues to reveal. Blood Falls, Antarctica . Most people won't see Blood Falls in person, but even in photographs, the sight is arresting: a blood-red waterfall staining the snow-white face of Taylor Glacier. The place was documented in 1911 by geographer/geologist Thomas Griffith Taylor, a member of Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic. (Scott named the glacier for Taylor.) 8 very old sites in the New World . Since then, glaciologists and microbiologists have sought to determine what causes the mysterious red flow. They've concluded that the source is a subterranean lake rich in the iron that gives the water its red hue. Stranger still, recent research has revealed microorganisms living 1,300 feet beneath the ice, sustained by the iron and sulfur in the water. Magnetic Hill, Moncton, New Brunswick . What could possibly cause an automobile to roll backward uphill without power? A magnetic force from within the Earth? Something even more fantastic? Since the 1930s, when the phenomenon of Magnetic Hill was discovered (and almost immediately promoted as a tourist attraction), people have been trying to figure out its riddle. Even though it's been demonstrated that the "magnetic force" is an optical illusion and the uphill slope is actually a downhill slope, that hasn't stopped carloads of travelers from visiting Magnetic Hill and testing it for themselves. Digging deep: 15 ancient ruins you might not know . Surtsey, Iceland . When people try to convince you there's nothing new under the sun, direct them to the Icelandic island of Surtsey. Before 1963, it didn't exist. Then, an underwater volcano in the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) erupted, and when the activity settled down in 1967, what remained was an island where no island had been before. At its largest, Surtsey measured about 1 square mile, but wind and water have eroded the volcanic matter to a little more than half that size. Presented with this unsullied environment, the Icelandic government determined that the best thing to do was preserve it. Thus, although you can sail past it on a Westman Islands day cruise, Surtsey remains off-limits to just about everyone except marine biologists, geologists, botanists and other scientists conducting research there. 8 elegant U.S. mansion hotels . Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand . Large spherical boulders -- some measuring 12 feet in circumference -- are scattered on Koekohe Beach on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. They formed millions of years ago on the ancient sea floor, collecting and hardening sediment and minerals around a core such as a fossil or a shell similar to the way oysters form pearls. They're not the world's only examples of what geologists call septarian concretions. You can also visit the Koutu Boulders near Hokianga Harbour on the northwestern coast of New Zealand's North Island, for example. Yet the Moeraki Boulders are some of the world's largest. The particulars of their origin and what caused the distinctive cracks inside them are still being studied. Midnight sun, Spitsbergen, Norway . From April 20 to August 23, the sun never sets over Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago that lies north of Greenland in the Arctic Sea. The phenomenon plays havoc with everyone's body clocks. Is it noon? Is it midnight? After a day or two, it's hard to tell. Among the northernmost yet still-accessible places to experience the midnight sun is Spitsbergen, the largest island in the group. The island is well-suited and accommodating to travelers, who tend to keep strange hours in summer and who soon understand why their hotel rooms have been fitted with darkening curtains. Pamukkale, Turkey . What appears to be a Doctor Zhivago-style snowy landscape in southwestern Turkey is actually the result of calcium carbonate deposits from 17 natural hot springs accumulating over thousands of years. Beginning in the late second century B.C., this area near present-day Denizli was a destination for those who sought the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich water whose temperature reaches upward of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, you can see remnants of the baths at the ancient holy city of Hierapolis, but it's the stunning terraces, cliffs and petrified white waterfalls of Pamukkale -- Turkish for "Cotton Palace" -- that give it remarkable natural beauty. Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, California . How ordinary stones manage to "sail" over the surface of Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park is a mystery people have tried to solve since 1915, when a prospector and his wife noticed tracks that seemed to indicate that the stones had somehow traveled across the dry earth. Short of cosmic intervention, the stones required terrestrial forces to move them. But what forces? The current prevailing theory about the "sailing stones" of Racetrack Playa, presented by a team of physicists in 2011, involves ice that forms around the stones, causing them to move and to leave a trail in their wake. Many visitors still hope for a more mystical explanation. Eternal Flame Falls, Orchard Park, New York . Behind the cascade of a small waterfall in the Shale Creek Preserve section of Chestnut Ridge Park in suburban Buffalo, New York, you might see what appears to be an optical illusion: a flickering golden flame. Actually, you'll smell it before you see it, and amazingly, it's real, fueled by what geologists call a macroseep of natural gas from the Earth below. A geological fault in the shale allows about 1 kilogram of methane gas per day to escape to the surface, where, at some point, possibly the early 20th century, a visitor had the idea to set it alight. The water occasionally extinguishes the flame, but there's always another hiker with a lighter to reignite it. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming . Yellowstone National Park claims the highest concentration of geysers of any place on Earth. Geysers are hot springs with plumbing challenges that result in eruptions. More than 300 can be found throughout the park's 3,472 square miles, and none is more famous than Old Faithful. In fact, Old Faithful is the reason Yellowstone was designated a National Park -- the first in the United States -- in 1872. Its name comes from the perceived regularity of its eruptions, which occur every 55 to 120 minutes and last for two to five minutes. The spectacular eruptions remain a source of fascination for the more than 3.5 million people who visit Yellowstone each year. The fact that the eruptions aren't quite as regular as they might seem -- and that the mean eruption interval seems to be lengthening -- keeps geologists fascinated, too. Relampago de Catatumbo, Ologa, Venezuela . Thanks to its humidity, its elevation and the clash of winds from the mountains and the sea, the southwestern corner of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela has the world's highest frequency of lightning activity (250 flashes per square kilometer per year). More than 200 nights per year, with peaks in May and October, lightning flashes fill the sky -- sometimes 25 or more flashes per minute. To put that in perspective: The National Weather Service classifies anything over 12 strikes per minute as "excessive." Named for the Catatumbo River, which flows from Colombia in to Lake Maracaibo, the Relampago de Catatumbo, or Catatumbo Lighting, has become a highlight for travelers who spend their nights wide awake and wide-eyed watching the spectacle. ### SUMMARY:

Magnetic Hill in New Brunswick is an optical illusion that has fascinated tourists for decades . The Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand are what geologists call septarian concretions . Lightning and the Midnight Sun also wow visitors -- and keep them awake at night .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: (CNN) -- Lance Armstrong bestrode the sport of cycling like a colossus between 1999 and 2005. His feat of winning seven consecutive titles at the Tour de France -- arguably the world's toughest sporting event -- was like the demigod Hercules completing his "Twelve Labors." Armstrong's achievements seemed all the more extraordinary given his against-the-odds recovery after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. His best-selling autobiography "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" in 2000 helped give birth to the Armstrong legend, as it recounted his fight for life against a disease that had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain before he underwent radical treatment and went on to win his first Tour in 1999. This was a sporting story that gave hope to millions across the world. The Texan's battle with cancer led him to set up the Livestrong foundation in 1997, which according to its website has raised close to $500 million in the battle against the disease -- thanks in no small part to the charity's iconic yellow wristbands. Read more: Armstrong loses Tour titles . His heroic story attracted an army of fans and lucrative sponsorship deals with big corporations such as Nike and the Anheuser-Busch brewery. But then came the fall from grace. A demise that is like a Greek tragedy, which is now only awaiting an act of contrition or recognition (anagnorisis) from the 41-year-old, who is expected to admit to his transgressions when a pre-taped interview with U.S. chat show queen Oprah Winfey airs on Friday. Armstrong is expected to face up to the extraordinary body of evidence the United States Anti-Doping Agency put together before releasing more than 1,000 pages of evidence in October 2012. A positive test for a banned substance during his first Tour de France win in 1999 was explained away by a prescription for a cream to treat saddle sores, but the doubts and rumors surrounding Armstrong refused to go away. The 2004 book "L.A. Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong" by journalists David Walsh and Pierre Ballester alleged the use of performance-enhancing substances. Read more: Armstrong appeals to supporters . A key witness for Walsh and Ballester, and then the USADA, was Emma O'Reilly -- formerly a masseuse/personal assistant to Armstrong and his cycling team, U.S. Postal Service. She told the agency she engaged in clandestine trips to pick up and drop off what she assumed were doping products, and said she was in the room when Armstrong and two other team officials came up with a plan to backdate a prescription for corticosteroids for a saddle sore to explain a positive steroid test result during the 1999 Tour de France. "Now, Emma, you know enough to bring me down," she says Armstrong told her after the meeting. "The quote has got a bit dramatized," she said. "History has shown that I didn't have enough to bring him down, and I never wanted to bring him down. Never, ever wanted to bring Lance down." Doping was commonplace in cycling in the '90s, O'Reilly said, as integral to the sport as the bikes that bore riders up and down the challenging French hillsides. She said she tried to distance herself from doping activities but felt some pressure to co-operate. Read more: Should you wear a Livestrong bracelet? She said she first came across doping by U.S. Postal in 1998, when she said a man gave her a package that he described as testosterone for team cyclist George Hincapie. The man, whose name is redacted from the affidavit, warned her not to travel to the United States with it, O'Reilly said. Hincapie acknowledged using banned substances in his affidavit to the USADA and in a statement released the same day. That same year, she says, Armstrong gave her a small plastic-wrapped package after a race in the Netherlands and asked her to dispose of it. O'Reilly said Armstrong told her it "contained some things he was uneasy traveling with and had not wanted to throw away at the team hotel." O'Reilly also recounted buying makeup for Armstrong to conceal what she said he described as bruise from a syringe injection during a race. While O'Reilly said she never saw Armstrong use banned substances -- though she felt sure that he did -- Tyler Hamilton had a different story, saying "the first time I ever blood-doped was with Lance" and that his teammate was well aware and involved with everything that happened. The publication of "L.A. Confidential" led to a raft of lawsuits. Armstrong sued British newspaper The Sunday Times, which published an article referencing the book, before eventually reaching an out-of-court settlement. The Sunday Times is now suing Armstrong for $1.5 million it claims he "got by fraud" using "Britain's draconian libel laws against us." The paper also took out an advert in the Chicago Tribune listing 10 questions that Oprah should ask Armstrong. It was signed by its chief sports writer Walsh, who was named UK journalist of the year for his 13-year investigation into Armstrong's activities. Cycling's governing body the UCI could seek to reclaim the millions he secured in prize money during his halcyon years, while reports have suggested Armstrong -- who was dropped by major sponsors such as Nike and Oakley -- may agree to pay back some of the sponsorship funding that his U.S. Postal team received. Read more: U.S. Postal team doping 'predates Armstrong' Over time, a host of riders who had raced alongside Armstrong with the team between 1998 and 2004 began to cast doubt on his unparalleled achievements. In 2010 Floyd Landis, a disgraced former rider who was stripped of the 2006 Tour de France title for doping offenses, claimed he and Armstrong had both taken prohibited substances while teammates at U.S. Postal Service. Landis launched legal action against Armstrong in the form of a whistleblower suit, claiming he had defrauded the U.S. government by accepting money from the Postal Service. Armstrong remained staunch in his denial of doping allegations, but former colleagues such as Hamilton continued to make claims of wrongdoing. The American, who has since been stripped of the gold medal he won at the 2004 Olympic Games, admitted to doping while also pointing the finger at Armstrong. The drip of allegations refused to go away, until it become a flood with the report released by the USADA. It accused him of being part of "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen." The report included evidence from 26 people -- 11 of whom were Armstrong's former teammates. Read more: USADA - 'Evidence overwhelming' Armstrong maintains that he has been subjected to 500 drug tests and failed none, but the fallout from USADA's 202-page report has been catastrophic for the Texan. In addition to losing the Tour titles he won between 1999 and 2005, he also faces being stripped of bronze medal he won at the 2000 Olympic Games. Livestrong has not emerged from the scandal unscathed, with Armstrong forced to step down from his role as chairman. At first he put on a brave face, telling his supporters at a Livestrong charity event in Texas: "I've been better, but I've been a lot worse." But, on the day he taped his interview with Winfrey, Armstrong visited the charity's staff and reportedly made a "sincere and heartfelt apology for the stress they've endured because of him." Armstrong's words might be true, but there can be no doubt that the sport he seemingly did so much for has never been in a hole quite as deep as the one his fall from grace has created. ### SUMMARY:

Lance Armstrong stripped of his seven Tour de France titles by cycling's ruling body . American accused of systematic drug use by United States Anti-Doping Agency . Eleven of the Texan's former teammates testified against him in USADA report . Armstrong has stepped down as chairman of the Livestrong Foundation .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: Gaza (CNN) -- One moment there are rocket attacks and claims Israel fired at Palestinian fishermen. The next there's the head of a Palestinian negotiating team detailing a five-day extension of a cease-fire in and around Gaza. Then -- after yet more rockets hit Israel -- there are Israeli airstrikes. So what gives? Is Israel's military action a blip or does it signal a full-scale resumption of the offensive that left nearly 2,000 in Gaza dead, most of them civilians? Will Israelis once again find themselves seeking shelter as rocket after rocket rain from overhead? And do the peace talks, and the just announced cease-fire, have any chance? None of these questions could be easily answered early Thursday. One of the lone things that was patently clear is that -- as with most anything to deal with this region and these longtime foes -- the situation is both very complicated and very fragile. Palestinian officials offered hope of positive movement late Wednesday, when lead negotiator Azzam al-Ahmed said the 72-hour cease-fire put in place earlier this week should last another five days, from midnight (5 p.m. ET Wednesday). The idea, senior Hamas member Izzat Risheq explained to CNN, was to give the parties "more time to reach an agreement on the issues." "There remains a positive atmosphere towards reaching a comprehensive agreement," al-Ahmed told reporters. "But there are still sticking points." There's also still violence. About the time al-Ahmed spoke, the Israeli military claimed that at least eight rockets were fired toward its territory from Gaza. By Thursday morning, Israel still hadn't officially commented on whether it would go along with any cease-fire extension. But its military did respond to the new rocket attacks, by "targeting terror sites across" Gaza, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner. CNN crew in Gaza heard multiple explosions overnight. "#IDF alert & prepared with defensive & striking capabilities to address renewed #Gaza aggression & threat to #Israel," Lerner tweeted. Israel wants security; Gazans want more freedom . The fact there was 70 hours of relative peace earlier this week and the Palestinians, at least, believed the truce would be extended into next week is a good sign. Other cease-fires failed more quickly and more miserably. Even the scale of attacks overnight Wednesday was far less than what happened earlier this summer. The two sides have been talking in Cairo through go-betweens. One core issue is difficult to quickly overcome. Israel, as well as the United States and European Union, labels Hamas -- the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza -- a terrorist organization; Hamas rejects Israel's right to exist. Israel says it wants Hamas to disarm and Gaza to be demilitarized. The Palestinian delegation in Egypt, which includes Hamas, demanded an end to Israel's economic blockade on Gaza, an extension of fishing rights off the coast, the reopening of an airport and seaport, and the release of prisoners held by Israelis. Al-Ahmed, head of the Palestinian team, said late Wednesday that there's still no agreement on the opening of crossings into Israel, "the launching of a free fishing zone" and various "security issues." The stakes are high for the residents of Gaza, where 1,962 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the United Nations. Around 72% of the dead are estimated to be civilians. Stakes are also high for Israelis, who have been living in fear of rockets fired from Gaza and the militant attacks carried out through tunnels dug under the border. Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many of the roughly 3,500 rockets the Israeli military says have been launched from Gaza. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to send ground troops into Gaza during the conflict to destroy Hamas' network of tunnels, resulting in intensified fighting. Israeli officials say 64 of its soldiers have been killed, as well as three civilians in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces pulled its soldiers out of Gaza last week after they had demolished around 32 tunnels, but they remain positioned around the Palestinian territory. Israel and its neighbors: Decades of war . Warning shots for Palestinian fishermen . Even if a cease-fire ends up sticking, it shouldn't be confused with widespread agreement. Take, for example, claims on their websites by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad that Israel violated the 72-hour cease-fire -- which had been set to expire at midnight -- by firing on Palestinian fishermen. Nizar Ayesh, head of the Gaza fishermen's union, told CNN that Israel's navy fired into the air Wednesday morning at about 35 fishermen. There were no injuries reported, "but the fishermen had to go out to sea because they are poor and want to make some money and bring food to their families," Ayesh said. The Israeli military confirmed that it fired "warning shots" after "a Palestinian boat" went into part of the Mediterranean Sea that Israel considers "a closed military area." Then there was the renewed rocket attack from "Gaza terrorists" that struck in the Hof Ashkelon area of southern Israel on Wednesday night, according to an Israeli military spokesman. There were no initial reports of injuries or damage. Hamas -- in a text message from spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri -- denied that it had anything to do with any rockets fired toward Israel. Israel didn't appear overly alarmed. "Just one rocket is probably something we can move on from," an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity shortly before Palestinian officials announced a cease-fire deal. But a slew of new rockets toward Israel, right around when the original cease-fire was to expire, may have changed the equation -- for both sides. Aid flows into Gaza during lull in violence . Whether or not it lasts, this week's lull in violence did allow Gaza residents to try to tackle some of the most urgent problems they face, including a lack of drinking water and leaking sewage pipes. Aid groups said the situation remains dire, with more than 300,000 people estimated to have been displaced by the fighting in the small, densely populated enclave. The thousands of people wounded in the conflict have put a severe strain on medical resources. During the cease-fire, people have attempted to stock up on badly needed supplies, which have been allowed in through reopened border crossings. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had brought in trucks of water, hundreds of mattresses, surgical equipment, food and household items like diapers. Among the many families sheltering in U.N. schools, some are unable to return to their homes because they were destroyed, and others have been going back just for the day and returning to shelters at night. Some people feel it is too risky to leave shelters altogether, because so many of the previous cease-fires have failed. Residents have also taken advantage of the calm to go out into the streets and visit beaches, parks and markets. But dangers left by the conflict remain. Despite the cease-fire, at least five people died and six were injured Wednesday when an Israeli rocket exploded as Gaza police bomb disposal technicians were working on it. Among the dead were an Italian video journalist for The Associated Press and a Palestinian freelance translator working with him. The AP identified the journalist as Simone Camilli, who had worked for the news service since 2005. Meher El Halapi, chief of the police station in Shekh Zayed city, told CNN the explosion was the result of an accident during efforts to disarm the missile, which he said then exploded and set off another explosive nearby. Opinion: Why Israel is its own worst enemy . Opinion: Hypocrisy of 'condemn Israel' campaign . Is Mideast peace as far away as ever? CNN's Antonia Mortensen reported from Gaza, Reza Sayah reported from Cairo, and Greg Botelho reported and wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Jethro Mullen, Sarah Sirgany, Ali Younes, John Vause, Andrew Carey and Martin Savidge contributed to this report. ### SUMMARY:

NEW: IDF: At least 8 rockets fired from Gaza; Israel responds with airstrikes . NEW: Palestinian negotiator: "Positive atmosphere," but "sticking points" remain . Palestinian officials announce a 5-day extension of a cease-fire for Gaza . But the firing of rockets, Israeli strikes raise questions about whether it will hold .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: There's one thing that even the traveler who can afford to go anywhere can't buy: time. Rest assured, if they could, our nation's wealthy would slip through history in nuclear-powered DeLoreans, splashing time-space mud upon the rest of us present-bound plebes as they zoomed past. To help them out (all of us, really), we've identified the next best thing: a roundup of destinations -- from bucolic to bourgeois -- that will make you forget what era you're in. Hotel Monteleone (New Orleans) New Orleans is like an accordion of time, with every period folded over onto itself, forming a single wild note. This sound can be heard loudest in the French Quarter. No hotel captures the rich, rhythmic history of the city like Hotel Monteleone. Built in 1886, the Beaux-Arts style high-rise transports you to the early city's heyday as soon as you enter its majestic white marble-covered lobby. Done up in elegant style, author suites are named after favorite former guests William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. A visit to the Carousel Bar & Lounge is practically mandatory. The bar has been revolving for 64 years and specializes in the Vieux Carre Cocktail -- a mixture of Benedictine, Peychaud, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, cognac and dry vermouth that was reportedly invented by one of the Monteleone bartenders as patrons spun around him. Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., New Orleans; +1 504 523 3341; rooms from $170 . The Biltmore Hotel (Miami/Coral Gables) Constructed with Italian, Spanish and Moorish influences, the Biltmore in Miami-Coral Gables is a towering, opulent castle rising from South Florida's tropical terrain. During its prime, the Coral Gables Biltmore was a favorite of the Vanderbilts, the Roosevelts, mobsters, celebs and European dignitaries. While you can no longer see weekly synchronized swimming and alligator wrestling, take swimming lessons from Johnny Weissmuller (before he was Tarzan) or dance to oversized jazz orchestras, there are still plenty of old school luxuries. For instance, the Donald Ross-designed golf course, originally constructed in 1925, and afternoon tea while listening to classical guitarists. The Biltmore,1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, Florida; +1 835 311 6903; rooms from $209 . Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills, California) Built in 1912, the Beverly Hills Hotel predates the city of Beverly Hills by two years. Early on, the Mediterranean-revival building hosted Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Will Rogers, and the star power carried on through the years. Elizabeth Taylor spent six of her eight honeymoons at the Pink Palace. From the '40s-era Formica counter and pink stools of the Fountain Coffee Room to the canopied beds to the white-and-forest-green-striped Polo Lounge, it's easy to forget which war is on. Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, California; +1 310 276 2251; rooms from $492 . Hotel Lautner (Desert Hot Springs, California) The Desert Hot Springs Motel was a midcentury-modern oasis designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé John Lautner. The building was originally intended as the first of many that would constitute a new community in Desert Hot Springs -- the brainchild of film director Lucien Hubbard -- but the plan was abandoned and the motel became a destination for stars looking for a quick flutter away from the City of Angels, less than two hours west. The site soon went into disrepair, then endured a few lives of its own before an interior designer and furniture designer purchased, revitalized and renamed the motel. Now Hotel Lautner is an ode to its namesake. Every inch keeps in tune with the architect's philosophy, yet each room feels as fresh as if Lautner gave the final OK just a few months ago. Hotel Lautner, 67710 San Antonio St., Desert Hot Springs, California; +1 760 832 5288; closed July and August; rooms from $225 . Dunton Hot Springs (Dolores, Colorado) If you're hankering for a trip back in time, maybe the 1880s Wild West suits your boots. About 30 miles southwest of Telluride sits Dunton Hot Springs, a former gold and silver mining village that's been transformed into a rustic paradise with 12 cabins, a dance hall and an open-air chapel. The "town" draws guests who want to leave cell phone service behind and relax in the natural hot springs. Though visitors are surrounded by nothing but nature, they're far from roughing it -- each cabin has been restored with elegance and comfort that couldn't have been imagined by early settlers, even if they'd struck it rich. Dunton Hot Springs, 52068 Road 38, Dolores, Colorado; +1 970 882 4800; from $600 . Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan) To get back to an age when carriages shared the roads with pedestrians and bicycles, you need to visit Mackinac Island, where you can stay at the aptly named Grand Hotel. Opened in 1887, the massive Queen Anne-style hotel has remained largely unchanged since the early years when Edison Phonograph agents held demonstrations and Mark Twain lectured in the casino. Cars were allowed for about three decades, but the citywide ban on them began in 1930. Perhaps the hotel's grandest distinction is its porch: At 660 feet it's said to be the longest in the world. Guests can walk the entire length or sit in one of dozens of white rocking chairs and look out over Lake Huron. Grand Hotel, 286 Grand Ave., Mackinac Island, Michigan; +1 800 334 7263; rooms from $139 . Plaza Hotel (New York) You can almost feel the jazz radiating from the walls of this historic F. Scott Fitzgerald haunt. The Lost Generation's most famous partier loved the Plaza so much, he made it a setting in his greatest work, "The Great Gatsby." The hotel hasn't shied away from the honor. They've even gone so far as to create a Fitzgerald Suite. If you prefer a room unburdened by photos of Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, there are other vintage options available. Whether you're staying at the hotel or not, a night in any of the hotel's dining and drinking venues might make you feel like you could run into Jay Gatsby at any moment. Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave., New York; +1 212 759 3000; rooms from $533 . Old Faithful Inn (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming) For more than a century, nature lovers have been staying at the largest log hotel in the world, overlooking America's favorite (and most punctual) wonder. The colossal rustic lodge is just as impressive as it was when it opened in 1904, and probably just as crowded, so don't expect much intimacy or peace during peak hours. There's also the matter of a tacky tourist shop and mediocre food. But where else can you stand on a terrace with a cocktail, watching moose grazing below, as boiling water shoots 185 feet up from the earth in the distance? Old Faithful Inn, 1 Grand Loop Road, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; +1 866 439 7375; rooms from $103 . ### SUMMARY:

Elizabeth Taylor spent six of her eight honeymoons at the Beverly Hills Hotel . Southern California's Hotel Lautner is a midcentury-modern masterpiece . Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, is said to have longest porch in the world: 660 feet . New York's Plaza Hotel's art deco Fitzgerald Suite honors the writer and his era .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: A prosecuting attorney greeted the jury in the George Zimmerman trial Monday with a quote full of expletives, while his adversary decided it was appropriate to tell jurors a knock-knock joke. And that was just the beginning of opening statements in Zimmerman's long-anticipated murder trial. In a case that has ignited national debate about gun laws and race relations, Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch captain, is accused of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in February 2012 in Sanford, Florida. Prosecutor John Guy's first words to the six-woman jury may have raised a few eyebrows. "Good morning. 'F*****g punks, these a******s all get away,'" Guy quoted Zimmerman. "These were the words in this grown man's mouth as he followed this boy that he didn't know. Those were his words, not mine." Zimmerman, Guy said, "got out of his car with a pistol and two flashlights to follow Trayvon Benjamin Martin, who was walking home from a 7-Eleven, armed" with a fruit drink and a bag of candy. Eventually the two became entangled on the ground in a fight. A witness has said Martin was on top of Zimmerman, Guy said. "The defendant claims that while Trayvon Martin was on top of him, he said, 'you are going to die tonight,'" said Guy. "Nobody heard that." Guy told jurors that no witnesses saw what happened the night of the shooting from beginning to end. Witnesses only saw "slices" of what happened, he said. "We are confident that at the end of this trial you will know in your head, in your heart, in your stomach that George Zimmerman did not shoot Trayvon Martin because he had to," Guy said. "He shot him for the worst of all reasons, because he wanted to." Fast facts: Trayvon Martin shooting . In the first day of testimony, jurors heard witnesses recount Martin's trip to the convenience store, Zimmerman's call complaining about a suspicious person walking through his neighborhood before Martin's killing, and a call from the previous August, in which Zimmerman reported an alleged burglary to police. Proceedings ended for the day when defense attorney Mark O'Mara objected to the earlier call, which prosecutors argued was necessary to explain Zimmerman's remark about burglars who "get away." The Martin family sat watching the proceedings behind State Attorney Angela Corey. Before witness testimony began, Judge Debra Nelson denied a defense request that Martin's father, Tracy Martin, leave the courtroom. Tracy Martin is a potential witness, and potential witnesses can be forced to sit outside of the courtroom to keep their testimony from being tainted by other witnesses. But the next-of-kin of victims are allowed to remain in court even if they're expected to testify. O'Mara also accused Tracy Martin of using an obscenity toward a friend of Zimmerman's while holding the door for him during a hearing two weeks ago. The friend, Timothy Tucholski, testified that he hadn't wanted to make an issue of it before. "I wasn't planning on coming up here. I don't want to be sitting here," he said. But Nelson denied the request, and Martin remained in court -- but Zimmerman's parents were covered by the rule regarding potential witnesses and had to sit outside, as did Benjamin Crump, the lawyer for Martin's parents. At one point, Martin's father began crying as Guy detailed how officers tried to save his son's life. Zimmerman has mostly stared straight ahead without any signs of emotion. Following Guy's statement, defense attorney Don West came forward to woo the jury. As he began, he told a knock-knock joke. But it failed to win a laugh. "Knock knock. Who's there? George Zimmerman. George Zimmerman who? Good, you're on the jury," he said. Later, West apologized. "No more bad jokes, I promise that," he told jurors. "I was convinced it was the delivery." West quickly got on with the business of making his case: that Zimmerman was forced to act in self-defense to save his own life. "The evidence will show this is a sad case; no monsters here. ... George Zimmerman is not guilty of murder. He shot Trayvon Martin after he was viciously attacked." With the help of PowerPoint visuals, West spent hours hammering home his argument. He broke down Zimmerman's 911 call in which he first reported seeing Martin and told about following him. "Little did George Zimmerman know at the time in less than 10 minutes from him first seeing Travyon Martin that he, George Zimmerman, would be suckered punched in the face, have his head pounded on concrete and wind up shooting and tragically killing Trayvon Martin," West told jurors. West also deconstructed a 911 call a neighbor made, in which it is possible to hear screams and a shot in the background that West said was the sound of the fatal bullet. As the dramatic recording audio filled the courtroom, Zimmerman showed no emotion. Martin's mother left the courtroom. "At the moment this actually became physical was that Trayvon Martin -- I will use my words -- that Trayvon Martin decided to confront George Zimmerman," West said. "That instead of going home. He had plenty of time. This is, what, 60 or 70 yards. Plenty of time. He could've gone back and forth four or five times." West quoted a witness named John Good who described the fight. "He called it a 'ground and pound' by Martin, who he said was on top of Zimmerman, beating him." "He saw enough that this was serious," West said. Zimmerman cried out for help, looked at Good and said, "help me." But the beating continued while Good went inside his home to call 911, West said. There was a shot. Shortly afterward, according to West, Zimmerman said Martin "was beating me up, and I shot him." West also disputed the prosecution's claim that Martin was unarmed. "Travyon Martin armed himself with the concrete sidewalk and used it to smash George Zimmerman's head," said West. "No different than if he picked up a brick or smashed his head against a wall. That is a deadly weapon." West showed jurors photos taken of Zimmerman after the fight. "What you can really see in these pictures that you will have in evidence are the lumps," West said. "The big knots on each side of his head. Consistent with having his head slammed into concrete." All-female jury to try Zimmerman . Among the first prosecution witnessed called was the 911 dispatcher who took Zimmerman's call before the shooting. Seat Noffke testified that he was trained to give general commands instead of direct orders to people. When Zimmerman said he was following Martin, Noffke told him, "Okay we don't need you to do that." Noffke told the prosecutor he's liable for any direct orders he gives someone. On cross-examination, defense attorney O'Mara pointed out that Noffke asked Zimmerman, "Which way is he running?" "If you tell somebody twice to let you know if the person that they're concerned about is doing anything else -- do you think they're going to keep their eye on them?" asked O'Mara. "I can't answer that," said Noffke. "You did tell him twice to let you know if that guy did anything else," said O'Mara. "Yes sir," said Noffke. Noffke went on to say he only wanted a location of the suspect for officers and that he never told Zimmerman to follow or keep his eye on Martin. Shortly before court got under way, Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton, spoke to reporters, asking people to "pray for me and my family because I don't want any other mother to experience what I'm going through now." Judge: No state expert testimony on 911 calls . Martin was black, and Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic. In a CNN poll released Monday morning, 62% of respondents say the charges against Zimmerman are probably or definitely true. ### SUMMARY:

Defense lawyer apologizes for telling joke during opening statements . Father of Trayvon Martin cries in courtroom; George Zimmerman shows no emotion . Did Zimmerman commit 2nd degree murder when he killed Martin? Or was it self-defense? 62% in a CNN poll say the charges against Zimmerman are "probably" or "definitely" true .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: It's time to go after ISIS in Iraq and Syria, President Barack Obama said Wednesday night in a nationally televised address intended to sell stepped-up military efforts to a war-weary public. Announcing a broad campaign against the Sunni jihadists who have rampaged from Syria across northern Iraq, Obama announced an escalated U.S. military role as part of a strategy that includes building an international coalition to support Iraqi ground forces and perhaps troops from other allies. U.S. airstrikes have been hitting the jihadists in Iraq. Those strikes will be expanded to ISIS targets in Syria, Obama said. "I have made it clear that we will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country, wherever they are," he said. "That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency: if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven." The declaration answered calls from a growing number of U.S. politicians for such a step, with increasing public support. "This was a very difficult speech for him to give," CNN chief political analyst Gloria Borger said of a president who campaigned on ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "He's inserted us into the middle of a Syrian civil war." More U.S. forces to Iraq . Obama also announced another 475 American military advisers would go to Iraq, pushing the total figure to about 1,700. At the same time, he made clear the strategy differed from all-out war again in Iraq less than three years after he withdrew combat forces from the country. "It will not involve American combat troops fighting on foreign soil," Obama said. His address from the White House also sought to convince allies and the nation of a firm U.S. commitment to lead an international coalition to fight the jihadists who rampaged across northern Iraq from Syria this year. They are known as ISIS, ISIL and Islamic State. Noting the formation of a new Iraqi government, which his administration has demanded, Obama announced that "America will lead a broad coalition to roll back this terrorist threat." Objective: "degrade and ultimately destroy" ISIS . "Our objective is clear: We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy," he said. Senior administration officials who briefed reporters before the speech on condition of not being identified said airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria would occur "at a time and place of our choosing." "We're not going to telegraph our punches by being specific about the time and nature of the targets," one official said, adding that "we will do that as necessary as we develop targets." Also Wednesday, Obama shifted $25 million in military aid to Iraqi forces, including Kurdish fighters in the north combating the ISIS extremists. The aid could include ammunition, small arms and vehicles, as well as military education and training, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said. U.S. diplomatic efforts this week seek to solidify the coalition. Secretary of State John Kerry left Tuesday to push Sunni leaders in Jordan and Saudi Arabia to join the United States and its allies in combating ISIS, while Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Lisa Monaco, the homeland security adviser, also will be in the region. Saudis part of coalition . "The Saudis made very clear that they support this mission, they will join us in this mission," a senior administration official said. "We are joined by very important Arab partners as well." Obama has been criticized by conservatives and some Democrats for what they call a timid response so far to the threat by ISIS fighters. The recent beheading of two American journalists held captive by ISIS raised public awareness of the extremists and the threat they pose. "We can't erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm. That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today," Obama said. ISIS poses a threat to the Middle East, including the people of Iraq and Syria, he said, adding: "If left unchecked, these terrorists could pose a growing threat beyond that region, including the United States." "The next phase is offense" Conservative Republicans who have railed against Obama's foreign policy sounded relieved by what they heard. "The President's plan announced this evening is an encouraging step in the right direction," said GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee and has been a harsh Obama critic. "Success will depend on the details of its implementation." His Republican colleage, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, said: "Tonight the President seemed to have faced reality." Leading Democrats such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York praised the speech, as expected, while Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey said the Foreign Relations Committee he chairs would begin drafting legislation to provide Obama with specific authority under the War Powers Resolution to continue to extend military operations against ISIS. Meanwhile, the anti-war liberal caucus in the House signaled possible opposition by calling for a vote on authorizing expanded military action. Congressional authority . Obama has insisted he has the authority to ratchet up airstrikes against ISIS under war powers granted more than a decade ago to fight al Qaeda. ISIS formed from some al Qaeda affiliates but is separate from the central leadership of the terrorist organization behind the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. This week, he asked Congress for additional authority to arm and train moderate Syrian rebels to fight the ISIS extremists, effectively shifting a covert operation by the CIA to a mission led by the Defense Department. Such authority comes under Title 10 of the U.S. code, which deals with military powers, and Congress could vote on granting it next week. Approval also would allow the United States to accept money from other countries for backing the Syrian opposition forces. Most voices in Congress back strong U.S. action against the ISIS fighters. However, any vote on military action can be risky, especially with congressional elections less than two months off. Fraught politics . The fraught politics of the issue were clear when House Republican leaders put off a vote on a government spending measure set for Wednesday after pressure emerged to add the Title 10 authorization to it. Obama initially rejected arming the Syrian opposition against President Bashar al-Assad more than two years ago to avoid getting mired in another Middle East conflict. U.S. officials also feared American weapons could end up in the hands of extremists, such as al Qaeda affiliates that eventually morphed into ISIS. As the tide has turned against Syria's opposition, which now finds itself fighting both government forces and ISIS, the United States began its covert aid to some rebel factions. "Now we have a two-year track record of relationships with the Syrian opposition," a senior administration official said. "We have far greater confidence in who we are dealing with." Until now, the U.S. strategy against ISIS has included airstrikes on the extremists in Iraq to protect several hundred American military personnel there while helping the Iraqis and providing humanitarian support. Veteran diplomat: ISIS worse than al Qaeda . Calls for a more forceful campaign against ISIS have increased in recent months. Former U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker, who served in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, told CNN on Wednesday that ISIS presents a bigger threat to America than al Qaeda. "They are more numerous, they are better armed, they are far better financed, they are better experienced, and perhaps most critically there are several thousand of them who hold Western passports, including American passports," Crocker said. "They don't need to get a visa; they just need to get on a plane." He added: "If we don't think we're on their target list, we are delusional." Obama to Congress: No vote needed on ISIS strategy . After his meeting with top congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday, Obama asked for their support to show the nation was united. He repeated that call in Wednesday's speech. Opinion: 5 questions Obama must answer . Kerry begins new anti-ISIS push in Mideast . ### SUMMARY:

Officials: We will strike in Syria at a time and place of our choosing . President Obama says airstrikes will include ISIS targets in Syria . Obama asks Congress for authority to arm and train Syrian rebels . ISIS presents a bigger threat than al Qaeda, veteran U.S. diplomat tells CNN .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 7:26 AM on 25th September 2011 . Chuck Cox, the father of missing Utah mother Susan Powell, said today that the child pornography charges filed against her father-in-law make it clear he is a liar. Steven Powell, 61, was arrested yesterday after police discovered thousands of images of women and young girls videotaped without their knowledge, including some of his daughter-in-law. Mr Cox said the discovery categorically shows that Powell's claims the 28-year-old mother of two was 'very sexual' with him were lies. Mugshot: Steven Powell, the father-in-law of missing Utah woman Susan Powell is shown. He pleaded not guilty to voyeurism and possession of child pornography . 'I do think it vindicates my . daughter, and what we've said about her and it clearly shows that he had . motive to detract from her reputation,' Mr Cox said on Good Morning . America. Susan's husband, Josh, is the lone . person of interest in the woman's December 2009 disappearance, and the . case has created a bitter rift between the two families, with a custody . battle for the couple's two sons raging. It was announced today that the boys, ages four and six, are in foster care after Powell was arraigned child porn and voyeurism charges on Friday. He entered a plea of not guilty. The children had been living at their paternal grandfather's home with their father since their mother vanished. Court battle: Susan Powell's father, Chuck Cox, filed for custody of her kids on Friday . Powell was arrested after . police investigating Susan Powell's disappearance came across thousands . of images of women videotaped without their knowledge, including some of . his daughter-in-law. Wearing an orange jailhouse jumpsuit . and with his hands cuffed he entered not guilty pleas in court in . Washington state on Friday, and the judge set bail at $200,000. The judge at Powell's arraignment ordered him not to have contact with his grandsons. A court commissioner said on Friday . that he will not decide on the custody of the sons until after the . state's child welfare agency finishes its investigation. Another hearing . is scheduled for Wednesday. Charged: Steven Powell, the father-in-law of missing Utah woman Susan Powell, appears in Pierce County courtroom on Friday in Tacoma, Washington . Mr Cox said after the hearing: 'We're very concerned for the welfare of our grandchildren. We're doing everything we can.' The arrest - and the child custody . motion - are the latest twists in a case that has perplexed Utah police, . who are on their 12th day of searching a remote stretch of desert near . where Josh Powell says he went camping the night his wife vanished. Prosecutor Mark Lindquist in . Washington state said Steven Powell is charged with 14 felony counts of . voyeurism and one count of possession of child pornography. Lindquist said Utah police . investigating Susan Powell's disappearance found 'thousands of images of . females being videotaped without their knowledge, including Susan . Powell,' on tapes and disks at his home in an August 25 search. Accused: Steven Powell, 61, was arrested last night at his Washington home on child porn and voyeurism charges after thousands of images were found . The videos were found in Steven . Powell's bedroom. Lindquist said in a statement: 'The photographer . focuses on the women's buttocks, breasts. Many images were of minor . females.' The images included shots of two girls . who were as young as eight and ten years old at the time, the . prosecutor said. Authorities determined that the girls lived near Steven . Powell from June 2006 to August 2007. At Powell's arraignment, prosecutor . Grant Blinn said detectives are still going through the seized items, . but so far have found more than 1,000 video files. He said it appeared . he had been secretly videotaping girls or women for at least ten years. The arrest prompted a Cox family . lawyer to directly accuse Josh - for the first time publicly - of . involvement in his wife's disappearance. Missing: Susan Powell, 28 and a mother of two, has not been seen since 2009. Her arrested father-in-law Steven said he had a 'sexual relationship' with her . 'The time has come where we have to . stop playing cat and mouse games: Josh Powell had something to do with . the disappearance of the mother of these children,' attorney Steve . Downing told the court commissioner on Friday. Powell responded: 'Everything they said is patently false. I am a good father to my sons.' Before the hearing, he sat in the back . row of the small courtroom wearing a blue jacket, jeans, white sneakers . with the treads worn off - and his wedding ring. Powell flipped through a thick stack . of legal documents and told a reporter 'no' when asked if he had . anything to say about his dad's arrest. He ignored several other . questions. Handcuffed: Steven Powell is led away by a police officer following his arrest in Washingon last night . Susan Powell's father called the . allegations against Steven Powell disgusting. 'It very clearly shows her . concerns were just about Steven Powell,' Chuck Cox said. Police have said Josh Powell has been uncooperative in their investigation. Josh Powell claims he took the . couple's two sons - then ages four and two - on a midnight camping trip . in the mountains west of Salt Lake City on December 6, 2009, the night . before she was reported missing. Also on Friday, a Washington state judge . issued a permanent injunction barring Josh Powell and his father from . further publishing journal pages Susan Powell wrote as a teenager. Raised eyebrows: Steven Powell went on record last month to say Susan was promiscuous and used to make him smell her hair . The Powells claimed the journal . entries depicted a troubled woman, but Susan's family has been fighting . their release, saying they were the personal writings of a young girl . and had no bearing on her disappearance. Authorities planned to wrap up their . 12-day search of the desert Friday about 30 miles from where Josh Powell . said he went camping that night. At one point, they said they found a . 'shallow grave' after cadaver dogs alerted them to the spot. But they found no human remains. Charred wood chips discovered in the hole have been sent to a lab for testing. The search of the Powells home in . Puyallup, Washington, last month came after police wrapped up a search . for evidence in a network of abandoned mines outside Ely, Nevada. Husband: Josh Powell, Susan's husband and Steven's son, is still the only person of interest in his wife's missing persons case . Around that time in August, Josh . Powell and his father went on national television to discuss the case. They claimed Susan Powell was promiscuous, emotionally unstable and . suicidal, a claim her family denies. Steven Powell said he had a flirtatious relationship with his daughter-in-law and believed they were in love. 'Susan was very sexual with me,' Steve . Powell told ABC's Good Morning America. 'We interacted in a lot of . sexual ways because Susan enjoys doing that.' Cox, Susan's father, denied the allegations, and said it was Steven Powell who initiated unwanted sexual advances. Two years: Susan Powell was reported missing from her Utah home on December 7, 2009 . Search: Investigators found a shallow grave while searching a site in the desert earlier this month . Josh Powell has denied killing his . wife or having anything to do with her disappearance. 'I would never . even hurt her,' a tearful, red-eyed Josh Powell told CBS' Early Show in . August. Josh and his father have said they believe Susan Powell ran off with another man. 'I'm still thinking she left,' Steven . Powell told The Associated Press in August. 'Hopefully they'll be able . to find her at some point... We don't believe she's dead.' ### SUMMARY:

Chuck Cox says Steven Powell lied about relationship . Powell arrested after photos found of young girls found . Hoard included shots of his daughter-in-law too . Custody battle over two children rages . Susan Powell has not been seen since 2009 .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Emily Allen . Last updated at 4:06 AM on 13th January 2012 . A brutal rapist who terrorised elderly women in a suburb for more than a decade was told today he will live out his days behind bars. Michael Roberts, 45, has become the first man to get a 'life means life' sentence for rape after raping three victims - one aged 83 - and viciously attacking a fourth in Bermondsey, south London. Known as the Bermondsey Beast, he evaded justice for 15 years but was captured after a cold case review by Scotland Yard using advances in DNA. Jailed: Michael Roberts, 45, joins a small group of 'life means life' prisoners after raping three victims - one aged 83 - and viciously attacking a fourth in Bermondsey, south London . Following a trial at Southwark Crown Court, the 45-year-old, of no fixed address, was given four life sentences by Judge Stephen Robbins. Judge Robbins said: 'I do sentence you to imprisonment for the rest of your natural life ... your utter depravity knows no bounds, these are very grave offences.' After the sentence was read out Roberts . said: ‘I will only say this my lord, I am absolutely not guilty and I . will...’ before he was dragged from the dock by prison guards. Roberts subjected his terrified victims to horrific ordeals . during a series of violent burglaries in south London in the late . 1980s. At the time, the crimes sparked nationwide outrage and mass media coverage but Roberts eluded capture. He has also been nicknamed ‘The Praying Rapist’ after crossing himself . and uttering the words from the Roman Catholic prayer for the dead . during one attack. Roberts was caught because he had given a DNA sample after attacking an elderly man in his own home. DNA matches from the scene threw up a partial match to his DNA in 2005 and it was realised he fitted a description of his now dead victims. In addition his . methods of attack matched that of some of his other many crimes which did not involve violence. Roberts struck for the first time on . Boxing Day 1988, breaking into the home of a 57-year-old woman in Lant Street, Southwark - 800 yards from his then home in Gaywood . Street. The woman was a virgin who had mobility problems. He beat her up and raped her before escaping with £75 and six packets of cigarettes. On September 11 1989, Roberts attacked a 77-year-old who lived in the same building in Lant Street. The pensioner was also a virgin and had difficulty getting around. Roberts raped her and stole £5 and lose change before he left the flat. On October 7 1989, Roberts, entered . the home of a 66-year-old woman in Rotherhithe and . raped her, before stealing two purses containing £30 in cash and a bank . card. Between February 28 and 2 March 1990, . he burgled the home of an 83-year-old woman in Keetons Estate, Rotherhithe, beating her up severely and stealing her . pension book and bank card as well as a handbag. The addresses of the third and fourth victims were within 300 yards of his address at the time in St James’ Road. Jurors unanimously convicted Roberts of three rapes and the brutal beating of a fourth victim following a short trial last month. Although he was only tried for four . attacks, he has been blamed for other similar crimes . during the same period, including the rape and murder of 68-year-old . Irene Grainey. The grandmother was sexually attacked and stabbed to death with a kitchen knife on May 31, 1990. Her body lay undiscovered for six weeks at her council maisonette in Rotherhithe, May 31, 1990. After the jury delivered its verdicts the court heard Roberts had been . linked to two other violent attacks on victims aged 68 and 78 in 1989. But the murder of Mrs Grainey remained unsolved. Judge Stephen Robbins, likening the case to the case of ‘Night Stalker’ Delroy Grant and said: ‘Your depravity knows no bounds. ‘These are very grave offences. The victims of your offences were all elderly. You broke into their houses and in the middle of the night. ‘You then proceeded to submit them to humiliating and degrading sexual . attacks and, unlike Delroy Grant, your offences are aggravated and . marked by terrible violence. ‘I’m quite satisfied that you are a danger to society therefore I do . sentence you to imprisonment for the rest if your natural life.’ Roberts appeared . in the dock wearing light beige trousers and a black shirt. He evaded capture hiding a distinctive scar on his forehead from his victims by wearing his hair in a floppy fringe and warning the victims not to look at his face. But other features gave him away, including his back, which one of the women accurately said was covered in brown marks and moles, and his clothing, including a dirty green tracksuit. His fourth victim was so badly beaten that she remembered nothing about her attacker. Roberts confessed that assault to his girlfriend at the time after hearing it reported on the radio, the jury heard. Jurors at Southwark Crown Court unanimously convicted Roberts of three rapes and the brutal beating of a fourth victim following a short trial last month . Material recovered from the attacker’s semen and saliva from cigarettes he smoked only provided ‘partial’ matches to Roberts’ profile, with a one in 79,000 chance that it did not come from him in one sample down to as much as a one in 16 chance in another. But prosecutor Allison Hunter said all the evidence taken together, with partial matches found at three different scenes, alongside the visual identifications, the confession to his girlfriend and other circumstantial evidence, the jury could be sure he was the attacker. Judge Stephen Robbins likened the case to the 'Night Stalker' Delroy Grant, pictured, who attacked pensioners over 17 years . Roberts lived within a few hundred yards of all four victims, and staked out their homes prior to the attacks. He chose elderly woman living alone in ground floor flats, and attacked them in their homes late at night before making off with small amounts of cash and jewellery. His victims described how he smelled strongly of alcohol, and told one of them he had been at the pub before the attack. The jury heard evidence from the two women Roberts lived with during the period of the attacks - Julie Warner and Leanne Ward. He had been violent to both women and Miss Ward described in a statement how he was a petty criminal who would often return home late at night with handbags he had stolen. She told the court he used to scan newspapers for coverage of his exploits, believing at the time that he was referring to lesser crimes. Miss Ward also said she remembered he owned a pale green tracksuit similar to that described by one of the victims. Miss Warner said that after hearing about the fourth attack on the radio, the savage beating of an 83-year-old woman, he told her: ‘I did that, but I didn’t rape her.’ Although he did not give evidence during the trial, Roberts’ barrister Ali Bajwa, QC, told the jury in his closing speech that the Crown had not produced enough evidence to prove he had committed the offences. Roberts, formerly of St James’ Road, Rotherhithe, was convicted of three counts of rape, four counts of burglary, two counts of indecent assault, two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and one count of buggery. Speaking outside court, a son of one . of his victims said: 'Today’s sentence for the families is absolutely . brilliant. He deserves everything he got.' Detective Inspector Nathan Eason, one . of the investigating officers on the case, said: 'Michael Roberts is a . sexual predator who preyed on vulnerable women in the late 80s and early . 90s. 'Unfortunately none of his victims . lived to see him being brought to justice today but the family members . of the victims have expressed deep satisfaction with handed down today. ' ### SUMMARY:

Michael Roberts is the first man to a get a 'life means life' sentence for rape . Insisted he was 'absolutely not guilty' as he was led to the cells . Evaded justice for 15 years but captured after a cold-case review in 2005 .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Emily Allen and Chris Parsons . Last updated at 1:21 PM on 29th February 2012 . Detectives at Scotland Yard lent Rebekah Brooks (pictured at the Newbury Races last year) a police horse which she acted as a 'foster carer' for . The retired police horse loaned to Rebekah Brooks was returned to the Met Police in a 'poor condition', the force said today. The former Sun editor 'fostered' the animal, called Raisa, when it retired from active service with Scotland Yard and returned it in 2010. But the 43-year-old, who rode the horse at her farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, returned the animal to the Met in a worse condition than when she received it. Following the news that Brooks had been loaned the horse, Rupert Murdoch leapt to the defence of the former News International boss. Murdoch tweeted this morning: 'Now they are complaining about R Brooks saving an old horse from the glue factory!' Scotland Yard said that Ms Brooks, a keen rider, was given permission to take charge of the horse in 2008. But after acting as a 'foster carer' for the animal for two years, she returned it in a 'poor condition', said a spokesman. He said: 'In 2007 a request was made by Rebekah Brooks to home a retired police horse. 'Mounted Branch conducted the normal property and welfare inspection, which was passed. As a result 22-year-old retired horse Raisa was loaned to Rebekah Brooks in 2008. 'The MPS was contacted in early 2010 by an individual on behalf of Rebekah Brooks who asked the MPS to re-home Raisa, which was then 24, due to the horse no longer being ridden. 'When the horse was returned Raisa was regarded by officers from Mounted Branch to be in a poor but not serious condition.' Raisa later died of natural causes. The claims that Raisa was mistreated were today fiercely denied by Mrs Brooks's husband Charlie. According to the Evening Standard, renowned racehorse trainer Mr Brooks said: 'I have been around and looked after horses all my life and I am confident that I know more about caring for them than people at the Metropolitan police.' Despite Mr Murdoch's public backing of Brooks, the 80-year-old media tycoon's staunch defence was rubbished by some critics. Labour MP Tom Watson, who famously grilled Murdoch and his son James at the Home Affairs select committee in July, replied to Rupert Murdoch's tweet saying: 'You comment on her horse but not on her insider knowledge of a criminal investigation into your company. Have you no shame?' Most of the Met's police horses are retired with The Horse Trust charity in Buckinghamshire. Brooks, a keen rider, is married to racehorse trainer and Old Etonian Charlie Brooks. Defence: Rupert Murdoch stood by former News International boss Brooks following the news she was loaned a horse . Close: Rupert Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks, pictured in July last year, have long had a close personal and professional bond . Response: Labour MP Tom Watson questioned Rupert Murdoch's defence of Rebekah Brooks on Twitter . A friend told the Evening Standard yesterday: 'Rebekah acted as a foster carer for the horse. Anybody can agree to do this with the Met if they have the land and facilities to pay for its upkeep.' The Leveson inquiry into press ethics has heard that the relationship between News International and the Met was 'at best inappropriately close and at worst corrupt'. The inquiry also heard yesterday how the Met tipped off Brooks in 2006 about the original phone-hacking investigation at the News of the World, where she was editor from 2000 to 2003. She was arrested on July 15 last year as part of both Operation Weeting, which is investigating phone hacking, and Operation Elevden, the investigation into police corruption. Brooks is bailed to return for questioning by police in March. Her lawyer has said she denies committing any criminal offence. Day at the races: Rebekah Brooks, pictured with husband Charlie, left, at Newbury Race Course last year . Mrs Brooks' sprawling Chipping Norton home in the Cotswolds is not far from David Cameron's. Outbuildings or what appear to be stables are pictured in the foreground . It has been claimed that Brooks, who . resigned from News International in the wake of the phone hacking . scandal, was a horse-riding companion of Prime Minister David Cameron . but she denies this. Lord Blair said he was not aware of the gift. Brooks's spokesman, David Wilson, from Bell Pottinger confirmed the deal took place. 'Rebekah acted as a foster carer for the horse.' A Scotland Yard spokeswoman added: 'When a police horse reaches the end of its working life, Mounted Branch officers find it a suitable retirement home. 'Whilst responsibility for feeding the animal and paying vet bills passes to the person entrusted with its care, the horse remains the property of the Metropolitan Police Service. 'Retired police horses are not sold . on and can be returned to the care of the MPS at any time. In 2008 a . retired horse was loaned to Rebekah Brooks. The horse was re-housed with . a police officer in 2010.' The . horse borrowed by Ms Brooks was one of 12 retired by the force in 2008. A further 29 had their duties ended between 2009 and 2011. Scotland Yard declined to give details or the name of the horse taken into Ms Brooks' care. A . spokesman added: 'When rehoming a retired MPS horse, the appropriate . welfare checks are carried out by mounted branch officers.' Two police horses on patrol in Manchester. The Met has 120 horses in its Mounted Section which are used for for public order events including football matches and demonstrations . Most of the Met's police horses are retired with The Horse Trust charity in Speen, Buckinghamshire, pictured . Racing fan: Ms Brooks, right, is pictured with Rupert Murdoch's son-in-law Matthew Freud, left, at the Cheltenham Festival . The Brookses, who married in June 2009, live in a sprawling property in Chipping Norton, barely a mile from David Cameron’s £750,000 constituency home in Dean, near Charlbury. In one of the most scenic parts of England - the Cotswolds - it is at the heart of what has become known as the 'Chipping Norton Set'. Last year it was reported that the group, which also includes Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, often went to the same house parties and dined together. Brooks became a mother to a baby girl born via surrogate earlier this month. One of Tony Blair’s closest allies today admitted that New Labour was 'too keen to curry favour' with Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. Former Cabinet minister Lord Falconer said the 'much-too-cosy relationship' may have been emulated by police chiefs and other public servants who were then drawn into the Murdoch net. He also confirmed that policies were adopted to suit the political bias of the Murdoch press. 'I do worry now that we were too keen to curry favour,' the former Lord Chancellor said on Radio 4. 'It’s not remotely inconceivable that because the politicians thought it was okay to court News International, other public officials followed. I don’t mean the explicit corruption that Deputy Assistant Commissioner [Sue] Akers described yesterday. I mean the much-too-cosy relationships that were formed where... what went onto the political agenda or what was reported about what the police did was determined by that relationship.' The peer said that the appointment of former News of the World editor Andy Coulson as David Cameron’s media adviser was another regrettable example of over-cosy relations. He said Labour began courting NI because it blamed hostile coverage in The Sun for its 1992 defeat. 'What followed was a too-determined attempt to get News International on-side.' ### SUMMARY:

Mrs Brooks is a keen rider and acted as a 'foster carer' for the horse called Raisa . Mr Murdoch tweets 'Now they are complaining about R Brooks saving an old horse from the glue factory' Mrs Brooks's husband defends couple against claims horse was mistreated .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Rachel Quigley . UPDATED: . 00:22 EST, 21 July 2011 . A Florida teenager told a friend that he stood behind his mother for about five minutes in contemplation before finally plunging a hammer into her head, according to police documents released on Wednesday. Police said Tyler Hadley, 17, described the attacks to an unidentified friend at the party he threw in his Port St Lucie home last Saturday night after the killings. By the friend's account, when Hadley struck his mother with the hammer, she screamed one final question to her son: 'Why?' Scroll down for video . Appearance: Hadley appeared via video link from county jail in front of a judge at the courthouse who denied him bail . Parents: Mary Jo and Blake Hadley who were bludgeoned to death in their homes by a hammer and hidden in a room while their son had a party . When his father walked into the room, . Hadley told the friend that they locked eyes before he started beating . his father with the hammer, too. The boy took his parents' cell phones . away ahead of the attack so they couldn't call for help, according to . his friend's account. When it was over, and the parents . were dead, Hadley spent three hours cleaning up the blood, before . hosting dozens of friends while the bodies were hidden inside a bedroom. Hadley told the friend he was surprised how . long the clean-up took. Hadley is charged with murder in the . deaths of Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley and is being held without bond. His . public defender, Mark Harllee, entered a written not guilty plea on his . client's behalf on Wednesday, but said he couldn't comment further. Best friend: Michael Mandell claims Hadley confessed to the crimes and told him he was possessed by the devil and had taken three ecstasy tablets . 'We're still looking at all the facts and all the paperwork,' he said. It was reported yesterday Hadley confessed to a friend he was possessed by the devil and had taken three ecstasy tablets . before the murders. The teenager allegedly told Michael Mandell that he did it because of a . combination of rap music, constant fights with his parents and the fact . they had financial problems. There have been no suggestions as to what his motive may have been for the brutal murders until now. Speaking to Treasure Coast . Newspapers, Michael, who lives only a few doors away from the Hadleys . and said he has known the 17-year-old his whole life, recounts the . moment Hadley confessed to the crimes. Normality: This picture was taken of Michael and Hadley at the party on Saturday night when he had already killed his parents . He said: 'He asked me to stay there . until after everyone left to see them and I didn't want to. I went in . there and checked for myself. 'I opened the door. I saw bloody . sheets piled everywhere. I saw broken pictures with blood on them and I . looked down and I saw his dad's leg there.' Michael said that Hadley also told him that the 'devil had possessed him' and said if he was caught he would commit suicide. He also said he believed drugs was the motive. 'I feel like this kid that I've known . all my life, I don't know him. His family was my family,' Michael said. 'They were very good people. I . really don't see any motive besides drugs. 'He took three ecstasy pills before he did this. He said he couldn't do it sober. Family: Hadley's mother Mary-Jo and father Blake were found beaten to death with a hammer, which was lying between their bodies . Hadley, seen here in his booking photo, has been charged as an adult for the killings . 'After he told me, I didn't believe him because he's been my best friend forever. I would never suspect anything like this. 'I was looking around, he told me if I look enough I could see signs. I looked on the floor and could see signs of blood.' Authorities believe Hadley killed his parents with a 22-inch framing hammer before . using books, files and towels to cover their bodies after he sent out . the Facebook invitation to the party earlier that day. Micahel said that he was 'having a fun time at the party and acting as if everything was normal'. He even took a photo with his best friend, saying he thought it would be the last time they would see each other. Scene: Hadley allegedly killed his parents before hosting a party at the family home . The police came to the Hadley home at 4.20am on Sunday morning after they received a tip off. Michael said it was not him who called police as he was 'too shocked' and 'just felt sick'. Morgan . Noel, Michael's girlfriend, said: 'I remember him making a weird . statement like a couple months ago, that the devil has possessed him, . and he was going crazy.' Hadley will not face the death . penalty due to the fact he is a minor despite the fact he has been tried . on two counts of first-degree murder as an adult. He is likely to serve a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty. Chief Assistant State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl said: 'It’s simply off the table, it’s not a viable option. Clues: Port St Lucie Police crime scene investigators collect evidence from the Hadley home on Sunday after the bodies were found . Weapon: Police issued a picture of a hammer similar to the one they believed was used to kill the Hadleys . 'Despite . the fact that the case may otherwise in all respects warrant the death . penalty, we are prohibited from seeking it as a result of Hadley being . approximately six months short of his 18th birthday.' Hadley . was wearing a sleeveless black jail uniform as he appeared via video . conference from the St Lucie County Jail in front of a judge at the . courthouse. He spoke only . three times during the hearing - once when he was asked to confirm his . name, then to answer whether or not he had an attorney and when asked if . he had any questions when told he was denied bail. Medical examiners are continuing to carry out tests on the bodies throughout today and tomorrow. State attorney Bakkedahl . said the injuries suffered by the two victims, suggest the killings were . premeditated or committed during an angry rage. He . said: 'In my personal opinion, any time you have a murder, you have . some degree or rage, so that is really meaningless to me, but it’s . certainly significant. I mean it’s just incredible, the injuries.' The party went on from around 9pm to 3am and the police arrived after an anonymous tip off around 4.20am. Hadley had been 'nervous and panicky,' they said and there were beer cans strewn all over the garden. He initially told police his parents were out of town. Police then found the bodies of Mr and Mrs Hadley in the master bedroom where the door had been locked. Mrs Hadley, 47, is believed to have been killed first and then Mr Hadley, 54, afterwards. They were not, authorities believe, killed in the bedroom where their bodies were found. While is not clear what the motive for . the alleged killing was, a resident told WSVN News he had heard Hadley's . parents had refused to let the teen have a party. Similarly . one of the teens attending the party said to WOKV that the 17-year-old . killed his parents because they 'wouldn't let him throw a party.' The teen had dropped out of his high . school and the family was being sued for $15,000 after Hadley hit and . injured a child while driving a car registered to his father in June . 2010, according to court documents. Hadley has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. 'I've known Mary-Jo since she was in high school in Fort Lauderdale,' family friend Charlene Moses told WPTV. 'They are a nice family. The kids are always nice.' Tyler reportedly has an older brother who recently moved out the house. Blake Hadley was an employee of Florida Power & Light Co. and wife Mary Jo worked for 24 years as an elementary school teacher with the St. Lucie County School District. ### SUMMARY:

Unidentified friend told police mother screamed one final question as he bludgeoned her to death . Tyler Hadley told his best friend he took three ecstasy tablets before he murdered his parents . Claimed he was possessed by the devil . Said he would commit suicide if he was caught . Cited rap music and financial problems as motive . Was having fun and acting like nothing happened at party .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Neil Simpson . PUBLISHED: . 17:00 EST, 8 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:06 EST, 8 December 2012 . The problems started a couple of months after Judith Hitchins gave birth to her second son. ‘The first thing I noticed was some discomfort, but when I pressed on my tummy I could feel a lump – it was about the size of a ping-pong ball,’ recalls the 39-year-old from Warrington, Cheshire. ‘Obviously, I was worried – when you find a lump you instantly think cancer.’ Her GP referred her to an NHS gynaecologist, who said it was likely to be nothing but that it should be removed and tested to make sure. ‘They said this operation would allow them to make a proper diagnosis,’ says Judith. There would be a three-month wait to have surgery on the NHS – but in 2010, Judith had taken out private health insurance with PruHealth. ‘I was pleased I’d finally get to use it, and hoped I could be seen in a matter of weeks. That’s why you take out these policies,’ she says. Anger: Judith Hitchins, pictured with her sons Will and James, fought against her private health insurance company for six months over compensation . Judith contacted PruHealth, and during a conversation with a telephone operator mentioned that she had suffered from endometriosis in the past – a common condition that causes growths around the uterus. This admission triggered a chain of events that led to her claim being held up for six months, and ultimately being turned down. She managed to have the decision reversed – but only on the night before her operation. Judith says the whole experience was ‘incredibly stressful’ and made her question why she’d bothered to pay into a policy in the first place. And hers is not an isolated case. A perfect storm is brewing in Britain’s £5 billion-a-year private medical insurance industry. Premiums are rising, policyholder numbers are falling – and complaints about high charges and poor service have triggered an official investigation by watchdogs the Competition Commission. Health how-to: Make sure you are not caught unawares by the small print of your health insurance policy . In theory, private medical insurance . allows you to avoid NHS waiting lists and get treated where, when and by . whom you choose, ideally in your own room at a private hospital or on a . private NHS ward. But cover is being reduced on every type of policy. Those with comprehensive plans are being hit as firms slash the amount . they pay surgeons for carrying out popular procedures. A year ago Bupa paid private doctors up to £761 per eye for cataract surgery. Today it’s £289. It means many top surgeons are no longer available to Bupa customers. If policyholders want to see them, they have to pay the difference. The Financial Services Ombudsman has seen . a surge in complaints from policyholders over shrinking lists of . approved surgeons and hospitals, rising premiums and the availability of . new or ‘experimental’ cancer drugs. There are many arguments over the . small print that governs what will and won’t be covered. In Judith’s . case, it was her honesty about having suffered a possibly related . pre-existing condition that caused her problems. She . says: ‘In the months after my first conversation with a telephone . operator, I called at least eight times, always having to start from the . beginning with someone new. ‘They said they covered only diagnostic procedures, which this was. But because I’d mentioned my pre-existing condition, they said the op was a treatment for that, which wouldn’t be covered. In fact, the doctors just didn’t know what the lump was, and all this time I was worried and in pain. They told me “We have to be careful of fraudulent claims”, which made me even more angry.’ In the end Judith, 39, who lives with her husband Chris and two boys, James, four, and nine-month-old Will, turned to their insurance broker, which called PruHealth on her behalf and got approval for the procedure. Then, in September, two days before her operation, the insurer called again to say her claim had been declined. ‘I’d mentioned the position of the lump – close to my caesarean scar – to their rep. The guy explained that it had been decided the problem was related to the birth, and therefore not covered. I just exploded. They’d only got all this information because I was honest when answering questions.’ Judith went back to her broker, who successfully intervened a second time, and the operation went ahead. ‘I got the green light the night before the op. The lump was benign, but the whole process was utterly stressful.’ Brian Walters, of medical insurance broker Regency Health in Cheltenham, helped Judith get her claim paid. He says her case shows how important it is to have someone on your side in the event of a dispute. ‘Brokers can be your advocate and should have the contacts and the inside knowledge to pursue your claim effectively,’ he explains. David Priestley, at PruHealth says: . ‘We try to make every claim as smooth as possible but sometimes we need . extra information from policyholders and professionals so claims can’t . always be agreed in a single phone conversation. However, in this . instance our claims process was not up to its usual high standards for . which we are very sorry.’ If . you don’t have access to an independent broker, the best advice is to . be cautious when you contact your insurer and to simply read out the . details on your referral rather than talking to – and risking getting . tripped up by – the phone operator. The . world of health insurance has become a minefield. To help, we have . quizzed insurance insiders, doctors and patients to take the temperature . of an industry on the edge of a crisis. Plenty . of Britons say private medical insurance has saved their lives. Access . to the right specialists at the right time can make any premiums worth . paying. But critics say . policies promise more than they deliver, with confusing small print. So . how do you choose and make the best of a private provider? No cover: Cystic fibrosis sufferer Cavan Arrowsmith . Cavan Arrowsmith knows that claiming on private medical insurance won’t be easy – because it’s been hard enough getting quotes in the first place. Cavan, 26, is an IT technologist for a mortgage company in Birmingham. He’s fit and healthy – but because he has cystic fibrosis, policies are only ever offered on special terms. He says: ‘The big providers such as Aviva, Axa and Bupa won’t cover anything related to that pre-existing condition. 'I’m happy using the NHS to keep my CF in check but I’m concerned that any illness or disease in later life won’t be covered because of it.’ Most insurers say pre-existing conditions can start to be covered after at least two problem-free years. As something like CF may require changing treatment, it may never lose its ‘pre-existing’ tag. Cavan is now discussing policies with an independent broker – and experts say he is right to get help. ‘Nowadays it is all but impossible for consumers to make a reliable comparison when they buy private medical insurance. It is complicated at the best of times and individual medical circumstances add a further layer of complexity,’ says broker Brian Walters. Paying out: Gretchen Pierce . Gretchen Pierce, 45, made a successful claim for foot surgery via Axa in 2011, and chose a surgeon who had performed a metatarsal operation for Wayne Rooney. Gretchen’s operation was a success and she was soon back at work promoting London’s museums to tourists. But her policy stopped paying out when she reached the £1,000 limit for physiotherapy, even though she needed four extra sessions at £90 a time. Private prescriptions weren’t covered either so Gretchen, left, spent almost £100 on painkillers. Sarah Pennells of SavvyWoman financial advisers, says: ‘Insurers put a lot of emphasis on the things they cover and skate over the things they don’t. 'As a consumer you need to think about the full picture when you decide on a policy.’ ### SUMMARY:

Judith Hitchins, 39, had private health insurance but found it difficult to claim compensation . Company PruHealth claimed that Judith's condition was pre-existing as well as a result of child-birth and refused to pay . Complete guide to avoid being ripped off on private health insurance .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 08:14 EST, 2 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:48 EST, 2 January 2013 . A teenager's spoof version of Gangnam Style - called Norfolk Style - has become an internet sensation with more than 250,000 views in just five days on YouTube. Wyll James, 16, changed the words of the smash hit to sing the praises of life in his home county with lyrics about driving tractors, milking cows and eating hot stew. The sixth former filmed himself singing the parody last Thursday with his friend Mateo Jarvis, 16, who is half Filipino, performing Gangnam Style dance moves. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Teenager Wyll James' spoof version of Gangnam Style, called Norfolk Style, has become an internet sensation with more than 250,000 views in just five days on YouTube . The 16 year old changed the words of the smash hit to sing the praises of life in his home county with lyrics about driving tractors, milking cows and eating hot stew . Wyll wrote, recorded and edited the video during his Christmas holidays and saw it clock up more than 150,000 views on YouTube in just three days . The original Gangnam Style video shows Korean rapper Psy dancing with glamorous women and has become the most watched video on YouTube with 1.1 billion views. But Wyll made his version, sung in a Norfolk accent, in half an hour with the help of his metal worker father Andrew, 54, in the garden of his grandmother's rural home in Bunwell, Norfolk. While the real song repeats the words 'Hey pretty lady', Wyll - who admits the song is a tongue in cheek look at the many stereotypes given to his home county - sings 'Hey inbred lady' as a cheeky reference to a joke that East Anglia people are inbred. The teenager pokes fun at Norfolk's love of a 'nice hot brew' Wyll admits the song is a tongue in cheek look at the many stereotypes given to his home county - including that residents enjoy drinking cider . He swaps the words to talk of his fellow countymen's love of a 'nice hot stew' His . song has the chorus: 'Cuttin' trees down, and drivin' tractors, that's . what I like, that's what I like, and that's just the way I Iike to live . my life - we got Norfolk Style.' Sittin' on a hay bail in the middle of a fieldWaitin' for my dinner tatas (potatoes) already been peeledSittin' in my garden with a mug of nice hot brewThere is nothing better than a nice hot stew . I like welly bootsI like milking cows and sometimes even goatsI can't read or spell or even write a noteDon't go out nowhere without my old ripped coatWithout my coat . Cuttin' trees down And driving tractorsThat's what I like, that's what I like . Cuttin' trees downAnd driving tractorsThat's what I like, that's what I likeAnd that's just the way I like to live my life . We got Norfolk StyleHey Inbred lady . Walking through the farmyard with my country boys behind meWe just cleaned our landrovers and now they are so shinyWe like homemade cider but don't like the taste of wineWe get p***** and do it all the time . My favourite thing is stringGot a problem, it can fix pretty much everythingI like digging holes which i can plant things inI fix my barn roof with corrugated tinCorrugated tin . Cuttin' trees down And driving tractorsThat's what I like, that's what I like . Cuttin' trees down And driving tractorsThat's what I like, that's what I likeAnd that's just the way I like to live my life . We got Norfolk StyleHey Inbred lady . I love a great big roast and love my brussel sproutsGravy, gravy lathered on without a doubt . I'm on a hunting trip, shooting with the ladsWe like killing things, you must think we are mad . You know what I'm saying . We got Norfolk StyleHey Inbred lady . Wyll . of Norwich, uploaded it to YouTube on Friday, posting links to all his . friends on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter and had 2,500 . views within a few hours. The . video took off after the link to it was re-tweeted by Norwich City . striker Grant Holt and former Norwich City and Leicester player Darren . Eadie. It rapidly became a hit around the world with people viewing it as far away as Australia and South Africa. Wyll's video was trending as the most . popular music video on YouTube on Sunday and Monday and by this morning . it had been viewed 254,361 times. His spoof is the latest in a string . of Gangnam Style parodies to be posted on YouTube including one by . pupils at Eton which has been viewed nearly 3m times. Last week teachers at a school in . Accrington, Lancashire were criticised by a councillor for 'undermining' their pupils' respect for them by posting their Gangnam Style dance . moves. A hospital in . Toronto, Canada, also came under fire after a version of the song was . performed by staff in its maternity department. Wyll . said: 'Gangnam Style was the biggest song of last year - but there . weren't any Norfolk parodies on YouTube, so I thought I'd give it a go. 'It took me a couple of evenings to write the words. I just wanted to celebrate Norfolk and how it is a great place to live. 'My . father's family come from the countryside and you can't beat it. I . filmed it at my nan's because I wanted to give the video a rural feel. 'The . response to it has been absolutely amazing. I only did it as a bit of a . joke - but now I have got over quarter of a million hits. It is just . incredible. 'I've tried to get as many funny Norfolk stereotypes in there as possible, and I've had really good responses so far. 'The . reaction we've had to it is just crazy. I was a bit worried about using . the 'inbred lad' line, but people just see that as a joke. 'The . positive comments have just confirmed that it is a bit of fun. Nobody . has taken real offence and most people seem to see the humorous side. 'A small number of people have criticised it, but they are generally from outside Norfolk. 'I have posted a few videos before of me messing around, but they have only had about 50 views each.' Wyll said his video was viewed 300 times within two hours of him uploading it on Friday evening.He . added: 'When I got home it was just over 1,000 and by the morning it . had doubled to 2,500 and within 24 hours it had reached 45,000. 'Within . a couple of days it was on the front page of YouTube as one of their . featured videos and it was the most trending music video.' Wyll is already considering a follow-up video to capitalise on the success of Norfolk Style, but says he will take his time.He . said: 'I haven't got a clue what it will be yet, but I want it to make . it a good one. At the moment I'm still enjoying what we've done. I've . been on the laptop for three days straight. 'I thought we'd missed the boat a bit, because there have been so many other parodies, but it's still popular. 'It's such a strange feeling, thinking that people from Australia and South Africa have been watching a video we made.' The sixth former filmed himself singing the parody last Thursday with his friend Mateo Jarvis, 16, who is half Filipino performing Gangnam Style dance moves . The original Gangnam Style video shows Korean rapper Psy dancing with glamorous women and has become the most watched video on YouTube with 1.1billion views . Footage courtesy of Wyll James on YouTube . ### SUMMARY:

Wyll James changed the words of the smash hit to sing the praises of life in his home county . The original hit shows Korean rapper Psy dancing with glamorous women . But Wyll's is about driving tractors, milking cows and eating hot stew .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Meghan Keneally and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 15:49 EST, 25 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:36 EST, 26 December 2012 . The President and First Lady wished the troops a merry Christmas with a visit to a U.S. Marine base on Tuesday. His appearance with servicemen at a Christmas ceremony was his last public stop in Hawaii before he cuts short his vacation and flies back to Washington to return to negotiations over the fiscal cliff. Barack Obama is expected to arrive in Washington early Thursday, the White House said Tuesday night. Michelle Obama and the couple's two daughters will remain in Hawaii. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Honoring the troops: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited Marines eating Christmas dinner at Marine Corps Base Hawaii . Nice to meet you: Obama personally thanked many of the Marines for their service to the nation . In the past, the president's end-of-the-year holiday in his native state had stretched into the new year. The first family had left Washington last Friday night. Congress has been expected to return to Washington late Thursday. Before he departed for Hawaii, Obama told reporters he expected to be back in the capital the following week. Automatic budget cuts and tax increases are set to begin on January 1, which many economists say could send the country back into recession. So far, the president and congressional Republicans have been unable to reach agreement on any alternatives. Lawmakers have expressed little but pessimism for the prospect of an agreement coming before the New Year. On Sunday, Sen Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Texas Republican, said she expects any action in the waning days of the year to be 'a patch because in four days we can't solve everything.' Celebrity: The troops and their families lined to take photos of the Commander in Chief and meet him in person . Keeper: Many of the Marines left with a souvenir photo of President and Mrs Obama . The Obamas were spending the holiday at a rented home near Honolulu. On Christmas Day, the president and first lady visited with Marines to express thanks for their service. 'One of my favorite things is always coming to base on Christmas Day just to meet you and say thank you,' the president said at Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Anderson Hall. He said that being commander in chief was his greatest honor as president. Obama took photos with individual service members and their families. On Christmas Eve, Obama called members of the military to thank them for serving the nation, then joined his family for dinner, the White House said. The Obamas opened gifts Christmas morning, ate breakfast and sang carols. Honored: Obama serving as the leader of U.S. forces is the greatest honor of being president . Morale booster: Mr and Mrs Obama took time out of their Christmas to thank the troops for serving and offer them support . Friends were joining the Obamas for Christmas dinner Tuesday night, the White House said. President Obama and his wife Michelle celebrated Christmas from their tropical Hawaii getaway as they released a more festive looking picture of themselves onto their Twitter feed. Despite leaving for Mr. Obama's home state of on Friday, the pair released the seasonal picture to the White House twitter feed today and spoke together during the weekly presidential address of how much they enjoy a White House Christmas. Both the president and his wife spoke of the joy at spending the Holidays with loved ones and paid a special tribute to the men and women of the armed forces - serving abroad with their families in Afghanistan and in other deployments across the globe. Phoning in: Mrs Obama took phone calls on Christmas Eve from Children across the country as they helped track Santa Claus with the help of NORAD . 'Michelle and I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays': President Obama and his wife Michelle released this picture of them speaking during the weekly address from the White House on December 21st . 'So this week let’s give thanks for our veterans and their families,' the president said in this week's weekly address with his wife at his side. 'And let’s say a prayer for all our troops -- especially those in Afghanistan -- who are spending this holiday overseas, risking their lives to defend the freedoms we hold dear. Michelle Obama also urged Americans to think of military families. 'Across this country, military spouses have been raising their families all alone during those long deployments,' she said. 'And let’s not forget about our military kids, moving from base to base -- and school to school -- every few years, and stepping up to help out at home when mom or dad is away.' President Obama also spoke of the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast of America and the massacre of 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut. 'And this year, I know many of you are extending that kindness to the families who are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Sandy and your prayers to the people of Newtown, Connecticut.,' he said. Arriving in Hawaii after a busy Friday in Washington, the president have been playing golf with his friends, traveling to the gym at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe and of course relaxing on the beach. He will probably be taking stock ahead of his second term inauguration in January after which he will have to confront some of the big issues that will cement or transform his legacy. Some of the big issues awaiting the president's decisions are familiar, long-simmering problems. They include immigration and the need for a tenable balance between taxes, spending and borrowing. President Barack Obama waves from the window of his motorcade vehicle as he returns from a workout at Marine Corp Base Hawaii, yesterday . Another issue, gun control, jumped to the national agenda's top tier this month following the massacre of first-graders and teachers in a Connecticut school. And the issue of climate change remains unresolved. Veteran politicians and presidential historians say it's almost impossible for Obama to "go big" on all these issues. Indeed, it might prove difficult to go big on even one. While some counsel caution, others urge the president to be as bold and ambitious as possible. That wasn't the case when she recently read Twas The Night Before Christmas at a Washington area children's hospital. As she sat down on stage to begin reading the classic tale to the tiny tots, Bo the First Dog jumped right up on his mother's lap. Unexpected: Though she knew Bo was at the vent, the First Lady clearly didn't expect the dog to get up on her lap . Making sure he can see: Michelle Obama held the book out in front of Bo so that he could 'read' along with her and the children during the recent Christmas event . He seemed quite comfy as well, since he didn't move from the position throughout the seven minute session. Bo is significantly larger than the former First Dog, Barney, who was a small Scottish terrier, and Portuguese Water Dogs can weigh up to 55 pounds. That was no matter for Michelle, however, as she gamefully played along and even jokingly held the book out so that the 4-year-old pup could 'read' along. Though the First Lady visited the Children's National Medical Center on December 14, the video was not released until Christmas Eve, in keeping with the theme of the story. Bo is a part of many of the White House traditions during the holidays, as he served as a sort of 'Waldo' figure throughout the decorations, with mini figurines in his likeness scattered throughout the many displays and 54 live trees. Mrs Obama explained the reason why they used Bo repeatedly is because it was an easy theme for young visitors to catch on to during their tours and they can be given the task of spotting Bo in each of the rooms. He's got a friend: The little boy sitting next to Michelle made sure to stroke the dog throughout . He also kept up the tradition- started by President Bush's pet Barney- of doing a video tour of the decorations throughout the White House that is then posted online for people to view in case they are not among the lucky thousands who tour it in person. This is definitely not the first year that the holiday spotlight turned to Bo, as he has been the sole subject of each of the first family's Christmas cards since Barack took office in 2009. ### SUMMARY:

Both the president and his wife spoke of . the joy at spending the Holidays with loved ones and paid a special . tribute to the men and women of the armed forces . President Obama also spoke of the impact . of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast of America and the massacre of 26 . people at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in Newtown, Connecticut .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Lydia Warren . PUBLISHED: . 09:09 EST, 9 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:48 EST, 9 May 2013 . Ariel Castro kept his former wife tied up in his basement and whipped her with dog chains, according to her former boyfriend, foreshadowing the horrific crimes he would later allegedly inflict on his three captives. Fernando Colon, who welcomed Castro's wife Nilda Figueroa into his home after she left her abusive husband, said that the man would viciously kick her in the stomach while she was pregnant. Castro similarly beat his kidnapped victims, Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight and Gina DeJesus, after he raped them and they fell pregnant, according to reports. He has been charged with three counts of rape and four counts of kidnapping after Berry managed to escape the Cleveland home on Monday and alerted authorities to their horrendous plight. 'Abuse': Ariel Castro, left, who has been . arrested for allegedly imprisoning three missing girls for ten years, also locked his wife, Nilda Figueroa (right), in the basement and beat her, a former boyfriend has said . Speaking to the New York Post, Colon recounted the treatment Figueroa, who passed away last year, allegedly suffered at the hands of her former husband. 'He kept her tied up in the basement,' he said. 'He used to whip her with dog chains. She wasn’t allowed to go out... He pretty much kept her locked up in there.' He added that Castro would push her down the stairs and kick her in an attempt to abort her babies. Even after she underwent brain surgery, Castro would hit her in the head, Colon said. Court records from 2005 claim that Figueroa suffered two broken noses, shattered ribs, a blood clot on the brain, a knocked-out tooth and two dislocated shoulders at the hands of her former husband. Beaten: Grimilda Figueroa, pictured in a family photo, allegedly suffered broken noses, teeth and ribs . The documents, which emerged this week, also claim that Castro . 'frequently abducts his daughters and keeps them from mother' and would . frequently threaten to kill Figueroa. 'Former crimes': Ariel Castro was arrested in 1993 for domestic abuse but was not indicted . Colon worked at the hospital where Figueroa was frequently sent for treatment for her injuries and, moved by what he saw, he invited her to live with him and his parents, he said. They went on to have a child, which infuriated Castro and he accused Colon of molesting his daughters. When the case ended up in court, Castro's son said it was lies, Colon said. The judge dropped the charges but Colon still served three years probation. Colon said that authorities once questioned whether he was responsible for the disappearances of the girls, but that he countered they should look at Castro instead. He told the Post that police never followed up on his suggestion. The 2005 filing, which lists Figueroa's injuries, asked the court to . pass a protection order banning Castro from contacting his former wife or their . children and from harassing them. It requested that a judge 'keep [Castro] from threatening to kill [Figueroa]', The Plain Dealer reported, claiming that he had threatened to kill her three or four times already that year. Figueroa's brother, Jose, told RadarOnline that he believes Castro's treatment of his former wife caused her to die. She passed away from brain cancer in April last year. House of horrors: In a photograph taken in 2001, suspect Ariel Castro stands with a former girlfriend in front of a padlocked door, which led to the basement where he allegedly kept the girls . 'I believe he murdered my sister,' he said. 'He abused her for years. She had multiple instances of serious head trauma and it created a brain tumor in her head.' Of the treatment, Jose added: 'My sister was in hell living with him. She was trapped there and there was nothing we could do. She was afraid of him.' Police records show that Castro was arrested for domestic violence in 1993, but that a grand jury declined to indict him. But in 1996, she escaped to a woman's shelter with the couple's children, Angie, Emily, Anthony and Rosie. In January 1997, she was awarded full custody of the children. After . the 2005 filing, a temporary protection order was granted instructing . Castro to stay away from the family. It also banned him from owning a . deadly weapon, using drugs or alcohol. In court: Ariel Castro was formally charged with kidnapping and raping the three women on Thursday . Locked up: Castro talks with his public defender, Kathleen DeMetz, during his arraignment on the charges . Castro signed it but it was dismissed two months . later when Figueroa's lawyer was unable to attend a scheduled . hearing in the case due to another court commitment, The Telegraph reported. Speaking to MailOnline, one of . Castro's sons, Anthony, depicted his father as a violent, controlling . man who nearly beat his mother to death in 1993 while she was recovering . from brain surgery. 'Having that relationship with my dad all these years when we lived in a . house where there was domestic violence and I was beaten as well... we . never were really close because of that,' he said. In 1996, Castro was accused of . pulling a fence post from a neighbor's property amid a dispute and the . neighbor's six-year-old daughter later fell in the hole and hurt . herself. Castro, who said in court documents he had called police repeatedly about the neighbor, was ordered to pay $241 in damages. Locked up: Three missing women were found at this home, owned by Castro, in Cleveland on Monday . Found: Gina DeJesus, left, was just 14 when she . vanished in 2004, while another alleged victim Amanda Berry, right, was . 16 when she went missing in 2003. Both women were found on Monday . Missing: Michelle Knight, now 32, was also found inside the home, nearly 11 years after she went missing . On . Monday, Castro was arrested along with his two brothers after three . women who had allegedly been held captive at his Cleveland home for a . decade were found by authorities. Amanda Berry, 26, who disappeared in 2003, was heard screaming by a neighbor, who helped her escape through a screen door. She used a neighbor's phone to call 911. Gina Dejesus, 23, who went missing in 2004, and Michelle Knight, 32, who vanished in 2002, were also found alive at the home. They were taken to hospital with a six-year-old girl, who was born to Berry while she was in captivity. It appears that his treatment of his wife was just the beginning of the horror he inflicted on women. Police confirmed on Wednesday that they found ties and chains inside the home to restrain the girls, while the victims allegedly suffered miscarriages after being assaulted and then beaten at the home. Probe: Members of the FBI evidence response team carry out evidence from the home on Tuesday . Local police sources revealed that . Ariel Castro would use a sick game to 'train' the three girls not to run . away by pretending to leave the house, only to beat them if they tried . to run free. This is said to be just one of the manipulative tactics he used to keep the three young women in his house for up to ten years, in addition to frequent beatings and chains hanging from the ceiling. He also reportedly turned the home into a 'fortress' by setting up a stockade round the back. He used chicken wire and blue tarpaulin to make an eight-foot high fence and let the trees and bushes go overgrown so nobody could see in. ### SUMMARY:

Castro 'kicked Grimilda Figueroa in the stomach when she was pregnant' Alleged treatment foreshadows the crimes 'he inflicted on his captives' 2005 court filing claims she suffered two broken noses, a blood clot on the brain, shattered ribs and a knocked-out tooth at the hands of Castro . Documents: He 'frequently abducts his daughters from his mother' Figueroa's brother says he believes the abuse killed her; she died last year .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: PUBLISHED: . 09:30 EST, 27 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:48 EST, 27 January 2014 . Lib Dem councillor Eleanor Scott has quit the group in Portsmouth in protest at the party's handling of the Mike Hanock allegations . A senior Lib Dem councillor has quit the party group over its handling of allegations against MP Mike Hancock. Eleanor Scott resigned from the Lib Dem group on Portsmouth City Council, accusing her party of turning the scandal into a 'game show'. It comes as the party effectively deselected Mr Hancock, announcing it was looking for a candidate to stand in the 2015 election. Nick Clegg’s leadership faced a fresh . crisis last week after revelations that Mr Hancock . sexually harassed a vulnerable constituent. Mr Clegg said the first he . knew about the crisis was when he saw a report by an independent QC into . the claims. The party only suspended Mr Hancock last week, three years after allegations against him first surfaced. Mr Hancock, who denies any wrongdoing, . resigned the party whip in parliament last year, but was still sitting . as a Lib Dem local councillor. After . a Hampshire police investigation concluded there was no case to answer, . Portsmouth City Council launched an inquiry into whether Mr Hancock had . breached the council's code of conduct, but that has now been put on . hold pending the outcome of the civil court action. The . report, carried out by Nigel Pascoe QC for the council, found . ‘compelling’ evidence of ‘serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour’ towards a vulnerable woman constituent. She suffered a mental health disorder and had been sexually abused as a child. Now Cllr Scott, who has represented Fratton - the same ward as Mr Hancock - since 2002, has resigned from the Lib Dem group on the council in protest. She told the Mail: ‘I remain a Liberal Democrat Party member, and committed to being a councillor and Portsmouth. ‘I hope that others involved in the Group’s decision On Friday will reflect on their positions, and do the right thing. We need to run a city, not a game show.' Cllr . Scott added: ‘I have previously raised concerns with Liberal Democrat . Party headquarters in London, and I trust that they will concede that . they need to give me, and others here, support to clean out the Augean . Stables.’ Lib Dem MP Mike Hancock, pictured leaving his home in Porchester, Hampshire, is accused of making unwanted advances towards a constituent . Other Lib Dems in Portsmouth have . continued to voice support for Mr Hancock, accusing the party leadership . of suspending him without due process. On Friday Mr Clegg insisted he had taken firm action against Mr Hanock: ‘When I was given the . specific allegations at the beginning of last year I immediately asked . our chief whip to investigate. As a result Mike Hancock ceased to be a . Lib Dem MP. ‘When those . allegations were then supported by the QC's report that has come to . light this week again we acted immediately and Mike Hancock has been . suspended from the Lib Dems altogether.’ However, today it emerged that the woman who has made claims against Mr Hancock wrote to Mr Clegg in March 2011, saying: 'He cannot be trusted and he is a liability to women, public and also your party. Stop the behaviour from him and his staff and whoever is involved with Mr Hancock as this is holy wrong. And please reply to this letter as it is very important to me that I get answers from you.' A leaked tape recording shows Number 10 staff confirming the letter had been released and it would be passed on to Mr Clegg's political office. Now the party has moved to effectively de-select Mr Hancock. The local Liberal Democrat group has announced they are in the process of selecting a candidate for the next general election. Simon Dodd, chairman of Portsmouth Liberal Democrats, has said that although the local party believed Mr Hancock had the right to respond to the allegations against him, they were still considering his future. He said: 'The Executive has clearly reconfirmed its belief in natural justice and the right of Mike Hancock to fully respond in due course to the allegations made against him. We reiterate our belief that it is for the court to reach its conclusions based on all the evidence. 'The Executive is continuing the process of selecting parliamentary candidates for Portsmouth North and Portsmouth South constituencies to stand at the general election in May 2015 and will be continuing our efforts to contest all wards in the city in the upcoming elections in May 2014.' But Mr Hancock insisted he would not be forced out by the party. He told Portsmouth newspaper The News: 'I'll make the decision whether I stand as an MP or not when I decide, not when people are trying to make a decision when they know it will be impossible for me to be involved in it. 'I don't think that it's a very fair thing to do. I'd have thought they at least owed me that to wait for the civil case.' Meanwhile Mr Clegg continues to face questions about his handling of allegations against Lord Rennard, the former chief executive who denies inappropriate behaviour towards female activists. Fear: Friends of the embattled Lord Rennard have warned he could expose Liberal Democrat sex scandals if he is expelled from the party . Friends of the embattled peer have warned he could expose Liberal Democrat sex scandals if he is expelled from the party. Lord Rennard - who has denied allegations of sexual harassment - could go ‘nuclear’ if party leader Nick Clegg stops him from re-joining the party. Lord Rennard became active with the Lib Dems as an orphaned teen and has devoted his entire life to the party. Now friends feel he has been treated ‘cruelly’ and could retaliate if he is shut out permanently. He could reveal secrets, such as claims like that of a former MP who was known to be a persistent sex pest, the liaison between a Lib Dem peer and married MP, and details of gay affairs between peers and MPs, according to the Sunday Times. A spokesman for Lord Rennard declined to comment last night. The Lib Dem peer has kept silent in the last few days, as have the women who made allegations against him. According to one source, he has a ‘little black book’ filled with many politician and activists’ darkest secrets. The Lib Dem, who did not wish to be named, said that most of in the party ‘lived in fear’ of the Svengali-like figure because their careers - and family life - depended on him. The source said: ‘He is often offered up as a shoulder to cry on so everyone has off-loaded their skeletons on to him. But he has all their dirty little secrets apparently stored in a little black book. It’s no wonder that it’s taken ten years for anyone to confront him.’ Crisis management: Lord Rennard was also at the centre of managing other Lib Dem crises such as the discovery that Mark Oaten (left) had hired a rent boy and the extra-marital affairs of Lord Ashdown (right) Lord Rennard was also at the centre of . managing other Lib Dem crises such as the discovery that former MP Mark . Oaten had hired a rent boy and the extra-marital affairs of Lord Ashdown . when he was party leader. He was also chief executive at the time that former party leader Charles Kennedy resigned after his drinking habit was exposed. Another Lib Dem source revealed: ‘He is the mastermind of many of the dirty tricks campaigns during elections that we have, rightly or wrongly, become known for. Loyal: Lord Rennard became active with the Lib Dems as an orphaned teen and has devoted his entire life to the party . He once suggested printing a . photograph of an opponent’s house on a leaflet to point out that he did . not live in the constituency. This was vetoed.’ But . sources close to party leader Nick Clegg have called it a ‘grubby . threat’ and warned that ‘it is this sort of thing that got us into this . mess in the first place...it’s time to move past it.’ An independent mediator is being appointed by the Lib Dems to try and broker a truce between both sides. ### SUMMARY:

Eleanor Scott takes swipe at party over claims against MP Mike Hancock . She urges Nick Clegg to clear the party's 'Augean . Stables' of scandal . Friends of peer Lord Rennard say he could go 'nuclear' if he kicked out . They feel Lord Rennard has been treated 'cruelly' and could retaliate .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Anna Edwards . AND KELLY STRANGE . Terminally ill with lung cancer, Lisa Russell vowed to give her two daughters the best year of their lives. The 37-year-old dinner lady and her partner Anthony got married and blew their savings on three luxury family holidays. Lisa even planned her own funeral and wrote goodbye letters for her daughters to open after she died. Lisa was told she had terminal lung cancer and was given only 18 months to live. Pictured with husband Anthony, daughters Chloe and Georgia (left) she spent her savings on holidays to make memories for the family . Lisa, pictured having her head shaved off after beginning treatment, was told that her tumour had shrunk . But three years after the diagnosis, Lisa's death sentence was lifted — as her cancer unexpectedly disappeared. The mother, who had already undergone a hysterectomy to beat cervical cancer, said: 'I’d been saying goodbye and preparing for the end. It was heartbreaking to tell my daughters Mummy was going to die. 'I was very young when I lost my mother. The thought of them growing up without me was devastating. 'Telling them I wasn't going anywhere was the best moment of my life.' When Lisa, from Oldham, got a chesty cough she put it down to smoking ten cigarettes a day. Only when it failed to shift in 2009 did she visit her GP. She was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) — unrelated to her earlier illness and rare in a woman her age. It's 94 per cent death rate is one of cancer's highest. Lisa was told her cancer was inoperable — but that chemotherapy could give her another 18 months with her family. Lisa's biggest fear was that her girls, Chloe and Georgia — then 13 and eight — would not remember her. The best gift ever: Lisa was thrilled to tell her daughters that the cancer tumour had shrunk and doctors could not longer find it . Lisa was determined to make sure her daughters remembered her, after she grew up without a mother and father as they passed away when she was young . Lisa and Anthony with their daughters on their wedding day, which they organised in six weeks after learning of the dinner lady's condition . She says: 'I hated the thought of my kids having their childhood without a mother, like I had. 'I was only five when she took her own life after battling depression. I only had one photo of my mum. 'Then, when I was 13, my dad died of a heart attack. I was raised by my wonderful older siblings. 'They gave me a great childhood but I still missed having a mum. I was distraught to think my children would forget me. 'I didn’t want history to repeat itself so I vowed to create as many wonderful memories for my daughters as possible.' Knowing she would lose her hair during treatment, Lisa organised a sponsored head shave on her 34th birthday, raising £4,000 for The Christie Hospital in Manchester, where she was being treated. She vowed to spend her money on creating happy memories for her daughters with her partner Anthony, spending £2,000 on a holiday to Lanzarote, £3,000 on a break in Bulgaria and £6,000 on a luxurious trip to Turkey. Lisa, seen here in Turkey with her daughter, says she has learned the importance of living life to the full after enduring cancer twice . They married - with their daughters watching their father propose - and spent £4,000 on their ceremony. In January 2010, Lisa and Anthony, from Oldham, flew to Lanzarote on a belated honeymoon — again taking the girls with them. 'We splashed out on a luxury villa using our wedding present money and savings. 'It was impossible to forget about the cancer but seeing the girls play in the sea and play on the beach was fantastic. 'Again, I knew they were memories they would never forget and I wanted to create more.' Todl by a consultant that there was no hope for a recovery, Lisa booked another holiday to Bulgaria in May 2010, costing £4,000. Lisa took her family to Turkey to stay at a five star resort, spending £6,000 on the luxury holiday. She says that she does not mind spending so much because the family came away with happy memories . Lisa, pictured with her husband, moments before having her hair shaved off. The dinner lady says she just wanted to spend time with her family before she died . With Anthony working as an electrician and Lisa unable to work, money was tight. But the couple vowed to blow what little they had left making memories for the girls. Lisa says: 'You don’t care about money when you are dying, just your family spending time together. 'I didn't want their memories of me to be in hospital. I wanted them to be happy, carefree memories.' They spent more money on meals with friends and days out with the girls — before splashing out another £6,000 on a five-star, all-inclusive break in Turkey in September, 2010. Lisa says: 'It was the trip of a lifetime. I knew they'd never forget it.' By the time she returned home, Lisa had already lived past the 18-month prognosis. She continued to have check-ups every three months without any change in the outlook. Lisa wrote goodbye letters to her daughters and husband, telling them how much she loved them and assuring them she would always watch over them. She tucked them away with instructions to be opened after her death. Lisa says: 'I wanted them to know I would always be with them, regardless.' But her words were to come true in a way she could never have imagined. The mother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer after beating cervical cancer, a condition that is rare in a woman her age . Told by a consultant that there was no hope for a recovery, Lisa booked holidays and wrote goodbye letters to her children and husband . Lisa, pictured here with Georgia, in London, waa raised by her older siblings after her parents died when she was a child . In April last year — three years after her original diagnosis — she went for a routine biopsy — and was given the astonishing news that her tumour had shrunk so much the doctors couldn’t find it. 'My mouth fell wide open,' she recalls. 'I couldn’t believe it. The doctors couldn’t either. My death sentence had been lifted. 'Nobody could predict this would happen. Everyone at The Christie Hospital was amazing. I can’t thank them enough. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a . fast-growing type of lung cancer and spreads much more quickly than . non-small cell lung cancer. About 15 per cent of all lung cancer cases are SCLC, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It is slightly more common in men than women. Symptoms include bloody phlegm, chest pain, a cough, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, weight loss and wheezing. 'I can’t believe how lucky I am. I was just laughing and said to my husband, ‘Thank goodness we still have a few quid left, because I’m not dying’. 'The funny thing is, I never really felt ill apart from when I was having treatment. It was the chemotherapy that made me feel sick and tired.' Later, she revealed the good news to her daughters. She says: 'They asked for the letters I wrote when I was dying but I said no. It was too painful. 'My youngest said if I wasn’t dying, they didn't need an "I'm sorry I died" card any more. 'I burst out laughing. Typical of kids to put things so bluntly. I’m still laughing because I feel so lucky. Only six per cent of SCLC patients survive. 'When my daughters were born, I promised them I would always be there — and I intend to keep that promise. I’ve beaten cancer twice now. 'Anthony was made redundant recently so we could have done with the money now. But I don’t regret what we did. 'Being told I was dying taught me how short life can be — it needs to be lived.' A spokesperson for the Christie Hospital said: 'Lisa has done incredibly well. Everybody here at Christie's is delighted for her. 'There is of course always a risk that the cancer could come back so we are keeping a very close eye on her.' ### SUMMARY:

Lisa Russell spent her savings on her wedding and holidays to Bulgaria, Turkey and Lanzarote . Mother was determined to make memories for her children, so they would not forget her . Three years after diagnosis, doctors told her tumour had shrunk .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Madlen Davies for MailOnline . A toddler who suffered six cardiac arrests before his first birthday has made a miraculous recovery thanks to a pioneering operation. One-year-old Joshua Newman was born three months prematurely with a severe heart condition that left him fighting for his life. After suffering six cardiac arrests - four of them at just two hours old – doctors performed an operation that had never before been carried out on a baby so small. After 22 weeks in hospital Joshua has recovered and is now at home with his family in Chelmsford, Essex. Joshua Newman, one, of Chelmsford, Essex has recovered after suffering six cardiac arrests before his first birthday due to congenital heart disease . Doctors at the Royal Brompton hospital in London were unable to give Joshua's parents survival odds as the surgery he needed to widen his artery had not been performed there before on babies so young . It took Suzy Newman, 37, and her husband Alan eight years to conceive Joshua with IVF treatment. At the 20-week scan she was told her baby had a heart condition and would need surgery as soon as he was born. But, she said that did not prepare her for what happened when her son was born. She said: ‘When Joshua was born it felt like a nightmare - it was so surreal. ‘A doctor explained to us that he’d suffered four cardiac arrests, and they didn’t know how long they could keep resuscitating him. ‘We couldn’t believe it - four cardiac arrests - it was horrifying. ‘After I gave birth my husband and I just had to sit for two hours and wait to find out if our baby was alive. ’But I just remember thinking that this wasn’t going to be how our story ended.’ Joshua was diagnosed with congenital heart disease in the womb. He was born with two holes in his heart and a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery in the body. Mrs Newman said: 'When Joshua was born if felt like a nightmare - it was so surreal. My husband and I just had to sit for two hours and wait to find out if our baby was alive' Suzy and Alan Newman cried and hugged each other in the street when they found out son Joshua had survived an emergency operation to widen his artery. He is pictured right with one of his surgeons . The narrow artery meant Joshua’s tiny heart was under too much pressure to pump blood around the body, causing him to go into cardiac arrest. After being born at the family’s local hospital, Joshua was transferred to Royal Brompton, a specialist heart and lung hospital in London. It was decided he needed an operation to widen his artery, but this type of surgery was not normally carried out on babies so small. After initial scans, doctors there said the problem didn’t appear to be too severe, so they sent him back to the local hospital to grow bigger. But Joshua began to go downhill, having yet another cardiac arrest, and sent straight back to Royal Brompton. His small size was still an issue, and so once again it was decided to wait until he grew bigger before he would have the operation, but he was struggling to gain weight. As Joshua’s condition became worse, doctors were forced to operate. Mrs Newman said she was petrified, as doctors were not able to say whether Joshua was likely to survive. She said: ‘The anaesthetist at the time said they couldn’t give us any survival odds as they didn’t have any for the type of operation on a baby so small. ‘We were told the words that no parent ever wants to hear - they might not be able to bring our precious baby back. Mrs Newman said: 'That day Joshua broke Royal Brompton history and opened up new pathways for pioneering surgery to be performed on tiny babies in the future’ The Newman family are raising money for a £4.5 million state-of-the-art operating theatre for the Royal Brompton hospital in London, where Joshua received the surgery that saved his life . ‘Waiting for the phone call to tell us whether he had survived the operation was truly one of the worst times of our lives.' She describes the feeling of joy when she found out Joshua had survived. She said: ‘But we were delighted when we were told that Joshua had pulled through - we were crying and hugging each other in the middle of the street. ‘That day Joshua broke Royal Brompton history and opened up new pathways for pioneering surgery to be performed on tiny babies in the future.’ Unfortunately, scans after the operation showed that Joshua’s problem had returned and he would need further surgery. Twelve weeks later, Joshua had finally grown bigger, and the second surgery was performed - and this time it was successful. Donor tissue was placed into Joshua’s heart to make a bigger pathway allowing the blood to flow to the rest of his body without being obstructed. They tiny holes in his heart were also fixed. Once again, waiting for her son to come out of surgery was terrifying for Mrs Newman and her husband. She said: ‘Eight very, very long hours later they brought our little hero back from surgery and yet again he had been amazing. ‘He was very poorly afterwards - and suffered yet another cardiac arrest a few days later - we couldn’t believe he’d had yet another one! ‘But once again he took it all in his stride.’ After 19 weeks in intensive care Joshua finally began to improve and doctors began to allow him to breathe for himself. Joshua was born with two holes in his heart and a narrowing of the aorta, the main artery in the body . Mrs Newman said she was ‘over the moon’, when she was finally able to take Joshua home 22 weeks after he was born. She added: ‘Walking through the door of our home, with no machines, nurses, or doctors, was the scariest thing ever. ‘But a year on, he’s doing amazingly well - he’s strong willed and determined, as he has always been! She is now raising money for the hospital’s charity to open a new state-of-the-art operating theatre. She thanks the hospital for their help at a truly difficult time. She said: ‘The Royal Brompton has been fantastic and we can’t thank the staff enough - not only did they look after Joshua but they looked after us too. ‘We met so many amazing people there, it is a truly inspirational place. ‘The charity needs £4.5 million in total, but we’re determined to do our bit - they saved our son’s life, and we couldn’t be happier.’ For more information on raising money for the Royal Brompton’s new hybrid operating theatre visit www.rbhcharity.org. Unless someone starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs . A cardiac arrest happens when your heart stops pumping blood around the body. If you have a cardiac arrest, you lose consciousness almost at once. There are also no other signs of life such as breathing or movement. This is an emergency and if you witness a cardiac arrest you should call 999 immediately. What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? A cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. Most heart attacks are caused by coronary heart disease. If you have a heart attack, it does not always lead to a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest does not always happen because you have a heart condition. If you witness a cardiac arrest, you can increase the person’s chances of survival by phoning 999 and giving immediate CPR. Treating a cardiac arrest . Unless someone starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Ambulance staff are trained in advanced resuscitation and all emergency ambulances carry a defibrillator. What causes a cardiac arrest? The most common cause of a cardiac arrest is a life threatening abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF). Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the electrical activity of the heart becomes so chaotic that the heart stops pumping and quivers or 'fibrillates' instead. Source: British Heart Foundation . ### SUMMARY:

Joshua Newman, one, was born with a congenital heart condition . Born with two holes in his heart and a narrowing of the aorta . His tiny heart couldn't pump blood around the body leading to cardiac arrest . He suffered six cardiac arrests before his first birthday . Surgery carried out at Royal Brompton hospital in London saved his life . Hospital had never carried out this type of operation on a baby before . Family are fundraising for a £4.5 million operating theatre for hospital .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: By . Rachel Quigley . and Helen Pow . Updated: . 21:14 EST, 10 April 2013 . A Phoenix, Arizona baby who contracted cancer from her mother while still in the womb has stunned doctors as she prepares to celebrate her second birthday. Doctors said Addison Cox, who caught her mother Briana's deadly melanoma, would live little more than a year after they found tumors had spread throughout her small body when she was just two months old. But she has defied the prognosis and while her mother won't be around to sing her happy birthday, Addison's doting father James will ensure the little girl is adequately spoiled. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Survivor: Doctors said Addison Cox, pictured, who caught her mother Briana's deadly melanoma, would live little more than a year after they found tumors had spread throughout her small body when she was just two months old . Ms Cox died in February 2012 at just 33 of a melanoma that developed while she was pregnant with Addison. Somehow, in a rare medical occurrence, the woman's cancer cells crossed the placenta to her unborn child during the pregnancy and in June 2011 her baby was diagnosed with the same stage four cancer that would soon take her life. '(Addison's) original diagnosis was 12 to 18 months,' Mr Cox, told ABCNews.com. 'She's basically doubled her life expectancy already.' He added: 'She turns two in May. It'll be a big party.' The cancer has affected Addison's brain, shoulder, lungs, kidney, liver, leg, and even the back of her tongue, according to ABC. Daddy's girl: Addison, left, has defied her prognosis and while her mother won't be around to sing her happy birthday, Addison's doting father, James Cox, right, will ensure the little girl is adequately spoiled . Rare: Ms Cox died in February 2012 of a melanoma that she passed on to Addison during her pregnancy . She has undergone chemotherapy, . radiation and two brain surgeries at Phoenix Children's Hospital, which . is hosting a telethon to benefit the family and others like them. A fundraiser by the police department where Ms Cox worked has also helped the family deal with their financial needs. 'Most has been covered by medical insurance, but it's the cost of day-to-day life that really hammers us,' said Mr Cox. Mr Cox, 37, who has three other children, said his mother has been living with the family to help out for the past two years. He said he was thrilled his little girl was still fighting. 'We sure are pleased. Basically our family has gotten so much support from each other and friends. ... The local church took us under their wing and my co-workers have been so kind to all of us,' he said. Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames. Shock diagnosis: Briana Cox had no idea she - or her baby Addison - had cancer until two months after the birth when she had a seizure and was diagnosed, as was her daughter . Strong: Ms Cox, a police officer, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and thought it was gone after routine checkups which did not detect it had returned . Addison is able to understanding speech and can say a few words, her father told ABC. 'That gives you a lot to look forward to and know she's still doing this well, it just kind of keeps you going,' he said. Doctors had initially assured the Cox family that two-month-old Addison was healthy after Ms Cox was diagnosed with advanced cancer following a seizure in June 2011. Although they suspected it for years, up until  October 2009, scientists did not know for sure whether or not cancer could be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. It was previously thought that if the cells did cross the placental barrier, the child's immune system should have recognized them as foreign invaders and destroyed them. But a team at the Institute of Cancer Research, a college of the University of London, working with colleagues in Japan, found that cancer cells had defied accepted theories of biology and were able to pass undetected through the placenta because they became invisible to the immune system. It usually happens when the mother carries a mutated cancer gene, which is a rare occurrence. Addison's case is only the ninth published and before 2009 there were only been 17 suspected cases. Professor Mel Greaves, who led the study, said: 'It appears that in this and, we presume, other cases of mother-to-offspring cancer, the maternal cancer cells did cross the placenta into the developing fetus and succeeded in implanting because they were invisible to the immune system. 'But we stress … the chances of any pregnant woman with cancer passing it on to her child are remote.' But . the mother - whose own body was riddled with cancer - insisted on . having Addison tested, and an examination revealed the baby had the same . cancer as her mother. It had also spread throughout the baby's body. Addison was born with stage four . melanoma, passed from her mother while in utero. It is such a . rare medical occurrence, scientists only discovered it was even possible . in 2009. Ms Cox did not know she had cancer . when she was pregnant with her fourth child. First diagnosed with . melanoma in 2006, she had surgery to remove the tumor and was given the . all clear. She then went for routine checkups every three months, then every six and finally once a year. Doctors assured her there were no cancerous cells in her body. But in June 2011, only two months after giving birth to baby Addison, she was told the cancer was back. Her husband James told azfamily.com: 'They found she had metastasized . malignant melanoma and it spread pretty much through her whole body, . shoulder, lungs and brain - the worst of it being in her brain. 'We . asked, "Why didn't anyone catch this?"' He said, though doctors assured Briana her daughter was fine, she demanded they test her baby and she too was diagnosed. Mr Cox said: 'It's very similar to her mother's - in . the brain, one in her shoulder, in her lungs, kidney, liver, leg, even . the back of her tongue. 'Bri went through the emotions of "my baby, my fault", but everyone told her it's not her fault.  No one took . better care of themselves than her.' Ms Cox lost her battle with cancer on February 12, 2012. While Addison is still fighting, her prognosis remains dicey. Doctors say there is no cure. According to Phoenix Children's . Hospital, this is the first case they've ever seen of its kind and . Addison is only the ninth case ever published. It was previously thought that if a . mother did pass cancer through the placenta, the child's immune system . would have detected and destroyed it. Mother's instinct: Though doctors assured Briana Cox, pictured, her baby was fine, she insisted on having her tested and it was discovered she too had stage four melanoma all over her body as well . Family: Ms Cox lost her battle with cancer in February 2012 and left behind her husband and other children . Brave baby: Though she has only been given about two years to live, Addison Cox, pictured after her mother's death, is a happy child and her father said she is a 'fighter, just like her mom' But in 2009, scientists found a mutated gene in both cancers that makes them effectively invisible to the body’s defenses. Professor Mel Greaves, from the . University of London, who led the study, said: 'It appears that in this . and, we presume, other cases of mother-to-offspring cancer, the maternal . cancer cells did cross the placenta into the developing fetus and . succeeded in implanting because they were invisible. ' Mr Cox said of his daughter: 'You would think this is one of the happiest babies on . the face of the earth. She's a fighter . like her mom. She's showed no signs of pain.' ### SUMMARY:

Addison Cox contracted her mother Briana's deadly melanoma in the womb . Doctors said the baby would live little more than a year . after they found tumors had spread throughout her small body . But the 'little fighter' has defied the prognosis and will turn two in May .

### SUMMARIZE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE: The reaction of older fans to Ronald Koeman’s appointment as Southampton manager may well be: 'Do I not like that'. But it doesn’t mean they are casting dispersions about the 51-year-old Dutchman’s suitability to take over from Mauricio Pochettino on the south coast. For all Koeman’s considerable achievements in the game, he is best-known to a generation of supporters for being at the centre of an infamous fly-on-the-wall TV documentary about Graham Taylor’s reign as England manager. Signing on: Ronald Koeman (centre) will take over from Mauricio Pochettino as Southampton manager . Dutch delight: Ronald Koeman scores against England to deny them a place at the 1994 World Cup . Escape: Koeman escaped the foul with a yellow card and England got a free-kick outside the area . Helpless: Nothing went right for manager Graham Taylor that infamous night in Rotterdam in 1993 . The Impossible Job, which spawned a thousand catchphrases, Koeman escapes a red card for a bad foul on David Platt and later scores the goal which knocked England out of playing in the 1994 World Cup. As Koeman and his team-mates celebrate, a downtrodden Taylor tells the fourth official: ‘Tell your pal, he’s just cost me my job”. Of course, Koeman’s career is about far more than that one Holland-England game but it’ll certainly come up whenever Southampton get a dodgy decision next season. Koeman is one of many great Dutch players who have lit up the game since 1974. The difference between him and the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp is that he was a defender. Nominally, he was a defender anyway. He played at the back but was best-known for his ability on the ball and his devastating free-kicks. Bullet finish: Ronald Koeman scores for Barcelona in the European cup final in 1992 against Sampdoria . Pure joy: Koeman scored the only goal in the 1992 European Cup final for Barcelona against Sampdoria . The most famous one came for Barcelona against Sampdoria at Wembley in 1992 that gave Barca their first-ever European Cup. His goal tally of 193 is probably a world-record for a defender. Koeman the player would walk into a Dutch all-time XI. In a 17-year playing career with Groningen, Ajax, PSV, Barcelona and Feyenoord he won nine league titles and two European Cups – the first with Guus Hiddink’s PSV in 1987. As someone who worked under Cruyff at Barcelona, his instincts to play the right way will please Saints fans who loved the football under Pochettino and will be desperate to keep at least some of their bright young players like Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana at the club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played for Koeman at Ajax, said when he was with the Amsterdam club that Koeman’s talent as a player gave him an advantage over other managers. Giving youth a chance: Koeman helped develop Dutch internationls Stefan De Vrij and Bruno Martins (below) Talent spotter: Koeman helped develop Indi (right) Prolific: John Guidetti (centre) scored 20 goals for Feyenoord under Koeman in 2012 . ‘He was terrific. We’d be taking free-kicks and after a while he’d step in and blast some home,’ said the striker. 'Talk about respect, he’d only been with us two days and he had it from the lads. You could see he got on really well with them.’ But it’s one thing believing in the right thing and another being successful over the long term in the Premier League, as Koeman’s one-time Barca team-mate Michael Laudrup found at Swansea City last season. So far, Koeman’s managerial career has not quite matched the stardust of his playing days though he can be proud that Holland’s defence in this World Cup is dominated by Feyenoord players he helped develop. High point: Ronald Koeman led Feyenoord to two second-place finishes in the Dutch league . Talking tactics: Koeman gets his message across to his Benfica playes during training at Old Trafford in 2005 . After starting out as Hiddink’s assistant with Holland at the 1998 World Cup and then performing the same role at Barcelona, Koeman became a  manager in his own right with Vitesse Arnhem in 2000. He served Ajax, Benfica, PSV and AZ Alkmaar over the next decade with mixed effects. But his time in Rotterdam – scene of his famous foul on Platt – with Feyenoord was Koeman at his best, triumphing against the odds in a manner that clearly impressed the Southampton board. Once-great Feyenoord were in ruins when Koeman took over in 2011. With no budget for transfers, they finished in the top three in each of his three seasons at the club – twice runners-up. Even more impressively, the club’s Academy was voted the best in Holland, better even than Ajax. Replacement: Koeman has taken over from Mauricio Pochettino who joined Tottenham in May . Top stuff: Southampton enjoyed an impressive Premier League campaign last season, finishing eighth . Further shades of Southampton came in the development of young players into the first-team. Jordy Clasie, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij, Terece Kongolo, Tonny Vilhena and Jean Paul Boëtius all went on to play for Holland having worked first under Koeman. Having worked with young Manchester City striker John Guidetti when he scored 20 goals on loan for Feyenoord, you can expect Koeman to try and link up with him again at St Mary’s. English football is obviously far more competitive than the Dutch Eredivisie. Instead of being a national hero like he was in Holland, Koeman is still regarded as a bogey-man by England fans over the age of 30. Without him, we may have gone to the 1994 World Cup in America and had a great time. But if he can help uncover a few more Luke Shaw’s at Southampton, their fans might decide they do rather like him after all. After what has seemed an interminable three weeks of speculation, Southampton seem to be on the verge of going Dutch with the appointment of Ronald Koeman as the replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, and that prospect has been met pretty positively among the Saints fanbase. Koeman is of a pedigree unheard of at St Mary’s before, a multiple title winner as both player and manager, a genuine big name, while also having demonstrated a willingness and ability to bring young players through a club’s academy into the first team. As a result, Koeman polling 67% in a four-way race with Claudio Ranieri, Murat Yakin and 'anyone else' probably comes as no surprise. High flyer: Adam Lallana (right) is wanted by Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool . On the move? Luke Shaw has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea . Giant leaps have been made by the club in the last five years, Koeman could certainly be the man to ensure the perceived glass ceiling doesn’t get reached just yet. His first task, and the key for the majority of the fanbase, will be to persuade last season’s stars that they still have a job to do on the South Coast and that there is no need to seek moves elsewhere as many of their ambitions can still be met here. Whether he will be able to persuade Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren to remain is open to debate – their minds may have already been made up – but if they depart, he will need to ensure the cash received is reinvested wisely. Unsurprisingly, we’re already being linked with young Dutch players in the press, and based on the national team’s demolition of Spain on Friday, that may not be a bad thing. It’s never a dull moment at Southampton, but hopefully things might at least settle down into some sort of sanity for a few months once this appointment is finalised. Read more of Steve's opinions at SaintsWeb and on Twitter @SaintsWeb . ### SUMMARY:

Koeman takes over from Mauricio Pochettino at Southampton . Has previously managed Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia and Feyenoord . Famously scored for Holland against England in 1994 to deny Graham Taylor's side a place at the World Cup . Scored the winning goal for Barcelona in the 1992 European Cup final .