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An emaciated boxer dog - its bones clearly visible beneath its fur - stares sadly into the camera after being rescued. He is one of two boxers, two-year-old brothers, which were rushed to a veterinary centre run by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) for life-saving treatment. They feature in a new episode of TV3-show Animal A&E, which investigates the 'epidemic' of unwanted and discarded dogs in Ireland. Scroll down for video . Malnourished: The ribs on this neglected boxer dog can be clearly seen through its fur after it was rescued by the ISPCA . The dogs were filmed being treated by ISPCA staff, as the show's presenter Andrea Hayes and the team look on. The horrifying state of the animals reflects the plight of a growing 'epidemic' of discarded dogs that are dealt by the ISPCA's officers. The programme, which airs tomorrow at 7.30pm also features a small terrier named Memphis which had been dumped over the eight foot-tall security fence at Ireland's Dog's Trust charity - despite the building being open to the public at the time. Ms Hayes said: 'We went to the ISPCA . centre in Longford and we got a call to say two boxer dogs had been brought in. They were . among the most severely neglected dogs the inspector had seen. 'They were completely anaemic and severely malnourished. It would have taken quite a lot of time to get them so starved. Sad: Inspectors said the two dogs, which are two-year-old brothers, were amongst the most malnourished they had seen . 'They had sores on their body which showed their skin was a closed to the bone as it could get.' ISPCA Inspector, Conor Dowling said . 'irresponsible' dog ownership is a 'major animal welfare issue in . Ireland with far too many owners not embracing concepts such as . neutering and microchipping. 'We produce far too many puppies in Ireland,' he said, 'and this is reflected in the cases of canine cruelty and neglect that we encounter on a daily basis and the numbers of dogs discarded in our pounds.' Mark Beazley, executive director of the Dogs Trust said: 'Unfortunately, we are seeing over 1,200 stray and abandoned dogs coming through our doors every year. 'People are still taking on the responsibility of dog ownership without enough consideration of what it entails,' he said, 'a dog is for life. 'We hope that by working with organisations such as TV3 and the ISPCA we can highlight this issue and inform the public to really think about what is involved in owning a dog for life.' The two boxers featured on the show have recovered from their ordeal and are due to be re-homed.
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Inspectors said dogs were amongst most emaciated they had ever seen .
The two-year-old boxers were severely anaemic and malnourished .
Part of 'epidemic' of neglected and discarded dogs in Ireland .
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f553973340706ed4903f81c9eae9719bbbb2b9b1
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LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- America faces an economic calamity. Trouble brews in faraway lands. Superman #14, cover art. Artist: Fred Ray. (c) 1941 DC Comics. All rights reserved. Sound familiar? More than 70 years ago, the very first superheroes debuted in the dire times of the Great Depression and the early years of World War II. Their names became legend -- Superman, Batman (or, as he was then known, the Bat-Man), Wonder Woman, Captain America -- and they're still with us today. A new exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles celebrates these icons from the Golden Age of Comic Books. Through a collection of rare original artwork and comics, the exhibit explores how a group of mostly Jewish artists created the costumed heroes who came to symbolize the hopes of a beleaguered nation. "In the 1930s, the American Dream had become a nightmare, and I think comic books and superheroes in particular provided an escapist form of entertainment that allowed the American public to go into a fantasy world where all the ills of the world were righted by these larger-than-life heroes," says Erin Clancy, a curator at the Skirball. Watch a tour of the exhibit » . Guest curator Jerry Robinson not only organized the exhibit, he's a part of it. The comic book pioneer created Batman's arch-enemy, The Joker, and named the caped crusader's sidekick Robin. (Success has many fathers, of course: Bob Kane, credited with creating Batman, has long disputed elements of Robinson's creation stories.) "We were just emerging from the Depression," Robinson recalls. "Superman started in 1938. Batman started in 1939. So, we were just recovering." Robinson says the villains changed with the times. "The first villains in the comic books were hijackers, embezzlers, bank robbers. It was the era of Pretty Boy Floyd and so forth. Once the war came along, we felt a need for more patriotic heroes to fight Hitler. "In fact," he adds, "Hitler banned American comics, at least Superman and superheroes. He said they were Jewish. Little did he know that the creators were actually Jewish. ... Hitler banned American comics, except one: Mickey Mouse, which was his favorite." One of the highlights of the collection is Robinson's original sketch for The Joker. "My first thought was that a villain who had a sense of humor would be different and memorable," he says. "So, I'm thinking of a name for a villain that has a sense of humor. I thought of 'The Joker' as a name, and as soon as I thought that, I associate it with the playing card, as my family had a tradition of champion playing; my brother was a contract champion bridge player. There were always cards around the house. "So I searched, and luckily it had the typical image of the joker, which came out of a tradition in Europe. This was an important element. Throughout history, we had court jesters, clowns, and so this was an iconic image that was also very useful." In our own times, the public is turning to costumed heroes again in record numbers. Movies based on comic books are box office leaders; comic books themselves remain a strong and growing industry. "I think the comic book superhero came out of a context in which the political, social and economic realties were a little tough," Clancy says, "and we can certainly relate to those realities now in our own day. I think the resurgence of popularity of superheroes can be attributed to that." Last year, audiences made "The Dark Knight" the second-highest grossing film of all time. The late Heath Ledger, who won a best supporting actor Oscar for his performance as The Joker in that film, spoke with Robinson before he died. "I was flattered to hear from him that he based the whole concept of The Joker's persona and rationale on our first concept of The Joker," Robinson says. With the box office success of "The Dark Knight" and "Iron Man" -- plus comic book-inspired films like "The First Avenger: Captain America," "The Avengers" and "Thor" in development -- it looks like superheroes will continue to inspire. "I think heroes are back," Robinson says. "I think you can almost chart it. The times are not so good -- we're looking for heroes." All images and characters copyright DC Comics. DC Comics, like CNN, is a unit of Time Warner.
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Superman, Batman, others born during Great Depression, early World War II years .
New exhibit shows "golden age" of superhero characters .
Artist Jerry Robinson, who created The Joker: "We're looking for heroes"
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f5540794a3f8e1d5f2fb9b8c1818a08a6fdb5348
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(CNN) -- The events on Beijing's Tiananmen Square that resulted in the death of five people and the injury of dozens more were tragic, but are they representative of a serious terrorist threat to the Chinese state as is now being suggested by official sources? According to Chinese security organs, this act of driving a jeep into a crowd of people and setting it on fire was a "carefully planned, organized, and premeditated" terrorist attack carried out by a group of Uyghur Islamic extremists from Xinjiang Province. Unfortunately, given the lack of transparency historically in the Chinese state's conviction of Uyghurs on charges of political violence, we may never know whether this characterization of Monday's events is accurate. What we do know is that Chinese security organs claim that the attackers in the truck, all of whom died, were a Uyghur man, his wife, and his mother. Additionally, Chinese state sources claim to have arrested an additional five suspects in connection with the alleged plot. Were these alleged attackers members of a cell belonging to a large transnational Jihadist network like Al-Qaeda? Are they representatives of a well-organized militant movement like Al-Shabaab, which recently led an armed hostage-taking operation at a mall in Kenya? Looking at the crude instruments allegedly used by these people -- gasoline, knives, iron rods, and an SUV, it is difficult to argue that this was the work of any highly organized and well-armed militant group or terrorist network. There were no sophisticated explosives used in the attacks, and the alleged attackers did not even possess guns. Furthermore, although Uyghurs are Muslims, there is no evidence that they have ever been involved substantively in a global Muslim militant movement. So, how do we understand this act of violence if it was indeed carried out by a family of Uyghurs? The obvious answer is to look at what is happening in the Xinjiang itself where such violent acts have been occurring with increasing frequency ever since the ethnic violence between Uyghurs and Han Chinese that spread throughout the regional capitol of Urumqi during the summer of 2009. Life for Uyghurs inside Xinjiang is not like that of most people in the People's Republic of China (PRC). For the last decade, the Chinese government has created a virtual police state within Xinjiang, employing enhanced surveillance of Uyghur citizens, actively repressing Uyghurs' political voices, and greatly curtailing Uyghur religious practices. It has also vastly reduced Uyghurs' access to education in their own language and has limited Uyghur language publications of original reading materials. Officially, the Chinese state explains most of these measures as part of its anti-terrorism measures to protect national security. These measures also regularly include arresting large numbers of Uyghurs on charges of engaging in "illegal religious activity" or of having ties to terrorist organizations. In fact, during this month alone, security organs in Xinjiang were involved in the fatal shooting of suspected Uyghur militants on several separate occasions and arrested at least one hundred more they suspected of trying to flee the country. Although the government characterizes its ongoing and expansive confrontation with Uyghurs in Xinjiang as anti-terrorism, it is equally related to the PRC's larger plans for Xinjiang. The region is of critical strategic importance to the state as it is China's primary gateway to the west, both in accessing western markets for Chinese goods and in securing natural resources, such as oil, gas, and uranium from Central Asia and locations further west and south. In this context, the PRC is presently funding enormous development projects in Xinjiang that are also bringing a large influx of Han Chinese migrants and are uprooting Uyghur communities and displacing them from traditional lands. The state may not care to rid Xinjiang of Uyghurs, but it would like the Uyghurs living there to willingly yield their perceived homeland to a Han-dominant state culture. As a result, the future of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region appears destined to be neither Uyghur nor autonomous. With these events unfolding in the region that Uyghurs view as their historical homeland, one feels compelled to question whether Monday's alleged attack was a well-prepared terrorist act or a hastily assembled cry of desperation from a people on the extreme margins of the Chinese state's monstrous development machine. However, given that this is allegedly the first instance that Uyghurs have carried out such desperate acts outside Xinjiang, and in this case in the very symbolic seat of central power, we may also be witnessing a sharp escalation in the Chinese state's confrontation with the Uyghurs. In the midst of this escalation, it is also possible that the PRC's long-maintained, but largely unsubstantiated, claims of a Uyghur terrorist threat are perhaps becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sean R. Roberts .
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Chinese government has created a virtual police state within Xinjiang .
Crude instruments used in attack suggest not work of well-organized group .
No evidence Uyghurs involved substantively in a global Muslim militant movement.
Claims of a Uyghur terrorist threat maybe becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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f5543c193a3f08ec636e5dff84f83d21d3d307e5
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By . Steve Hopkins . A man who killed a university student after losing control of his car has walked free from court because he had an epileptic seizure when the accident happened. Chloe Adkins, 20, a student at Aston University in Birmingham, died after being struck by a silver Mercedes as she walked along Hagley Road in Birmingham on January 25 last year. Ian King, from Littleover, Derby, was arrested for causing death by careless driving but his case was dismissed by the Birmingham Crown Court because it was believed he had suffered a seizure and lost consciousness during the crash. Crash: Chloe Adkins, 20, a student at Aston . University in Birmingham, died after being struck by a silver Mercedes driven by Ian King . as she walked along Hagley Road in Birmingham on January 25 last year . Ian King, seen here in a picture from Facebook, had his case dismissed after doctors concluded he had suffered an epileptic fit at the time of the accident . Paul Spratt, prosecuting, told the court: 'Mr King had no recollection of the accident whatsoever. He was unconscious in the car following the accident.' Mr Spratt said the 56-year-old was tested in hospital following the crash and doctors said 'it was likely he had received an epileptic seizure'. He had been 'clammy and sweating and his heart rate was increasing', the court heard. Mr Spratt said: 'A specialist consultant believes a seizure was the likely reason for Mr King losing control of his vehicle. Ms Adkins, who was a third year computer science student at Aston University, was described by her family as a 'beautiful person' who had 'touched so many lives' 'As this is the case there is no evidence against him so he is not guilty.' The court heard King had been a heavy drinker and alcohol withdrawal may have been a factor in causing the seizure, which was the first one he had ever had. There was no alcohol found in his system following the crash. Nicholas Syfret QC, defending, said: 'Mr King wishes to express his devastation and heartfelt regret for this tragic day.' Ms Adkins, from Northampton, suffered multiple injuries in the accident and died in hospital a short time later. Her family . have previously described the third year computer science student as a . 'beautiful person' who had 'touched so many lives'. A . family statement said: 'Chloe had registered as an organ donor and we . can only hope that her passing is of benefit to others. It’s what she . would have wanted. 'She was a beautiful person both inside and out. 'She . touched so many lives with kind words and support and had a close . circle of friends who loved her and who will miss her dearly.' Fit at the wheel: A picture of a silver Mercedes taken from Ian King's Facebook page. After the crash he was found to be 'clammy and sweaty' Ms Adkins family said she had enjoyed scrap-booking and baking and making things for the home she shared with her boyfriend and two friends. The statement said: 'Nothing can fill the void she leaves in all our lives. 'We love and miss her so much.' This is not the first time a driver who has been involved in a fatality after having a seizure has escaped prosecution. In June 2012 Peter Murdoch killed his passenger Elizabeth Thompson when he suffered a seizure while driving and crashed into a wall in Bowness, Cumbria. Charges against Mr Murdoch were dropped after police discussed the matter with doctors and concluded Mr Murdoch wasn't in control of the vehicle at the time of the accident. Philip Chapman from Rayleigh, Essex, however, was jailed for six years for causing a death after crashing following a seizure. Linda Brooks died, and three others were seriously injured, after Mr Chapman crashed into four cars in Southend in September 2010. Police said Chapman was playing 'Russian roulette' with his condition and had not properly informedlicensing authorities about the extent of his condition. Epilepsy suffers are not legally allowed to drive if they have suffered a seizure during the last year which affects their consciousness and occurs while they are awake. Those with the condition are required to inform the Vehicle Licensing Agency about the full extent of their condition. In small amounts alcohol does not cause epileptic seizures. After three or four drinks the risk of a seizure is much higher. Withdrawal seizures are most common among those who have abused alcohol. They can occur in people with or without epilepsy, as they are prompted by the withdrawal of alcohol rather than the condition. Binge drinking can lead to status epilepticus - a life threatening problem. Alcoholism has been linked with the envelopment of epilepsy in some sufferers. Seizure medications can also lower alcohol tolerance.
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Ian King arrested for death by careless driving but his case was dismissed .
Doctors said King had suffered an epileptic seizure moments before crash .
He had 'no recollection' of the accident and was found unconscious .
The court heard alcohol withdrawal might have sparked the seizure .
Chloe Adkins' family said the university student 'touched so many lives'
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f554558705d7c2b3cd80f8f7148fccd8e71f885f
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By . Hugo Gye . A cyclist has filmed himself nearly running over dozens of pedestrians in a bid to shame them into improving their awareness of the road. He claims he posted the footage online for their own good, to help them realise the risks they take while walking around the roads of busy town centres. However, some observers have claimed that he put the pedestrians in danger himself by cycling too quickly and failing to take account of people as they crossed the street. Moreover, he refuses to reveal his own identity, using the pseudonym 'Careful Cyclist', even though many of the pedestrians in the video are clearly identifiable. Scroll down to watch the video . Danger: An anonymous cyclist has posted a video of pedestrians he believes are being reckless . Rush: Many of those in the film can be seen running to get out of the cyclist's way . Anger: The man says he posted the video to alert pedestrians to the danger they put themselves in . The anonymous man has previously posted videos of wrongdoing by motorists and his fellow cyclists. In his latest film, posted on YouTube two days ago, he rides around York capturing dozens of near-misses between his bike and pedestrians who do not seem to look where they are going. Some of the pedestrians are forced to jump out of the cyclist's way, while others ignore him entirely as they walk in the road. In two cases, mothers pushing buggies start to cross the road before the mysterious cyclist shouts at them to stop and they return to the pavement. Obstruction: The cyclist says he wants to draw attention to people acting recklessly on the roads . Controversy: Some say he fails to take account of the crowded streets and unpredictable behavior . The man filming apparently loses his temper on a number of occasions, shouting 'silly man' at one pedestrian and wagging his finger at people he believes are misbehaving. He said today that he has been cycling in York for 30 years, and has become increasingly concerned about pedestrians' behaviour. His aim is to make pedestrians ask themselves, 'Is the additional risk I am taking worth it?' In an online blog post, he wrote: 'The video highlights that again a number of road users are not taking the risks of the road seriously. 'Distracted by mobile phones, rushing to get somewhere, ignoring red lights at crossings, or simply not looking when crossing the road, pedestrians often rely on their hearing for warning of vehicles approaching.' Temper: On some occasions, the unidentified man ends up shouting at pedestrians to stop . Near-miss: The video shows how close the cyclist and pedestrians are to coming to blows . But some fellow cyclists suggested that he was increasing the pedestrians' risk by speeding towards them and refusing to slow down or go around them. 'You need to slow down a bit on approach, you call yourself a careful cyclist but I think you can improve,' wrote 'CycleGaz' on YouTube. 'Don't forget that the green light only means you can go if it is safe to do so - if someone is crossing, even if the man is red, you need to give way to them.' 'The Cycle Ops' added: 'Why don't you slow down for these people when you can see they're in the road? The onus is on you to avoid them.'
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Cyclist pedals around the streets of York filming pedestrians in the road .
He claims to have posted the footage online for the good of those featured .
But some observers claim he fails to take enough care and control his speed .
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f554a6f827de6f4db6d71dd1dc416d828112dd92
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It might not just be men who are from Mars, claims a new study which suggests that all life on Earth actually began on the red planet. An element believed to be crucial to the origin of life would only have been available on the surface of Mars, it is claimed. Geochemist Professor Steven Benner argues that the 'seeds' of life probably arrived on Earth in meteorites blasted off Mars by impacts or volcanic eruptions. As of the application deadline a week ago, more than 200,000 people from 140 different countries have applied to be among the first colonists on Mars . As evidence he points to the oxidised . mineral form of the element molybdenum, thought to be a catalyst that helped . organic molecules develop into the first living structures. Professor Benner will present his findings to geochemists gathering today at the annual Goldschmidt conference. ‘In addition recent studies show that these conditions, suitable for the origin of life, may still exist on Mars,’ said Professor Benner, of the Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology in Gainesville, Florida. ‘It’s only when molybdenum becomes highly oxidised that it is able to influence how early life formed. ‘This form of molybdenum couldn’t have been available on Earth at the time life first began, because three billion years ago the surface of the Earth had very little oxygen, but Mars did. ‘It’s yet another piece of evidence which makes it more likely life came to Earth on a Martian meteorite, rather than starting on this planet.’ Molybdenum can be mined from becomes Molybdenite (pictured). Scientists believe the oxidised form of molybdenum was available on Mars, but not on Earth . The research Professor Benner will present at the conference tackles two of the paradoxes which make it difficult for scientists to understand how life could have started on Earth. The first is dubbed by Professor Benner as the ‘tar paradox’. All living things are made of organic matter, but if you add energy such as heat or light to organic molecules and leave them to themselves, they don’t create life. Instead, they turn into something more like tar, oil or asphalt. Prof Benner added: ‘Certain elements seem able to control the propensity of organic materials to turn into tar, particularly boron and molybdenum, so we believe that minerals containing both were fundamental to life first starting. ‘Analysis of a Martian meteorite recently showed that there was boron on Mars; we now believe that the oxidised form of molybdenum was there too.’ Analysis of a Martian meteorite recently showed that there was boron on Mars (pictured). Boron is though tot be another key element for life . The second paradox is that life would have struggled to start on the early Earth because it was likely to have been totally covered by water. Not only would this have prevented sufficient concentrations of boron forming - it’s currently only found in very dry places such as Death Valley - but water is corrosive to RNA, which scientists believe was the first genetic molecule to appear. Although there was water on Mars, it covered much smaller areas than on early Earth. Prof Benner said: ‘The evidence seems to be building that we are actually all Martians; that life started on Mars and came to Earth on a rock. ‘It’s lucky that we ended up here nevertheless, as certainly Earth has been the better of the two planets for sustaining life. ‘If our hypothetical Martian ancestors had remained on Mars, there might not have been a story to tell.’ Scientists have discovered that Martian meteorites found on Earth could be four billion years younger than previously thought, meaning that Mars could still be geologically active. A team of researchers has shown that a meteorite from the Mars collection at the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada started as a 200 million-year-old lava flow on Mars. In a paper published in the journal Nature, a new technique using isotopic and micro-structural analysis is described to determine the age of rocks. Scientists from the University of Portsmouth, the Royal Ontario Museum, the University of Wyoming and the University of California, claim that the rocks left Mars 20 million years ago. Previously it was thought the rocks could be up to 4,000 million years old. Nearly 100 meteorites found on Earth are thought to be from Mars.
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Molybdenum mineral is thought to have been crucial to the origin of life .
Material may have been available on the surface of Mars and not on Earth .
This could suggest that life came to Earth on a Martian meteorite .
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f554cd6c43f248dab946e63dafbe635a8b8f9f62
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These never-before-seen images show a teenage Reeva Steenkamp in her days as a law student through the eyes of a close friend before her sparkling modelling career took off. As her boyfriend Oscar Pistorius begins a five-year jail sentence for her manslaughter, they offer a poignant insight into the innocent and beautiful life he cut tragically short. In one set of photographs, she is seen posing happily on a beach in South Africa, while others show her enjoying sleepovers and hot tubs with her university friends. They were captured by close friend Kerry Smith, 37, who attended university with Reeva in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where they both grew up. Scroll down for video . Intimate portraits: Never-before-seen images show the late Reeva Steenkamp posing on a beach during her time as a law student in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, before going on to become a top model . Blossoming talent: The model, who was shot dead by her boyfriend Oscar Pistorius last year, poses at Sardinia Bay in Port Elizabeth at the age of 19 in a set of photos taken by her close friend Kerry Smith . Beautiful: As her boyfriend Oscar Pistorius begins a five-year jail sentence for her manslaughter, the images offer a poignant insight into the innocent life he cut tragically short . The images were a 'bittersweet reminder' of Miss Steenkamp for Mrs Smith, who spoke at the 29-year-old's funeral days after she was shot dead by the Paralympian on Valentine's Day last year. Mrs Smith said: 'Looking at these pictures, seeing Reeva laughing - going from that and then having to speak in front of her coffin, it's surreal. You just can't wrap your head around it.' An aspiring photographer, she tested her camera skills using Miss Steenkamp as her subject - and the result was a beautiful set of photos of the then-aspiring model. Miss Steenkamp would go on to graduate with a law degree at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, but made a dynamic career change after being scouted and named the first face of cosmetics giant Avon South Africa. She also worked for prestigious clients such as Toyota, FHM, Clover and Italian brand Zui. One set of photos shot by Mrs Kerry show Miss Steenkamp, then 19, posing innocently at Sardinia Bay in Port Elizabeth. 'Natural beauty': The images were a 'bittersweet reminder' for the model's friend Kerry Smith, who spoke at the 29-year-old's funeral days after she was shot dead by the Paralympian on Valentine's Day last year . Rising star: An aspiring photographer, Kerry Smith tested her camera skills using Miss Steenkamp as her subject - and the result was a beautiful set of photos of the then-aspiring model . She said: 'If there was ever any proof anyone needed to show that Reeva was truly a natural beauty, this is it. 'She did not have a stitch of make-up on and we didn't do anything fancy with her hair. 'She told me she wanted to go back into the modelling industry, but was hesitant because she wanted to have a stable career. 'She said "modeling can't be forever because we get older, beauty fades, wrinkles appear".' Despite her doubts, Mrs Smith managed to convince her to go to the beach for a few shots. Hanging out: Miss Steenkamp (right) pictured during a slumber party with friends Chuma (left), Nadia (front) and Joelene (front) at Mrs Smith's house in Port Elizabeth during their university days . Fun in the foam: The aspiring model (second right) joins friends (l-r) Joelene Brown, Kerry Smith and Nadia Coetzer in a hot tub at Mrs Smith's home in Port Elizabeth . Reeva Steenkamp laughs in the hot tub during a party with friends while she was studying law at university . Mrs Smith added: 'She was shy and self-conscious at first, but eventually grew comfortable in front of the camera. 'Reeva was always the down-to-earth girl next door - you can see that the first few photos are of her in a black polar neck sweater with no flesh showing, and later with a bare midriff. 'The whole process was drowned out in fits of laughter while we tried to be professional and serious.' Other photos taken by Kerry show Miss Steenkamp sporting pyjamas and drinking coffee with university friends at a sleepover. Mrs Smith said: 'She had this really loud laugh, it wasn't cute and giggly - it was one of those laughs that made everyone laugh too.' Girly treats: Friends Kerry Smith and Joelene Brown surprise Miss Steenkamp with presents at her home on her 20th birthday on August 19, 2003 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa . Downtime: Miss Steenkamp with friends Cornelia Nel (left) and Kerry Smith (centre) at a pub in Port Elizabeth . She met Miss Steenkamp at the University of Port Elizabeth in 2002, where they both studied law. Mrs Smith said she and Miss Steenkamp were passionate about issues like domestic violence and discussed plans to one day open up a clinic for women who were in abusive relationships. 'Reeva wouldn't back down from things that she stood against,' she said. 'She wouldn't keep quiet, and didn't change at all even when she was in the model business.' 'We were all asked to break off into groups for a project, and Reeva was in my group,' said Kerry. 'We lived just up the block from each other, and we rode into school together in the morning. It blossomed from there and we became the closest of friends.' Mrs Smith said she and Miss Steenkamp were passionate about issues like domestic violence and discussed plans to one day open up a clinic for women who were in abusive relationships . But she said the two grew apart after graduation in 2005 over of a clash of opinions about Kerry's partner at the time. Kerry said: 'I was in an unhappy relationship. Reeva didn't like my partner and couldn't understand why I was with him, so we stopped talking. 'She contacted me in 2007, after she found out that I had left him. She said it was her dream come true and she was glad I found happiness.' On February 14, 2013, Pistorius was arrested for questioning after shooting and killing the model at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. He was formally charged with murder the next day - but claimed he shot Miss Steenkamp thinking she was an intruder. Close friends: Kerry Smith (pictured, left, earlier this year) and (right) with Miss Steenkamp at a Law school ball in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 2004 . Pistorius testified during his murder trial that he mistook Miss Steenkamp (above) for a dangerous intruder about to come out of the cubicle and attack him when he shot four times through the door with his 9mm pistol . As Oscar's trial began, Kerry was painfully reminded of Reeva's tragic death. Kerry said: 'I was riveted at the outset of the trial and despite my personal connection to the matter I tried to keep an unbiased view when listening to the evidence being read. 'The only time I broke down was when I saw the head shot of Reeva which showed her wounds. 'I remember wondering "why is her hair black?" and then I realised it was all the blood.' Last month, he was acquitted of murder, but found guilty of culpable homicide. He was sentenced to five years in jail today. Speaking of verdict, Mrs Smith said: 'When the judge delivered a "not guilty" (of murder) verdict - I was horrified. 'I had to drive to my son's school for a sports game after hearing it. 'When I turned off the TV, I left to the school totally disillusioned with the outcome and for the first time since the trial started, I broke down. 'I still have no closure of her death - in my mind Reeva is still so vibrant and alive. I miss Reeva. I really, really miss her.'
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Pictures taken by close friend Kerry Smith during their time at university .
Some show her posing on a beach, others enjoying time with her friends .
Miss Steenkamp graduated with law degree but went on to become model .
She was shot dead by lover Oscar Pistorius on Valentine's Day last year .
Mrs Smith: 'If ever there was proof of Reeva's natural beauty, this is it'
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f55550db92abb9f703ee818e2631972d37a81b28
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(CNN) -- The Force is strong with this one. This year's San Diego Comic-Con is in full swing -- and that means plenty of cool stuff debuting to make geeks and fanboys/fangirls go crazy. Mattel got in on the fun Thursday, unveiling the special-edition "Darth Car," which heralds the toymaker's partnership with the "Star Wars" franchise. Star Wars tweeted a pic of the car of the Vadermobile with the caption, "Our new whip. Limited edition. #1 of 1. @Hot_Wheels #DarthCar #SDCC #SDCC2014." According to Car and Driver magazine, Hot Wheels has a new lineup of cars based on "Star Wars" characters. The toy cars are reportedly scheduled to hit store shelves in October. But attendees at Comic-Con got the chance to kick the tires on a life-size version of the Darth Car. Car and Driver reports that it is based on a C5 Chevrolet Corvette, can hit 150 mph, has a hatch that opens like Vader's helmet and features several special audio effects, including the sounds of Darth Vader breathing. Our question is whether the Luke Skywalker car knows it's related. Comic-Con: Ben Affleck's 'Batman' makes an appearance . Cosplay at Comic-Con: Who wore it best?
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Hot Wheels has a line of "Star Wars" cars coming out .
The Darth Car is based on a Corvette .
Only one life-size Darth Car has been made .
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Natalie DuBose was pictured weeping outside her bakery on Monday after vandals broke her windows during the Ferguson protests . A mother-of-two whose cake shop in Ferguson, Missouri, was vandalized and looted during Monday night's protests has received almost $200,000 in donations to help rebuild her business. Natalie DuBose, 32, opened Natalie's Cake's & More at 100 S. Florissant Road in June after finally raising enough money to open her own store. During the violent protests that followed a Grand Jury's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson her small shop had its front windows smashed in and equipment damaged. 'Hurt is the only word I could really describe,' she told NBC News. 'I was like, 'Wow, you guys really just didn't care, you didn't care, and this affects whether I can feed my children or not, and you just bust through the window with a chair.'' A friend suggested she start a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to clean up and repair her bakery. The response has been beyond Natalie's wildest dreams and she has raised more than $190,000 in just 24 hours. 'I am so grateful and appreciate it. I just can't express it,' she said. The response on GoFundMe has been beyond Natalie's wildest dreams and she has already raised more than $190,000 in just one day . Mark Smith takes broken glass out of the window at Natalie's Cakes and More after vandals broke the window during Monday night's protests . 'People have been showing love through the phone, leaving prayers, leaving songs - it's been absolutely amazing.' Donations have flooded in from thousands of people including Brandi Glanville from The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills and actress Patricia Heaton, best known for Everybody Loves Raymond. Natalie also said that she was brought to tears by a 'sweet lady' who offered money from her social security check. Baking has long been a passion of Natalie and closing her business was never an option after it had taken her so long to open it. She began baking and selling cakes at local flea markets, slowly saving money and she was finally able to make it her full-time job earlier this year. Before that she had worked two jobs to raise the money. Natalie writes on her GoFundMe page that she feels 'so humbly blessed' by people's generosity but she hasn't been able to stop as she has been inundated with orders for Thanksgiving. Natalie DuBose, 32, had only opened Natalie's Cake's & More at 100 S. Florissant Road in early June after finally raising enough money to open her own business . Police stand guard during rioting on Monday in Ferguson, Missouri .
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Natalie DuBose was pictured weeping outside her bakery on Monday after vandals broke her windows during the Ferguson protests .
She had only opened Natalie's Cake's & More in early June after finally raising enough money to open her own business .
A friend suggested she start a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to clean up and repair her bakery .
The response has been beyond Natalie's wildest dreams and she has raised more than $190,000 in just 24 hours .
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Manchester City face the ignominy of being relegated to a third-placed Champions League seeding for next season’s competition if they don’t beat Bayern Munich at home on Tuesday night. Manuel Pellegrini’s side need victory over the German champions at the Etihad to have any hope at all of qualifying for the next stage of the tournament after losing two games and drawing two so far. However, City also need to make sure that if they don’t qualify then they at least finish third in the group and go in to the Europa League. If they were to finish bottom, they will be in grave danger of seeing their coefficient dropping so low that they would go back to being a third seed in next summer’s draw. VIDEO Scroll down to see Bayern destroy Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last weekend . Sergio Aguero and David Silva pictured during training ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League game . Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City side have not won a Champions League match this season . The Premier League champions have endured a stuttering start to the 2014-15 season . It was as third seeds that City were drawn in such impossible groups in their first two years in the Champions League. This time they were a second seed and that saw them handed a group that should – in theory at least – have been a little easier. Failure to beat Roma at home and just one point from six against CSKA Moscow, however, has left Pellegrini’s team in dire straits ahead of their game against Pep Guardiola’s outfit. It is expected that UEFA will change the seeding system a little for next year’s competition, with the winners of the Champions League and also the winners of each of Europe’s top seven leagues automatically receiving top seed status. City, though, would need to overhaul Chelsea and win the Barclays Premier League for that to be relevant. Yaya Toure and former Bayern Munich man Martin Demichelis (left) share a joke during training . City were beaten 1-0 when they last played Bayern Munich - former player Jerome Boateng scored the winner . The Bundesliga champions train in Manchester ahead of their clash at the Etihad Stadium .
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Manchester City haven't won a Champions League game in 2014-15 .
Manuel Pellegrini's side are in danger of dropping down a seeding .
City face Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on Tuesday night .
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By . Alex Gore . PUBLISHED: . 08:17 EST, 22 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:06 EST, 22 March 2013 . Russia has urged the world's other major emerging economies to join forces to counter Western clout. President Vladimir Putin, a frequently critic of Europe and the U.S., said the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - should broaden their role and get more involved in geopolitics. His comments come as China's new communist leader sent a defiant signal to the U.S. and Europe today as he arrived in Russia with his first lady on . his first foreign trip as president. Signal: President Xi Jinping and wife Peng Liyuan arrive in Moscow on the first foreign visit of his presidency . VIP: The visitors from China were given the red carpet treatment when they arrived in Russia today . Important guests: Xi Jinping and his first lady arrived at Vnukovo Airport outside Moscow today . The visit by Xi Jinping . underlines the importance of Beijing's growing alliance with Moscow and . will do little to thaw the two countries' difficult relationships with . the West. Russia is the . world's largest energy producer and China is it biggest consumer, and . together the two nations are looking to bolster a financial and geopolitical counter weight to Washington. Mr Putin was speaking before a summit next week of the group, which also includes Brazil, India and South Africa. It comes amid creasing fears of growing Russian influence in Europe through its dealings with bankrupt Cyprus. He told news agency Itar-Tass that the BRICS members were working on joint declarations on the conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan, Iran's nuclear programme, the situation in the Middle East and other issues. First lady: Peng Liyuan smiled as she stepped of the plane alongside her husband earlier today . 'We invite our partners to gradually transform BRICS from a dialogue forum that coordinates approaches to a limited number of issues into a full-scale strategic cooperation mechanism that will allow us to look for solutions to key issues of global politics together,' Putin said according to a Kremlin transcript of the interview. BRICS leaders are expected to use the March 26-27 meeting in Durban, South Africa to endorse plans to create a joint foreign exchange reserves pool and an infrastructure bank, senior emerging market officials said on Thursday. Putin, who wants more for foreign investment to bolster Russia's economy, said Russia plans to announce the creation of a BRICS Business Council to promote trade and investment within the group and help launch multilateral business . Today's visit by Xi Jinping is also set against a backdrop of the United States' 'Asia pivot' strategy of additional focus on the region in areas such as trade, investment and military presence and alliances, which worries Beijing. Mr Xi will meet Mr Putin later and they could preside over deals that would make Beijing Russia's top customer for oil - although they are not expected to sign a long-sought agreement on supplies of pipeline gas to China. Just before Mr Xi's arrival with first lady Peng Liyuan, a $2 billion deal (£1.3bn) was announced by Russian and Chinese companies to develop coal resources in eastern Siberia, which underlined the countries' intentions. Mr Putin has said he wants to 'catch the Chinese wind in our economic sail' and that desire will grow stronger if China overtakes the U.S. as the world's largest economy during Mr Xi's 10-year term. Perhaps symbolically, Mr Xi's visit overshadowed a meeting Russian government leaders and the European Union's Commission also taking place in Moscow. Guard of honour: The Chinese president is greeted by an official welcome ceremony at the airport . Growing alliance: Today's visit by Xi Jinping underlines the importance of Beijing's relationship with Moscow . Friendship: Mr Xi, 59, has fondly recalled how he read Russian literature in his younger days . The two leaders, less than a year apart in age, echoed one another in interviews before the visit, each saying the Chinese leader's choice of Moscow as his first destination was evidence of the 'strategic partnership' between the nations. A smiling Mr Xi, 59, recalled that he read Russian literature in his younger days. Mr Putin, 60, said Russian-Chinese relations were at 'the best in their centuries-long history'. The two U.N. Security Council members' solidarity on important global issues has strengthened in recent years. Landmark visit: The communist leader attended a ceremony at Moscow's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . They have joined forces three times to block Western-backed measures on the conflict in Syria despite talk of grumbling in Beijing, and Russia has followed China's lead on North Korea - two issues likely to come up in Friday's talks. They have negotiated alongside the West on Iran's nuclear programme, but have watered down past sanctions in the Security Council and opposed new punitive measures as counterproductive. Russia has added to Japan's woes over territorial disputes with Beijing by playing up its control of an archipelago claimed by Tokyo. Beijing and Moscow have also stood side-by-side in rejecting Western criticism of their record on human rights. But the lockstep movement on the global stage has not translated into easy agreement on bilateral energy deals, underlining the limits that persist in the relationship. A huge business complex on the edge of Moscow, decorated with Chinese paintings and red silk armchairs, is the kind of enterprise Mr Xi wants to nurture in Russia. A jumble of Chinese and Russian firms, a 400-room hotel and conference venues sprawl over the 77 square mile, $350 million (£2.3m) Greenwood complex. It was built by a Beijing-controlled consortium with materials shipped from China. Mr Xi's presidency is seen as a chance to put new impetus into such projects and into ties with Russia as a whole. Mr Putin said this week that bilateral trade had more than doubled in five years and reached $87.5 billion (£58m) in 2012 - although it is about five times smaller than Russia's with the European Union, and far smaller than China's trade with the U.S. Overshadowed: Vladimir Putin pictured yesterday with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso . Tough talk: Russia and Europe officials have been meeting at Mr Putin's Novo-Ogaryovo residence . But the rising influence of China, with its proximity to Russia's sparsely populated eastern parts and nearly 10 times more people, has also given rise in Russia to worries China may one day challenge Moscow's influence on its own territory. Russia has created a separate ministry to channel resources to its far east, which complains of neglect and underfunding more than 20 years after the Soviet Union collapsed. Defence analysts say Russian efforts to allocate military resources, including air defences and nuclear submarines, to its eastern coast is an effort to counter China's rising military might - even as Russia sells weapons to its neighbour. Like their populations, their economies are uneven. China's gross domestic product grew 7.8 per cent last year, while Russia's growth was about 3.5 per cent and was close to stagnating in February, with 0.1 per cent year-on-year growth. Mr Xi and Mr Putin are expected to attend a summit next week of the BRICS group of emerging market economies, another vehicle for their efforts to counter Western clout, and the Chinese leader will visit African nations Beijing is courting.
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Mr Putin tells BRICS nations to 'get more involved' in geopolitics .
Xi Jinping's visit to Russia is his first foreign trip as leader .
It underlines importance of Beijing's growing alliance with Moscow .
Visit overshadows Moscow meeting of Russian and European officials .
It follows £1.3bn coal deal between Chinese and Russian companies .
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By . Rebecca Camber and Jack Doyle . PUBLISHED: . 18:01 EST, 13 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:42 EST, 14 June 2012 . Murdered: Steven Grisales, 21, was stabbed through the heart by a 15-year-old boy who had ripped off his tag just days earlier . The full extent of how thugs on electronic tags routinely breach their curfews to commit more crimes is exposed today. A damning report reveals that nearly 60 per cent of offenders, supposedly confined to their homes, are free to walk the streets with impunity. Yesterday the human cost of the system’s failure was laid bare when a 15-year-old who repeatedly flouted his tagging order was jailed for killing an innocent student. The boy is said to have ripped off his tag just days before stabbing Steven Grisales, 21, who had told him off for throwing a conker. But the council charged with monitoring the curfew didn’t bother to recall him to court because the breach happened on the eve of the August Bank Holiday weekend. Last night, the parents of the murdered scholarship student spoke of their horror that the 15-year-old had broken his curfew so many times but nothing was done. His mother Jasmid said: ‘They can do anything that they want because the law won’t do anything. The police do their job – they take them in – but they just have to let them go.’ Their anger came as a damning report by probation inspectors revealed gaping holes in the curfew regime, which allow offenders to roam the streets freely for hours at a time and not face further punishment. The chief inspector of probation, Liz Calderbank, said the rules ‘fall far short of what people have a right to expect’. She added: ‘In our view you do not change the behaviour of those who offend by giving them the impression that they are subject to stringent requirements only for them to find out they are not. If you are trying to change people’s behaviour you need to be setting clear and simple boundaries.’ Inspectors found a fifth of offenders placed on tags broke the rules but were let off with a warning, while a further 37 per cent committed a major breach and were hauled back before the courts. The report, published today, will raise major concerns about Justice Secretary Ken Clarke’s plans for a huge expansion of the number of tagged offenders. Probation officers predict the number could rise from 80,000 last year to 180,000. Scene of the crime: College Close, Edmonton, North London, where Mr Grisales was killed after remonstrating with youngsters who pelted him with stones . Mr Grisales was knifed in the heart by a member of a North London street gang who had a long record of violent robberies and burglaries. Just a month before the murder, the teenager was handed a youth rehabilitation order. Despite flagging his curfew conditions 20 times, he was not locked up. On August 26, he returned home four hours after the end of his 9pm curfew. Nothing was done and on August 31 he attacked Mr Grisales in the street. Yesterday, after the killer was jailed at the Old Bailey for ten and a half years, Mr Grisales’s father Andres said: ‘Ten and a half years for taking away our son, taking away his future, all of his plans. Everything was taken away from him – ten and a half years is a very short sentence.’ On the killer, who cannot be named because of a court order, he said: ‘It was amazing to learn how many offences he had committed before this – violent offences, robberies. He broke his curfew so many times and nothing was done.’ Mr Grisales’s killer was a member of the Northumberland Park Killers. The Old Bailey heard that the teenage gangster has convictions dating back to the age of 12 for robbery and violence but on each occasion he escaped with a community punishment. On July 28, 2011, he was ordered to wear an electronic tag, given a curfew and sentenced to a 12-month youth rehabilitation order for burgling a house. According to police, he broke his . curfew conditions more than 20 times, although Enfield Council, which . was supposed to be monitoring him, says there were only three . violations. The council said . that because the breach fell on a Bank Holiday, there was insufficient . time to bring him before the courts before the murder on August 31. Flawed system: An electronic tag strapped to the . ankle of a youngster. A report by probation inspectors . revealed gaping holes in the curfew regime, allowing offenders to roam . the streets freely for hours at a time . Prosecutors told the court the killer removed his tag on August 29, although this was disputed by the defence. Two days later, Mr Grisales was pelted with conkers at a train station in Edmonton, North London. When he confronted his attackers he was set upon. Terrified, he tried to defend himself with a skateboard. But the 15-year-old pulled out a kitchen knife and plunged it into his heart. Mr Grisales died in hospital the next day. Critics say tagging is wrongly used as a cheap alternative to prison. Harry Fletcher, assistant general-secretary of probation union Napo, said: ‘The time is right for a thorough review of the effectiveness and efficiency of tagging to establish its impact, or not, on reoffending before the Government embarks on any massive roll-out.’ Justice minister Crispin Blunt said the Government wanted to ensure tags were used ‘as effectively as possible’. He added: ‘The call for a smarter, more integrated approach is very much in line with the Government’s initiatives in reducing reoffending and protecting the public.’
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The 15-year-old killer of Steven Grisales had ripped off his tag just days before stabbing him through the heart in Edmonton, North London .
The boy, whose identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons, had repeatedly flouted his tagging order but wasn't recalled to court .
Probation inspectors' report reveals there are gaping holes in the tagging system which falls 'far short of what people have a right to expect'
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Online retailing giant Amazon has launched its own brand of diapers, opening a new front in retail battles - and a direct challenge to name-brands already selling on the site. Amazon said the first offerings in its new Amazon Elements line of consumer products would be diapers and baby wipes, and that other competitively priced, 'premium' everyday consumer products would soon follow. But the Elements line is only available to members of Amazon's Prime $99-a-year subscription club, with the lowest prices available for those who are also members of its Amazon Mom group, as the company seeks to push more shoppers into its membership programs. Time for change: Amazon is launching the line of diapers and baby wipes exclusively for its Prime members to get more shoppers to sign up for the $99 annual program . Expanding: The launch comes a year after Amazon reported it was recruiting people to help create its own brand of products in the larger category known as consumables . Amazon highlighted that the Elements line would provide quality-conscious shoppers 'an unprecedented level of information' on product origins and materials. 'The two things customers told us they want are premium products that meet their high standards, and access to information so they can make informed decisions,' said Sunny Jain, Amazon.com Consumables Vice President, in a statement. Entering the market: The first offerings in the new Amazon Elements line of consumer products will be diapers and baby wipes . The initial prices, including discounts to Prime members and the Amazon Mom club, put a size 4 diaper 10 percent more expensive than the popular Huggies brand. But it was about 27 percent cheaper than the premium Seventh Generation brand, popular with health and environmentally-conscious consumers, in the Prime and Amazon Mom pricing. Amazon has been seeking to push shoppers into Prime, originally a subscription service for free shipping aimed at frequent buyers on its website. A Prime subscription now gives members unlimited video and music streaming as Amazon takes on powerful media groups like Netflix and Spotify. In some areas, Prime is now offering same day delivery on groceries as well.
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Suppliers had long feared Amazon would eventually elbow them aside .
Amazon Elements is a new line of Amazon-branded 'everyday essentials' available exclusively to Prime subscribers .
Amazon's pack of 40 diapers will sell for $7.99 - 19 cents a diaper compared to national brands like Huggies and Pampers that go for about 24 to 34 cents .
New diapers are up to 40 cents cheaper than name brand competitors .
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David Cameron last night vowed to strip Scottish MPs of the power to decide policy on health, education and tax rates in England. The Prime Minister said the introduction of ‘English votes for English laws’ at Westminster was a matter of ‘fairness’ in the wake of Scottish devolution, and vowed to make it a priority if he wins the election. His decision to include income tax rates among the areas on which Scottish MPs will lose the vote could cause havoc for a future Labour government, or any administration propped up by the SNP. David Cameron (left) intervened following talks with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon (right) in Edinburgh on Wednesday . The intervention followed talks in Edinburgh on Thursday with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, who beforehand had enraged Tory MPs by threatening to end her party’s policy of not voting on English matters at Westminster. Mr Cameron described the talks as ‘businesslike’ but said Scotland’s First Minister was ‘wrong’ to end the SNP’s bar on voting on devolved matters at Westminster. He had travelled to Scotland to outline a raft of new powers for the Edinburgh parliament that were promised in the run-up to last year’s independence referendum, including tax powers enabling it to raise 60 per cent of its budget. Scotland will also gain control of £2.5billion of welfare spending, on top of its existing powers over education, health and justice. Former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling (pictured) warned that barring Scottish MPs from voting on tax would undermine the ‘fiscal integrity’ of the UK . And it will be able to extend the voting age in Scottish polls to 16 and 17-year-olds, in time for the Holyrood election next year. Miss Sturgeon reignited the debate about English devolution on Wednesday by warning the SNP would end its ‘self-denying ordinance’ on voting on matters such as health at Westminster. The move was seen as paving the way for a post-election deal in which the SNP could prop up a minority Labour government in return for more powers and cash for Scotland. It also helps to neutralise Labour’s central message north of the border that a vote for the SNP risks a Conservative government at Westminster. Yesterday Mr Cameron indicated there would be no further devolution to Scotland, describing the new powers as ‘the resting place’ for the issue, while the SNP said the proposals did not go far enough. He made clear that the new powers for Scotland will come in parallel with a reduction in the voting rights of Scottish MPs. He also suggested the issue would be a ‘red line’ in any coalition talks, pledging to act on it if he remains as prime minister. He said: ‘You will get in full these [devolution] measures, set out in a Bill in the first Queen’s Speech of any government I lead. 'But there will also be very clearly set-out rules put in place so that English MPs have the decisive say on issues that only affect England. 'I think that is fair and right.’ Mr Cameron also said the proposals would prevent Scottish MPs having a decisive say on income tax rates in England – potentially making it difficult for a future Labour government to pass its Budgets. He said: ‘It wouldn’t be appropriate for English constituents to have a rate of tax essentially imposed on them by Scottish Members of Parliament.’ Mr Cameron said the Conservatives would set out their proposals on the issue ‘within days’. Options include a complete ban on Scottish MPs voting on English matters, and the introduction of a separate parliamentary stage on which they would be excluded – effectively giving English MPs a veto. Former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling warned that barring Scottish MPs from voting on tax would undermine the ‘fiscal integrity’ of the UK. He said: ‘We must do nothing in any reforms that ... undermine the fiscal integrity of the UK because if we do that we will end up with all the structures we see in the eurozone, which no one wants to see.’
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PM says introducing 'English votes for English laws' at Westminster was a matter of 'fairness' in wake of Scottish devolution .
David Cameron vowed to make this a priority if he wins the next election .
Intervention followed talks in Edinburgh with SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon .
She had angered Tory MPs by threatening to end her party’s policy of not voting on English matters at Westminster .
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(CNN) -- The 12-year-old Arkansas girl who was infected with a rare brain-eating parasite is showing remarkable improvement, her doctors said Tuesday. Kali Hardig is still listed in critical condition at Arkansas Children's Hospital, but over the past 48 hours, she's grown alert to the point where she can gesture in response to questions, according to Dr. Mark Heulitt, an intensive care specialist. Heulitt has scheduled a test for Tuesday afternoon to see whether Hardig can breathe without the breathing tube that she's had for more than two weeks. Hardig's doctors are in virtually uncharted territory. Of 128 known cases in the past half-century, just two patients have survived, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection is caused by a microscopic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, found in hot springs and warm, fresh water, most often in the southeastern United States. The amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain. You cannot be infected with the organism by drinking contaminated water, the CDC says. "This infection is one of the most severe infections that we know of," Dr. Dirk Haselow of the Arkansas Department of Health told CNN affiliate WMC. "Ninety-nine percent of people who get it die." Why 'nightmare bacteria' on the rise . Dr. Sanjiv Pasala, one of Hardig's attending physicians, says they immediately started treating Hardig with an antifungal medicine, antibiotics and a new experimental anti-amoeba drug doctors got directly from the CDC. They also reduced the girl's body temperature to 93 degrees. Doctors have used that technique in some brain injury cases as a way to preserve undamaged brain tissue. Last week, doctors checked the girl's cerebral spinal fluid and could not find any presence of the amoeba. Pasala said that while other cases have not met with such favorable results, what may have made a real difference is that the girl's mother got her to the hospital so quickly. Willow Springs Water Park in Little Rock is the most likely source of Hardig's infection, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Health. Another case of the same parasite, also called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, was reported in 2010 and was possibly linked to Willow Springs. "Based on the occurrence of two cases of this rare infection in association with the same body of water and the unique features of the park, the ADH has asked the owner of Willow Springs to voluntarily close the water park to ensure the health and safety of the public," the news release said. What's in your pool water? The first symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis appear one to seven days after infection, including headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck, according to the CDC. "Later symptoms include confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations," the government agency's website states. "After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days." Getting this amoeba is extremely rare. Between 2001 and 2010, there were 32 reported cases in the United States, the CDC says. Most of the cases occurred in the Southeast. Here are some tips from the CDC to help lower your risk of infection: . • Avoid swimming in fresh water when the water temperature is high and the water level is low. • Hold your nose shut or use nose clips. • Avoid stirring up the sediment while wading in shallow, warm freshwater areas. • If you are irrigating, flushing or rinsing your sinuses (for example, by using a neti pot), use water that has been distilled or sterilized. CNN's John Bonifield and Caleb Hellerman contributed to this story.
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Kali Hardig, 12, is in critical condition at Arkansas Children's Hospital .
Amoeba causes fatal brain infection, according to the CDC .
Parasite generally found in people who swim in warm, fresh water .
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Everton fear they will be without Kevin Mirallas for at least four weeks after he suffered a hamstring tear in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. The Belgium forward pulled up after just 30 minutes of the game and early signs are not good. Manager Roberto Martinez said afterwards: ‘It seems bad. It’s a hamstring. We’re going to assess him in the next 24 hours. Kevin Mirallas sustained a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in their Premier League clash . The 26-year-old Belgian forward will be out for at least four weeks with the suspected hamstring tear . Krasnodar (a), Oct 2, Europa League . Man Utd (a), Oct 5, Premier League . Aston Villa (h), Oct 18, Premier League . Lille (a), Oct 23, Europa League . Burnley (a), Oct 26, Premier League . ‘Kevin has been in great form and we’ve got a lot of games coming up. It’s very unfortunate for us.’ Mirallas has scored three goals for Everton so far this season. Further tests are planned today to establish the severity of the tear but Everton and the Belgium national team doctor expect him to be out for a minimum of four weeks. Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: 'Kevin has been in great form. It's very unfortunate for us' Mirallas has scored three goals for Everton this season and will be sorely missed in a congested period . VIDEO Jagielka's goal is the best I've seen live - Martinez .
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Everton forward Kevin Mirallas out for at least four weeks .
Belgian forward tore his hamstring against Liverpool .
Roberto Martinez described injury as 'very unfortunate'
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By . Gemma Mullin . A suspected stowaway has been killed after the coach he had clung to for almost 200 miles hit him as he emerged from underneath it. The man, who is believed to be in his 20s or 30s and of African or Arabic origin, is thought to have climbed beneath the coach as it left Calais in an attempt to smuggle himself into the UK. He remained there unknown to the driver as the coach travelled to Bexwell, near Downham Market in Norfolk. Scroll down for video . D & H Harrod Coaches depot in Bexwell, near Downham Market in Norfolk where the incident happened . The coach driver from the company was unaware the man had clung to the bottom of the bus after trip . It was as the coach reversed into its home depot at D&H Harrods Coaches at about 1.20am yesterday that he was hit. Norfolk Police said that the man, who has not been named, died at the scene after suffering multiple injuries. Paul Harrod, who helps to run D&H Coaches with his brother Mark and parents Anne and Derek, said the fatal drama happened after the bus returned from a three-day trip to France. He said: ‘The driver and border control carried out all the appropriate checks at Calais and the appropriate authorities were called here. ‘We are working with the police to help them with their investigations.’ Norfolk Police said they had launched an investigation into the tragedy. A force spokesman said: ‘An inspector from the Health and Safety Executive, crime scene investigators and collision investigators remain at the scene conducting further inquiries. ‘A Home Office post-mortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.’ A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: ‘The HSE is aware of the incident and are working jointly with Norfolk Police with the police taking the lead.’ Family-run D&H Harrolds is one of the longest-established coach companies in East Anglia after being set up in 1927 by Herman Harrod. Migrants attempt to board a lorry bound for Britain at the ferry terminal in Calais, France, where the stowaway is thought to have climbed underneath the coach heading to Norfolk yesterday as it returned from trip .
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Man clung on for 200 miles unknown to driver who hit him at coach depot .
Stowaway in 20s or 30s and of African or Arabic origin has not been named .
He died of multiple injuries after attempting to smuggle himself into the UK .
Coach company on three-day trip to France had appropriate border checks .
Home Office post-mortem due to take place to determine cause of death .
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A migration agent who has been banned for five years after he allegedly groomed a client to act gay so that he had more chance of getting an Australian visa has vowed to clear his name. Sydney based lawyer Issam Sam Issa is reported to have taken a wannabe migrant to Oxford Street and Kings Cross, areas of the city popular with the gay community, and advised him to tell a tribunal that he was homosexual. However, Mr Issa told Daily Mail Australia he is launching an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal against the Migration Agents Registration Authority's ruling. ‘I obviously deny that allegation,’ Mr Issa said, highlighting that he believes the whole story has not been told. His solicitor Adrian Joel added: ‘We are preparing an appeal urgently. We are beyond appalled by the nature of the allegations that have been presented, they are gravely defamatory.’ A migration agent has been banned from practising from five years after he allegedly took a wannabe migrant to Oxford Street (pictured) and Kings Cross and advised him to tell a tribunal that he was homosexual . In a court appearance, involving a man who wanted to live in Australia named Mr E, it was alleged that Mr Issa ‘advised and assisted him to apply for a protection visa based on fabricated claims of being homosexual’. To support the claims for his visa application, Mr E claimed that Mr Issa took him to Oxford Street and Kings Cross. The client was interviewed by the Migration Agents Registration Authority on 17 December 2012. However, Mr Issa stated that Mr E’s complaint was motivated by personal gain. In another tribunal involving a man named as Mr C, it was also alleged Mr Issa advised him to apply for a protection visa based on fraudulent claims of being homosexual. In other complaints about the migration agent, protection visas were also lodged on religious grounds. Eight complaints were made against the migration agent by his clients, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Refugee Review Tribunal and the NSW Legal Services Commissioner . MARA said in total they received eight complaints about the agent’s conduct and the immigration assistance he provided to protection visa applicants between November 2011 to June 2013. These complaints were from individual clients, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Refugee Review Tribunal and the NSW Legal Services Commissioner. ‘The complaints alleged that the agent encouraged and assisted his clients to lodge applications for Protection visas with claims that were fabricated,’ a ruling on the MARA website says. In response to an official warning notice from MARA, Mr Issa said ‘there is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of fraud’. He also claimed the alleged ‘unusual similarities’ attached to the homosexual lifestyle of his visa applicants ‘do not establish any element of causation of fraud’. In some cases he called his clients ‘self-confessed liars’ and questioned the validity of their claims against him. It was alleged that Mr Issa 'advised and assisted [a client] to apply for a Protection visa based on fabricated claims of being homosexual' Mr Issa first registered as a migration agent on 9 February 1995 and records show he mainly practices in relation to Protection visas. Protection visas allow migrants to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident but to qualify for them you must be a refugee as defined by the Refugees Convention. Or you may also meet the Complementary Protection criteria in the Australian Migration Act 1958. In some countries being gay is a crime and thus homosexuals can be granted refugee status in Australia if they face persecution in their home countries. For example, in Uganda this year the president approved a new law that imposes life sentences for homosexuality; he also made it a crime to fail to report someone for breaking the new law. Protection visas lodged inside Australia cost $35 and are far cheaper than other visas, such as a Skilled Migration Visa which starts at $3250. To be granted a Protection visa you need to be either a refugee as defined by the Refugees Convention: . Refugees Convention: . The term ‘refugee’ is defined as a person who owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it. Or you must meet the Complementary Protection criteria in the Australian Migration Act 1958: . Circumstances where there are substantial grounds for believing that, as a necessary and foreseeable consequence of a non-citizen’s removal from Australia to a receiving country, there is a real risk the non-citizen will suffer significant harm. The MARA investigated a sample of Mr Issa’s client, departmental and tribunal files – a total of 73 files - and found ‘a pattern of poor practices which breached the Code of Conduct’. ‘The Office of the MARA found that the agent prepared and submitted applications containing generalised information not supported by instructions from his clients; he included misleading and inaccurate statements to enhance the prospects of success of the visa applications; and failed to provide frank and candid advice to his clients about the prospects of success of their visa applications. ‘As a result of the investigation the Office of the MARA was satisfied that the agent had breached multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct and was not a person of integrity, and not a fit and proper person to give immigration assistance,’ the ruling states.
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Sydney based lawyer Issam Sam Issa has been banned from acting as a migration agent for five years .
A ruling by the Migration Agents Registration Authority found he 'was not a person of integrity'
He allegedly advised clients to say they were gay to gain protection visas .
Protection visas allow migrants to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident if they are a refugee facing persecution .
MARA said in total they received eight complaints about the agent's conduct .
Mr Issa denies the allegations and is launching an appeal .
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By . Sara Malm . A British family on holiday in France ‘could have died’ after thieves piped gas from a car exhaust into their camper van to knock them unconscious before robbing them. Linda Chadwick and five members of her family had stopped for the night near Bourges when robbers broke into the vehicle and stole a suitcase, mobile phones, jewellery and £1,900 in cash. The family, from Oakwood, Derby, woke up with severe headaches and sore throats to find their mobile home had been raided. Victims: Linda and Darren Chadwick, their son Jamie, Jani Horsley and Mandy and Steve Willows were knocked out by thieves who pumped exhaust fumes into their caravan while they camped in France . Mrs Chadwick, was with husband Darren, 40, son Jamie, 21, his girlfriend, Janie Horsley, 17, her brother, Stephen Willows, 50, and sister-in-law, Mandy Willows, 46, when the shocking incident took place. The family were on their way back from Spain and had parked up for the night at a service station on the A71, just after midnight. The summer heat had made the group restless and unable to sleep. Mrs Chadwick says the last thing she remembers is seeing the lights of a car at 4.40am before ‘zoning out’. ‘We all woke up at around about the same time, at 6am, with terrible headaches and really sore throats. We were all in shock. It was so awful. ‘My brother, who was on the bottom bunk, said “Where's the suitcase?” We realised we had been robbed.’ Attacked: The family were targeted by robbers as they had parked up for the night at a service station by a motorway in France . The robbers broke in to the camper van when the group were unconscious form the fumes and stole a suitcase, mobile phones, jewellery and £1,900 in cash . Entering: Darren Chadwick looks at the lock damaged by the thieves during the late-night break-in . They went to a nearby petrol station where the attendant called the police, and they were taken to a police station and on to the Centre Hospitalier De Saint Amand Montrond. Linda said: ‘We were all seen individually by doctors and nurses and put into rooms where we were given oxygen and our blood samples were taken. We were in there nearly all of the day. ‘The person taking the blood said it could have killed us. It was horrendous. They said it could also lead to memory loss, flashbacks.’ Linda said the family had been given a report from the hospital saying that they had been affected by carbon monoxide. She said doctors believed that was ‘more than likely’ from exhaust fumes. The family were taken back to the police station, where Linda said that police interviewed them individually and took their fingerprints. Their ordeal follows reports of the same thing happening to another British couple near Marseilles. Debbie Keeney and Bob John were ten days into a month-long camper van trip when they were targeted on July 6. Mr and Mrs Chadwick and their family members all suffered carbon monoxide poisoning in the robbery . The couple said they felt ‘violated and shaken’ but made a full recovery. Local police suspect they were gassed after receiving reports of Eastern European gangs preying on holidaymakers in the same way. Linda said the police dealing with her incident, on Saturday, July 19, had told her how criminals used exhaust fumes to knock people out. She said: ‘We were told they wait for you to get into the camper van at night. ‘Then they run a tube from their exhaust underneath the van where there are vents and the fumes get through there.’ Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble other types of poisonings and infections, including symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and a feeling of weakness. Affected families often believe they are victims of food poisoning. And neurological signs include confusion, disorientation, visual disturbance, syncope and seizures Linda said her family had still not fully recovered from the ordeal. She added: ‘My brother has been waking up in the night. ‘He thinks they could have done anything to him because he was close to the door.’ Bourges police have confirmed they are investigating but have not yet made any arrests.
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Family suffered carbon monoxide poisoning as thieves raided van .
Robbers piped gas from a car exhaust into their mobile home .
Family, from Derby, was travelling through France from Spain .
Thieves stole a suitcase, phones, jewellery and £1,900 in cash .
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The remains of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans landed on U.S. soil Friday afternoon in flag-draped caskets. The four men were killed in an attack this week on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. Teams of seven Marines carried the caskets off a C-17 plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland in a ceremony attended by a color guard and a chaplain, Army Col. Wesley Smith. President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton gave remarks at the solemn transfer of remains in an airport hangar, where four hearses with rear doors open waited for the caskets. Families of the victims and dignitaries were seated facing the hearses and a lectern. "There's no doubt these are difficult days," said Obama. But he pledged that "the United States of America will never retreat from the world." "Four Americans, four patriots, they loved their country and chose to serve it and serve it well," the president continued. "They had a mission and they believed in it, and they knew the danger and they accepted it. They didn't simply embrace the American ideal, they lived it, they embodied it: the courage, the hope and, yes, the idealism. "We will bring to justice those who took them from us," Obama said. Clinton said that Libya, Egypt and Tunisia "did not trade the tyranny of a dictator for the tyranny of a mob." Those countries' leaders "need to do everything they can to restore security" in the face of anti-American protests arising from an "awful Internet video," she said. Clinton said the four victims' lives -- as well as all people who work in the Foreign Service -- "are at the heart of what makes America great and good." "America must keep leading the world. We owe it to the these four men to continue the long, hard work of diplomacy," Clinton said. "We will wipe our tears and stiffen our spines and face the future undaunted." Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Vice President Joe Biden also attended the ceremony. The other men killed in Libya include Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, both former Navy SEAL commandos working as diplomatic security officers. The fourth was Sean Smith, an information management officer who also had an online alter-ego legendary in the gaming world. Four people have been arrested in connection with the attack that left Stevens and the three other Americans dead, the top aide to the president of the Libyan parliament said Friday. Those arrested were not directly tied to the attack, Monem Elyasser, the chief aide to Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagur, told CNN by telephone. Elyasser did not release the identities of the four suspects in custody, nor did he detail the allegations against them. The announcement came as the United States is struggling to determine whether a militant group planned the attack that killed the four Americans. Blog: Arrest and violence updates . The head of Libya's ruling General National Congress, Mohammed Al-Megaryef, also confirmed the four arrests but declined to say to what group the suspects are linked. However, the government now believes the suspects are part of one of the many armed extremist groups operating especially in the eastern part of the country and Benghazi itself, he told CNN. Authorities also believe the attack was planned and deliberately carried out to inflict maximum damage on key Western interests, particularly the United States, he said. The government believes the attack was intended to drive a wedge between Americans and Libyans. Asked what the Libyan government was doing to ensure security, al-Megaryef answered, "We are doing our best to avoid further attacks." But he acknowledged that authorities had little capacity to defend against the powerful extremist groups. State Department Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy has said that the attack appeared to be planned because it was so extensive and because of the "proliferation" of small and medium weapons at the scene. He was briefing congressional staffers when he offered that theory. But on Thursday, three U.S. officials told CNN that they had seen no evidence the attack was premeditated. A team of FBI investigators is expected to be in Libya by Saturday, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN. Agents are first conducting interviews outside the country to gather information about the attack, the source said. Obama vowed Thursday that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice. "I want people around the world to hear me. To those that would do us harm -- no act of terror will go unpunished. It will not dim the light of the values that we proudly present to the rest of the world. No act of violence shakes the resolve of the United States of America." Source: Al Qaeda central not behind Benghazi attack . During an interview on CNNI's "Amanpour," Abushagur said Thursday that there had been one arrest early Thursday in Benghazi and that three or four others were being pursued. "The evidence itself is based on mostly pictures that were taken around the compound at that time, and also through some witnesses," the prime minister said. Conflicting theories flew in the hours after the four Americans were killed late Tuesday. They died amid a protest outside the U.S. Consulate over a film that ridiculed Muslims and depicted the Prophet Mohammed as a child molester, womanizer and ruthless killer. The demonstration was one of several protests across the region that day. Protest as diversion . U.S. officials believe the attackers used the protest as a diversion. Given what officials know about al Qaeda in Libya, intelligence officials believe it is very unlikely that core al Qaeda was behind the attack, a U.S. intelligence official told CNN on condition of anonymity. The official was not authorized to release the information. Meanwhile, Shawn Turner, director of communications for U.S. National Intelligence, denied news reports that American officials had been warned of a possible attack. "This is absolutely wrong," he said. "We are not aware of any actionable intelligence indicating that an attack on the U.S. post in Benghazi was planned or imminent." Slain ambassador warned in '08 about extremists near Benghazi . The United States is deploying warships and surveillance drones in its hunt for the killers of the diplomatic staffers, and a contingent of 50 Marines has arrived to boost the security of Americans in the country. The United States and Libya have embarked on a new relationship since rebels toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi last year. U.S. and NATO warplanes helped the Benghazi-based rebellion against Gadhafi, who was wanted by the International Criminal Court for charges of crimes against humanity before he was killed in October. The jihadists suspected in Tuesday night's attack "are a very small minority" who are taking advantage of a fledgling democracy, said Ali Suleiman Aujali, the Libyan ambassador to the United States. Sources tracking militant Islamist groups in eastern Libya say a pro-al Qaeda group responsible for a previous armed assault on the Benghazi consulate is the chief suspect. A senior defense official told CNN the drones will be part of "a stepped-up, more focused search" for a particular insurgent cell that may be behind the killings. Rights groups have raised concerns about the Libyan legal system, which is in the early days of being rebuilt following the fall of the Gadhafi regime. "Due process violations against detainees in Libya are the norm," Human Rights Watch said in a June report. "Libyan government officials told Human Rights Watch that very few detainees have been formally charged and that very few of the cases have been reviewed by a judicial authority." At the same time, the dominance of militia groups, "which in most towns and cities are stronger than the army and police, has complicated the rebuilding of Libya's justice system," the report says. Amnesty International has similarly warned of serious problems with Libya's legal system. Its researchers also "found that hundreds of armed militias are acting above the law." Questions swirl around the attack . There are numerous questions about what happened at the consulate where protesters had gathered to demonstrate against the film "Innocence of Muslims," which reportedly was made in California by a filmmaker whose identity is unclear. Chief among the questions is what happened to Stevens, who went missing during the attack. What is known is that during the attack, a rocket-propelled grenade set the consulate on fire, and American and Libyan security personnel tried to fight the attackers and the fire. As the fire spread, three people -- Stevens, Foreign Service information management officer Smith, and a U.S. regional security officer -- were inside a safe room, said senior State Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as a matter of practice during a briefing with reporters. Smith was later found dead, apparently of smoke inhalation, officials said. The State Department has not released details about how Stevens died, though numerous media reports have said the ambassador was taken from the consulate to the Benghazi Medical Center by locals. He arrived at the hospital, according to the reports, unresponsive and covered in soot from the fire. A doctor was unable to revive him and declared him dead, the reports said. Stevens' body was turned over to consulate personnel as they were evacuated from Benghazi. As of Friday night, funeral plans had not been announced for the four Americans. Have you witnessed the attacks? Share your images but stay safe.
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"There's no doubt these are difficult days," president says .
But "the United States of America will never retreat from the world," Obama adds .
Prime minister says evidence for arrests is based on photos around compound, witnesses .
An aide says those arrested are not directly tied to the attacks .
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Washington (CNN) -- Republicans in Washington say they are breathing a sigh of relief now that the Kansas secretary of state has ruled that the Democratic Senate candidate will stay on the ballot in November even though he dropped out. It's a case of political whiplash for national Republicans, who just hours earlier scrambled to send strategists to Kansas when it suddenly became a head-to-head race between incumbent Republican Pat Roberts and an independent candidate with libertarian views, who would likely pull GOP votes from Roberts. The matchup appeared to make it harder for the GOP to seize the Senate majority. Now a GOP strategist tells CNN that Republicans believe keeping Democrat Chad Taylor on the ballot is "enormous" because he was only getting 30% of the vote when he was actively campaigning. Republicans predict the Democrat will still get about 10-25% of the vote on Election Day, making it easier for Roberts to beat independent candidate Greg Orman. The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which works to get Republicans elected to the Senate, was already dispatching veteran GOP strategist Chris LaCivita to Kansas, a GOP source tells CNN. The source called it just the first move to try to help bolster Roberts' campaign, which national Republicans worry is lackluster and ill-equipped to run an unexpectedly competitive campaign. Republicans had also enlisted help from former Sen. Bob Dole, the longtime senator from Kansas and a former Senate majority leader, who was already scheduled in the state this week. A source close to Dole tells CNN he is playing the role as "super consultant" to Roberts, an old friend. The Senate race in Kansas just got more interesting . 5 Senate races to watch in 2014 . Republicans were moving fast because of the national importance of the race in the GOP quest to regain control of the Senate in November. The GOP has to pick up six seats to take over the Senate. Their advantage has been that they are only playing defense in two states: Kentucky and Georgia. Adding Kansas to the list has many implications, most immediately with money. After 30 years in Senate, McConnell tries to run as 'candidate of change' Republican resources are already spread thin because there are so many neck-and-neck races where they are spending campaign cash -- mostly where they are playing offense trying to pick up Democratic seats everywhere from Louisiana to Alaska to North Carolina and New Hampshire and beyond. When Roberts narrowly won a GOP primary race earlier this year, Republicans thought he would have relatively smooth sailing towards re-election. Kansas is so conservative, it has only been represented by Republican senators for three quarters of a century. U.S. Chamber ramps up efforts in key N.C. Senate race . But then Orman began to climb in the polls. The three-way race was already making things tougher for Roberts, but on Wednesday night, Taylor abruptly withdrew, paving the way for a head to head matchup between Roberts and Orman, an independent running on a libertarian platform. Republican strategists tell CNN they had to drag Roberts over the finish line for his GOP primary race, and they hope he understands that he has to work harder than before to win re-election.
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Kansas secretary of state rules Democrat must stay on ballot even though he dropped out .
GOP feared with no Democrat, an independent could beat incumbent Pat Roberts .
Independent Orman is running on a libertarian platform, which could take votes from Roberts .
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A Missouri mom who claims her son was 'kidnapped' by social workers in a hospital on the grounds of medical child abuse is desperately fighting to regain custody. Michelle Rider says her son Isaiah - now 16 - has had health issues since he was child, beginning with breaking his leg at age six and the bones never fully recovering. At 15 his leg was partially amputated to fit a prosthetic, however there were complications, with the teen suffering tremors and intense pain after the surgery. After being transferred to numerous children's hospitals around the country, an MRI determined Isaiah had tumors on his leg and he was diagnosed with neurofibromitoisis. Fighting for her son: Michelle Rider says her sickly son, Isaiah, was wrongly taken away from her amid allegations of medical child abuse . Isaiah under surgery at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago on March 31, but the tremors and pain persisted. Doctors suggested Isaiah manage without drugs. 'They couldn't help him, and I, as his parent, requested, ‘Please, get him help somewhere,' Rider told The Blaze. 'I wanted him transferred,' Rider said . Rider said she called an ethics meeting with her son’s doctors and social workers, asking that he be transferred to another hospital. Then on April 15, upon arriving at the hospital, Rider was met in the lobby by a social worker, who took her to a room with two doctors and another social worker, none of whom Rider had met before. The mom was then told Isaiah had been taken into emergency custody due to evidence of medical abuse. Doctors believed that Isaiah was coping better and improving when his mother was not around and that 'only pharmacological means can be used to treat pain', according to The Chicago Tribune. 'All attempts to … have [the] mother voluntarily partner with us in [the boy's] care have been futile and met with resistance,' the doctor's reported. 'In order to best develop a therapeutic medical plan for [the boy], we need to remove the mother from his care at the moment.' Poorly: Isaiah Rider has been in and out of hospital since the age of six, stemming from a broken leg that never properly healed . Stunned: Both mother and son said they did not understand what was happening when Isaiah was put into a foster home in Illinois . Isaiah was placed with a foster family in Illinois and Rider said she was left in complete shock. 'They literally did a hospital kidnapping,' she said. Isaiah has said he feels the same way as his mother and disagrees with what the doctors are saying. 'They kept telling me that .... my anxiety is my mom causing me pain. 'There were times [though] where I'd be in pain for hours at a time and they wouldn't give me anything. 'I needed, like, a muscle relaxer and they wouldn't give me anything for it. Told me to wait it through. 'That's immoral to me, when patient in pain needs medicine, give him some pain medicine. 'I was hurting so much at one point my nose bled. 'If I was a doctor, I'd be ashamed if I heard of other doctors doing stuff like this. They've been lying in the court.' Patient: Isaiah Rider and his mom Michelle have traveled to hospitals all over the country trying to find him the proper care . At the next custody hearing on August 11, Rider and her attorney, Randy Kretchmar, plan to challenge the case using an old federal law, which they believe has been violated. The Indian Child Welfare Act was passed in 1978 'protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families'. The law puts a greater emphasis on the proof to take temporary custody of Indian children. Kretchmar believes in this case there is no medical evidence that Rider had personally - physically or otherwise - wronged her son in any way. He also said that Isaiah fits the legal definition of an Indian child. Kretchmar said he understands that people will think that there is more to this story, but maintains there isn't. 'The system is something that needs to be radically confronted and resisted and changed and abolished,' he told The Blaze. Homesick: Isaiah said he longs to return home to his and family and friends in Missouri . 'It’s very, very similarly minded people, a class of people who believe that they understand what’s better for other people’s children. 'They wouldn’t come out and say that, but that’s what they do. 'They make their living from acting that way.' Missouri state Rep. Ken Wilson told TheBlaze he was stunned when he heard of Isaiah’s situation . 'These parents are hurting. What happened to them just should not happen to anyone else,' Wilson said. 'Who can possibly believe that child is better off in a foster home in Chicago than in the family home? 'That's another one of those bizarre things that you just have to think, ‘'really?''.'
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Michelle Rider lost custody of her son Isaiah, 16, on April 15 .
He has been in and out of hospital from the age of six after breaking his leg .
Doctors and social workers claim she insists on giving him drugs and that his health won't improve while she is around .
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By . Emma Clark . PUBLISHED: . 08:30 EST, 29 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:14 EST, 30 October 2012 . This is the dramatic moment two fishermen are forced to abandon their sinking vessel and jump into the freezing Irish Sea. Crew on board The Tribute spotted Snowdonia beginning to tip ahead of them as the two boats sailed approximately 12 miles east of Kilkeel Harbour, on the County Down coast. As the Tribute gets closer they can see the damaged boat lift almost vertically and in a matter of seconds begin to disappear below the water, as two fishermen cling to the side of it. Scroll down for video . Fishermen 12 miles east of Kilkeel Harbour, on the County Down coast, gather at the front of the vessel The Tribute and look on in horror as a boat named Snowdonia begins to tip in front of them . As The Tribute gets closer they can see the damaged boat lift further and then rapidly sink as the two fisherman, wearing red, can be seen clinging to the right-hand side of the boat . The two fisherman are forced to abandon the ship and swim away quickly as their vessel becomes almost vertical and continues to plunge into the sea . But as Snowdonia hurtles towards the seabed, the two fishermen have no option but to escape into the icy waters where they battle to stay afloat. One of the men is spotted briefly dipping below the water but thankfully emerges a few seconds later as their approaching rescuers look on in horror. The video, which begins with the rescuers scrambling towards the front of the boat to watch the dramatic events unfold, ends when the Tribute gets close enough to pull the men to safety. Throughout the one minute clip the crew can be heard shouting messages to . their captain. VIDEO: Astonishing moment two fisherman had to leap for their lives as their trawler sank . One of the men is seen swimming towards a life ring in desperation but turns in horror to see the trawler Snowdonia disappearing below the water . The dramatic footage shows the moment the boat completely submerges and the two fisherman can just be seen scrambling out of harm's way while their belongings sink around them . One of the fishermen is forced under the water by the ferocious waves caused by the sinking while the other man manages to remain afloat . The Belfast Coastguard were alerted to the sinking by Tribute, whose crew looked after the men until the RNLI lifeboat arrived from Kilkeel. Medical staff from the lifeboat treated the two men until the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopter arrived and airlifted them to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry. Following the rescue last Tuesday, Gary Young, from the Belfast Coastguard, said: 'This incident has again proved the importance of wearing a lifejacket and having it maintained to a high standard. 'I would like to pass on my thanks to the professionalism of the lifeboat and helicopter crews.' Thankfully he reappears moments later and the pair are rescued by the approaching vessel, The Tribute, where the dramatic event was filmed from . Fisherman aboard The Tribute gesture to their captain to steer the boat towards the endangered men as they swim hopelessly in the water .
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The two men are forced to jump into the Irish Sea as their fishing vessel sinks .
Rescuers from a nearby boat manage to pull the pair to safety after capturing the events on camera .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 10:57 PM on 6th February 2012 . Police will begin scouring a landfill for the body of five-year-old Jhessye Shockley - four months after the youngster was reported missing. It could take Glendale police in Arizona up to six weeks to sift through more than 6,000 tons of trash at Butterfield Station Landfill in Mobile. Authorities believe the body of the child, who was reported missing on October 11, was thrown into a dumpster and transported to the landfill. Scroll down for videos . Investigation: Police will begin searching for the body of five-year-old Jhessye Shockley, who has been missing since October 11, in an Arizona landfill . The search will happy every day, eight hours a day, for up to six weeks . Compacted trash will be spread out over an area of 180 feet by 200 feet for a team to sift through with rakes, The Arizona Republic reported. The search of the specific section of the landfill comes two months after police first considered scouring the dump for the youngster's remains. Jhessye was reported missing in October by her mother Jerice Hunter, who became the primary focus in the police investigation. According to a court document, Jhessye's 13-year-old sister told police her mother kept the girl in a closet, and that Jhessye had black eyes, cuts and bruises before she was reported . missing. The teen recounted an incident just weeks earlier when Hunter returned home to find Jhessye wearing a . long T-shirt while watching TV with a boy. She told the girl . that she was a 'ho' before taking her into a bedroom, according to the . document. Massive site: Search teams will sift through 6,000 tons of trash for the body . Hopeful: Police say they know the exact date the body was dumped and where . The teen said she could hear her sister screaming and crying in the room, the document said. She also told police that Hunter kept . Jhessye in a bedroom closet and deprived her of food and water, according to the document. '(She) reported that Jhessye's hair . had been pulled out and described Jhessye as not looking alive and that . she looked like a zombie,' it said. '(She) said that the . closet where Jhessye had been looked like a grave and smelled like dead . people.' The teen said Hunter placed incense in a container to conceal the odor. She also said that a few days before . Jhessye disappeared, her mother spent the entire day cleaning the . apartment and cleaning her shoes from the closet with soap and bleach. Police said they found a receipt that showed Hunter bought food and a . bottle of bleach two days before she reported her daughter missing. In court: Jhessye's mother Jerice Hunter is the primary focus of the investigation. She appeared in court on child abuse charges and is held on a $100,000 bail . Hunter was arrested on a felony count . of child abuse, more than five weeks after she reported Jhessye's disappearance. Hunter was held on a $100,000 bond and has appeared in court, where she has protested her innocence. Hunter claims she went out for an errand and left the girl in the . care of three older siblings at their apartment. AZCentral.com reported the sister said the last time she saw Jhessye . was September 12. The report says school records indicate Jhessy'e last . day at school was September 22. Police have said they no longer expect to find the five-year-old alive. A spokesman told the Arizona Republic that authorities are determined to search as long as it takes to find the body. 'Cruel parents': Jerice Hunter (left) was also arrested on earlier child abuse charges in October 2005 with then-husband, George . Shockley, (right) 'That means ripping every single bag, going through everything,' said the spokesman. Police told ABC15.com that 40 people will work eight hours a day on the operation. Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad added: 'We would love nothing more than to find . Jhessye and hold the person who is responsible for her death . accountable. I feel we owe . that to her, her family and the community.' Police were unable to recover bodies during two searches of the same landfill in the late 90s. Lisa Vance, who helped raise the girl while her mother served time in prison for child abuse, told The Republic: 'I'm very confident that when they go out there, however many days it takes, they are going to find Jhessye. They just have to.' But Hunter's attorney, Scott Maasen, expressed surprise that authorities had not launched the search sooner. Worrying: Jhessye vanished from her hometown of Glendale without a trace . 'They said almost two months ago they . were possibly going to search the landfill,' he said. 'It begs the . question, why has there been a delay for so long?' Police claim they spent recent months figuring out the specific day they believe the body was dumped so a search would be more successful. Hunter, whom police have named as a 'number one' interest in the case, has also been critical of the investigation into finding her daughter: . She said in December: 'We feel that law enforcement is not . active in finding Jhessye and that they're more active in persecuting me . instead of finding out where she is. State Child Protective Services . removed Hunter's other children, including a newborn, from her apartment in November. See below for videos .
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Jhessye Shockley reported missing in October .
Mother Jerice Hunter primary focus of investigation .
Police say they know exact date remains were dumped and will search specific section of landfill .
40 officers will sift through 6,000 tons of trash for body in search that could take between four and six weeks .
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(CNN) -- Ahead of the biggest game of his life, Mahamat "Iggy" Ignegui has mastered the diplomatic language, if not his nerves. "I am completely focused on the first match. We have to do it, we cannot lose," the Sudanese midfielder tells CNN before boarding a plane from Chad's Ndjamena airport that will continue his remarkable journey to the World Cup. This showpiece event will not feature Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or any of the other household football names that will light up Brazil this summer. Instead, teams such as South Ossetia, Iraqi Kurdistan and Tamil Sri Lanka will do battle for the Nelson Mandela trophy in Sweden. This is a tournament for the stateless, the marginalized and unrecognized by FIFA -- the ConIFA World Cup. No team has traveled further or struggled harder to make it to Ostersund than Darfur United. The squad is entirely made up of refugees from the conflict that claimed over 200,000 lives, now living in the neglected camps of East Chad. Eleven years on from the conflict, foreign aid and interest has dried up, with rations cut in half and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reporting over 50% prevalence of chronic malnutrition in the camps. "Life in the camps is better than Sudan now," says Ignegui, recalling that in his village even the sheep were killed and every house was destroyed. "But they destroy youth. We need to improve our skills and go to university. But there are no good schools or hospitals, nothing to do. We need to get out." Football is providing that release. The camps had always played the game, with cloth balls in the scorching heat, but with the support of U.S.-based humanitarian group i-ACT, a new team was formed in 2012. Thousands of hopefuls from 12 camps participated in tryouts, many traveling for days at their own expense. This was whittled down to a squad of 16 players, who traveled to Iraq for the 2012 Viva World Cup just months after forming, and played their first match in a 15-0 defeat to Northern Cyprus, before Moubarak Haggar Dougom scored their first goal in a 5-1 loss to Western Sahara. Ignegui admits that team-building was a challenge at first. "We were from five different tribes, all with their own language, so nobody understood each other and everybody was fighting," the 25-year-old says. "But after 10 days of training together we changed our behavior to respect each other, and became like brothers." That spirit gave rise to their name. While the children of the camps wear the shirts of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Darfur United borrowed its badge from Manchester. Two years on, the team has benefited from regular training under professional coach Mark Hodson. Participation has grown, with 900 girls and boys playing at the new Soccer Academy in Djabal Camp, and several more are planned, while a women's team will be launched next year. But despite such development, the team's attendance in Ostersund was always in the balance. "Everything came down to the wire," says Katie-Jay Scott Stauring, i-ACT's director of operations and community involvement. "We had a 72-hour fundraising drive to raise $1,850 per player and coach. We made it in time with six minutes to the deadline to pay for the team's airline tickets." The stress did not stop there, with delays for visas again threatening their participation, as well as diplomatic complications between embassies, before the team was finally allowed to travel. That Darfur United's players will be lining up in Sweden is a reflection of the international goodwill and support behind them. From the volunteer coaches and assistants, to donations received from football fans around the world. NBA basketball star Tracy McGrady contributed the team's kits, and a printing house supplied the logos free of charge, while Turkish Airlines bent its rules for travel requirements. The team will have a difficult assignment in Sunday's opening match against tournament favorite Padania, of the Po' Valley region in northern Italy. While the area was associated with the far-right Lega Nord party, the team now promotes an inclusive message, represented by star player Enock Barwuah -- brother of Italy international Mario Balotelli, who will line up at Brazil 2014. "It's the first time I play for Padania and I said yes straight away," says Barwuah. "I was born here, and lived here, so I feel a connection. It's a great experience to play with teams from around the world." Barwuah admits he knows little about his first opponents, but is keen to learn more. There are two main purposes to the tournament, says ConIFA president and former referee Per Anders Blind. "We work to support ethnicities and isolated regions, and also to educate the world about them, to know they exist and who they are. To show their culture, heritage and traditions." This is the largest tournament to date for stateless peoples -- replacing the poorly organized Viva events -- with a record 12 teams, and Blind sees limitless potential. "There are 5,500 ethnicities and regions that cannot play. FIFA have 209 members and we can easily double that," he says. "ConIFA is only 10 months old and members say we have accomplished more than Viva did in 10 years. Sponsors realize we are opening up a whole new market. There are 40 million Kurdish people without a state, for example." The knockout rounds are expected to sell out in the admittedly modest 6,000-capacity stadiums, and there is evidence of growing public interest in the outposts of football, away from the traditional powerhouses of the game. The story of American Samoa, the world's worst international team, has generated a hit book and film. "There are so many teams who fall outside the FIFA framework and it's very valuable to give them recognition," says Paul Watson, an English football journalist who managed Pacific Island Pohnpei, and now Mongolia. "The ConIFA competition will give a lot of people a chance to express their identity through football and that's a very valuable thing." For Ignegui, it is priceless. "Football has bought joy to a group that has not had good news in a long time. People in our camps are so proud and happy with this team when they see us representing them in the tournament," he says. "It has made a lot of difference to our lives. After 11 years in our small tents, something like this seemed impossible, just a dream." Although Darfur United's players are desperate to bring the trophy home, perhaps their most important battle has already been won.
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ConIFA World Cup is a soccer tournament for stateless teams not recognized by FIFA .
This year's event will be played in Sweden, from May 31-June 8 with a record 12 teams .
Darfur United squad is made up of players from refugee camps from Sudan conflict .
Trip to Ostersund was funded with the help of a U.S. humanitarian group .
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The George Zimmerman investigation was hijacked "in a number of ways" by outside forces, said the former police chief of Sanford, Florida. Bill Lee, who testified Monday in Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial, told CNN's George Howell in an exclusive interview that he felt pressure from city officials to arrest Zimmerman to placate the public rather than as a matter of justice. "It was (relayed) to me that they just wanted an arrest. They didn't care if it got dismissed later," he said. "You don't do that." When Sanford police arrived on the scene on February 26, 2012, after Zimmerman fatally shot unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, they conducted a "sound" investigation, and the evidence provided no probable cause to arrest Zimmerman at the scene, he said. It had nothing to do with Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law, he said; from an investigative standpoint, it was purely a matter of self-defense. Zimmerman told police he killed Martin after the teen attacked him. While the evidence at the time corroborated that claim, the ex-chief said, Lee's lead investigator made a recommendation that Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter. Justice Dept. 'peacekeepers' worked 'Trayvon' rallies, group claims . It was a matter of protocol, Lee said. Arresting Zimmerman based on the evidence at hand would have been a violation of Zimmerman's Fourth Amendment rights, he said. Thus, the Sanford police presented a "capias request" to the state's attorney, asking that the prosecutor determine whether it was a "justifiable homicide," issue a warrant for arrest or present the case to a grand jury. "The police department needed to do a job, and there was some influence -- outside influence and inside influence -- that forced a change in the course of the normal criminal justice process," Lee said. "With all the influence and the protests and petitions for an arrest, you still have to uphold your oath." "That investigation was taken away from us. We weren't able to complete it," he said. One example involved the 911 tapes, in which neighbors implored dispatchers to send police as a voice in the background screamed for help. The Sanford police intended to release the tapes once the probe was over, Lee said, because you can't publicize evidence amid an investigation. Instead, the mayor told him on March 16 the tapes had been released to Martin's family and the public. The family was asked to help identify voices, Lee said, but if police were in charge of the investigation, they wouldn't have presented evidence to a group. "It should be done individually so there's no influence on the other people in the room," he said. "Then, there's no questions that can be brought up about how (an identification) was obtained or whether it was influenced." Releasing the evidence to the public was problematic, as well, because it created the potential for someone to concoct a "story about what they observed when they really didn't observe it," he said. Martin family attorney Jasmine Rand said she doesn't believe playing the tapes to a room full of people "makes any difference to the outcome of the case." "We have to remember that that was played for the family in a private room because they were hearing the last moments of their son's life as he cried for help," Rand told CNN's Erin Burnett on Wednesday night. "And I think Sybrina Fulton (Martin's mother) got up and walked out of that room. She didn't sit in there and talk to everybody, because she had a visceral reaction when she heard her son yell for help and she couldn't help him because she knew he was dead." Lee was placed on paid leave March 22, 2012, after the Sanford City Commission expressed a lack of confidence in him. The same commission rejected his resignation in a 3-2 vote a month later, with dissenting commissioners questioning the fairness of Lee's losing his job. Two months later, Lee was sacked. City Manager Norton Bonaparte said in a news release, "The police chief needs to have the trust and respect of the elected officials and the confidence of the entire community." Lee believes lack of confidence did play a role in his dismissal, he told CNN, but he also believes Bonaparte faced political pressure and terminated him "without cause," which was permitted under his employment contract. "I upheld my oath," Lee said. "I'm happy that at the end of the day I can walk away with my integrity." Asked whether he would do things differently given the opportunity, the 30-year veteran of law enforcement said there always are things he could change in hindsight, but he stands by the investigation. At every turn in the 40-minute interview with CNN's Howell, Lee doggedly defended his investigators, saying race never played a role in any decision and that his officers "conducted an unbiased review." Investigators knew letting Zimmerman walk free for 46 days was an unpopular decision -- and they took abuse for it -- "but they performed professionally. That's the mark of a strong police department." Lee took issue with the media casting his department as apathetic or lackadaisical in the case. "A lot of the information that was given out as fact was misinformation," he said. "It was reported in some media that we didn't conduct an investigation for two weeks, but yet in that same media they would show a photograph of a crime scene with crime scene tape, with patrol cars and blue lights and investigators on the scene." Lee shrugged off the notion that he was hired to clean up racism and other problems in the department. His goal upon becoming chief was to improve professionalism and trust, and he set several goals, all of which were met during his 10-month tenure, he said. One of his greatest regrets, he said, is that the Zimmerman investigation ultimately shattered his childhood dream to be police chief of the community where he was raised. "It's a dream of a vision that is going to be unrealized," he said. "I'm at peace with it on most days. I'm a man of faith. But it stings.
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Martin family attorney disputes ex-police chief's rationale for his firing .
Bill Lee says he refused to arrest George Zimmerman just to placate public .
Lee: Department didn't release 911 tapes because they could have hampered probe .
Lee defends "sound" investigation and says race never played a role in probe .
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(CNN) -- When it comes to negotiating a salary for a new job it can pay to ask for a precise figure. New research has suggested that asking for an amount that is less "round" -- like $105,000 instead of $100,000 -- increases the final outcome. The idea is that precise numbers give recruiters the impression a candidate has thoroughly researched the job. "It matters because round numbers seem less informed. People who use them seem like they haven't really done their homework, or they're just sort of being arbitrary," said Malia Mason, an associate professor at Columbia Business School, who led the study. She says the perception that a number came out of nowhere leads negotiation counterparts to be more aggressive in their counteroffers, which translates into worse outcomes for people who make round offers, compared with people who make precise offers. "Precise numbers are just one way to communicate to people 'don't mess with me' or 'I'm informed, I'm not just throwing some number out there,'" Mason said. Read more: Can Twitter help you land a job? The real burden for the job seekers is to then prove they are not just throwing numbers out there. Mason says actually doing the calculations of how much to ask for, to back up the offer amount, is "far more important" than simply using the precise numbers recommended by the study. Candidates may figure out the going rates for the jobs from Websites or by asking someone within the company who would be open to telling you. Ramit Sethi, author of "I Will Teach You to Be Rich," offers courses on negotiation using techniques based on his own experience, real-world data from his students and tests that he runs. He says that doing relevant research, and then giving the perception that you have reasons for the dollar figure sought, is the most important part of negotiation. "When you walk into a room, you should already know not only the pay range of your job, but you should have it documented and printed out and ready to present," Sethi said. Good negotiators should be able to justify why they should be paid the higher end of that range, Sethi said. It involves explaining one's experience, knowing the company's challenges and letting the recruiters know how you can solve their problems. Read more: What does it take to get a job in China? To show recruiters that you can back up your salary request, Sethi recommends candidates use the "briefcase technique," actually typing up a plan of how they would help the company and pulling it out (possibly from a briefcase) during a negotiation. "It shows what they would do in 30, 60, 90 days. And when you do this people's jaws drop. And when that happens, five or ten thousand dollars' raise in negotiation is almost trivial. It's almost beside the point, because you're showing how much value you can add to the company," he said. Mason points out that there are broad benefits to providing reasons in a salary negotiation. Not only does it help convince the recruiter of the candidate's worth, but it gives the recruiter material to back up the decision. "People don't like being told 'it's my way or the highway.' People like to have reasons," she says. "What you want to do in a negotiation is have your counterpart understand why that number that you're suggesting makes sense, so that he or she can explain to herself why it makes sense, so she can go explain to the rest of her company or the rest of her team why it makes sense."
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In negotiations, there is an advantage to offering a figure that is not a round number .
Precise numbers give recruiters the impression that the candidate has thoroughly researched the job .
But actually researching the job is more important, experts say .
Good negotiators should be able to justify a high salary .
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Ralph Ellis runs you through what we . learned from the weekend's football. This week, West Ham supporters show their frustrations with Sam Allrdyce's tactics, David Moyes' original back four provided Ryan Giggs with victory in his first game in charge of Manchester United while Cardiff have lost the ability to defend set-pieces... 1. The frustration of West Ham fans with manager Sam Allardyce’s route one tactics is perhaps explained by the stats for their 1-0 defeat at West Brom. Left back George McCartney did play the ball 11 times to winger Matt Jarvis just in front of him – but after that the most successful passing combination in the team was goalkeeper Adrian’s eight long punts to the head of Andy Carroll. Carroll won seven flick-ons – more than any other striker in the Premier League on Saturday – but only four of them went to a team mate. Sign of the times: West Ham fans unfurled a 'Fat Sam Out' banner during the 1-0 loss against West Brom . Route one: One of West Ham's successful passing combinations was keeper Adrian's kicks to Andy Carroll . 2. Cardiff started the season as set-piece experts at both ends of the field, but since Malky Mackay moved on have lost the ability to defend them. Connor Wickham’s header from a Seb Larsson corner that bounced in the six yard box was the pivotal moment of the 4-0 thrashing of Sunderland, whatever the debate about Juan Cala’s red card. Until Mackay was sacked by owner Vincent Tan on December 27 the Welsh side had conceded just four set-piece goals in 18 Premier League matches – in the 18 following his dismissal they have let in ten. Punished: Connor Wickham celebrates after heading home a Sunderland set-piece against Cardiff . 3. David Moyes picked the same back four - Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra - in all of his first three Premier League games as Manchester United manager. But that defensive line-up never began together again until Ryan Giggs named them against Norwich in Saturday night’s 4-0 win over Norwich, when the Reds kept their first clean sheet in a League game at Old Trafford since January. 4. The red card shown to Ryan Shawcross by Andre Marriner in Stoke’s 1-0 home defeat by Tottenham means there are now only two outfield players who have appeared in every minute of every Premier League game for their club. One is Cardiff and England centre-half Steven Caulker, the other Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak. Neither will be looking for a rest when the season ends on May 11, though. Caulker hopes to be in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad, while 29-year-old Jedinak is captain of Australia’s squad to play in Brazil . Back four: Rio Ferdinand, along with Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra started in David Moyes first three games as Manchester United manager . Ever-present: Cardiff defender Steven Caulker (right) and Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak have appeared in every minute of every Premier League game this season . 5. Jack Cork has been a bit of an unsung hero at Southampton while England new boys Adam Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Luke Shaw have been gaining all the attention. The 24-year-old son of Wimbledon FA Cup winner Alan has been a consistent performer in midfield and took a starring role with both the quantity and quality of his work in the win over Everton. He covered eight miles – the furthest run by any Premier League player on Saturday – but also contributed the most attacking passes of any Saints player including making two chances for team mates. Unsung hero: Southampton midfielder Jack Cork has been a consistent performer for the Saints this season . 6. Don’t know if veteran Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce has an appearance money clause in his contract – but if not he should have. The 34-year-old made his 54th appearance of the season in the 2-0 home defeat by Blackpool that leaves Uwe Rosler’s team clinging on to the last play-off place in the Championship. Rosler says tiredness shouldn’t be a problem for the Latics because the squad has been rotated in their 60 games this season at home and in Europe– but Boyce and fellow defender Leon Barnett who has played 50 matches seem to have been excluded from that policy. Selected: Emmerson Boyce, pictured against Man City's Sergio Aguero, has made 54 appearances this season . 7. Getting Pablo Hernandez fit again has been a key for Swansea boss Garry Monk in the run of ten points from six games that has secured the club’s Premier League future. The Spaniard spent much of the campaign in and out of the side with hamstring trouble, and the 4-1 win over Aston Villa was only the second time he’s finished all 90 minutes of a League game this year. He proved his value – as well as scoring the Swans crucial third goal he gave the ball away only once in the entire game. Key man: Pablo Hernandez shoots to score Swansea's third goal during Saturday's 4-1 win over Aston Villa . 8. Striker Chris Martin was allowed to leave Norwich on a free transfer to Derby last summer after Chris Hughton spent a club record £8.5million on Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. The 25-year-old, never given a real chance at Premier League level after helping the Canaries win back to back promotion, hasn’t looked back since. He got his 20th Championship goal in the 4-2 win over Watford which guaranteed Steve McClaren’s side third place in the table. Taking his chances: Derby striker Chris Martin scores his 20th goal of the season against Watford . 9. When Shaun Derry decided in February he needed a new captain for his struggling Notts County side, he turned to fellow Irishman Alan Sheehan. It’s proved a good move – the popular 27-year-old left back has been an inspiring leader in an astonishing run of six wins in eight games that has lifted the club out of the relegation zone. Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sheehan’s old club Swindon, in which he scored one of the goals, means County now need a point at Oldham on the final day to stay up. Captain fantastic: Notts County manager Shaun Derry hugs Alan Sheehan after beating Swindon . 10. Gamble of the weekend came from Northampton manager Chris Wilder, who handed 18-year-old striker Ian Toney only his second start in League football for the must-win trip to Dagenham. It paid off handsomely as the teenager, who was the youngest ever to play for the Cobblers when he made his debut at 16, scored twice in a 3-0 win. Northampton, six points from safety when Wilder left promotion chasing Oxford to take over in January, now need a point at home to his old club to stay up after taking 28 points from 19 matches under his command. Without him Oxford have sunk like a stone – just eight points from the last 14 matches means they won’t even finish in the play-off places after once looking certainties to go up automatically. Gamble: Northampton manager Chris Wilder handed 18-year-old Ian Toney only his second start in League football and the youngster went on to score twice in a 3-0 win over Dagenham .
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West Ham fan's frustrations explained during defeat to West Brom .
David Moyes' original back four help Ryan Giggs earn victory in first game as Manchester United boss .
Cardiff have lost the ability to defend set-pieces since Malky Mackay's sacking from the club .
Jack Cork is Southampton's unsung hero this season .
Steven Caulker and Mile Jedinak are the only two outfield players who have played every minute .
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By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 17:41 EST, 16 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 08:30 EST, 17 January 2014 . Americans are reading more ebooks than ever before - but also more print books, it has been revealed. 28% of Americans read at least one e-book in 2013 up from 23% the year earlier, according to a new survey of more than 1,000 adults from the Pew Research Centre. However, it found the percentage of people who read print books increased as well with 69% telling the researchers they had read at least one print book, a rise of 4% from the previous year. The rise of the e-reader: The Pew study found ebook sales at record levels - but also that print books are continuing to sell well . 'Though e-books are rising in popularity, print remains the foundation of Americans’ reading habits. Most people who read e-books also read print books, and just 4% of readers are “e-book only,' the study's authors said. Audiobook listeners have the most diverse reading habits overall, while fewer print readers consume books in other formats. 'Overall, 50% of Americans now have a dedicated handheld device–either a tablet computer like an iPad, or an e-reader such as a Kindle or Nook–for reading e-content,' the center said. 'That figure has grown from 43% of adults who had either of those devices in September.' A new lease of life: Research found that print books were still selling well - and have risen . Based on interviews conducted earlier this month, the study shows 50 percent of respondents saying they have a tablet or stand-alone device such as Amazon.com's Kindle, up from 43 percent in September. However, only around 4 percent read e-books exclusively. Sales for e-books are growing, but have leveled off over the past couple of years. They're believed to comprise 25 to 30 percent of the general trade market, with commercial fiction especially popular for e-books. Ebook sales are at record levels, new research which found 50 per cent of respondents now own a tablet or ereader has found. 'The proportion of Americans who read e-books is growing, but few have completely replaced print books for electronic versions,' said Pew. The percentage of adults who read an e-book in the past year has risen to 28%, up from 23% at the end of 2012. At the same time, about seven in ten Americans reported reading a book in print, up four percentage points after a slight dip in 2012, and 14% of adults listened to an audiobook. E-books are more popular than ever, according to a new survey by Pew Research Center -but print books still reign supreme, even among the younger "digital natives"
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Pew Research found half of respondent say they have a tablet, Kindle or some other kind of ereader .
3 out of 10 adults read an e-book over the past year .
Respondents also read printed books, with just 4% saying they are electronic only .
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(CNN)Thanks to the resilience of U.S. workers and businesses of all sizes, "Made in America" is making a comeback. According to data released last week by the Department of Commerce, American businesses exported $2.35 trillion in goods and services in 2014, hitting a record high for the fifth straight year. The United States sold more to our 20 free trade partners than ever before and logged record exports to more than 50 overseas markets. This is good news all around -- for our economy, workers and wages. After all, U.S. exports have been one of the primary drivers of America's economic resurgence, contributing one-third of our economic growth since 2009 and supporting 11.3 million jobs in 2013. With those jobs paying up to 18% more, on average, than jobs not related to exports, trade promotion has an important role to play in boosting the incomes of middle class Americans. Yet America's recovery remains incomplete, and unfair foreign practices are threatening our progress. Today, many of our workers are competing against counterparts in countries that lack basic labor rights. Meanwhile, some foreign governments are further skewing the playing field by providing subsidies and encouraging competition without concern for the environment. At stake is not merely America's status as a place that makes real things, but more fundamentally, the strength of our middle class and the sanctity of our values. When worker rights aren't respected abroad, the human toll is measured both in American jobs and in a deficit of dignity for workers around the world. Likewise, the absence of environmental protections beyond our borders puts workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage here at home while jeopardizing the health of our waters, wildlife, air and other treasures that span national boundaries. In the face of these challenges, trade agreements are among our best tools for defending American interests and values. Just look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an agreement that the United States is negotiating with 11 other countries in the Asia-Pacific and which includes nearly 40% of the global economy. If agreement can be reached, the deal would grow U.S. exports by more than $120 billion a year, one study estimates, and support more well-paying jobs. Most importantly, the TPP will allow the United States to level the playing field for our workers and businesses in the world's fastest-growing region. At present, American autoworkers are handicapped by tariffs that can reach 30% in rapidly growing markets such as Malaysia. For their part, American farmers are forced to contend with tariffs as high as 40% on poultry in Vietnam. In these industries and others, TPP will eliminate or significantly reduce barriers to U.S. exports. Additionally, TPP will contain the toughest environmental and labor protections of any trade agreement in history, including the first provisions to combat the trade in illegal wildlife and the products of illegal fishing, among other advances. The benefits of TPP are clear, while the alternative to leading on trade is alarming. In recent years, countries in the Asia-Pacific have struck over 200 trade agreements, while U.S. companies and workers have largely missed out. China has been extremely active, and we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. While passing TPP will start a race to the top, ceding leadership to others could result in a race to the bottom. Not leading on trade would undercut our capacity to safeguard labor rights, environmental protections, a free and open Internet, a level playing field between state-owned companies and our private businesses, and a host of provisions which unite America's interests and values. Getting this done will require unity of effort. In calling for bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority, President Barack Obama has invited Congress to assert its role on trade and provide guidance to the executive branch, including on issues that have emerged since that authority was last updated in 2002, such as the role of state-owned companies and the digital economy. As the President said during his State of the Union address, 95% of the world's customers live outside the United States. No savvy entrepreneur would leave that much of the market untapped. Passing a bipartisan trade promotion bill is an important step toward opening those markets, unlocking opportunity for all Americans and advancing the first trade agenda that's as progressive as it is pro-growth.
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American businesses exported $2.35 trillion in goods and services in 2014 .
Penny Pritzker and Mike Froman: Unfair foreign practices threaten U.S. progress .
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(CNN) -- An elderly man suspected of Nazi war crimes has been arrested in Hungary, prosecutors said Wednesday, after a worldwide Jewish rights organization discovered him living in Budapest. Laszlo Csizsik-Csatary is accused of sending more than 15,000 Jews to the Auschwitz concentration camp in the spring of 1944, the Simon Wiesenthal Center said. The center considers him its most-wanted Nazi war criminal. The Simon Wiesenthal Center found Csizsik-Csatary as part of its Last Chance project, said Efraim Zuroff, director of the center's Israel office. Csizsik-Csatary served as a senior Hungarian police officer in the city of Kosice, which is now in Slovakia but was under Hungarian rule in the 1940s, the center said. "He was a commander of a ghetto," Zuroff said. Csizsik-Csatary participated in the deportation of 15,700 Jews to the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944, witnesses have told the center. He also played a role in "deportations to the Ukraine to be killed: 300 Jews," Zuroff said. "We found eyewitnesses on three different continents," Zuroff said. Those witnesses told the center about Csizsik-Csatary's cruelty to Jewish detainees and his role in the deportations to Auschwitz and Ukraine. Csizsik-Csatary denied the allegations to a reporter from the British tabloid The Sun. A witness to the August 1941 Ukraine deportations had nine family members who were deported, Zuroff said. Csizsik-Csatary made sure four of them were brought back from forced labor with the Hungarian army so they would be deported and killed, according to Zuroff. During the Auschwitz deportations, Csizsik-Csatary "forced these girls to dig a ditch with their hands -- young Jewish girls." Two of the center's witnesses were survivors of that deportation, he said. Using the last name Csizsik, Csizsik-Csatary arrived in Canada in 1949, telling immigration officials he was Yugoslavian, according to The Toronto Star newspaper. Canadian authorities later investigated allegations that he had lied to immigration authorities about his past when he arrived there. Canada revoked his citizenship in 1997 and initiated an investigation. As deportation proceedings were under way, Csizsik-Csatary voluntarily left the country. Csizsik-Csatary returned to Hungary upon leaving Canada, Zuroff said. "Hungarian authorities knew that he was back," he said. Authorities in Hungary launched an investigation in September 2011 after receiving information from Zuroff regarding Csizsik-Csatary's residence in Budapest and his role in the Auschwitz deportations, the center said. Mladic war crimes trial opens . Demjanjuk war crimes conviction caps 30-year battle . 2009: Nazi war crimes trial 'last of its kind'? CNN's Jo Shelley and journalist Flora Hevesi contributed to this report.
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Laszlo Csizsik-Csatary tops the Simon Wiesenthal Center's list of most-wanted Nazis .
Center says he participated in sending 15,700 Jews to Auschwitz in spring 1944 .
Csizsik-Csatary denied the allegations to British tabloid The Sun .
The center says eyewitnesses on three continents describe acts of cruelty .
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By . Chris Pleasance . PUBLISHED: . 03:49 EST, 12 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:21 EST, 12 September 2013 . Studies of the skeleton have shown that Fortune suffered from a fractured left hand, a severely sprained ankle and lower back pain (stock image) The bones of a slave known as Mr Fortune will be laid to rest today 215 years after his death. Fortune's skeleton will lie in state in the Capitol rotunda in Hartford before it is taken to the church in Waterbury where he was baptised for a service. He will be buried in a nearby cemetery with other prominent figures to the sound of bagpipes and 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic'. Steven R. Mullins, one of the organizers, said: 'It's a long overdue honor. We're not just remembering one man. His body is representing all of the slaves that came over here and worked in this country.' Fortune was owned by Dr Preserved Porter on a farm in Waterbury, Connecticut, and died of a suspected broken neck in 1798. After his death Dr Porter, a bone specialist, had his skeleton boiled in order to preserve and study it. The remains were donated to a Waterbury museum in 1933 by a descendent of Dr Porter who referred to the skeleton as 'Larry'. Since then the bones have been studied by scientists keen to learn more about Fortune and his life. So far scientists have established . that Fortune was 5ft 5in tall and died aged roughly 55. Though the . results have ruled out hanging as a cause of death, nobody knows exactly . how Fortune broke his neck. We do know that in life he suffered with a fractured left hand, a severe ankle sprain and lower back pain. Richard . Gonzalez, an assistant professor at Quinnipiac's school of medicine, . said that at the time of Fortune's death he was 'an individual who was . in considerable distress.' He was never buried in case technology . allowed more information to be extracted from his remians in the future, but now a CT . scan of the bones has been taken meaning they can be studied without the . need to keep them. When Fortune died in 1798 slavery was still common throughout the US, especially in the South, and wasn't abolished for another 66 years . Maxine Watts, past president of the NAACP, agreed that it was time for the bones to be buried. She said: 'Now we feel even though he was used that way he did prove underneath the skin we're all the same.' The Rev. Amy D. Welin of St. John's Episcopal Church in Waterbury, who will preside at the funeral, said she considers Fortune a parishioner, though one who died long ago. She said: 'I think it's been a very convoluted path to justice. I'm hoping we can use this as a learning experience and a time of reflection on how do we as human beings treat one another and how do we deal with issues of diversity now.'
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Fortune died in 1798 of a suspected broken neck but wasn't hung .
Fortune's owner, a bone doctor, boiled his skeleton to preserve and study it .
Slave was 5ft 5in tall, died aged 55, and suffered from back pain .
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By . Mario Ledwith . PUBLISHED: . 20:58 EST, 1 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:52 EST, 2 January 2013 . Escalating violence between between government troops and rebel fighters forced authorities to close the airport in Aleppo, Syria's largest city. Rebels have stepped up their attacks on airports in the province in an attempt to curb deadly air strikes by President Bashar Assad's forces. The Government-backed air force has been targeting rebel positions in recent weeks and attacking towns under opposition control. Scroll down for video . Ravaged: The burned out remains of an emergency vehicle in Aleppo, where violence has escalated in recent weeks with rebels specifically targeting Government-controlled air bases . Fatal: Fighting in Aleppo has intensified with rebel forces specifically targeting air bases. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said fighting led to closure of Aleppo International Airport on Monday . The rebels have been attacking three . other airports in the Aleppo area, including a military helicopter base . near the Turkish border. Videos online appear to show fighters shooting mortars, homemade rockets and sniper . rifles at targets inside the bases. Assad's ability to attack from above poses one of the biggest obstacles to rebel forces, who have much more limited weaponry and military capabilities. The rebels' attempts to capture Aleppo have led to an increase in violence in the embattled country, which has been locked in civil war for 21 months as opposition forces try to overthrow authoritarian leader Assad. The bloody war has resulted in almost 40,000 deaths so far. Control of Aleppo is seen as a key element of the war and rebel forces have been attempting to take control of the city since the summer, having captured large swathes of territory in the province west and north of the city. Concern: A girl looks up to the sky after hearing the sound of shelling in Aleppo. Rebels have stepped up their attempts to overthrow President Bashar Assad's forces in the city . Isolated: Children sit on school benches at Al-Tawheed school in Aleppo. The city has been a focal point of the bloody war in Syria that has reportedly killed 40,000 people . The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an anti-regime activist group, said the fighting around the base of Syrian army Brigade 80, part of a force protecting Aleppo International Airport, led to the closure of the airport late Monday. 'Heavy fighting is taking place around Brigade 80,' said Rami Abdul-Rahman, who heads the Observatory. 'The airport has been closed since yesterday,' he said. The Syrian government did not comment on the closing of the airport. Syria's national airline also canceled a flight to Aleppo because of fighting nearby on Saturday. Rebels have warned that they would target civilian as well as military planes using the Aleppo airport, saying the regime is using civilian planes to bring in supplies and weapons. There has also been heavy fighting in the Damascus suburb of Daraya, southwest of the capital. Threat: Rebel fighters launched a major offensive on Aleppo in mid-July but the city had remained in stalemate until recent weeks . Desperate: Children cutting a tree branches at a public park to be used for heating in Aleppo . Daraya is one of the closest suburbs to the capital and is on the edge of two important neighborhoods that are home to a strategic air base and government headquarters. Although the regime still tightly controls much of Damascus, its seat of power, rebels have been posing a stiffer challenge in the suburbs. In the past few weeks, there has been fighting near the capital's international airport that interrupted some flights. The road to the airport, just south of the capital, was also closed during the fighting. The Observatory and activist Mohammed Saeed, who is based near Damascus, said Syrian warplanes bombed Daraya on Tuesday. State-run news agency SANA said troops killed 'tens of terrorists' in Daraya and nearby areas. The regime refers to rebels as 'terrorists.' Keeping warm: Boys collect wood to be used for fire in Aleppo as winter threatens the city's impoverished and homeless . 'The regime is doing all it can to regain Daraya. The regime is dying to get back it back,' said Maath al-Shami, an activist based in the Syrian neighborhood of Mazzeh. He added: 'Daraya is the gate of Damascus for the rebels.' Amateur videos showed smoke billowing from Daraya from what activists said were the air raids. Another video showed a street covered with debris as fire raged on the second floor of a five-story building. In August, activists reported that between 300 and 600 people were killed in Daraya over several days in a killing spree by troops and pro-regime militiamen who stormed the town after heavy fighting and days of shelling. The Observatory and al-Shami reported sporadic shelling and clashes in southern neighborhoods of Damascus and the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk on Tuesday. The Observatory said shelling and snipers fire killed two people in Yarmouk and two in another neighborhood.
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Rebel forces targeting airports in attempt to curb President Assad's air force .
Use of air strikes one of military's key advantages over opposition forces .
Civil war has raged for 21 months with a death toll of 40,000 people .
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Facebook is buying mobile messaging service WhatsApp for up to $19 billion in cash and stock in the firms biggest ever acquisition. The world's biggest social networking company said that it is paying $12 billion in Facebook stock and $4 billion in cash for WhatsApp. In addition, the app's founders and employees will be granted $3 billion in restricted stock that will vest over four years after the deal closes. Boom: The free instant messaging service created in 2009 has grown faster than Facebook in its five years, and now has more than 450million monthly users around the world . Over 450 million people using the service each month . Firm has 50 employees . 70% of those people active on a given day; . Messaging volume approaching the entire global telecom SMS volume . Service adds more than 1 million new registered users per day . 600m photos uploaded each day . 200m voice messages sent each day . Facebook says it is keeping WhatsApp as a separate service, just as it did with Instagram, which it bought for about $715.3 million. 'The acquisition supports Facebook and WhatsApp's shared mission to bring more connectivity and utility to the world by delivering core internet services efficiently and affordably,' the social network said. WhatsApp has more than 450 million monthly active users. In comparison, Twitter had 241 million users at the end of 2014. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says WhatsApp is on path to reach a billion users. 'The combination of WhatsApp and Facebook will allow us to connect many more people round the world,' Zuckerberg said. 'We want to develop more mobile experiences like Instagram and Messenger. 'WhatApp fits this vision perfectly, it has incredibly strong engagement and growth.' 'It's the only app we've ever seen that has grown more quickly than Facebook itself.' 'Their product roadmap is very exciting and won't change. 'Overall, I'm very excited about this deal. 'WhatsApp had every option in the world, so I'm thrilled they chose us.' As part of the deal, WhatsApp co-founder and Chief Executive Jan Koum will join Facebook's board, and the social network will grant an additional $3 billion worth of restricted stock units to WhatsApp's founders, including Koum. Boost: WhatsApp is still growing and is predicted to have a billion users soon . The sale of WhatsApp to Facebook for $19 billion has made its founders Jan Koum and Brian Acton billionaires overnight. But they are not your typical Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. Success came to them late. The pair were well over 30 when they launched their messaging app in 2009. The duo stand out in Silicon Valley for their unusual approach. They both hate advertising and have paid for almost no marketing to make the five-year-old app a success. This may be because 37-year-old Koum and 42-year-old Acton had unusual backgrounds. Koum was born and raised in a small village outside of Kiev, Ukraine. Growing up, his home had no electricity or hot water. His parents, a housewife and a construction manager, avoided talking on the phone in case it was tapped by the state. Koum and his mother immigrated to Mountain View when he was 16. By 18, Koum had taught himself computer networking by buying manuals from a used book store and returning them when he’d finished. In 1997, Koum took a job at Yahoo sitting across a desk from Acton. They hit it off, because they enjoyed each others straight-down-the-line style. Michigan-born Acton studied engineering at the University of Central Florida and graduated in 1988. In May, 1992 he got a job at Rockwell International as systems administrator. Acton became Yahoo employee 44 in 1996, worked as software engineer, then senior software engineer, principal software engineer and director of engineering. The pair stayed with Yahoo for over a decade building their bond through games of ultimate frisbee. In September 2007 Koum and Acton finally left Yahoo. They both applied to Facebook and were rejected. Instead they decided to set up their own venture, Whatsapp, now sold to Facebook for billions. According to reports, the success of Whatsapp hasn’t changed Koum or Acton. When a journalist visited the company's headquarters in July 2012, the Koum was barefoot and Acton was sporting flip-flops. 'This is an incredible moment for me,' Mr Koum said. 'Every day over 19bn messages are sent, with over 1m new users every day. 'We wanted it to be simple, and a better service than SMS.' 'We're excited and honoured to partner with Mark and Facebook as we continue to bring our product to more people around the world,' 'WhatsApp's extremely high user engagement and rapid growth are driven by the simple, powerful and instantaneous messaging capabilities we provide.' The deal instantly makes WhatsApp cofounders Jan Koum and Brian Acton billionaires. Forbes estimates that Koum held about a 45% stake in the company, while Acton’s stake was over 20%. Proud moment: Jan Koum, pictured at a digital conference in January, described the deal as 'incredible' Facebook promised to keep the WhatsApp brand and service, and pledged a $1 billion cash break-up fee were the deal to fall through. WhatsApp will remain based in Mountain View, Calif., and Facebook said its own messenger app and WhatsApp's core messaging product will continue to operate as separate applications . Shares in Facebook slid 5 percent to $64.70 after hours, from a close of $68.06 on the Nasdaq. Facebook was advised by Allen & Co, while WhatApp has enlisted Morgan Stanley for the deal. The deal is the latest aquisition for Facebook, which last year bought Instagram. It also reportedly offered to pay close to $3 billion or more to acquire messaging service Snapchat, though that offer was spurned by the site's founders. WhatsApp in numbers . Zuckerberg said WhatsApp would operate in the same way as Instagram, as a separate firm. 'It would be pretty stupid of us to interfere,' he said. He also said he was not planning to put ads on the service. 'Our strategy is to grow and connect people. 'Once we get to 2-3 billion people there are ways we can monetise. 'Now we want to focus on growing users. I don't think ads are the right way here.' Koum also pledged not to add ads to WhatsApp, which makes money from a subscription model. 'We think advertising is not the way to go - we create a direct relationship with customers,' said Koum. 'We want to make the product better, faster and more efficient.' Experts say the deal could help Facebook attract teens. Professor Will Stewart from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) said: 'Obviously WhatsApp adds instant messaging to Facebook which must strengthen their position for the moment. 'Equally, all app types rise and fade, so established social media formats like Facebook will be overtaken by something new, and picking up candidates that might have ultimately replaced them may be a good survival strategy for a while. 'This does show the growing significance of mobile, though of course Facebook is on mobile anyway. 'But, Facebook has been around a while now so the real question is what comes next?'
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Social network will pay $12 billion in Facebook stock and $4 billion in cash .
App's founders and employees will be granted $3 billion in Facebook stock .
App and brand will continue in same way as Instagram .
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Living to the ripe old age of 500 might be a possibility if the science shown to extend worms' lives can be applied to humans, scientists have said. U.S. researchers tweaked two genetic pathways in the tiny lab worm Caenorhabditis elegans and boosted the creature's lifespan by a factor of five. The research raises the prospect of anti-ageing treatments based on genetic interactions, they said. U.S. scientists tweaked two genetic pathways in the tiny lab worm Caenorhabditis elegans (pictured) and boosted the creature's lifespan by a factor of five . ‘What we have here is a synergistic five-fold increase in lifespan,’ said lead scientist Dr Pankaj Kapahi, from the Buck Institute of Age Research, Novato, California. ‘The two mutations set off a positive feedback loop in specific tissues that amplified lifespan. ‘Basically these worms lived to the human equivalent of 400 to 500 years.’ Living to the age of 500 might be a possibility if the science shown to extend worms' lives can be applied to humans, scientists said. Two mutations set off a positive feedback loop in specific tissues that enabled worms to live to the human equivalent of 400 to 500 years . While it could take years of research to . extend humans’ lives dramatically, the study raises the prospect of . anti-ageing treatments informed by genetic interactions, according to Dr . Kapahi. ‘In the early years, cancer researchers focused on mutations in single genes, but then it became apparent that different mutations in a class of genes were driving the disease process,’ he said. While it could take years of research to extend humans' lives, the study raises the prospect of anti-ageing treatments informed by genetic interactions . ‘The same thing is likely happening in ageing,’ he added. C. elegans, the first animal to have its whole genome (or genetic code) mapped, has been widely used in studies of ageing and lifespan. The new research, reported in the journal Cell Reports, involved blocking key molecules that affect the action of insulin and a nutrient signalling pathway called Target of Rapamycin (TOR). Single mutations in the TOR pathway were known to extend the lifespan of C. elegans by 30 per cent, while insulin-signalling mutations could double the amount of time they lived. Adding the two together might have been expected to extend longevity by 130 per cent, but the combined impact turned out to be much greater. The research may explain why it has proved so difficult to identify single genes responsible for the long lives enjoyed by human centenarians. ‘It's quite probable that interactions between genes are critical in those fortunate enough to live very long, healthy lives,’ said Dr Kapahi. Future research is expected to use mice to see if the same effects occur in mammals. ‘The idea would be to use mice genetically engineered to have suppressed insulin signalling and then treat them with the drug rapamycin, which is well-known to suppress the TOR pathway,’ Dr Kapahi said. Earlier this year British scientists captured death spreading like a wave through the body of a worm, by studying the blue fluorescence that travels cell-to-cell until the whole organism is dead. Researchers from the Wellcome Trust and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) likened the spread of the blue glow travelling through the worm's body to that of the Grim Reaper, stalking death. They believe that the research could eventually prove to be a useful model to understanding death in people and perhaps even lead to an increase in life expectancy. When individual cells die, they trigger a chemical chain reaction that leads to the breakdown of cell components and a build-up of molecular debris. The molecular mechanisms of this are reasonably well understood at a cellular level but we know much less about how death spreads throughout an organism at the end of its life. In worms, the spread of death can be seen easily under a microscope as a wave of blue fluorescence travelling through the gut of the worm. The study, published in PLoS Biology, reveals that this fluorescence is caused by a cell death pathway called necrosis and its spread throughout the organism is dependent on calcium signalling. In worms, the spread of death can be seen easily under a microscope as a wave of blue fluorescence travelling through the gut of the worm (pictured). This fluorescence is caused by a cell death pathway called necrosis and its spread throughout the organism is dependent on calcium signalling .
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Californian scientists tweaked two genetic pathways in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans to amplify its lifespan .
They said the worms lived to the human equivalent of 400 to 500 years .
Research raises the prospect of anti-ageing treatments based on genetic interactions, and the next step is to investigate if the effects occur in mice .
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f56084aa504b37904992ac23c275777e208fe081
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By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 10:39 EST, 18 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:29 EST, 18 July 2013 . These absolutely astonishing pictures of utterly incompetent parking are made all the more amazing because they come from a single town in the UK. Doncaster may be in the running for being Britain's worst town for selfish, thoughtless and downright inept parking after a Facebook page exposed the South Yorkshire town's driver's nightmarish abuse of spaces, kerbs, roads and even steep slopes. Parking like a t*** in Doncaster invites people in the town to submit pictures of the kind of parking that makes considerate road users slap their forehead in frustration. What were they thinking? This driver has plonked his car across two spaces in a Doncaster car park. It is just one example from a Facebook page shaming poor parking in the town . Off-road: Perhaps this 4x4 owner wanted to test their vehicle's ability to climb slopes? It has been liked more than 7,900 times and has been deluged with pictures of cars taking up two, three and even four parking spaces in car parks, vehicles blocking roads and pavements, motors squeezed into tight spots and cars parked in disabled and parent-only bays outside supermarkets. The group, which has been set up anonymously, simply states: 'Fed up of people and their parking? Send us a pic in a message and it’ll be posted anonymously.' One poster on the group said: 'I commend you on shaming these people who put the love of their car above their respect for other people. 'It is amusing and annoying in equal measure to see what some of these berks deem to be acceptable parking.' Didn't brake in time? This white BMW has two wheels on the kerb, inexplicably . The founder of the group, who doesn't want to be identified, said: 'I started it as a but of a joke really. 'I saw a couple of bad examples and put them up and then people just started sharing their own. 'We went from having 60 people liking our group to 2,000 in one day and it has just kept growing and growing. 'It's a bit of fun more than anything but it has really spiralled and got people interested. I think lots of people don't like bad parking and this is their way of naming and shaming bad parkers.' The offending drivers often visit the site to justify the puzzling placement of their vehicle, normally followed by a torrent of righteous indignation from those affected. Waste of space: This van is taking up two spots in a busy car park . One man, whose car was blocking a pavement in a residential area, despite readily available space on the road beside it, said: 'How is this parkin like a t*** when im parked outside my house?' His lack of understanding of the law and common courtesy was quickly, repeatedly and angrily pointed out by the page's community. On a similar picture of a bright red Audi parked so that people walking along the street would be forced to step into a busy main road, someone wrote: 'I wish you a thousand buggy marks down the side of the car.' But there is a serious message behind the page. Many have highlighted that poor parking is not only boorish and inconvenient, it can also be dangerous. All over the place: This people carrier looks as if it has been abandoned . One woman, posting on a picture of a car parked entirely on a narrow pavement, said: 'People parking like this really need to think about the fact that in doing so they're forcing mums with pushchairs, children, elderly, in fact all pedestrians, to walk on the road - all because they're afraid that their precious cars might get a bump. 'Nice to know human life is worth so little to them!' A Doncaster Council spokesman said: 'Dangerous and illegal parking causes problems for pedestrians, residents, traders and other road users and the council uses civil parking enforcement to undertake parking enforcement. 'Civil Enforcement Officers are a regular sighting across the borough serving residents and motorists alike. 'We don’t just hand out tickets, but play a vital role in keeping the town moving by keeping important routes clear and ensuring fair parking for residents, businesses and visitors.'
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Facebook page shames dreadful parking in Doncaster .
It invites users to send in pictures of shoddily-placed cars .
Irate drivers often go on site to defend their parking .
Site also has a serious message about the dangers of blocked pavements .
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AC Milan missed the chance to go third in the Serie A table after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Palermo on Sunday evening. The Rossoneri would have dislodged Sampdoria from the final Champions League place with three points at San Siro, but an early own goal from Christian Zapata set the tone for an under-par display. Paulo Dybala scored the Sicilians' second goal, one that both assured promoted Palermo of a first away win of the season and lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone and into 13th place. Cristian Zapata heads the ball into his own net as AC Milan go 1-0 down after 23 minutes . AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez makes a fantastic save during the game at the San Siro . Sampdoria had earlier returned to the title race by edging out Fiorentina 3-1 in a frenetic clash at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. The opening 45 minutes witnessed three goals and a saved penalty as Samp battled to wrestle third place from Napoli, while Fiorentina appeared determined to escape from mid-table obscurity. Angelo Palombo notched first for the hosts, from the spot, minutes before Fiorentina midfielder Gonzalo Rodriguez saw his penalty snaffled by Sergio Romero. Milan striker Fernando Torres (left) battles for possession with Palermo's Sinisa Andelkovic . Paulo Dybala celebrates with the Palermo bench after firing his side 2-0 in front in the first half . Luca Rizzo and Stefan Savic then exchanged goals just before the break, with Eder rubber-stamping the Blucerchiati's first league win in four attempts with a 78th-minute strike. Genoa won a third straight game on Sunday with a 4-2 triumph at Udinese. Each team scored twice in the opening half, but Alessandro Matri put the visitors in front for good in the 54th minute. Udinese wasted several chances to equalise before substitute Juraj Kucka killed the game off three minutes from time with Genoa's fourth goal. Torino fans will have to wait longer for their team to win two league games in a row as they were held to a goalless draw by Atalanta. The Granata could have sealed all three points deep in stoppage time, but substitute midfielder Alexander Farnerud saw Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello deflect his shot over the crossbar. Chievo halted a four-match losing streak with a stalemate at home to Sassuolo. The visitors were the better side, but could not find a way past Chievo goalkeeper Albano Bizarri, who made three saves to earn his team a valuable point.
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Cristian Zapata own-goal and Paulo Dybala strike secure win .
Palermo record first away win in the season and move up to 13th in the Serie A standings .
Milan stay in seventh after three games without a win .
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By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 05:45 EST, 17 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:32 EST, 17 January 2014 . A tiny spider that lives in the Amazon has been filmed catching its prey using a method that would not look out of place in a comic book. The spider, which is likely the species Naatlo splendida, stretches its web into a cone shape and then slings the sticky structure at flying insects to trap them. The speedy slingshot manoeuvre was caught on camera at the Tambopata Research Centre in Madre de Dios, Peru. Scroll down for video . The spider, which is likely the species Naatlo splendida, stretches its web into a cone shape (pictured) and then slings the sticky structure at flying insects to trap them . The arachnid takes its place at a spot near the centre of its web, stretches it backwards and then slings its sticky structure – complete with itself – so that the web acts like a frog’s retractable tongue. The speed of the manoeuvre gives the spider the element of surprise and seems to increase its chances of catching prey, rather than sitting and waiting for dinner to fly into its web. The spider measures 3mm and belongs to the family Theridiosomatidae. Lary Reeves, who works at the Peruvian centre, came across the creature in May 2013 while wading through a swamp looking for spectacled caiman. Looking out for bullet ants, he noticed a web that was pulled back from the centre to form a cone and a spider holding it in a tensed position along the anchor line. The spider measures 3mm and is thought to be unique in its approach to snaring insects. Lary Reeves, came across the creature in May 2013 when wading through a swamp looking for spectacled caiman. A close-up of the spider is pictured . The spider filmed in the Amazon in Peru is thought to be the species Naatlo splendida. It stretches its web into a come shape and then slings the sticky structure at flying insects to trap them. The spider filmed measured 3mm and belongs to the family Theridiosomatidae. It is possible the hairs on its body are sensory and tuned into the frequency of a fly's wings, in order to sense its prey nearby. If the spider misses the target it simply resets its web. The spiders could live throughout the Neotropics from Central America towards the southern parts of South America . Naatlo splendida was discovered around 80 years ago. ‘I looked at it a little closer, called everyone else over, and presumed that the spider released the tension in the web to capture prey. ‘As soon as the words left my mouth, a mosquito flew by and the spider slingshotted towards it,’ he said. Mr Reeves said the web is similar in design to other orb webs – the two dimensional webs made by house spiders – to capture insects. ‘The big difference is that the centre of the web is anchored to the surrounding vegetation by a line that extends from the central hub to the anchor point,’ he explained. Sitting in the centre of the web, the spider stretches it towards the anchor point ‘by crawling towards it and holding the bundled up slack in its legs’. ‘It's possible that the hairs on the spiders body are sensory, and tuned the frequency of a fly's wing beats. 'When the spider senses a fly or mosquito is within reach, it releases the tension on the line, propelling itself and the web at the flying insect. To create tension in the web, before it is released, the spider sits in the centre of the web and stretches it towards the anchor point (pictured) by crawling towards it and holding the bundled up slack in its legs . ‘If the spider misses, it seems to be able to reset the web/trap fairly flawlessly and with great ease,’ Mr Reeves said. He is unsure if the technique is more effective than a conventional web, but said it is specialised to catch ‘fresh’ insects as they emerge from bodies of water. Mr Reeves does not think the spiders risk death by propelling themselves at their prey. ‘The whole motion of the web seems to be pretty fluid. We observed the spiders firing the web when no insect was present - perhaps in response to vibrations from our breath or speech. ‘Because of this, it doesn't seem like it takes much to trigger them into releasing the web’s tension. If they were risking injury or death in propelling themselves in the web, I think the trigger would be much more conserved.’ The spiders could live throughout the Neotropics from Central America towards the southern parts of South America. The spiders (pictured) measure less than 1cm in size and Mr Reeves does not think they risk death by propelling themselves at their prey . Phil Torres, a 27-year-old biologist from los Angles, California, said it is not the first time the spiders have been found, but not much is known about their behaviour. In fact, the species – thought to be Naatlo splendida was discovered around 80 years ago. Mr Torres thinks other types of spider webs are more limited in how they entangle their prey. ‘This method of flinging the web appears to make it much more likely that the prey will get tangled, as they seem to be getting slammed into sticky web regardless of the prey's original flight speed. ‘Imagine the difference between bumping into a sticky trap and having a sticky trap flung at you,’ he said. The speedy slingshot action was filmed by 32-year-old photographer Jeff Cramer, from Lima, Peru, who used a Canon 6D and 7D with a couple of different macro lenses to get the shot. He also used a Canon 100mm macro lens as well as a Canon MP-E 65mm lens. ‘It was a fairly difficult shot to get. We were in the middle of the amazon jungle, in the middle of the night and standing in about 50cm of water with mosquitos flying,’ he said. The species Naatlo splendida was discovered around 80 years ago, but little is known about the creature and its unusual webs which are thought to be unique .
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Naatlo splendida, stretches its web into a cone shape and then slings the sticky structure at flying insects .
Speedy manoeuvre was caught on camera at the Tambopata Research Centre in Madre de Dios, Peru .
Spider measures 3mm and is thought .
to be unique in its approach to snaring insects and belongs to the .
family Theridiosomatidae .
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(CNN) -- Syrian government officials will attend the international conference dubbed "Geneva II" that is charged with bringing about an end to the violence that has wracked the country since March 2011, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported Wednesday. Presidential adviser Bouthaina Shaaban told Russia Today TV on Tuesday that the government would attend without preconditions and with the goal of stopping violence and terrorism in the country, SANA reported. She ridiculed the opposition coalition as a front for Saudi intelligence. "Who does the coalition represent?" she asked rhetorically, and then cited two groups described as terrorist by the U.S. State Department. "Is it al Qaeda or Jabhat al-Nusra?" Shaaban described the Syrian government as a legitimate and elected representative of the Syrian people. In Beirut, Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour said in a statement issued Tuesday that Geneva II is the only solution to the crisis and that Lebanon would participate, if invited, SANA reported. The long-delayed conference would not occur before December, Russian state news agency Itar-Tass reported Tuesday, citing a source close to talks among the United Nations, Russia and the United States. Representatives from the United Nations, Russia and the United States met Tuesday in Geneva in hopes of ironing out a plan for the talks, which have been held up in part because many branches of the Syrian opposition have said they wouldn't attend, or wouldn't participate without preconditions. Nineteen largely Islamist rebel groups, for example, last month flatly rejected participating. Some groups want Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down before talks. And the Syrian National Coalition, a rebel umbrella group, said it wouldn't participate if Iran -- an ally of the Syrian regime -- is invited. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said there will be no preconditions for the talks, Itar-Tass reported Tuesday, adding that preconditions would run counter to plans that the United States and Russia previously drew up for the conference. The United States and Russia announced in May that they would try to bring the warring parties to a second conference in Geneva to implement the peace plan they endorsed at Geneva I in 2012, which left open the question of whether al-Assad must leave power. Russia's semi-official Interfax News Agency reported Wednesday that Moscow has invited Syrian opposition leaders to Moscow for "informal contacts" ahead of Geneva II. "Our proposal for informal contacts in Moscow as part of the process of organization of Geneva II would be important from the point of view of creating a favorable atmosphere, so that people can meet and discuss their issues," Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told reporters. Meanwhile, the killing continued. A bomb exploded Wednesday afternoon at the entrance to Syria's railway headquarters in the capital, killing at least eight people and wounding others, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported. Women, children and laborers who were doing maintenance work at the office building at Hijaz Square in central Damascus, SANA said. A photo published by SANA showed exterior concrete steps in pieces; another photo showed two bags of vegetables abandoned on a nearby street. The explosion comes amid a civil war in the Middle Eastern nation. The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 after government forces cracked down on peaceful protesters during the Arab Spring movement. The United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people have died in the conflict. CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report.
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Presidential adviser Shaaban says the government will attend without preconditions .
She ridicules the opposition coalition as a front for Saudi intelligence .
Women, children, laborers are among those killed, SANA reports.
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By . Ben Spencer and Craig Mackenzie . PUBLISHED: . 06:31 EST, 7 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:44 EST, 8 July 2013 . Suncream? Check. Parasol? Check. Towel? Check. Now all you need is space to put them all. That would have been a tall order at Southend-on-Sea yesterday, where these crowds proved that when Britain bakes the first destination on everyone’s mind is the beach. Scroll down for video . Sun worshippers: Thousands flocked to the beach at Southend-on-Sea in Essex yesterday as the mercury neared 30C (86F) in the hottest spell of the year . Popular: Thousands of people who flocked to the beach at Southend-on-Sea yesterday as they enjoyed the scorching temperatures experienced across Britain . Splashing about: Lisa White, 11, (left) Bella White, 8 and Tia Lindo, 9 enjoy a cooling dip in Middlesbrough city centre this afternoon . Boat people: Punts make their way along the river Cam in Cambridge as visitors to the city enjoy the summer sunshine . Hot work: Visitors to Cambridge are taken on a punt along the river Cam as the temperature hits almost 30C . Beach belles: Keri White, 16,and Rebecca Ng, also 16, joined thousands at Barry beach in South Wales yesterday . Carpet of lavender: Amy Green, 17, picks fragrant bunches yesterday from the 50,000 planted blooms at Somerset Lavender, near Frome . Water babes: Sophia Dickinson,5 , Eve Power and Ella Dickinson, both 10, from Bordon, Hants, in the sea yesterday morning at West Wittering beach, West Sussex . Looking good: The Met Office said dominant high pressure will keep the mercury high for the rest of the week in the best July warm spell since 2006 . As the mercury neared 30C (86F) in the . hottest spell of the year, these sunseekers were among the millions who . flocked to the coast to make the most of the sunshine. And the good . news is that the glorious weather is set to last into next weekend and . beyond. The hottest parts of the country . yesterday were Bournemouth and Heathrow, which at 29.7C (85.5F) were . warmer than Ibiza and Istanbul. The unbroken sunshine drew crowds of . 250,000 to Bournemouth alone, although there were complaints about the . cans, bottles and other mess left behind at beaches in Brighton and . Blackpool – and open spaces such as Richmond Park in south-west London. Fiona Paterson wrote on Twitter: ‘Brighton beach is lovely but it is trashed! Please take rubbish away with you.’ Topping up the tans: Three spectators watch the rowers hard at work at the Royal Henley Regatta, Henley on Thames . Taking it easy: A spectator on day five of the Royal Henley Regatta enjoys the sunshine yesterday afternoon . Sea nymph: A little girl sits on her father's shoulder as they cool down in the sea at Southend Beach in Essex . Splashing about: As temperatures approached 30C, people flocked to a giant paddling pool at Markeaton Park in Derbyshire . Summertime: Hyde Park in central London was packed full of people bathing in the sun yesterday on the hottest day of the year so far . Dogged sun seeker: Car mechanic Neil Watson takes pet Max on his surf boarding at Brighton beach . Crash: Two women taking part in the competition off Brighton beach run into a spot of bother . Shady work: A sun worshipper adjusts his sunshade as a couple enjoy the hot weather in Brighton, Sussex. The hot weather is likely to stay around . Packed: Holidaymakers get a suntan at Brighton yesterday as temperatures hit the 80s . Chilling out: Two friends soak up the rays yesterday in a park in Cheltenham. Temperatures hit as high as 86F, forecasters said . Crowd: Contestants packed out the waters off the beach as they joined in the light-hearted competition . Outfit: A reveller dressed as Scooby-Doo took part in the paddling competition . Clear blue sea: One contestant used nothing but her arms as paddles as she lay down on a body board . Exhausted: Two swimmers lie down after completing a 1.5km swim in Brighton . Classic summer: A group of girls on donkey pass a big screen on Skegness beach showing Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final . Intrepid: A man dives into the English Channel with Brighton's burned-out West Pier in the background . Prank: This witty sandcastle was made by a practical joker on Bournemouth beach . Keeping cool: Two-year-old Charlotte Brown soaks up the sun in a relaxing deckchair on Bournemouth beach . Boating: A couple enjoy the weather by having a fun in a boat yesterday in Pittville Park, Cheltenham . Sandy fun in the sun: Kenzie Wilkes aged 8 (left), digs a hole with Cole Worrell, 4, as people flock to Barry beach in South Wales . Cooling down: A black and White Ruffed Lemurs eating an ice lolly with apples in at Twycross Zoo, Leicestershire . Golden glow: A spectacular sunrise yesterday morning over a rape field in Danbury, Essex, heralded what was the hottest day of the year . The Met Office said dominant high . pressure will keep the mercury high for the rest of the week in the best . July warm spell since 2006. Paul Mott at MeteoGroup added: ‘It will . cool down a bit on Thursday, but next weekend it could be approaching . 30C (86F) again.’ Bookmaker William Hill has now cut the odds of a hosepipe ban from 7/1 to 5/1. The fine weather resulted in tragedy . on Saturday, when a boy died while swimming in a disused quarry near . Malvern, Worcestershire. In South Wales, a 14-year-old girl is still missing after getting into difficulty off Whitmore Bay, Barry Island.
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Hottest parts of Britain yesterday were Bournemouth and Heathrow, which at 29.7C were warmer than Ibiza .
Glorious weather set to last into next weekend and beyond as crowds of 250,000 were drawn to Bournemouth .
Met Office: Dominant high pressure will keep mercury high for rest of week in best July warm spell since 2006 .
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CNN) -- A Malaysia Airlines flight to South Korea made an emergency landing in Hong Kong early Monday after its main electrical generator stopped working, the airline said. The plane, an Airbus A330-300, landed in Hong Kong safely around 3 a.m., Malaysia Airlines said, and the 271 passengers on board have been transferred onto flights with other airlines. The reason for the diversion of Malaysia Airlines Flight 066 was "an inoperative aircraft generator, which supplies normal electrical power," the company said. Electrical power continued to be supplied by the plane's auxiliary power unit, it said. Malaysia Airlines is in the international spotlight following the disappearance more than two weeks ago of one of its passenger jets with 239 people on board. That plane, Flight 370, was on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it vanished over Southeast Asia. The flight that was diverted Monday set off from Kuala Lumpur at 11:37 p.m. Sunday and was scheduled to arrive at 6:50 a.m. the next day at Incheon International Airport, the main airport serving the South Korean capital, Seoul. Hong Kong airport said it received a call at 2:30 a.m. alerting it of the flight's urgent change of course and placed local teams on standby. The plane made its emergency landing without any problems about half an hour later. The scheduled return flight from Incheon to Kuala Lumpur has been canceled, Malaysia Airlines said, and passengers have been placed on other flights. CNN's Sarita Harilela reported from Kuala Lumpur, and Jethro Mullen wrote this report from Hong Kong. CNN's Licia Yee contributed to this report.
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The plane's electrical generator stopped working, the airline says .
It was diverted to Hong Kong, where it landed safely .
The flight was meant to go to Incheon airport in South Korea .
Malaysia Airlines is in the spotlight over its missing Flight 370 .
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(CNN) -- The final day of the European transfer window produced the usual flurry of frantic activity Friday but no big deal to match the $61 million transfer of Juan Mata from Chelsea to Manchester United earlier this month. Jose Mourinho's Chelsea continued to re-invest the money until the last day, landing promising 19-year-old French central defender Kurt Zouma, who signed from Saint-Etienne for a reported fee of $19 million before being loaned back to the Ligue 1 side. Zouma, who has just served a 10-game ban for a foul challenge which broke an opponent's leg, is the fourth player to sign for Roman Abramovich's big spenders in January after Nemanja Matic, Mohamed Salah and Bertrand Traore. Chelsea's West London rivals Fulham, battling against relegation from the English Premier League, landed Greek international striker Konstantinos Mitroglou from Olympiakos for a fee of nearly $20 milllion. The 25-year-old is a national hero in Greece after scoring three goals in their two-legged World Cup qualifying play-off against Romania last November. He will have to act as a replacement for former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian international striker has gone on loan to cash-rich Monaco. Claudio Ranieri's team are challenging for the French league title but have lost their big money summer signing of Radamel Falcoa to injury and Berbatov will act as a high-profile replacement. Monaco slipped six points behind leaders Paris Saint Germain Friday as the reigning champions beat Bordeaux 2-0 with their big money signing from this window, former Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye, coming on as a substitute for the capital giants. EPL title challengers Arsenal, who signed Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid before the start of the current season, strengthened their squad by the acquisition of experienced Swedish international midfielder Kim Kallstrom from Spartak Moscow on loan. "Arsenal is an amazing club with a lot of great players and a coach who has done really well here for a long time," Kallstrom told the club's official website. But top of the table Manchester City have not added to their already strong squad, who are still campaigning on all four fronts under Manuel Pellegrini. City spent an estimated $100 million on player signings before the start of the current campaign, playing their part in record amounts changing hands by EPL clubs in the 2013-14 period. According to football finance experts Deloitte, the combined transfer spend of the 20 clubs had broken the £700 million ($1.12B) mark for the first time even before the frenetic last day of trading. This enormous sum is despite the likely restrictions imposed by UEFA's new Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which limit the losses clubs can make. But according to a top lawyer specializing in sports finances, the big spending EPL clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea are unlikely to be troubled by the new regulations. "It seems the Financial Fair Play rules are unlikely to have the desired effect of providing an even playing field if clubs generating huge losses can meet the rules," Faye Bargery, a senior associate at law firm Thomas Eggar LLP, told CNN. "Manchester City recently announced a £51m ($81.6 million) loss (down from £97m last year) but are confident that they will meet the FFP rules. "Clubs have a number of ways to reduce their losses, including excluding money spent on youth development and facilities as well as amortizing transfer fees over the term of player' contracts. "However, the significant increase in commercial and sponsorship income for the top clubs, as evidenced by Arsenal's recent kit deal with Puma, is likely to mean that the larger clubs can meet the rules but smaller clubs with less income are adversely effected." La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, who signed Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale for a world record fee last August, kept their powder dry in the last day of trading, but other European powerhouses strengthened their squads. Runaway Serie A leaders Juventus signed Argentina-born forward Dani Osvaldo on loan from EPL Southampton. Osvaldo was a club record signing for Southampton but has lasted less than five months at St Mary's after he was reported to have had an altercation with teammate Jose Fonte last week. Inter Milan also completed the big money signing of Brazilian midfield star Hernanes from Lazio on a four-and-a-half year deal. Last season's Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund attempted to boost a flagging season by signing 21-year-old Serbia midfielder Milos Jojic from Partizan Belgrade on the final day of the window. Dortmund celebrated later Friday by scoring their first Bundesliga win in five games with a 2-1 victory at bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed both their goals.
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Final day of European winter transfer window sees usual round of frantic trading .
Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov goes from to Ligue 1 Monaco on loan .
Greece international striker Konstantinos Mitroglou signs for Fulham from Olympiakos .
EPL clubs have spent record of over $1.1B on transfers in the 2013-14 windows .
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By . Associated Press . Charla Nash, the Connecticut woman disfigured in a 2009 chimpanzee attack, has appealed for permission to pursue a $150million lawsuit against the state. She appeared before lawmakers on Friday to argue that officials knew the animal was a threat and failed to take action. In brief remarks to a legislative committee, Nash said the money could help her pay medical bills and give her a chance at a comfortable life. Slow recovery: Charla Nash, seen on Friday in a Connecticut government building, is hoping to have the right to sue the state because she thinks they should have done more to protect her from being attacked by a chimpanzee . Scars for life: Nash, 60, was blinded, lost both her hands and underwent a face transplant following the attack . Pleading her case: Nash rarely makes public appearances but came to the legislative office building on Friday to appeal to lawmakers to pass a ruling that would allow her to pursue her $150million suit . Nash, 60, was blinded, lost both her hands and underwent a face transplant following the attack. 'The state knew what was happening and failed to protect me,' Nash said. Last year, State Claims Commissioner J. Paul Vance Jr. refused Nash's request for permission to sue the state, but the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would override that decision. The state generally is immune from lawsuits unless allowed by the commissioner. The 200-pound animal, known as Travis, attacked Nash on February 16, 2009, when she went to the Stamford home of its owner, Sandra Herold, to help her friend and employer to lure the chimpanzee back inside. The animal went berserk and ripped off Nash's nose, lips, eyelids and hands before being shot to death by a police officer. Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen told lawmakers the state cannot be held responsible. 'I am not here to diminish Ms. Nash's suffering,' Mr Jepsen said. Constant care: Charla was accompanied to the hearing by her daughter Briana Nash (left) Pricey: Nash's nursing care expenses cost approximately $16,000 per month and that does not include the cost of additional medical care . 'The law does not support this claim.' Nash resides at a Massachusetts convalescent center, where she is awaiting a second attempt at a hand transplant. At the same time as her 2011 facial transplant, Nash also had a new pair of hands attached but doctors were forced to remove them because they had poor circulation and she had contracted an infection. She reached a $4million settlement in 2012 with the estate of Herold, who died in 2010. Nash's attorneys say that will only cover a small portion of her medical costs. Her nursing care expenses cost approximately $16,000 per month and that does not include the cost of additional medical care. Nash's attorneys argue that the state law prohibited ownership of primates weighing more than 50 pounds without a permit, and officials had an obligation to seize the chimp because it was owned illegally by Herold. Experimental: Nash had a full facial transplant surgery in 2011 . Excruciating: Nash is seen pulling the mesh cap the protects her wounds away to show the legislators . Months before the attack, a state biologist warned state officials in a memo that the chimpanzee could seriously hurt someone if it felt threatened. 'They're all negligent because none of them did anything in the face of knowledge that this was an accident waiting to happen,' Mr Willinger said according to The Hartford Courant. '(The Department of Energy and Environmental Policy) knew you're dealing with an inherently dangerous situation…they're the ones that knew the foreseeable harm and did nothing. That's negligence.' The claims commissioner concluded that no law at the time of the attack prevented Herold from owning the chimpanzee. What remains: Nash is seen holding hands with her daughter on Friday. Nash lost one of her hands entirely and other other hand (pictured) was left with only one finger . He added that if the state had failed to seize the animal, 'The duty owed was to the general public and does not create a statutory obligation to ensure the safety of a private individual'. On Friday, Jepsen said if Nash is allowed to sue, claiming the state was negligent in not seizing the animal, others will likely pursue lawsuits concerning alleged negligence involving millions of state permit and license-holders. Jepsen said there are 'cases waiting in the chute' for a decision in the Nash request. 'The risk of floodgates opening up is very significant,' he said. Before the accident: Charla was close with Travis' owners and the owner called her to help when he was being unruly . Earlier stages: In this August 2012 file photo, Charla Nash sits before a hearing at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut in relation to the same case .
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Charla Nash has made a personal appeal to Connecticut state officials to overturn a law that prevents her from suing the state .
Nash wants to sue the state for $150million because she argues they knew about the threat of the 200lb chimpanzee and did nothing .
Her friend's chimpanzee, Travis, attacked her in 2009 .
She is now blind and had an experimental facial transplant in 2011 .
The chimp's owner died in 2010 and Nash has since received $4million from her estate but that money has gone to medical expenses .
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Vladimir Putin last night pointed to Russia’s nuclear arsenal and warned the West: ‘It’s best not to mess with us’ on Ukraine. In a menacing intervention, the Russian president denied Nato, British and American reports that Russian forces are operating in eastern Ukraine. And he warned the West against any attempt to support Ukraine in its efforts to defeat Russian separatists. Speaking at a pro-Kremlin youth camp near Moscow, he said: ‘Russia’s partners... should understand it’s best not to mess with us. Ukrainian servicemen use a brief lull in the conflict to make running repairs on their heavy armour . Mechanics have field-striped part of the engine and drive components to keep the vehicle running . Ukraine has appealed to the West for supplies of modern weaponry to help repel any Russian advance . ‘Thank God, I think no one is thinking of unleashing a large-scale conflict with Russia. I want to remind you that Russia is one of the leading nuclear powers.’ Mr Putin also launched an astonishing verbal assault on the Ukrainian government, comparing it to the Nazis and saying its actions in the east of the country ‘sadly reminds me of the events of the Second World War, when German fascist... occupiers surrounded our cities’. Russia is one of five countries which has nuclear weapons as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mr Putin has the second largest stockpile of warheads in the world – 4,300 according to the latest estimates from the Federation of American Scientists. Of those, approximately 1,600 are long-range land and sea-based ballistic missiles. Nato believes that there are at least 1,000 Russian troops now actively engaged in the conflict . Ukrainian army fires during fighting between militants and Ukrainian forces in Donetsk region. Nato said that it believes that well more than 1,000 regular Russian troops are fighting in Ukraine . The US has an estimated 4,765, Britain has 225, France 300 and China 250. Of other counties thought to have nuclear weapons – India, Pakistan and Israel are thought to have fewer than 100 and North Korea fewer than ten. British intelligence believes Russia has made a significant incursion into Ukraine, involving at least 1,000 regular troops fighting alongside pro-Russian militias on the ground. British sources said Russia had supplied 100 battle tanks, 80 armoured personnel carriers, 500 anti-tank weapons and 100 artillery pieces to separatists. Residents of Mariupol dig trenches and make fortifications with sandbags as they help Ukrainian troops in organising their defence on the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol . An Ukrainian soldier digs a trench on the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol today. Nato chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen urged Russia to halt its 'illegal' military actions in Ukraine . Ukrainian servicemen repair a part of their MPC inside a military camp in Donetsk . A Ukrainian serviceman sits on a tank while speaking on the phone inside a military camp in Donetsk . Ukraine’s Ambassador at Large Oleksandr Scherba appealed to the West for military help. ‘We want the West to understand Ukraine is fighting Europe’s war,’ he said. ‘There is only one thing that separates your people driving to their jobs and a full relapse into a Cold War – and that is young Ukrainian volunteer soldiers.’ Government sources said David Cameron would press for tough new sanctions on Russia at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels today. But military intervention is not being contemplated. The crisis in Ukraine is also now set to dominate next week’s Nato summit in Newport, south Wales. A Ukrainian serviceman walks past a pile of shells stored inside a hole inside a military camp in Donetsk . Rest: Ukrainian servicemen rest at their military camp near the eastern Ukrainian city of Debalcevo, in Ukraine. Mr Putin today asked pro-Moscow rebels to open a 'humanitarian corridor' to allow Ukrainian soldier who remain hemmed in to the region to go home . Proof: Kiev said Putin's edict proved that separatists were under Kremlin control . Ukraine yesterday said it was seeking Nato membership – a request the military alliance said it would treat ‘respectfully’. Nato accused Russia of a ‘blatant violation’ of Ukraine’s sovereignty, saying the crisis ‘defies all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution’. On Thursday the alliance released satellite photos of Russian self-propelled artillery units moving inside Ukraine last week. Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen yesterday said that ‘despite hollow denials’, it was now clear that Russian forces had illegally crossed Ukraine’s border. Put to work: Prisoners-of-war, who are Ukrainian servicemen captured by pro-Russian separatists, clean a street in Snizhne in the Donetsk region . Held captive: Captured pro-Ukrainian fighter sits in a garage at the Novoazovsk border crossing point, in eastern Ukraine . Mercy: In a statement issued through the Kremlin today, the Russian president told the separatists to open up a 'humanitarian corridor' in eastern Ukraine to avoid the 'senseless deaths' of trapped Ukrainian troops . German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: ‘All our hopes of de-escalation have been disappointed and the situation is showing signs that it is now out of control.’ Polish foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski said: ‘If it looks like a war, sounds like a war and kills like a war, it is a war.’ Sweden’s foreign minister Carl Bildt warned: ‘This is the second invasion of Ukraine in a year. We have to call a spade a spade and stop playing around.’ Meanwhile, heavily armed pro-Russia separatists held firm control of the strategic coastal town of Novoazovsk yesterday. At least half a dozen tanks were seen in the town of about 12,000 people, bearing the flags of Novorossiya, the ‘state’ proclaimed by rebels in two eastern Ukraine regions. None of the tanks bore Russian markings, but ready-made meals seen nearby had markings showing they were Russian army issue. Digging in: Civilians dig trenches and make fortifications with sandbags as they assist Ukrainian troops in organising their defence on the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol . Battle weary: Armed Ukrainian servicemen comb the area after being shot at by pro-Russian militants at their checkpoint near the small city of Dzerzhynsk, in the Donetsk region . Mercy: In a statement issued through the Kremlin today, Russian president Putin told the separatists to open up a 'humanitarian corridor' through which to release trapped enemy troops to 'avoid senseless deaths' A woman rides on the back of a truck holding a flag of Novorossiya, a union between the 'Donetsk People's Republic and 'Lugansk People's Republic'. If implemented, that plan would leave Kiev with no Black Sea coastline . 'Plain to see': He spoke as President Barack Obama said it was 'plain for the world to see' that Russian forces are now fighting inside Ukraine . This map shows how 'New Russia', now eastern Ukraine, was once part of the Russian Empire . The word 'Novorossiya' literally means 'New Russia' - an imperial-era term for southern Ukraine, when it was part of the Russian Empire. It is now a term used by Russia ultra-nationalists who want to re-conquer the area. The region was seized by imperial Russia at the end of the 18th century from the Ottoman Empire and remained under its control until the October Revolution and the collapse of the empire in November 1917. The term implies a giant semi-circle of Ukraine encompassing Kharkiv, Lugansk, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odessa. If implemented, that plan would leave Kiev with no Black Sea coastline.
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He said Russia's nuclear programme means 'nobody would think of conflict'
He also tells rebels to release trapped enemy to 'avoid senseless deaths'
He compares Ukraine's sieges of two cities to Nazis' siege of Leningrad .
He referred to 'Novorossiya' - or 'New Russia' - as he praised rebel 'success'
Kiev said the edict proved that separatists were under Kremlin control .
Ukrainian PM announced that country will seek to become member of Nato .
Putin spoke as Obama said it is 'plain to see' Russian forces are in Ukraine .
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(EW.com) -- In just a few years, digital video has overtaken film-based shooting by an overwhelming margin. But in the interest of staving off premature extinction, a group of directors have banded together to keep the Eastman Kodak Co. making movie film. The Wall Street Journal reports that a group of directors, led by the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Judd Apatow, and J.J. Abrams (who is filming Star Wars VII on film) pushed studio heads into negotiations with the film company. These discussions, which the WSJ broke the lid on, revolve around promises to buy a set quantity of film for the next several years, regardless of whether they plan to use all of it. Kodak's motion-picture film sales have fallen 96 percent since 2006, from 12.4 billion linear feet to an estimated 449 million. Fujifilm Crop. left the business last year, and Kodak is the only major company left producing the product. The company's chief executive, Jeff Clarke, told the WSJ that Kodak initially hoped to enlist studios in a joint venture on its Rochester, N.Y., plant, but that proposal failed. The second solution, involving the purchase of mass quantities of film, became the consensus after filmmakers started to join the discussion (and personally lobby executives). Tarantino, for instance, appealed to Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of Weinstein Co. "It's a financial commitment, no doubt about it," Weinstein told the WSJ, "But I don't think we could look some of our filmmakers in the eyes if we didn't do it." Weinstein's claims are supported by comments from other directors. Apatow told the newspaper that both film and digital video are "valid choices" but "there's a magic to the grain and the color quality that you get with film." In a separate interview, Abrams argued that "film sets the standard and once it's no longer available, the ability to shoot the benchmark goes away. Suddenly you're left with what is, in many cases, perfectly good but not necessarily the best, the warmest, the most rich and detailed images." In negotiations with Kodak, Weinstein Co. is joined by Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Walt Disney Studios. 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.
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Digital video has overtaken film-based shooting .
The directors are trying to get studio heads to negotiate with Kodak .
One studio head called it a "financial commitment"
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(CNN) -- New York's Staten Island was broiling under a life-threatening heat wave and borough President James Molinaro was seriously concerned about the area's Little League baseball players. It was last July's Eastern heat wave and Consolidated Edison was responding to scattered power outages as electricity usage neared record highs. So, authorities followed Molinaro's suggestion to cancel that night's Little League games, which were to be played under electricity-sucking stadium lights. "Number one, it was a danger to the children that were playing out there in that heat, and secondly it would save electricity that people would need for air conditioning in their homes," said Molinaro, who'd been forced to sleep at his office that night because of a blackout in his own neighborhood. Throughout New York City, about 52,000 of ConEd's 3.2 million customers lost power during the heat wave. Triple-digit temperatures forced residents like 77 year-old Rui Zhi Chen, to seek shelter at one of the city's 400 emergency cooling centers. "It felt like an oven in my home and on the street," Chen said. Should Americans view these kinds of scenarios as extraordinary circumstances -- or a warning sign of a darker future? Experts on the nation's electricity system point to a frighteningly steep increase in non-disaster-related outages affecting at least 50,000 consumers. During the past two decades, such blackouts have increased 124 percent -- up from 41 blackouts between 1991 and 1995, to 92 between 2001 and 2005, according to research at the University of Minnesota. In the most recently analyzed data available, utilities reported 36 such outages in 2006 alone. "It's hard to imagine how anyone could believe that -- in the United States -- we should learn to cope with blackouts," said University of Minnesota Professor Massoud Amin, a leading expert on the U.S. electricity grid. Amin supports construction of a nationwide "smart grid" that would avert blackouts and save billions of dollars in wasted electricity. In a nutshell, a smart grid is an automated electricity system that improves the reliability, security and efficiency of electric power. It more easily connects with new energy sources, such as wind and solar, and is designed to charge electric vehicles and control home appliances via a so-called "smart" devices. Summer of '77 . You might say Amin's connection with electricity began in New York City with a bolt of lightning. In July 1977, Amin was a 16-year-old high school student visiting from his native Iran when lightning triggered a 24-hour blackout that cut power to nine million. As he and his father walked near their Midtown Manhattan hotel, they were shocked to see looters smash their way into an electronics store less than 20 yards down the street. Amin recalls feeling violated by the ugly scene -- and wondering if the nation's infrastructure was in danger of collapse. "... not just the electric grid that underpins our lives," he said, "but also the human condition." More than 30 years later, the United States is still "operating the most advanced economy in the world with 1960s and 70s technology," said Amin. Failing to modernize the grid, he said, will threaten the U.S. position as an economic super power. Millions remember the historic August 2003 blackout, when overgrown trees on powerlines triggered an outage that cascaded across an overloaded regional grid. An estimated 50 million people lost power in Canada and eight northeastern states. Smart grid technology, experts say, would have immediately detected the potential crisis, diverted power and likely saved $6 billion in estimated business losses. By April of 2013 ConEd hopes to install a "smart" automated self-healing system aimed at preventing the burnout of large feeder cables during peak demand periods -- such as heat waves. The new technology would anticipate possible equipment failure in specific neighborhoods and reroute electricity to compensate. For example, a project to help Queens' Flushing neighborhood will "give us the capability to remotely control up to 26 underground switches," said Con Ed smart grid manager Thomas Magee. Had systems like this been in place, said ConEd's Aseem Kapur, it might have prevented or reduced New York's scattered outages last July. Who's got the juice? Some of the most reliable utilities are in the heartland states of Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas. In those states, the power is out an average of only 92 minutes per year, according to a 2008 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study. On the other end of the spectrum, utilities in New York Pennsylvania and New Jersey averaged 214 minutes of total interruptions each year. These figures don't include power outages blamed on tornadoes or other disasters. Map: How often do the lights go out where you live? But compare the U.S. data to Japan which averages only four minutes of total interrupted service each year. "As you can see, we have a long way to go," said Andres Carvallo, who played a key role in planning the smart grid in Austin, Texas. Experts point to the northeastern and southeastern U.S. as regions where outages pose the most threat -- mainly due to aging wires, pole transformers and other lagging infrastructure. "They know where they have tight spots," said Mark Lauby, of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which enforces reliability standards. Without mentioning specific regions, Lauby said utilities are "making sure the generation and the transmission are available to help support those consumers." Building a national smart grid "won't be cheap and it wont be easy," acknowledged Amin. Much of it could be completed as soon as 2030 at a cost of up to $1.5 trillion, according to the Department of Energy. It's unclear who would foot the entire bill, but the Obama administration has committed about $4 billion in investment grants. The 'Easy Button' Carvallo jokes about the so-called "Easy Button" at Austin Energy. It's not really a big red button on the wall, but it is a mechanism that allows an operator to control tens of thousands of home thermostats. "Austin is two to three years ahead of everybody else," said Carvallo, now chief strategy officer for the smart grid software firm Grid Net. He points to a volunteer program that offers free thermostats to customers who allow the utility to remotely control their air conditioners during specific months and hours. This way, thousands of power-gulping air conditioners can be cycled off for a short time when electricity was needed elsewhere. By summer's end, Austin expects to begin enabling its 700,000 streetlights to be turned "on and off with a flip of a switch," saving $340,000 in electricity each year, and eliminating 200 tons of carbon dioxide air pollution. Replacing old-style electric meters with "smart meters" is often described as the first step in creating a smart grid. All 400,000 of Austin's meters are smart meters. Nationwide, 26 utilities in 15 states have installed some 16 million smart meters in homes and businesses. Soon, when power goes out in a neighborhood with smart meters, utilities won't have to wait for customers to report outages -- the smart meters will alert utilities automatically. Utilities will then e-mail or text message each affected customer information about when the lights will be back on. Critics question smart meter accuracy and whether the devices will really save energy in the long run. "It feels a bit like the utilities are jumping the gun and they're trying to put these meters in before the rest of the pieces of the so-called smart grid are in place and before we even know that the smart meters are going to have advantages commensurate with the cost," said electricity consumer advocate Mindy Spatt of The Utility Reform Network. One advantage of smart grid technology may be jobs. High-tech manufacturers want to locate their factories in places where electricity is most reliable, said Carvallo. "That's where the manufacturing facilities move to. That's where you get your high-paying jobs."
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Non-disaster U.S. power outages up 124 percent since early '90s .
U.S. electricity reliability low compared to some nations .
Experts: "Smart grid" would avert blackouts, save billions .
Austin "Easy Button" controls tens of thousands of Texas thermostats .
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By . John Hall . This is the dramatic moment an 88-year-old man was rescued after driving his car into a lake while suffering a suspected medical emergency. The man, whose identity has not yet been revealed, remains in intensive care after driving his white Cadillac into the Sinclair Inlet near Bremerton in the U.S. state of Washington. The accident took place shortly after 10am yesterday morning, and saw the man trapped inside his vehicle beneath 10 feet of water, 30 feet from the shore. Saved: The elderly man was rescued by a firefighter, a police officer and two employees of a local boat manufacturer who had been testing new products nearby and witnessed the accident . Bremerton Police Department started receiving reports of a car driving into the water from the south end of Trenton Avenue in the Manette neighborhood at 10.03am yesterday. A police officer and firefighter were the first to arrive at the scene and spotted the vehicle about 30 feet from the shore - suggesting it had been travelling at speed when it entered the water. The men dived into the water and were joined by two employees of SAFE Boats - a local boat manufacturer who were already in the water testing new products when they witnessed the accident. Using an axe he had carried into the water with him, the firefighter was able to break the car's windows and, with the help of the SAFE Boats employees, pull the man to the surface. The group then dragged the elderly man to the shore where a police detective performed CPR and managed to get him breathing. Rescue: The men dived into the water and swam out 30 feet to reach the vehicle. The distance it travelled into the lake is testament to how fast the man must have been driving when he ploughed into the water . Crash: The man, whose identity has not yet been revealed, remains in intensive care after driving his white Cadillac into the Sinclair Inlet near Bremerton in the state of Washington. The vehicle was later recovered . While this was taking place the firefighter and a second police officer swam back to the car to be sure nobody else was trapped. They did not find anyone either in the vehicle or in the surrounding water. Jim and Francoise Deighan were eyewitnesses to the incident and described the scene to the Bremerton Patriot newspaper. 'The car was traveling so fast. I said to my husband, 'He's going too fast. He's not going to be able to stop,' Mrs Deighan said. She added that the vehicle, whose driver appeared not to apply his brakes, then hit a bump in the road and took flight - sailing between a tree and a house before hitting the water. 'I got my phone and called 911... Jim, he ran down to the water to try to help the man,' she said. Treatment: After being rescued the man was taken to Harrison Hospital (pictured) in central Bremerton. He remains in intensive care. The firefighter was also taken to the facility to be treated for cuts . 'It must have been something medical because he didn't try to stop. It was like he wasn't alert, Mrs Deighan added. After being rescued the man was taken to Harrison Medical Center in central Bremerton. He remains at the hospital in intensive care. The firefighter was also taken to the facility to be treated for cuts sustained during the rescue but was discharged later the same day. The white Cadillac was later recovered from the water.
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The elderly man drove his white Cadillac into Sinclair Inlet at full speed .
He was rescued from the water by a firefighter and a police officer .
Two employees of a local boat manufacturer also assisted the rescue .
Man did not appear to brake, suggesting a possible medical emergency .
Incident took place at Sinclair Inlet near Bremerton in Washington state .
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London (CNN) -- British lawmakers meeting in emergency session approved a motion Friday to participate in airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq. The 524-43 vote came after Prime Minister David Cameron told Parliament that the country had a "duty to take part" in international efforts to combat the extremist group. The terror group is an organization of "staggering" brutality, he said, which has already killed one British hostage and threatens the lives of two more. "This is not a threat on the far side of the world," he said, but one which menaces European nations directly. In addition to an ISIS-inspired attack on a Jewish museum in Brussels earlier in the year, Europe's security agencies have disrupted six other ISIS-linked plots, he said. Parliament was recalled by Cameron for the vote on military action in Iraq, which was approved after lengthy debate in the House of Commons and House of Lords. Any proposal to expand the strikes to Syria would require additional action by Parliament, according to the motion. Cameron said Britain should join international allies in combating ISIS, a campaign that he warned would take years, not months. "The hallmarks will be patience and persistence, not shock and awe," he said. The government insists such action is legal because Iraq's government has requested international help to tackle the Sunni extremist group, which has overrun vast swathes of Iraq and Syria and massacred religious minorities and Shia Muslims. Cameron made that point again Friday, saying there was "no question" of the legality of action given the request by Iraq's leaders and the broad international backing for the campaign against ISIS. Some MPs may be reluctant to back a bombing campaign in Iraq because of doubts over its effectiveness or unhappiness over past UK military intervention in Iraq. But action has been backed by the governing coalition of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the opposition Labour Party. Labour leader Ed Miliband told lawmakers the United Kingdom "cannot simply stand by" against the threat of ISIS. Now that it's been approved, military action could start within hours. UK forces have already been taking part in surveillance missions over Iraq, as well as aiding Kurdish forces with equipment. 'Past mistakes' Cameron acknowledged that the memory of going to war in Iraq in 2003, when Labour's Tony Blair was Prime Minister, "hangs heavy" over the House of Commons. "This is not 2003, but we must not use past mistakes as an excuse for inaction," he said. There is "no realistic prospect" of defeating ISIS without military action, he said, and Britain has unique assets that no other coalition partner can offer, including precision missiles and surveillance capabilities. "It is also our duty to take part," he said. "Protecting the streets of Britain is not a task that we are prepared to entirely subcontract to other air forces of other countries." Last year, Cameron suffered a painful defeat in the Commons when MPs voted against action in Syria in response to claims the Syrian government had used chemical weapons against its own people. The motion approved by Parliament on Friday specifically rules out action in Syria unless a separate vote is held. It also rules out the use of UK troops in any possible ground combat operations in Iraq. Cameron: 'Strong case' for Syria action . Asked about the possibility of a change of approach to Syria, Cameron said the situation there was "more complicated" than in Iraq and that he was not going to change strategy right now. "ISIS needs to be destroyed in Syria as well as Iraq and we support the action the U.S. and five Arab states have taken in Syria and I do believe there is a strong case for us to do more in Syria," he said. "But I did not want to bring a motion to the house today which there wasn't consensus for." British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond told CNN before the vote he was confident the MPs would approve Britain's participation in the Iraq air campaign against ISIS, but "there will be assurances that they want to receive." On the likelihood of Britain's involvement in Syria, Hammond said that it is not inevitable but that the possibility hasn't been ruled out yet. The United States and its coalition partners began bombing raids in Syria this week against ISIS targets. U.S. aircraft had already been carrying out airstrikes against ISIS -- the group also known as ISIL, which calls itself the Islamic State -- in Iraq since last month. 'Haven for terrorism' Miliband, explaining his support for the motion, said that ISIS' ambition to create an Islamist state risks destabilizing the region and make it more likely that Iraq would become "a haven and training ground for terrorism" directed at the UK. He said some in the House of Commons may be wondering if this is a repeat of what happened in the run-up to the 2003 war in Iraq. "In my view, it is not," he said, arguing the circumstances now are "demonstrably different." On Syria, Miliband differed from Cameron's view, saying that he would want to see U.N. authorization for action there before Britain stepped in. Former Defense Secretary Liam Fox, a Conservative, said he believed there was a legal basis for action against ISIS in Syria and that it should have been up for debate too. "Sooner or later we are going to have to do it. It would have been far better if we had said so today," he said. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said earlier this week that his party would support the air campaign in Iraq because it is legal and has been requested by the Iraqi government. Also, he said, "It's part of a much bigger coalition, a whole array of countries, crucially including a number of Arab countries which deprives ISIL of the ability to somehow portray it as a 'West vs. the rest' crusade." Hostage plea . ISIS beheaded a British hostage, aid worker David Haines, earlier this month and continues to hold another British hostage, aid worker Alan Henning. The group has also released videos of the beheading of two U.S. journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. Haines' daughter, Bethany Haines, said that she would support airstrikes against ISIS. "(ISIS) need eradicating, they can't continue this way," she said. "They can't be doing this to people and getting away with it, no matter what nationality, if they're Western or not. Hundreds of Syrians have been killed by them, and they need to be stopped. And, if air strikes or ground force, or anything, is what it takes, that's what it takes." Muslim leaders around the world have called for Henning's release. They include Shaykh Haitham Al Haddad, a judge on the Shariah Council in London, who has said that "whatever your grievance with American or British foreign policy, executing this man is not the answer." ISIS has been ramping up its threats against the United States and the West. This summer, the group declared the establishment of a "caliphate," an Islamic state stretching across the territory it has conquered. CNN's Isa Soares and Radina Gigova contributed to this report.
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NEW: Parliament overwhelmingly backs UK airstrikes on ISIS targets in Iraq .
Prime Minister David Cameron says a military campaign against ISIS in Iraq is legal .
"The hallmarks will be patience and persistence, not shock and awe," he says .
The motion approved by Parliament ruled out troops on ground in Iraq, action in Syria .
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By . Associated Press Reporter . A new class of experimental medicines can dramatically lower cholesterol, raising hopes of a fresh option for people who can't tolerate or don't get enough help from Lipitor and other statin drugs that have been used for this for decades. The first large studies of these drugs were presented Saturday at an American College of Cardiology conference in Washington, and more will follow on Sunday. Several companies are developing these drugs, which are aimed at 70 million Americans and millions more worldwide who have high LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, a major risk for heart disease. A new class of experimental medicines can dramatically lower cholesterol, raising hopes of a fresh option for people who can't tolerate or don't get enough help from Lipitor and other statin drugs that have been used for this for decades. The first large studies of these drugs were presented Saturday at an American College of Cardiology conference in Washington . Three studies of Amgen Inc.'s version of these drugs, called evolocumab (ev-oh-LOKE-you-mab), found it lowered LDL or 'bad' cholesterol by 55 to 66 percent compared to a fake drug, and by nearly that much when compared to Merck's Zetia, another cholesterol medication. As impressive as that is, it's still just part of the picture. Doctors want evidence that the way these drugs lower cholesterol also will lead to fewer heart attacks and deaths, because that proof already exists for statins. New studies are underway to test this, but Amgen said it will seek approval for its drug this year based on cholesterol-lowering alone. That was enough to win approval for statins and Zetia, but use of Zetia has declined since 2008, when research showed it failed to help prevent heart attacks even though it cut cholesterol. Hopes are high that the new Amgen drug and others like it will do better. 'I would be happy to see it approved on the cholesterol results alone,' said Dr. Hadley Wilson, a cardiologist at Carolinas HealthCare System. 'We need additional agents other than statins" to help patients,' he said. Nearly all current cholesterol medicines — fibrates, niacin and top-selling statins — are decades old. Statins such as Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor curb cholesterol production. Zetia, which came out about a decade ago, helps block the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. The new drugs block PCSK9, a substance that interferes with the liver's ability to remove cholesterol from the blood. They have big drawbacks, though. Statins are pills sold as generics for as little as a dime a day. The new drugs are proteins rather than chemicals, and those tend to be very expensive to make. They also must be given as shots every two weeks or once a month. People can give the shots to themselves with a pen-like device. The companies developing the new medicines have not said what they might cost. 'We were very, very pleased about how well patients accepted the shots, and if they offer better results, especially for those with inherited conditions - people will accept it,' said Dr. Michael Koren of Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research in Florida, who helped lead two of the studies. The three Amgen studies involved about 2,000 patients in all. Doctors tested the drug in people with high cholesterol not taking other medicines, as a long-term (one-year) treatment in people already taking various medications and in combination with statins and other drugs in people with an inherited cholesterol disorder. In general, side-effect rates were about the same for evolocumab vs. placebo or Zetia. In some studies, muscle aches, nausea and a few other problems were a little higher with the experimental drug. Overall safety 'is very, very encouraging,' said Dr. Scott Wasserman, Amgen's executive medical director. Researchers also said: . —Alirocumab, a similar drug being developed by Sanofi SA and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., lowered LDL cholesterol by 47 percent vs. 16 percent for Zetia in a study of about 100 people not taking any other drugs for high cholesterol. —Bococizumab, from Pfizer Inc., lowered LDL 45 percent to 67 percent, depending on dose, compared to placebo in 354 people with high cholesterol also taking a statin. 'There's great interest in all of these drugs, but doctors will wait for evidence that they lower heart risks,' said Dr. Neil Stone, a Northwestern University cardiologist and spokesman for the American Heart Association. It may be easier to justify their use in patients with genes that cause high cholesterol at an early age, he said. A spokeswoman for the federal Food and Drug Administration, Sandy Walsh, suggested that might be the case. 'Although we cannot comment on the likelihood of approval based solely on specific indications or populations,' two drugs recently were approved based on cholesterol-lowering for people with inherited conditions,' she noted. A decision on approval also will be influenced by how much the drug lowers cholesterol, its effects on other fats in the blood and other heart signs such as inflammation and blood pressure, and its safety, she said.
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First large studies of new anti-cholesterol drugs presented at the American College of Cardiology conference in Washington on Saturday .
They are being developed by several companies aimed at 70 million Americans .
Current drugs, such as Liptor, have been used for decades .
Doctors say they want evidence the new drugs will lower cholesterol and equal less heart attacks .
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A woman who plummeted 150 feet off a seaside California cliff only to land upside down at the start of what became a 72-hour battle to survive has now shared the tale of how she made it out alive. Debbie Lopez, 57, says at first she didn't realize her truck had landed on its roof February 7 after she skidded off the road while putting out a cigarette. When the full breadth of her dire situation sunk in, it took the Atascadero woman an unbelievable 24 hours just to get out of car. Miracle: Debbie Lopez, 57, is seen here as she recovered in a California hospital following 72 hours she spent first escaping from her vehicle then climbing up a cliff face after her truck plummeted 150 feet when she missed a curve in a road along the Pacific Coast on February 7 . 'The truck just flew over, and I could just feel myself flying down and hitting things I don't know what I hit, and when I landed, I didn't know I was upside down,' she told KSBY. With no drinking water in her truck, Lopez says she survived on water that collected from a storm in the vehicle's wheel well. But even after she managed to escape the truck with serious bruises and injured ribs, the 150-foot cliff face rose menacingly before her. 'I just kept looking for different outlets and you know striking out, striking out,' Lopez told KEYT of the beginning of her ascent. Plummeted: Lopez was driving her pickup along this road near Ragged Point, California when she missed a turn while putting out a cigarette . But, she says thoughts of faith and family kept pushing on. 'I knew at that point that I had to get myself out, I had to see my husband and my family.' Lopez told the San Luis Obispo Tribune that she prayed the rosary over a dozen times for each of the two days she spent clawing her way up the cliff overlooking the Pacific. 'It was the adrenaline of just knowing I could not get back down if I stopped,' Lopez said, 'I just kept going forward and forward, little by little.' For 48 hours, she made her way up. Finally, on Tuesday, she was at the road. She bent down and kissed the pavement. Lopez managed to flag down a passing family visiting from Louisiana who called for help. She was released from the hospital Thursday. 'I just have a new lease on life, and there is a God and he listens,' she told KSBY. 'I just have a new lease on life, and there is a God and he listens,' Lopez said . Lopez's husband reported her missing when she failed to come home following a trip to the store February 7 .
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Debbie Lopez, 57, is lucky to be alive after landing upside when the truck fell off the cliff near Ragged Point, California late on February 7 .
The Atascadero woman's truck landed on its roof after she skidded off the road while distracting from putting out a cigarette .
She now says she remained focused on her family and faith to make it through the 72-hour hell .
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(CNN) -- Liberia's chief medical officer is on a 21-day Ebola quarantine after her assistant died from the illness, according to health officials. The assistant died Thursday, prompting the closure of the the Ministry of Health headquarters building for decontamination, officials said. The ministry reopened on Friday, but Dr. Bernice T. Dahn entered a quarantine period, her deputy, Tolbert Nyenswah, said. The assistant showed symptoms of Ebola 10 days ago, officials said, but Dahn last had contact with him 13 days ago. An American doctor who volunteered in Sierra Leone and was exposed to Ebola will be admitted to the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health in coming days, the NIH said in a statement. Doctor treats Ebola with HIV drug in Liberia . The patient will be there for observation and to take part in a clinical study, according to the NIH. No more details were made available. West Africa is fighting the worst Ebola outbreak on record, according to the World Health Organization. The number of deaths has climbed to 3,083 and the number of cases has reached 6,553, the World Health organization said in a statement. The figures are based on information provided on September 23 by health ministries in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the countries most impacted by the Ebola outbreak. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told world leaders at the United Nations this week that at least 85 of Liberia's more than 1,700 Ebola victims were health care workers. The crisis is deteriorating Liberia's economy, she said. "Partners and friends, based on understandable fear, have ostracized us; shipping and airline services have sanctioned us; and the world has taken some time to fully appreciate and adequately respond to the enormity of our tragedy," Sirleaf said. CNN's Nana Karikari-apau and Journalist Ashoka Mukpo contributed to this story.
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Liberia's chief medical official is in a quarantine, after her assistant died of Ebola .
Health Ministry closed for a day to decontaminate from Ebola .
A U.S. doctor who was exposed to Ebola in Sierra Leone will go to an NIH Clinic .
At least 6,553 cases of Ebola are reported in West Africa, WHO said .
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Camilla Long, who alleges that Travis groped her during an interview, was demanded to move by the former DJ because she was making him feel 'uncomfortable . Travis demanded one of his alleged victims move seats in the courtroom, saying she was making him ‘uncomfortable’. In a bizarre episode moments before he was sentenced, he confronted journalist Camilla Long, who has told how he allegedly groped her during an interview. He spotted she was sitting in the courtroom’s public gallery, just behind the glass-panelled dock where he was awaiting sentence, and rounded on her, banging on the glass between them. He shouted through the toughened security glass, saying: ‘You’re making me uncomfortable. Get where you should be – in the Press gallery.’ Miss Long, a Sunday Times columnist, gestured to the packed Press benches and said the seats were all full. Travis turned to the Press and shouted: ‘Anyone want to give her a seat?’ The uncomfortable exchange was interrupted when the judge re-entered the courtroom at Southwark Crown Court to pass his sentence on Travis. In a 2012 article, published five months before Travis was first arrested, Miss Long said the former DJ had repeatedly groped and fondled her during an interview about his forthcoming meeting with Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. She wrote: ‘I spent 90 minutes with the former Radio 1 DJ Dave Lee Travis and I don’t think there is a part of my body that he didn’t grope. ‘He fondled my foot, inched his hands up my thighs, tried to make me sit on his lap and kissed me. ‘He copped a feel of my hips when I foolishly asked for a tour of his studio, stroked my chin and my back and gave me a full body hug as I left.’ Miss Long was asked to give evidence at the trial but said she had declined as she wanted to write about the episode immediately and could not have done so if she had been a witness. Dave Lee Travis said he is not a 'sexual predator' after he was handed a suspended sentence for one count of sexual assault . Travis was not charged with any offence in connection with her account. Speaking after the sentencing, Miss Long said she had found the courtroom confrontation with Travis ‘incredibly intimidating’. She added: ‘I’m a little bit disappointed, I would have liked a slightly harsher sentence.’ The single guilty verdict against Travis leaves taxpayers with a bill of up to £1million. The former BBC star was forced to sell his home to help pay his own £350,000 legal costs. But that sum is dwarfed by the costs run up by police, prosecutors and the courts. Even before his first trial started in January, huge amounts had been run up during the police inquiry. Travis then spent 39 days in court spread across two trials, potentially costing around £400,000. On top of this is the salary of the judge, court staff and legal clerks, remuneration for jurors and overheads at the courthouse. The Crown Prosecution Service was unable to provide a detailed breakdown of its costs, but the bill for hiring Miranda Moore, QC, in the first trial was £59,061.23.
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Travis demanded columnist Camilla Long move from the public gallery .
He banged on the glass between them moments before he was sentenced .
Miss Long alleged in 2012 that the former DJ groped her during an interview .
Travis was not charged with any offence in connection with her account .
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Anxiety, depression, guilt, sleeplessness, marital strife, drug and alcohol abuse — these are some of the mental health issues facing residents in Newtown, Connecticut, two years after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. Only now is the scope of the psychological damage to children, parents and others becoming clear, and the need for treatment is likely to persist a long time. 'Here it is two years later, and it's still hard to deal with. But, God, you didn't want to know me two years ago,' said Beth Hegarty, a Sandy Hook mother who happened to be inside the school that day with her three daughters, all of whom survived. Scroll down for video . Damage: Only now is the scope of the psychological damage to children, parents and others becoming clear, and the need for treatment is likely to persist a long time . Forever grieving: Jennifer Hensel (left), Jeremy Richman and David Wheeler (right), the parents of six-year-old victims, Avielle Richman and Benjamin Wheeler attend the launch of The Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit created in response to the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last year . Trauma: Jimmy Greene and Nelba Marquez-Greene, lost daughter Ana Marquez-Greene in the horror . Hegarty and her girls are among the thousands of people in this close-knit town of 27,000 who have taken advantage of counselling and other programs made available through millions in grants and donations. With the second anniversary of the shooting rampage approaching Sunday, agencies have been working to set up a support system for the next 12 to 15 years, as the youngest survivors approach adulthood. Mental health officials say the demand for treatment is high, with many people reporting substance abuse, relationship troubles, disorganization, depression, overthinking or inability to sleep, all related to the December 14, 2012, attack in which a young man killed 20 children and six educators before committing suicide. And some of the problems are just now coming to the surface. Innocent: White roses with the faces of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting are attached to a telephone pole near the school on the one-month anniversary of the shooting . Face of a killer: On December 14 2012, Adam lanza (left) shot dead his mother, Nancy (right), before heading to Sandy Hook Elementary School to murder 20 children and 6 adult staff members. he then took his own liife . Help: With the second anniversary of the shooting rampage approaching Sunday, agencies have been working to set up a support system for the next 12 to 15 years, as the youngest survivors approach adulthood . 'We've found the issues are more complex in the second year,' said Joseph Erardi, Newtown's school superintendent. 'A lot of people were running on adrenaline the first year.' The Hegarty children have had trouble sleeping and difficulty with loud noises and crowds. Whenever they leave the house, they look for places they can hide in case something bad happens. In February, a school counselor suggested the family seek help because one of the daughters wasn't paying attention in class; she was staring at the doorway. Support: A chalk board column is displayed at the Resiliency Center of Newtown which was founded after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shootings. The center offers the community mental and emotional health programs that include art, music and play therapy . Hegarty and her children have been receiving support from Newtown's Resiliency Center, an organization formed after the shooting that has seen rising demand for its offerings, which include art, music and play therapy. Hegarty said the programs have helped her become more 'even-keeled.' 'I was super reactive to everything. I would fly off the handle on a whim. I was emotional. I couldn't handle crowds or loud noises,' said Hegarty, who took cover under a conference table during the shooting while the principal and psychologist she had been meeting with died. 'For my girls, there is less running down the hallway in the middle of the night and climbing into my bed. They want to go more places instead of staying at home all the time.' Newtown has received about $15 million in grants from the U.S. Education Department and the U.S. Justice Department to support its recovery. The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, which oversees the biggest pot of private donations made to Newtown, has about $4 million left after paying out more than $7 million to the families of the 26 victims and other children who were in the same classrooms but survived. Newtown Youth and Family Services, the main mental health agency, has quadrupled its counseling staff, adding 29 positions in the months following the shootings, Executive Director Candice Bohr said. She said the federal grant money that recently came through will help cover its costs. Jennifer Barahona, director of the foundation overseeing the private dollars, said the group has been spending about $60,000 a month on one-on-one counseling for people who have no insurance or whose insurers won't cover such treatment. She said more people are reaching out for help every day. The Newtown school system is starting a long-term program to teach young people from kindergarten through high school how to handle their feelings. It is also setting up a mental health center at the middle school in January to help those who were affected by the tragedy while in elementary school. Teachers have been trained to identify students who might have mental health problems. Melissa Brymer, director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, has been consulting with Newtown to develop a plan to make sure the mental health needs are met for another 12 to 15 years. Hegarty said she struggles with survivor guilt, but the Resiliency Center has helped her and her children. 'Are we 100 percent? No,' she said. 'But will we ever be 100 percent? We might not be.'
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On Dec. 14 2012, Adam Lanza killed 26 at Sandy Hook, mostly children .
2 years on, guilt, insomnia, marital strife and alcohol abuse among issues .
Agencies working to set up a support system for the next 12 to 15 years .
Newtown's Resiliency Center, formed after massacre, has seen rising demand for its offerings, which include art, music and play therapy .
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Dhaka, Bangladesh (CNN) -- Bangladesh hanged an Islamist leader Thursday despite pleas not to from the United Nations. The execution came after the country's Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against Abdul Quader Mollah, state-run news agency BSS reported. Mollah was sentenced in September after being convicted of crimes against humanity that date back to 1971, during the country's war for independence. The execution, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed by the Supreme Court at the last minute. Mollah was the assistant secretary general for the Jamaat-e-Islami party, which earlier this year was banned from taking part in elections. Court decisions in his case, and others against senior Jamaat leaders have resulted in violent protests in the streets. In February, he was convicted of war crimes by an international panel set up by the government in an attempt to bring to justice those accused of atrocities. He was originally sentenced to life in prison, but many Bangladeshis held protests saying the sentence wasn't harsh enough. The Supreme Court then sentenced him to death. In the country's legal system, that decision cannot be appealed. Concerns over trial . Two U.N. human rights experts called on Bangladesh on Monday to halt the execution because of concerns that Mollah did not receive a fair trial. "The right of appeal is of particular importance in death penalty cases," said Gabriela Knaul, U.N. special rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. "Anyone convicted of a crime has the right to have his or her conviction and sentence reviewed by a higher tribunal, as laid down in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Bangladesh is a party," she said in a statement. "This provision is violated where a court of final instance imposes a harsher sentence that cannot be reviewed," the statement said. Christof Heyns, U.N. special rapporteur on summary executions, said capital punishment "may be imposed only following a trial that complied with fair trial and due process safeguards. ... Only full respect for stringent due process guarantees distinguishes capital punishment as possibly permitted under international law from a summary execution, which by definition violates human rights standards." On Tuesday, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for a stay, saying the trial had not met stringent international standards for the death penalty, the U.N. said in a statement. The United Nations opposes the death penalty in any circumstance. Political tensions . Jamaat, a major ally of the main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is a constant thorn in the side of the ruling Awami League. Jaamat enjoys considerable support, particularly in rural areas. And periodically, it mobilizes its adherents in large-scale demonstrations in Dhaka to show its strength. But it has faced pressure from the Awami League and progressive groups that point to Jammat's role during Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan. Between 1 million and 3 million people were killed in the nine-month war. The International Crimes Tribunal, the court set up by the government in 2010, has convicted several other top Jamaat leaders of crimes against humanity. Jamaat acknowledges that it opposed Bangladesh's struggle for independence, but it has decried what it calls a smear campaign against it. It has also questioned why the Awami League is only now pressing forward on war crimes trials when it didn't do so while in power during the 1970s and 1990s.
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NEW: Abdul Quader Mollah was hanged Thursday, state media reported .
But the court postponed the execution shortly before it was to take place .
After further hearings, it has now said the hanging can go ahead .
U.N. officials have expressed concern about the standards of his trial .
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Washington (CNN)The massacre of some of France's top cartoonists has turned a American nightmare -- that Western jihadists could return from war on terror battlefields to wreak carnage at home -- into reality. One of the two brothers suspected in the slaughter at the offices of a satirical magazine on Wednesday recently spent time in Yemen getting weapons training with one of the most dangerous Al-Qaeda affiliates in the world, US officials briefed on the matter told CNN's Barbara Starr. And a French source close to the French security services says there is also evidence that one of the brothers, Said and Cherif Kouachi, has traveled to the the killing fields of Syria. The chilling revelations open up a potentially dangerous new phase of the struggle against global terrorism because thousands of European fighters are estimated to be fighting with ISIS and other extremist groups -- a rich pool of radicals who could overwhelm Western intelligence agencies should they come home with orders to sow terrorist panic at home. Top officials in Washington have another deeply held fear. Since many Western jihadists have European Union passports, they enjoy visa-free access to the United States, opening the possibility that someone -- not known to U.S. and allied intelligence services and who is not on American no-fly lists like the Kouachi brothers -- could get into the United States. "That's what multiplies our problem," Republican Rep Ed Royce told CNN on Thursday. "Them returning to Europe is a direct threat to them eventually, potentially coming here." The paramilitary-style assault on the satirical French publication Charlie Hebdo killed 12 people also underscored a shift away from spectacular, large-scale attacks waged by foreign terror groups like the strike on Sept. 11, 2001. Instead, homegrown radicals inspired by or affiliated with jihadist organizations are launching more limited strikes that still achieve the core aim of terrorism: death, widespread fear and panic. The shift makes the task of preventing further terrorist attacks even more daunting for Western leaders. They must sift through countless clues of potential small-scale, lone-wolf attacks while also blunting the possibility of another massive strike that could kill thousands in a single incident. "It is becoming a more and more complex terrorist threat," Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told CNN's Dana Bash. These are "actors who may lurk within our society, that could strike with little notice, commit an act of violence because they have been inspired by things they have seen on the Internet, social media, in literature, without accepting a direct order from ... a terrorist organization." The plague of homegrown terror by radicals inspired by -- and sometimes affiliated with -- al Qaeda, ISIS and other groups, seems to be spreading across the globe. In October, a convert to Islam and self-appointed jihadist provoked terror in Ottawa -- Canada's sleepy capital city -- by gunning down a soldier standing guard at a national war memorial. Two days earlier, a Canadian soldier was killed by a Muslim convert using a car as a deadly weapon. Just last month, a single hostage taker, apparently inspired by ISIS, seized a cafe in another unlikely terror hot spot -- Sydney, Australia -- killing two people before he was shot dead by police. And in 2013, homegrown terror hit London, when two British Muslim converts turned extremists hacked soldier Lee Rigby to death in a brazen daylight attack. Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said the sheer simplicity of the attack in Paris, in which masked gunmen drove up to the Charlie Hebdo offices and started spraying automatic weapons was particularly disturbing. "That's what keeps me up at night. The small scale attack that goes undetected," he said. In this new front on the war on terror, extremists no longer need to infiltrate fighters on daring missions to set off car bombs in European cities or to hijack fuel-laden airplanes to knock down skyscrapers. They can instead call on willing recruits already in the midst of Western societies, inspired by increasingly targeted calls by groups like ISIS and al Qaeda to wage war at home. So far, there are no signs that Wednesday's attack will lead to a heightened risk of terrorist actions in the United States. But the White House has long voiced fears that because of visa waiver programs with the United States, Europeans enjoy easy entry onto American soil, and radicals armed with nothing more than their maroon European Union passports could, in theory, export their terror. Senior U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials working closely with French counterparts will be especially keen to find out whether those behind the Paris attacks are veterans of ISIS' fight in Syria. The fact that thousands of radicalized, trained and battle-hardened killers with the skills and motivation to attack Western targets could be coming home from war is deeply concerning to American counterterrorism officials. "If these are foreign fighters coming back, it would be our worst fears realized," said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, a member of the House Intelligence Committee. But even if the attackers in Paris are not veterans of jihadism, they still may reflect a troubling evolution in the nature of terrorism, one that is especially hard for national security officials to combat. ISIS, which has carved up large swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq, has sought to inspire attacks on Western soil. It emerged recently in Australia that the group's leaders had told potential fighters not to travel to Syria, but to stage attacks at home. "This really is a pattern," said Mike Rogers, the former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, who is now a CNN national security analyst. "It is new in that they were able to pull it off." Thomas Sanderson, an expert on international terrorism at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the risk to the United States from European fighters believed to have returned home after fighting in Syria and elsewhere was significant. Around 150 Americans are believed to have also joined the fight with ISIS. Sanderson also said videos of the assailants on the streets of Paris during the attack suggested they had some level of sophistication, a factor that will also alarm U.S. Homeland Security officials. "They were not a couple of guys who woke up one day last week" and decided to launch an attack, Sanderson said. "I am guessing they had battlefield experience." Adnan Kifayat, a former State Department envoy to Muslim communities, said the Paris attack was particularly serious because it suggested radical Islamic groups were now succeeding in their campaign to use propaganda and social media to radicalize Muslims to stay in their home nations to conduct terrorism. "Some of the messaging has been focused on 'do what you can to help the cause from where you are,'" said Kifayat, now with the German Marshall Fund of the United States. "They are trying to activate people where they stand. That is obviously scary and moving into a newish front." That kind of motivational rhetoric has shown to be effective in the United States as well. U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan was reportedly inspired by the teachings of and emails from Yemeni-based Islamic cleric Anwar al-Awlaki before going on a shooting rampage at a base in Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009, killing 13 people. The White House said Wednesday that it is paying attention to the risk posed by foreign fighters and the inspiration radicals could find from jihadist groups abroad. "As a general matter, we are very mindful of the threat from foreign fighters and the threat and the need to try to counter some of the extremist ideology that ISIL is propagating using some pretty sophisticated social media strategies," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest. Daniel Benjamin, a former State Department counterterrorism official now at Dartmouth College, said the Paris attack showed an evolution of terrorism in a number of ways. "There hasn't been, to my knowledge, a major jihadist attack involving assault weapons in the West in memory," Benjamin said, and also noted that it was significant that Wednesday's assault took place in France, which despite having Europe's biggest Muslim population, has been largely spared large-scale attacks by radicalized Islamists. Benjamin cautioned that it remained unclear whether the attackers in the Paris incident were linked or inspired by ISIS or another radical terror group like one of the various branches of al Qaeda. But he said it was increasingly likely that ISIS successes in holding onto territory in the Middle East were having an impact in the West. "We have seen, just in the last few months, whether it is in Sydney or in Ottawa or in other places, that the perceived successes of ISIS in holding territory in Iraq and in Syria have had a galvanizing effect on those with radical tendencies," he said. "I fear this is something we are going to have to get used to."
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Paris attack underscores shift away from spectacular, large-scale attacks waged by foreign terror groups .
Instead, homegrown radicals inspired by or affiliated with jihadist organizations are launching more limited strikes .
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A Spanish town is looking to the past to safeguard the future of its ailing economy by reintroducing the peseta. Fed up with the failing euro, rebellious locals in Villamayor de Santiago have reverted to using the old currency, which was phased out a decade ago. Around 30 shops in the historic town, 75 miles south-east of Madrid, started accepting pesetas last month after urging customers to dig out any old notes and coins they had forgotten about. Bring back the peseta: The Spanish village of Villamayor de Santiago has re-introduced the peseta. Pictured is a poster from villages on the border with Portugal which are also campaigning for a permanent return . As they were: The peseta was phased out in 2002 when the euro was introduced . News quickly spread, and shoppers from neighbouring villages and towns have been flocking there to spend the old currency. Luis Miguel Campayo, chairman of the . local merchants’ association, who came up with the idea, said: ‘People . kept hold of old pesetas thinking that they might come in handy one day . if the euro fails. ‘It seems that those fears might come . true. Lots of Spaniards, especially older people, have a strong . emotional attachment to the peseta and still do their sums in it when . talking about big transactions. The economy is struggling so much that . euros are scarce. ‘We thought that if people had a hunt around for their old pesetas, then why shouldn’t we accept them as legal currency? ‘It was after Christmas and shops really needed a helping hand and this is what we came up with.’ Exchange: The euro and peseta exchange rate stood at 166.386 pesetas per euro when the single currency was aligned in January 1999 . The country introduced the peseta in 1868, joined the euro in December 2001 and phased out the old currency in February 2002. However, unlike other euro countries such as France and Italy, it never set a deadline for exchanging pesetas into euros. Troubled times: New Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is trying to turn around the country's economy . The town, which is in the same region . where La Mancha cheese is made, planned to run the scheme for only a . month after it began on January 9. However, it was such a success that . the plan has been extended. Locals are paying with pesetas in chemists, hardware stores and grocery shops among others. Some have brought notes of up to 5,000 . pesetas, worth 30 euros (£25), while many are using coins of just 50, . 100 or 500 pesetas. At the end of the project Mr Campayo . will take the money to the Bank of Spain in Madrid and exchange it for . euros before handing the notes out to the shopkeepers. So far they . have taken more than a million pesetas (£5,000). The Bank of Spain estimates there are around £1.4billion worth of pesetas in Spain that have not been exchanged since 2002. According to a recent study by . Spain’s consumers’ association OCU, the price of essential goods has . risen by 43 per cent since the introduction of the euro. The cost of . bread is up by 49 per cent while milk has risen 48 per cent and the . price of potatoes has increased by 116 per cent. Town mayor Jose Julian Fernandez said he backed the scheme, adding: ‘I support any measure that helps our economy.’ More than a third of the 3,000 people . who live in Villamayor de Santiago are unemployed as Spain battles its . worst economic crisis since the Civil War. The village of Villamayor de Santiago is 80 miles south east of Madrid . Nearly a quarter of all Spaniards are . out of work, with half of those under the age of 25 unable to find a . job – a higher unemployment rate than even Greece or Portugal. The situation is said to be so poor . that those who have jobs are even refusing to go on holiday in case they . are made redundant while they are away. At least four other Spanish . towns have been forced to resort back temporarily to the peseta in . recent months because of the eurozone crisis. The news came as Spain faced even more . bad economic news yesterday, after learning the EU is likely to take . action against its new conservative government for delaying austerity . measures. This is despite prime minister Mariano . Rajoy introducing a range of labour reforms in recent days, including . slashing severance pay. With the economy heading back into recession, credit rating agency Moody’s also downgraded the country two notches to A3. Protest: Spanair workers, who face redundancy after the firm went into administration, block a street near the labour ministry during a protest in Madrid last week . Angry: Spanair workers hold up a banner which reads 'We want to work, answers now' in front of the labour ministry during a protest in Madrid last week .
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Thirty businesses have started using old currency .
Spain estimated to have saved 1.7bn euros in pesetas .
Jobless rate in Villamayor de Santiago above national average - with a third out of work .
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A 23-year-old university student in China will be executed after hanging two prostitutes and having sex with their corpses. The student, whose surname is Lee, was studying design at Jilin University in Changchun and told police that he had been failing a lot of classes and called the prostitutes to help relieve the pressure. He also told detectives that he used to have fantasies about having sex with dead bodies and decided one morning that he could no longer resist carrying it out. Macabre: The student had sex with a prostitute he'd murdered to fulfill a fantasy, police heard (file picture) On March 6 this year he hired a 20-year-old prostitute called Cai through the internet, according to iFeng.com. Lee then hanged her and had her body shipped back to his house in Changping , where he had sex with the corpse. It was then dismembered and the parts buried in Lee’s garden. Pressure: Jilin University (pictured) student Lee said he ordered the prostitutes to help him relax during his studies . On March 23 he carried out the same macabre act on the body of another prostitute that he’d hanged and shipped home. A forensic psychiatrist determined that Lee wasn’t insane and was criminally responsible for the crimes. The Second Intermediate People's Court found him guilty of intentional homicide and sentenced him to death. It also ordered him to pay 80,000 yuan (£8,000) in compensation to the victims’ families.
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The Jilin University student told police he'd fantasised about necrophilia .
He said he ordered prostitutes to help relieve the pressure of his studies .
He was found guilty of intentional homicide after hanging them .
He'd had sex with the cadavers and then dismembered them .
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There's been a significant breakthrough in a suspected double murder, with a handbag, driver's license and other personal items being found close to the discovery of human remains on a Queensland property. Police launched an investigation following the disappearance of Chantal Barnett, 27, and Robert Martinez, 26 in March last year around the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas, north of Brisbane. Human bones, believed to be male, were found at a property on Bowlin road in Rockhampton on Wednesday, which was previously searched as part of the investigation. Police launched an investigation following the disappearance of Chantal Barnett (pictured right), 27, and Robert Martinez (pictured left), 26 in March last year around the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas. A handbag and personal items believed to be Ms Barnett's were found close to the discovery of human remains on a Rockhampton property on Wednesday . This handbag, believed to belong to Chantal Barnett, was found near human remains at a Rockhampton property . The driver's license of Chantal Barnett (pictured) was also found along with a handbag and medicare card and personal documents by police. They were all found close to human remains discovered by farmer on Wednesday on a Rockhampton property . Police say significant items of interest, including a handbag, identification, medicare card and personal documents belonging to Chantal Barnett, were located by a farmer at the same search site two weeks prior. 'This has been a continuous and very arduous investigation for 18 months now, finding these items is no accident,' said Senior Sergeant Chris Knight. 'Both families have been briefed and kept up to date with these developments,' he said. A search of the property will be ongoing but police have not indicated a time frame saying the search will keep to a focused area. Forensic examinations will be done on anything else police may find at the property. The discovery has prompted a reward for information. The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services has approved a $250,000 reward, following an extensive investigation, leading to the conviction of any person responsible for the murders of the Queensland pair. Additionally, an indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first provides information leading to a conviction. Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said investigators were committed to solving the case and were hoping the reward would encourage members of the public with valuable information to come forward. In September last year police searched an area in Byfield after they discovered two articles of women's clothing, including a women's top and bra . In September police believed clothing found, including a woman's top and bra, had been at the location for some time and was crucial to the investigation . 'There are those people out there that may not be directly involved in the actual crime itself but may hold key information needed for the police to solve this case,' said Assistant Commissioner Condon. 'This announcement means if you are the first to come forward and were not involved in the actual offence, we would be in a position to recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions an indemnity.' 'There may be those who have assisted in keeping the crime a secret and have been loyal to those involved but may not want to spend time in prison and this is their chance to come forward.' Police are also continuing to appeal for a person who has previously provided information about the occupants of a white VT Holden commodore owned by Robert Martinez and being driven at the time of his death to come forward and provide further information to investigators. 'The condition of the car is a focal point in the investigation,' he said. 'I'll encourage the person who has contacted us and provided us information in relation to the occupants of Robert Martinez's VT commodore sedan, which at the time had a Queensland registration plate 830 RNG to contact us again.' In September last year police searched an area in Byfield after they discovered two articles of women's clothing, including a women's top and bra. They believed the clothing had been at the location for some time and was crucial to the investigation.
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Personal items including a handbag were found close to the discovery of human remains on a Queensland property .
The Rockhampton property was previously searched in the investigation into a suspected double murder .
Chantal Barnett, 27, and Robert Martinez, 26, disappeared in March last year .
A $250,000 reward is now being offered for any new information .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 20:34 EST, 28 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 23:02 EST, 28 January 2014 . Unseen home video footage of the 1986 Challenger shuttle disaster has surfaced and dramatically shows what the tragedy was like for Florida residents living right beneath the explosion. Frances and Michael VanKulick lived in Melbourne, not at all far from Kennedy Space Center. They used a home video camera to document their thrilling experience and Frances can even be heard counting down as the take-off is about to begin. But shortly after, something went terribly wrong and it became clear this wasn't a shuttle launch like all the others. Scroll down for video... How it looked to them: An eerie quiet surrounded the Florida home of Michael and Frances VanKulick as they waited to watch from their own yard the ill fated 1986 Challenger launch at nearby Kennedy Space Center . Like an average fireworks display or a military air show, the VanKluick's watched from their home as the feat of human ingenuity took place in their own back yard . 'Wow, is that a bright one,' Frances exclaimed after liftoff as her husband filmed. It turned out to be far too bright . 'Wow, is that a bright one,' Frances exclaimed after liftoff as her husband filmed. Frances lent the footage after all these years to the Huffington Post, where it's been seen by America today for the first time on Tuesday, the 28th anniversary of the disaster. The whimsical jangling of wind chimes in the background of the video quickly becomes foreboding as it slowly dawns on the VanKulick that something isn't right. Ominous: The whimsical jangling of wind chimes in the background of the video quickly becomes foreboding as it slowly dawns on the VanKulick that something isn't right . 'What the heck is that? What is that? What happened,' Frances wondered after what was at first a single rocket smoke trail becomes two--something she hadn't witnessed before . Terror: Just over their neighbor's roof, the smoke trails twisted and turned. Things went silent in the home video as the couple waited to learn what was going on . 'What the heck is that? What is that? What happened,' Frances wonders after what was at first a single rocket smoke trail becomes two--something she hasn't witnessed before. Just over their neighbor's roof, the smoke trails twisted and turned. The VanKulicks had to wait for the television to confirm what already seems clear. 'A major problem,' Frances shouted. 'A major problem': Frances yells out the verdict as she learns it from the television . 'It stays with you,' Frances said nearly 30 years later. 'It's something you never forget' 'Oh God,' Michael said. Frances told Huffington Post that the experience still stands out in her mind. 'It was just a shock,' she said from her home in Florida. Mr. VanKulick died two years ago. 'It stays with you,' she said. 'It's something you never forget.' The cause of the accident was a faulty seal in one of the shuttle's rockets which compromised the fuel tanks. The shuttle had no escape system for the astronauts, but it became known later that at least several of those on board survived the initial explosion. Then-president Ronald Regan ordered a probe into the Challenger catastrophe, where it was found that poor management and a disregard of safety advice were said to have played a role in the accident. It resulted in a nearly three-year lapse in NASA's shuttle program, with the next shuttle, Discovery, taking off on September 29, 1988. NASA ended the shuttle program for good last year, retiring the remaining vessels and instead opting for multimillion-dollar rides on Russian Soyuz capsules to get U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station. Private U.S. companies hope to help fill the gap, beginning with space station cargo and then, hopefully, astronauts. The crew of the space shuttle Challenge from 1986. From left to right: Ellison Onizuka, Mike Smith, Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Greg Jarvis, Ron McNair and Judy Resnick . Challenger was one of NASA's greatest successes - but also one of its darkest legacies. It was initially built between 1975 and 1978 to be a test vehicle, but was later converted into a fully fledged spacecraft. In its heyday, it completed nine milestone missions - from launching the first female astronaut into space to taking part in the first repair of a satellite by an astronaut. But it was also the vehicle that very nearly ended the space program when a probe into the 1986 disaster found that the shuttle was doomed before it had even taken off. In their honor: The Challenger Memorial Plaque (left) at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, in memory of the seven crew members who died in the 1986 disaster . Roger Boisjoly, a NASA contractor at rocket-builder Morton Thiokol Inc, warned in 1985 that seals on the booster rocket joints could fail in freezing temperatures. 'The result would be a catastrophe of the highest order — loss of human life,' he wrote in a memo. On the eve of the ill-fated flight, Boisjoly and several colleagues reiterated their concerns and argued against launching because of predicted cold weather at the Kennedy Space Center. But they were overruled by Morton Thiokol managers, who gave NASA the green light. After the accident, Boisjoly testified to a presidential commission investigating the Challenger accident. The group determined that hot gases leaked through a joint in one of the booster rockets shortly after blastoff that ended with the explosion of the shuttle's hydrogen fuel. Boisjoly died in 2012 aged 73.
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Frances and Michael VanKulick lived in Melbourne, not at all far from Kennedy Space Center .
The launches were a common sight, but the one on January 28, 1986 was strange from the start .
Something went terribly wrong and it became clear this wasn't a shuttle launch like all the others as the Challenger broke apart over their home .
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Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel dramatically upgraded the U.S. government's estimation of the threats America faces from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on Thursday, saying its jihadi network represents 'an imminent threat to every interest we have, whether it's in Iraq or anywhere else.' ISIS is 'as sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen,' Hagel told a group of reporters during a joint press conference he held with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey. 'They're beyond just a terrorist group.They marry ideology and a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess. They are tremendously well funded. ...This is beyond anything we've seen, so we must prepare for everything.' 'And the only way you do that is that you take a cold, steely, hard look at it and – and – and get ready.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Grave threat: Secretary of Defense Chuck hagel and Chairman of the joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey at the press conference where they delivered the dire warning . Not just airstrikes: Hagel and Dempsey said that much of America's long-term involvement in Iraq will continue to consist of assistance to Iraq's nascent government as it trains volunteers like these Shi'ites, who have joined the battle against ISIS . Battling ISIS 'is going to be a very long contest,' Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey warned on Thursday . 'It's a long-term threat,' he conceded under questioning from reporters, adding moments later that 'the president has been very clear on mission creep. And he's made it very clear that he will not allow that.' Gen. Dempsey warned that America's involvement in Iraq will continue for years to come, citing the intensity of hatred among ethnic, religious and tribal groups there. 'The conflict against those groups – most of which are local, some of which are regional, and some of which are global in nature – that's going to be a very long contest,' he said. 'It's ideological. It's not political. It's religious in many cases. So, yes, it's going to be a very long contest.' At the same time the decorated general cautioned that the 'required participation' of the U.S. would remain one of coalition leadership 'to provide the unique capabilities that we provide, but not necessarily all the capabilities' – a suggestion that an unlimited release of military might to crush ISIS is off the table. Dempsey added later in the briefing that ISIS can't practically be contained in Iraq, since it also has deep roots and tremendous resources across the Syrian border. Forget about Bowe Bergdahl: State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said Thursday that the US does not 'make concessions to terrorists' – including the payment of ransom for the safe return of kidnapped hostages . The terror group 'has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision that will eventually have to be defeated,' the general explained. 'Can they be defeated without addressing that part of the organization that resides in Syria? The answer is no. That will have to be addressed on both sides of what is essentially at this point a nonexistent border.' Hagel fielded a question about whether future U.S. military action could include a direct focus on Syria, answering: 'We continue to explore all options.' As American military action expands in Iraq, he said, much of that help is in the form of 'a tremendous amount of military assistance to the Peshmerga through the Iraqi security forces.' 'There's no question that we have been accelerated – as a matter of fact, all year long, we have been accelerated – [through] all the requests made by the Iraqi government for lethal assistance and equipment, and we continue to do that. He downplayed the long-term strategic value of the limited airstrikes that President Barack Obama has authorized, saying that in the long term they could be just a table-setter. Defeating ISIS 'isn't going to just come as a result of airstrikes,' Hagel said. 'Strategically, there are limits to how much you can accomplish with airstrikes. Tactically, you can accomplish a significant amount. I think we've seen that. 'ISIS will only truly be defeated when it's rejected by the 20 million disenfranchised Sunni that happen to reside between Damascus and Baghdad,' he explained. 'It requires a variety of instruments, only one small part of which is airstrikes. I'm not predicting those will occur in Syria, at least not by the United States of America. But it requires the application of all of the tools of national power – diplomatic, economic, information, military.' Hagel and Dempsey also discussed a failed mission to rescue American photojournalist James Foley and other ISIS hostages this summer. An ISIS militant with a British accent beheaded Foley this week in a shocking video that rocketed across the Internet, blaming Obama for airstrikes against ISIS positions in northern Iraq. Earlier on Thursday, State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters that winning Foley's return by paying off ISIS was never an option, and that 'the U.S. Government did not have contact with' ISIS after a warning came that Foley would be killed if airstrikes continued. 'We do not make concessions to terrorists,' she said. 'That includes – we do not pay ransoms.' 'One of the main ways ISI[S] has been funded throughout this conflict has been from ransom payments that others have paid. We believe just in 2014 that that’s in the millions of dollars.' End of the world: The terror group 'has an apocalyptic end-of-days strategic vision that will eventually have to be defeated,' Dempsey explained . R.I.P James Foley: The journalist, dressed in Guantanamo-style orange clothing, was killed on-camera by a masked Islamist belonging to ISIS, who beheaded him with a short knife . 'So we believe that paying ransoms or making concessions,' Harf said, 'would both put our – all Americans overseas – at greater risk for kidnapping and in harm’s way, but that ransoms would also fund and finance exactly the groups we are trying to degrade their capabilities.' Harf did not address the recent return of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from Taliban forces, which was achieved through a prison swap that required the release of five high-value Taliban Islamists from the American military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Obama administration seems to be treating ISIS as a completely different animal. 'This is not about ISI[S] versus the United States,' Harf said Thursday. 'They are killing anyone who gets in their way – Sunni, Shia Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, Iraqis, Syrians – anyone who gets in their way, and now an American. So this is not about what the United States is or isn’t doing. This is about ISIL’s stated commitment to murder, rape, enslave people who don’t agree with their ideology.'
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Defense Secretary spoke alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey on Thursday .
Terror network in Iraq and Syria is 'an imminent threat to every interest we have,' he said .
Tensions are high in the Obama administration following a gruesome video showing an ISIS Islamist beheading American journalist James Foley .
Earlier in the day Texas Gov. Rick Perry warned that ISIS militants could be sneaking into the US across its border with Mexico .
A State Department spokeswoman said hours earlier that 'we do not pay ransoms' for prisoners .
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It was once considered simple manners but now opening a door for a woman might see her call security, according to Sir Terry Wogan. And after decades in the public eye, this is not the only change the veteran broadcaster, 76, has seen befall modern Britain. Along with the death of chivalry, Sir Terry also laments the demise in quality television, celebrity culture and poor use of language. Sir Terry Wogan, pictured, uses his latest book to complain about 100 problems with modern society . But in his new book, The Little Book of Common Sense… or Pause for Thought with Wogan, the Radio Two presenter has laid out his advice on how to get civilisation back on track. The ex-Eurovision host blames the ‘suffocation’ of common sense on over regulation and reality television and said people are ‘confused by too much information from the media and the internet’. Sir Terry has never been afraid to speak his mind – he has claimed transvestite Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst turned the event into a ‘freak show’ and that presenters such as Tess Daly and Holly Willoughby will lose their jobs once their looks fade – and his book sees him be just as candid as he picks up on a series of pet hates. In what he describes as ‘a little book of random thoughts’, Sir Terry Wogan dispenses more than 100 snippets of his wit and wisdom, on topics ranging from foxes to truth and road rage to diets. Here is a selection: . On truth: Leave plain speaking to Yorkshire men. ‘Speaking as you find’ is what’s caused most of the trouble in the world. ‘I’m only rude to people I like’, is the proud boast of someone who doesn’t understand why he hasn’t a friend in the world. On sex: Invented in the latter part of the last century by Helen Gurley Brown and Cosmopolitan magazine. Before that, everyone was happy with romance. On online dating: Only for the desperate. Get out more, talk to people and smile. It’s worth a try. On Eurovision Song Contest: Nothing more clearly defines the irreconcilable difference between ourselves and our fellows in the European community. They think that it’s a feast of fine pop music. We think it’s a joke… . On celebrity: Like ‘Star’, ‘Genius’ and ‘Talent’, a word that has lost all meaning. On public transport: I haven’t been on a bus in thirty years, and if all those empty buses clogging London’s streets mean anything, neither has anyone else’. On in-laws: As with outlaws and byelaws, watch your step. On relationships: Nobody knows anything. Just go for it and pray. Like life, it needs more luck that judgement.’ Many of the entries allude to the idea that people have become over-sensitive and, on the subject of manners, the father-of-three wrote: ‘What used to be called “good manners” is now regarded as mere affectation. Open a door for a young woman, and she’s likely to call security’. And he saved particular ire for the modern trend to regulate, writing: ‘Along with health and safety, council regulations on waste disposal and bus lanes, brings on the hopeless shrug. However did we manage to struggle on without a proper concern for ethnic diversity, inclusivity, team spirit and the rest of the H.R. [Human Resources] brief? If ever asked what you would bring to the team, resist the urge to reply, “A new striker and the half-time oranges”’. Sir Terry has previously criticised red tape. In 2008, he used his radio show to blast EU regulation that would supposedly force the BBC Proms – which he has presented for 18 consecutive years – to lower their noise levels to avoid upsetting neighbours. Sloppy language also came in for a critique, particularly the propensity for people to reply to the question ‘How are you?’ with the phrase ‘I’m good’. Sir Terry points out: ‘For Heaven’s sake! You’re not being asked about your moral behaviour, it’s a civil question about you’re health’. But beyond simply pointing out the world’s problems, Sir Terry also used the book as an opportunity to dispense gems of advice on how to achieve an easier life. On the topic of lies, he said: ‘Keep them little, white and simple; otherwise you’re bound to get caught out. I know you think you’re inscrutable, but believe me, your face is an open book to the rest of us’. While he suggests avoiding exercise because, ‘in view of the indisputable fact that we all have a finite number of heartbeats, it seems foolhardy in the extreme to cause the old ticket to point away at double and treble its normal rate’. He claims that even the best and brightest could benefit from such doses of common sense and perhaps need it more than anyone. He commented: ‘Just as you should never confuse the law with common justice, intelligence should not be confused with common sense. Some of the brightest people in the world have no idea how to cross the road’. Sir Terry Wogan, pictured, claimed common sense was a rare commodity in contemporary society . This is not the first time he has published a tome of his wit and wisdom and the book follows 2009’s Where Was I?, which contained quips such as: ‘Age, they say, is only important if you’re cheese. or a wine. They also say, if you are stuck behind one on a golf course, that a tree is 90 per cent air. How come, then, that you invariably send your ball crashing into the remaining 10 per cent?’ Sir Terry, who waded into the BBC ageism row that erupted after the dismissal of Countryfile presenter Miriam O’Reilly by saying it was ‘a little unfair but [television is] a visual medium’, has been just a scathing of how people approach age this time around. He said: ‘Doesn’t exist any more. ‘Senior Citizen’ and ‘Silver Surfer’ are the new euphemisms. Unless you’re a female presenter on TV, in which case you’re ready for the knacker’s yard at 35.’
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Sir Terry Wogan offers his fans 100 snippets of wisdom in his new book .
The veteran broadcaster claims that chivalry is dead in modern society .
He also complains about the lack of common sense and celebrity culture .
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By . Harriet Arkell . PUBLISHED: . 07:11 EST, 25 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:28 EST, 25 January 2013 . Jailed: Nurse and mother-of-two Andrea Hughes, 47 . A nurse was jailed today after being found guilty of crashing her caravan in a drunken stupor as she set off on a weekend camping holiday. Mother-of-two Andrea Hughes, 47, had been drinking Bacardi before she crashed the caravan into the kerb outside a pub, ripping two wheels off the caravan. She was still drinking rum when the mechanic she'd called arrived, and when police got there she 'basically fell out of the car', a Kia Sorento 4x4, and was unable to hold a conversation with them. Hughes, who has been a nurse for 28 years and now faces losing her job over the incident, was today sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and banned from driving for three years after being found guilty of drink-driving. The incident happened last October as Hughes towed the family caravan from her home in Macclesfield to a campsite in Astbury, near Congleton, Cheshire, for a weekend break with her boyfriend, mother and sister. As she drove along Congleton Road her caravan hit the kerb, causing two wheels to be ripped off, at about 3.45pm, Macclesfield Crown Court heard at a trial earlier this month. She called out a mechanic but when he arrived an hour later he realised she was drunk when he smelt alcohol on Hughes' breath and saw her holding a tumbler of spirits. Kate Marchuk, prosecuting, said: 'The . mechanic saw her sitting in the passenger-side seat of her car with the . keys in the ignition but the engine was not running. 'She seemed not fully with it and . when she spoke again, he smelt alcohol on her breath. He saw her . struggling towards the caravan and coming out carrying a tumbler . containing about two-and-a-half inches of clear liquid. 'He asked her to give him the glass. He smelt the liquid, realised that it was some sort of spirit. He threw . it on the ground and called the police.' Miss Marchuk said Hughes was . struggling for balance when the police officer arrived. She was also . said to be struggling to keep her eyes open or hold a conversation. No previous convictions: Andrea Hughes, with bag, is shown arriving at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court . The prosecutor added: 'She nearly fell over, she had to hold on to the police officer for balance.' PC Neil Jones told the court: 'She . basically fell out of the car. She was unsteady on her feet and we had . to hold her up to make sure she didn't fall over and hurt herself.' The police officer had been so . concerned about her condition he took her to accident and emergency at . Macclesfield Hospital - but she was diagnosed as being drunk and was . discharged when nothing else was found to be wrong with her. An inital breath test showed Hughes to be just over the legal limit but tests taken at the police station two hours after the crash showed she had 146mg of alcohol in 100 ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. At Macclesfield magistrates court Hughes denied drink-driving but was convicted after a trial. She looked shocked today as she was sent to prison for 12 weeks. She was also banned from driving for three years and now faces the loss of her job. Home: Andrea Hughes admitted having two Bacardi and Cokes before setting out from Macclesfield to Astbury . The court had heard how in an interview the day after the smash, Hughes said she had been travelling on holiday when her caravan wobbled and swerved, so she pulled into the next lay-by. She said she couldn't remember the mechanic attending the scene. Hughes told police she had had coffee and a biscuit at 10am before drinking two Bacardi and cokes at around 12 noon. She said her high breath test must have been influenced by what she drank after she crashed outside the Chain and Gate pub in North Rode. There was no alcohol in the caravan, although there was a bottle of rum found - which she said must have been from a previous trip. During her trial on January 15, Hughes claimed that she had drunk most of a bottle of rum whilst she waited for the mechanic because she was devastated at damaging the caravan, which she said was her and her boyfriend's 'pride and joy.' She said she had drowned her sorrows because she feared he would be angry since he was supposed to be driving to the campsite, but was late home from work. She insisted she was under the limit when she was driving. In mitigation, defence lawyer Hojol Uddin said his client, who had no previous convictions, faced losing her job and home, which she shares with her children, aged 21 and 16. He added: 'It is a low level of seriousness - there was no accident, there seems to be some sort of collision but no evidence that a collision took place. There were no other vehicles involved in the incident or any pedestrians. 'Her children are reliant on their mother - it will impact her financially which could potentially see her losing her home.' But Susan Armstrong, chairwoman of the bench, said: 'This was an extremely high reading. 'Your car was towing a caravan and was involved in an accident and an aggravating feature of this case was the time of day at which there was a high level of traffic about on the busy road. 'You decided intentionally to drink alcohol and drink it before you set off. There was a potential harm to other road users.'
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Andrea Hughes, 47, was heading to nearby Cheshire campsite for weekend .
She crashed the caravan into the kerb near a pub, ripping two wheels off .
Mechanic called to fix the caravan saw she was drunk and called police .
Mother-of-two Hughes, a staff nurse for 28 years, jailed today for 12 weeks .
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Children born within the next generation will live for 100 years on average, according to newly released statistics. As life expectancy across Britain increases, current projections place female babies born as soon as 2057 to reach 100 years old - a remarkable milestone once previously thought impossible. The study, published today by the Office for National Statistics, reveals that the average life expectancy has increased in the past 35 years by about seven years. Girls born in the year 2057 will have an average life expectancy of 100 years, a new study has revealed. File image used . If these increases continue, a boy born in the UK in 2057 has an average life expectancy of 97.3 years, while the figure for girls born in the same year will be 100. The projections were revealed in a newly report that analysed the size and characteristics of Britain's population. Such data provides valuable insight for the future, enabling lawmakers to better plan services such as transport infrastructure and healthcare. High levels of migration and an increase in the number of births have also contributed to Britain's swelling population, the researchers found. In its analysis, researchers stated: 'With life expectancy increasing, the UK’s population will age. 'This will affect a number of policy areas, including pensions and the health service – particularly because healthy life expectancy is not increasing as quickly.'
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The average life expectancy has steadily increased in past three decades .
Girls born in 2057 will on average live to 100, an official study has revealed .
Projections were published in a report by the Office for National Statistics .
But life expectancies will place huge strain on NHS and transport services .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:35 EST, 3 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:37 EST, 3 May 2013 . Wounded: Lisa Simmons was shot in the legs last year by her boyfriend during a camping trip . A woman who almost died after her boyfriend mistook her for a hog on a camping trip and shot her has revealed that the couple are closer than ever. Lisa Simmons, 51, was looking for sour oranges in the woods in Flagler County, Florida in April last year as her boyfriend sought out hogs when she was knocked to the ground in pain. Simmons, who has worked as a nurse for heart doctors for 18 years, looked down to see she had been shot through the thighs and was quickly losing blood. 'I don't want to die out here in these woods,' she thought, she told the Tampa Bay Times. She . called out for her boyfriend, Steve Egan, and used his belt to make a . tourniquet as they called 911 from their cell phone. Egan frantically apologized and . told her how much he loved her as they waited. With . their cell battery low, it took nearly an hour for the helicopter to . find them, and by that point, Simmons had lost a great deal of blood. She . was rushed to Dayton Beach Hospital, where doctors operated on her . throughout the night. She nearly died twice and needed 14 pints of . blood, the Times reported. Scene: The couple were camping in Flagler County, pictured, when the shooting took place last year . When she awoke, she was missing . four inches of her thigh bone and doctors initially said they were . worried they might have to amputate, but she pulled through. While the couple realized the severity . of the situation, many others at the time did not, including comedian . Jay Leno and DJ Bubba the Lovesponge, who poked fun at Simmons for being mistaken for a hog following . the shooting. But . despite these jibes and her life-changing injuries - Simmons can no . longer stand long enough for a nursing shift and is training as a . nursing teacher - she said she does not blame her boyfriend of nine . years. 'I don't think you can go through . something like this and not get closer, if you really love somebody,' Simmons told the Times. 'We don't have any issues between us.' Recovery: She underwent all-night surgery at hospital, pictured, but is now able to walk again . Simmons, who has moved from using a scooter to a cane to walking alone, remains upbeat. 'At least I'm still alive,' she said. 'I still have both legs and I've got a really good story to tell her some day.' Her boyfriend was unable to move on so easily and whenever he saw his girlfriend limp, the guilt would flood back. He eventually sought counseling for post-traumatic stress.
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Lisa Simmons was looking for fruit when he mistook her for a hog .
She needed 14 pints of blood and nearly died twice while in surgery .
Comedians laughed at her expense following the April 2012 incident .
Simmons said she has never blamed her boyfriend for the shooting .
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A Red Cross official who had worked in Iraq, Sudan, Yemen and Gaza was shot dead Wednesday in Libya, the organization said. Gunmen attacked the vehicle of Michael Greub, 42, around midday as he left a meeting with two colleagues in the Mediterranean Sea city of Sirte, the International Committee of the Red Cross said. Libya's state-run news agency, LANA, reported that masked gunmen in a car with tinted windows opened fire and killed Greub, who headed the Red Cross' unit based about 150 miles (245 kilometers) away in Misrata. His driver and an escort escaped unharmed, LANA said. "We are devastated and outraged," ICRC Director-General Yves Daccord said in a statement. "Michael was a devoted humanitarian who spent many years of his life helping others." The Red Cross said Greub, a Swiss national, had been with the international aid organization for the past seven years. He moved to his latest stop, Misrata, in March. Sirte was the hometown of Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's longtime leader until he was ousted and killed in October 2011 in a revolution. Since that time, Islamist extremist groups have become increasingly active in the coastal city. The Red Cross has had a permanent presence in Libya since 2011, working with the Libyan Red Crescent to administer first aid and help those injured or displaced by violence.
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The Red Cross official killed is Michael Greub, a 42-year-old Swiss national .
He'd been with the ICRC the past 7 years, including stints in Yemen, Iraq and Sudan .
Grueb was shot dead by gunmen in the Mediterranean city of Sirte .
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A Spanish court says 'black box' data recorders show that a train driver was on the phone and traveling at 95 mph (153 kph), almost twice the speed limit, when the vehicle derailed, killing 79 people. Investigators say the train had been going as fast as 119 mph shortly before the derailment and that Francisco Jose Garzon Amo activated the brakes 'seconds before the crash'. In a statement, the court said Tuesday that the driver was talking on the phone to an official of national rail company Renfe when the crash happened and apparently was consulting a paper document at the time. Scroll down for video . Investigators say train driver Francisco Garzon was on the phone to a colleague at the time of the smash . Questioning: Mr Garzon, who was released from hospital on Saturday but remained in police custody, arrived at Santiago de Compostela's main courthouse at 6:15pm yesterday in a police car with darkened windows . Getting the picture: Photographers and officers run after a police car carrying Mr Garzon to testify in court . Earlier this week he was provisionally charged yesterday with multiple cases of negligent homicide. A court statement said investigative magistrate Luis Alaez released him without bail. The experienced driver was travelling at . more than twice the 50mph limit permitted on a curve going into the city . when the train careered off the track and smashed into a wall last . Wednesday. Difficult time: Relatives of the train crash victims collect the luggage that was under police custody in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . Taken away: Relatives of the victims collect some of the luggage that was under police custody in Spain . Back in action: The first Madrid-Ferrol train service since the accident passes next to the wreckage of the previous one on Saturday . Assistance: Rescue workers help Briton Mark Woodward who was injured in the train crash on Wednesday . Family: Victim Mark Woodward, who was injured in the Spanish train crash and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital, is pictured with his wife Isabella and their son Liam, five . There must be many injured': Minutes after the crash Francisco Jose Garzon was photographed making a phone call while being helped from his train's mangled remains by a medic . Injured: Minutes after the crash, Garzon was photographed being helped from his train's mangled remains. He is being questioned by police over his role in the crash . Mangled: Rescue workers and firefighters pick through the remains of one of the eight derailed carriages. 79 passengers died in the crash and many are seriously injured . Tragic: Ana Maria Cordoba (left), from northern . Virginia, died while fellow American Myrta Fariza, from Houston, Texas, . is in critical condition . Horror: Garzon was behind the controls when the Madrid to Ferrol high-speed rail link hurtled into a wall at 120mph near the city of Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday night . Unrecognisable: A crane removes one of the carriages at the scene of a train accident . The statement said Mr Garzon must appear in court once a week and is forbidden to leave Spain without permission. Mr Garzon was not sent to jail or . required to post bail because none of the parties involved felt there . was a risk of him fleeing or attempting to destroy evidence, the . statement said. It said the train driver's licence had also been withdrawn. Mr Garzon was questioned for almost two . hours at the court in Santiago de Compostela, the north-western town near . where the accident occurred. The death toll from Spain's worst . train disaster in decades rose to 79 after one injured person died yesterday. Seventy people are in hospital with injuries from the crash. Twenty two are in critical condition. After the accident, Mr Garzon spoke . with both the train system control centre and emergency dispatchers, his . face covered in blood from a head wound. Transcripts reportedly revealed Mr . Garzon recognised he was going too fast. Interior Minister Jorge . Fernandez said on Saturday there was sufficient evidence to charge him with reckless homicide. Long wait: Relatives of victims involved in the crash wait for information about their loved ones . Support: King Juan Carlos of Spain and his wife, Queen Sofia of Spain are pictured visiting crash victims at a hospital in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . Mangled: A fireman sifts through the wreckage of one of the eight derailed train carriages . Francisco Jose Garzon (left), one of the drivers . on the train which crashed, is reported to have posted a picture on . Facebook in March last year of a train speedometer at 125mph (right) Rescue: A fireman carries a wounded victim from the wreckage of the train crash near Santiago de Compostela . Terrifying: A horrifying video has been released . of the moment the train hurtled off the tracks near the city of . Santiago de Compostela . Admission: One of the drivers told railway . officials by radio that he took the bend at 190 kilometres (118 miles) per hour in an urban zone with a speed limit of 80 kph, daily El Pais . reported . Clearance: Rescue workers at the accident site at the entrance of Santiago de Compostela Station . Aftermath: Rail personnel clear the area and fix the track at the site of the accident . Mr Garzon, who was released from . hospital on Saturday but remained in police custody, arrived at Santiago . de Compostela's main courthouse at 6:15pm yesterday in a police car with . darkened windows. Neither lawyers nor . members of Mr Garzon's family could be contacted for comment. The judge will investigate the case . and will also look at whether the train, the tracks or the security . system that slows down the trains were at fault. The Alvia train, one of three types of . high speed train services that run in Spain, received a full . maintenance check on the morning of the journey, the head of state train . company RENFE said. ‘As far as we know the train was in perfect condition when it set off on its journey,’ Julio Gomez-Pomar told newspaper ABC, adding that security systems in place were in good shape. Wreckage: Part of the train is carried away following the horrific crash . Twisted: The accident is the worst train accident in 30 years and television footage showed one wagon pointing upwards into the air with one of its ends twisted and disfigured . Accident: The train jumped the tracks on a bend just before arriving in the northwestern shrine city of Santiago de Compostela . Derailed: All eight carriages of the Madrid to Ferrol train came off the tracks near the city of Santiago de Compostela . Tragic: Emergency crews work to help those who were injured in the Spanish train crash which happened just outside Santiago de Compostela . Belongings: Police officers collect baggage at the scene of a train crash . Relatives of the victims of a train accident reacts outside the Cersia building for more information . Harrowing: Families wait for further information during the identification of the bodies . Difficult: Friends and family waited anxiously for news of their loved ones . Public visit: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (centre), Public Works Minister Ana Pastor (right), and Galician Regional President Alberto Nunez Feijoo (second left) visit the scene of a train accident in Santiago de Compostela . Declaration: The Spanish Prime Minister declared three days official mourning throughout Spain . The Alvia trains run both on . traditional tracks, where drivers must heed warning systems to reduce . speed, and on high-speed tracks where a more sophisticated security . system will automatically slow down trains that are going too fast. At the section of the track where the accident happened, it was up to the driver to respond to prompts to slow down. But Mr Gomez-Pomar rejected criticism that the safety system was insufficient, saying the debate ‘does not make much sense’. Santiago was meant to be celebrating . the yearly festival of St James last Thursday, with thousands of . Christian pilgrims arriving after walking the famous Camino de Santiago . ancient pilgrimage trail. Removal: A carriage is lifted at the scene of a train crash . Surveying the scene: The crash happened about an hour before sunset after the train emerged from a tunnel and derailed on the curve - sending cars flying off the tracks . Statement: State-owned train operator Renfe said in a statement that 218 passengers and an unspecified number of staff were on board at the time of the accident . Terrifying: A general view of the train crash. The incident happened as Catholic pilgrims converged on Santiago de Compostela to celebrate a festival honouring St James, the disciple of Jesus whose remains are said to rest in a shrine . Investigation: Emergency personnel work through the debris at the scene . Cause: An official inspects the train engine amongst the wreckage of a train crash . Ownership: The train, which belongs to the state-owned Renfe company, was not an AVE high speed train, but it was a relatively luxurious version that uses the same track as Spain's fastest expresses . People living nearby rushed to the scene with bottles of water and blankets . Carnage: People look down from the rail bridge on the aftermath of a devastating train crash in north west Spain . Injured: A woman is carried from the wreckage of the train on a stretcher as emergency service workers try to rescue survivors . Emergency: Rescue workers carry victims on stretchers away for treatment. More than 70 bodies are reported to have been removed from the wreckage . Two victims with head wounds - one with his arm in a sling - are helped by a rescue worker . A man covered in dirt and blood is stretchered away . A man comforts a victim of the crash. A man who was on the train told reporters that the train started to twist, and the carriages piled up one on top of the other . Search effort: Rescue efforts were continued throughout the night following the train crash . Emergency: Injured passengers are given treatment close to the side of the track where the train derailed . Desperate effort: Emergency crews on the scene checking for survivors of the crash . A week of concerts and other cultural . events were cancelled after the train crash on the eve of the Saint's . day. Today, black ribbons of mourning hung on the empty stages that had . been set up. Pilgrims, many of them fresh off the . trail and carrying backpacks, crammed into a standing-room-only Mass in . Santiago's centuries-old cathedral where they remembered the victims of . the accident. At the gates, along with flowers and candles, some people left walking sticks from their journeys and others placed shells, the symbol of St James and badge of honour for the pilgrims who complete the journey. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who . visited the crash site soon after the tragedy, is due to return tomorrow . to Santiago, the city where he was born, for an official funeral . ceremony for the victims. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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Driver Francisco Garzon, 52, has been under house arrest since crash .
Investigators say he was on phone and also reading a piece of paper .
He was provisionally charged with multiple cases of negligent homicide .
Passenger train derailed near Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday .
Experienced driver was travelling at more than twice 50mph speed limit .
He has now been bailed as the investigation continues .
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Sure, Wolverine's claws were impressive, but how would one of the most famous X-Men have coped if he'd tried to survive at a height of over 14,000ft (4,270 metres)? The answer would most likely be 'not well', but while off-limits to some, it turns out that people such as Tibetans can thrive in the thin air of high-altitude areas thanks to an 8,000 year-old mutation. Researchers say they've successfully identified this genetic variation for the first time, and it could explain how some people can survive in these extreme environments. Researchers say Tibetans (pictured) have a genetic variation that enables them to survive in high altitude, low oxygen environments. This could explain how they can survive at heights of 14,800 feet (4,510m) The research from the University of Utah appears in the journal Nature Genetics and looked at areas such as the Tibetan Plateau. 'These findings help us understand the unique aspects of Tibetan adaptation to high altitudes, and to better understand human evolution,' said Dr Josef Prchal, senior author and University of Utah professor of internal medicine. In 2010 Prchal’s group was the first to establish that there was a genetic basis to Tibetan high altitude adaptation. Since then, together with Dr Felipe Lorenzo, the team have proved that the DNA of Tibetans has a slight variation that prevents their body struggling with a lack of oxygen. Instead, 88 per cent of Tibetans have the mutation that enables their bodies to thrive in low-oxygen environments, something that is virtually absent from closely related lowland Asians. It is believed the change began 8,000 years ago, when the gene EGLN1 changed by a single DNA base pair. The findings indicate the tiny genetic change endows its carriers with a selective advantage. For his research, Dr Prchal needed Tibetans to donate blood, from which he could extract their DNA, a task that turned out to be more difficult than he ever imagined. It took several trips to Asia, meeting with Chinese officials and representatives of exiled Tibetans in India, to get the necessary permissions to recruit subjects for the study. But he quickly learned that official documents would not be enough. Wary of foreigners, the Tibetans refused to participate. To earn the Tibetans’ trust, Dr Prchal obtained a letter of support from the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. 'The Dalai Lama felt that a better understanding of the adaptation would be helpful not only to the Tibetan community but also to humanity at large,' said Dr Prchal. He also enlisted the help of native Dr Tibetan Tsewang Tashi, an author and clinical fellow at the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. More than 90 Tibetans, both from the US and abroad, ultimately volunteered for the study. When traveling with Dr Tashi in Asia, Dr Prchal was surprised at how he got Tibetans to grasp the research they were being asked to take part in. Dr Tashi simply helped them realise that their ability to adapt to life at high altitude was unique. 'They usually responded by a little initial surprise quickly followed by agreement,' said Dr Tashi. 'It was as if I made them realise something new, which only then became obvious.' The mutation, believed to have originated 8,000 years ago, gives Tibetans a selective advantage in their environment over other humans. The finding could lead to novel solutions for diseases such as cancer. Tibet is a high-altitude plateau region north-east of the Himalayas in China (shown) For his research, Dr Prchal (shown) needed Tibetans to donate blood, from which he could extract their DNA, a task that turned out to be more difficult than he ever imagined. It took several trips to Asia, meeting with Chinese officials and representatives of exiled Tibetans in India, to get the necessary permissions . Dr Prchal collaborated with experts throughout the world, including co-senior author Dr Peppi Koivunen from Biocenter Oulu in Finland, to determine that the newly identified genetic variation protects Tibetans by decreasing an aversive over-response to low oxygen. In those without the adaptation, the thin air causes their blood to become thick with oxygen-carrying red blood cells, often causing long-term complications such as heart failure. The EGLN1 variation however, together with other unidentified genetic changes, collectively supports life at high altitudes. Dr Prchal says the research also has broader implications. Because oxygen plays a central role in human physiology and disease, a deep understanding of how high altitude adaptations work may lead to novel treatments for various conditions, including cancer. 'There is much more that needs to be done, and this is just the beginning,' he said. 88 per cent of Tibetans have the mutation that enables their bodies to thrive in low-oxygen environments, something that is virtually absent from closely related lowland Asians. Pictured is a Buddhist stupa (burial mound) and houses outside the town of Aba, on the Tibetan Plateau .
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Researchers say Tibetans have a genetic variation that enables them to survive in high altitude, low oxygen environments .
This could explain how they can survive at heights of 14,800 feet (4,510m)
The mutation is believed to have originated 8,000 years ago .
It gives them a selective advantage in their environment over other humans .
Finding could lead to novel solutions for diseases such as cancer .
Tibet is a high-altitude plateau region north-east of the Himalayas in China .
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A male whale that was stranded on a Gold Coast beach for two days is finally free after a third rescue operation was successfully pulled off. The juvenile humpback at first remained trapped on a sand bank on Thursday morning when the tow rope snapped towards the back of the breakers and the whale ended up back on the sand. In dramatic scenes, the 15-20 tonne mammal was seen thrashing around and flipping its tail in shallow waters just off the beach at sunrise. The whale, thought to be about 2-5 years old, was stuck about 5 metres off Palm Beach while the surf rolled it around but it eventually broke free and swam out into the ocean to the relief of rescuers and onlookers. Seaworld marine animal supervisor Tacha Mulligan - who did not sleep for two days during the rescue - said the whale is 'very exhausted, he'll get past those breakers, have a rest, recoup and get his energy back'. Scroll down for video . Back where he belongs: The 20 tonne juvenile whale is finally swimming away from the Palm Beach shore after two days . Free at last: 250 onlookers cheered as the humpback finally swam out to sea from Palm Beach on Thursday . A Sea World spokesman told MailOnline staff will continue to monitor the whale's health now it is free and that Thursday's rescue was 'a continuing process of what we had in place'. The whale's condition deteriorated since it appeared on the beach late on Tuesday. 'We were working against the conditions, time was running out,' another spokesperson told the ABC. 'We're cautiously optimistic it will be ok from here on in.' Two previous attempts on Wednesday's high tides failed to free the whale. On Wednesday afternoon incoming tidal waves flipped the juvenile humpback twice partially submerging it and facing it towards the ocean, enabling it to attempt to return to deeper water. This came after surfers previously turned the mammal to face the wrong way. But it was then stranded again on a sand bank, a Sea World spokesman said. Despite freezing temperatures and the high risk of danger, footage on Channel Nine News on Wednesday showed spectators deciding to take matters into their own hands by using their combined weight to move the eight-metre mammal as light was fading. Seaworld marine animal supervisor Tacha Mulligan said the whale is 'very exhausted, he'll get past those breakers, have a rest, recoup and get his energy back' Stranded again: The whale was stuck on a sand bank on Thursday morning after another failed rescue attempt . Stuck: The juvenile humpback is still in a fair condition Sea World staff have said . Despite freezing temperatures and the potential danger, the spectators decided to take matters into their own hands by using their combined weight to move the eight-metre mammal as light was fading . Authorities informed the exasperated onlookers that it was too dangerous to continue the rescue mission in the dark. One onlooker, Mark Wilkinson from Bendigo in Victoria, told Fairfax Radio 4BC he admired the efforts of the rescue workers. 'I think they are great trying to get this magnificent beast off the beach. I think they will be successful,' he said. 'I saw a woman get angry this morning and I think it was uncalled for. They are doing their best.' The whale has experienced a distressing 24 hours after it washed up on the beach at 6.30pm on Tuesday night and was actually freed Wednesday afternoon but was soon washed onto the shore again. The dedicated team was placed in a hairy situation earlier in the day when the whale rolled over on its back almost trapping the rescuers who quickly clambered out of the way. There was then grave concerns that the mammal would drown before it eventually flipped back over as the relieved crowd cheered. Frustrated onlookers jumped into the surf to try to save a beached humpback whale after repeated attempts to rescue the 15-20 tonne mammal at Palm Cove had failed throughout the day . Despite freezing temperatures and the potential danger, the spectators decided to take matters into their own hands by using their combined weight to move the eight-metre mammal as light was fading . The tireless operation began at sunrise when a harness from Sea World was put around the whale and attached to a rescue boat but all three attempts to tow the heavy animal failed with the rope snapping every time. As the tide went out half way through the day, the rescuers were left with no choice but to shelter the whale and keep it wet with buckets of water. Experts from Sea World and the state environment department stayed with the whale overnight. It's said to be in a fair condition after being spotted near the shoreline on Tuesday night. The tireless operation began at sunrise on Wednesday when a harness was put around the whale and attached to a rescue boat but all three attempts to tow the heavy animal failed with the rope snapping every time . The dedicated rescue team was placed a hairy situation earlier in the day when the whale rolled over on its back almost trapping the rescuers who quickly clambered out of the way . There was then grave concerns that the mammal would drown before it eventually flipped back over as the relieved crowd cheered . The juvenile humpback whale will spend a second night on the shore and the operation will resume at sunrise on Thursday . This is the third whale to have beached in the past 24 hours with two rescued in NSW on Tuesday night during the whales' annual migration from Antarctica to their breeding grounds in the Great Barrier Reef. A spate of humpback whales becoming beached on east coast beaches is a positive sign of the species' staggering recovery in Australia from almost extinction to nearly 50,000 in under 30 years, an expert has said. If the population continues to rise at such a high rate there will soon be more whales on Australia's east coast than existed in the natural population before commercial whaling began. Scroll down for video . Covered: The stranded Humpback Whale on Palm Beach, Gold Coast, has had a tent erected around it while Sea World staff tended to it . Waiting game: Rescue teams made numerous attempts to rescue the whale but to no avail . There were just 200 humpback whales left alive on the east coast of Australia before the commercial whaling ban was introduced in 1986 - now they are flourishing, with 20,000 currently migrating along the shores. 'Australia's humpback whale population are increasing rapidly and are recovering as a result of the ban on commercial whaling,' Southern Cross University Professor Peter Harrison said. 'We have seen a 10 per cent increase in births this year and expect another 2000 whales to be added to the population,' he told MailOnline. 'Back then in the last century very few people were studying them but it's estimated before whaling there were 23-26,000 whales. 'At present we expect to exceed 30,000 whales on the east coast in the next decade,' Dr Harrison explained. He added if you combine the west and east coast whale populations, Australia could now have around 50,000 humpback whales. Another humpback whale was stranded on a sand bank at the Gold Coast earlier in the week, but finally managed to swim its way to freedom two days later . Help is at hand: The whale calf is tended to by Sea World staff after beaching itself at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast . Crowds: People gathered to see the whale on the beach before further attempts to return the whale to deeper water began again at high tide around 5pm . The huge population rise will eventually even out when the whales use up the ocean's natural resources. A Sea World spokesman told Mailonline there is no 'real reason' why whales strand themselves but there are more wales around at the moment which is why the number of incidents has risen. 'There are 20,000 whales on the Gold Coast in this migration,' he said. 'As for why some are stranded there is no real reason, it all depends on the whales individual behaviour.' A resident alerted authorities about the latest beached whale about 7pm on Tuesday night, after spotting it near the Palm Beach shoreline. 'It's pretty dangerous. This animal is probably around 15 to 20 tonne. Once the tide starts to come in, which it's doing now, you can't really get close to the animal because it could roll, it could lift it's tail,' Sea World spokesman Trevor Long told the ABC. 'So we'd ask that no-one goes down there and tries to get close to the animal.' Stranded: The huge creature was hoped to be freed at first light on Thursday . 'Pretty dangerous': Sea World spokesman Trevor Long told the ABC said that people shouldn't get close to the whale . Rescue operation: A team helping to try and free the whale after it was spotted on Tuesday night . 'Currently the tide is against us, we are waiting for this afternoon to free it,' a Sea World spokesperson told MailOnline. A second distressed humpback whale was trapped in fishing nets for more than eight hours at The Pass in Byron Bay on Tuesday. The whale reportedly had a rope wrapped around its dorsal fin and tail, and was spotted at first light on Tuesday morning. New South Wales Parks and Wildlife service kept and eye on the whale early in the day and in a joint effort with Queensland Fisheries officers managed to free the animal just before 4pm. Also on Tuesday, a third whale was freed off NSW on the far south coast in Narooma. The migration period runs from July until October when the whales make the return journey to their southern feasting grounds. The International Whale Commission banned commercial whaling in 1986 to conserve depleted species . Only last weekend two groups of humpback whales were spotted heading north a few hundred metres of Bluff Rock near Yeppoon.
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The whale escaped on Thursday morning after it was beached on Palm Beach, Queensland, since Tuesday night .
Rescuers tried to free the juvenile whale three times before it swum away .
Onlookers attempted to help the whale in darkness on Wednesday night .
The rope that was used to pull it out to sea snapped three times .
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With the Baftas taking place this Sunday, we’re all looking forward to seeing the stars in their finery on the red carpet. Everyone always talks about the dresses, but no one sees the hard work that goes into creating the make-up and hairstyles that provide the sparkling finishing touches. Shehla Shaikh, head make-up artist for Lancome, has worked with countless celebrities, including Sienna Miller, Rosamund Pike and Brenda Blethyn. Before: Annie Poulter, 54 (left), and her daughter Rachel, 24 (right), were thrilled to be given a makeover by Shehla Shaikh, head make-up artist for Lancome . As a celebration of Sunday’s ceremony, Shehla met readers Annie Poulter, 54, a nursing home administrator, and her daughter Rachel, 24, a vascular nurse. With a big family anniversary coming up, they were thrilled at the chance of a makeover to suit the red carpet. Annie is a lipstick lover, but doesn’t normally wear foundation as she prefers to go barefaced. She sometimes wears brown sparkly eyeshadow and mascara for a special occasions. Rachel, meanwhile, doesn’t usually wear make-up — only moisturiser — because she has dry skin. Her favourite cream is Waitrose’s Baby Bottom Butter (£3.09, waitrose.com). EXPERT TIPS FOR ANNIE . Choose matte shades in flattering tones such as taupe, brown, bronze or khaki to give a smokey eye. Use the medium tone all around the eyes to frame, and add definition into the lash line by smudging it with kohl pencil. For Annie, Shehla recommended Maybelline's Lash Sensational to define your eyes . Try Lancome Hypnose Star Eyes Palette, ST7 (£37, boots.com). A good budget alternative is the new Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze (£3.99, superdrug.com). Emphasise the eyes with mascara — take time to get perfect lashes rather than rushing this, as it gives a lift to the eye. It’s best to avoid messy, glittery eyeshadow, as it falls down into fine lines on your face. Also, steer clear of black — use it only to define inside the water line or with your mascara. Try Lancome Grandiose (£23.50, lancome.co.uk) or the new Maybelline Lash Sensational (£7.99, boots.com). Keep your lips and cheeks neutral, but warm with rosy pink shades. Teaming a warm nude lip with rosy pink cheeks is brightening for the face. Lancome Rouge In Love 240m (£21.50, lancome.co.uk) is perfect. The Lancome Blush Subtil Palette (£28.50, lancome.co.uk) is also a good multi-tasker, as it can be used for eyes as well as contouring and highlighting your cheeks. EXPERT TIPS FOR RACHEL . For Rachel, Shehla recommended L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Lip Colour in Red Infallible for a bold lip colour . When you are in your 20s or 30s the rulebook is there to be broken — why not try a bold lip and eye? For subtle glamour, don’t over-do the cheeks. Lancome Limited Edition BAFTA L’Absolu Rouge 160 (£23.50, lancome.co.uk) is a perfect red-carpet choice. Or try L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Lip Colour in Red Infallible (£9.99, boots.com). It’s important to use the right brushes, but it’s imperative to make sure you have the right products, such as primer for the skin. Use a primer underneath your foundation to give you an understated dewy finish. Disguise any dark circles by applying concealer in a triangle formation. This will reflect the light and lift your eyes. The new Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation (£29.50, lancome.co.uk) is great to use when you are trying to do your base in a rush, as you can dab it on to problem areas when you’re on the go. Opt for a taupe matte or peachy bronze eyeshadow, and smudge a waterproof kohl pencil into the lash line. Try Bourjois waterproof Color Band Eyeshadow crayon (£5.99, boots.com) in Beige Minimaliste. THE VERDICT . After: both Annie (left) and Rachel (right) were over the moon with their transformations . Annie says: ‘It’s amazing! I will definitely start to use browns and coral. I often wear blue and grey — but these shades have made my skin look radiant, without looking too sparkly. I love the warm pink lipstick too.' Rachel says: ‘Nobody will recognise me! I love it. I have tried to wear red lips, but they never look this good.’ This year Lancome celebrates its 15th year as the Official Beauty Partner for EE Bafta. Hair by Stefan Bertin from Richard Ward Hair and Metro Spa.
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It's time for the Baftas and we're ready to see our favourite glamorous stars .
But instead of just focusing on the dresses, let's look at the small touches .
This week, readers, Annie and Rachel Poulter received a makeover .
Shehla Shaikh, head make-up artist for Lancome, transformed their looks .
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Los Angeles (CNN)Conrad Hilton, the younger brother of celebrity heiress Paris Hilton, allegedly threatened and intimidated flight attendants on a British Airways flight from London to Los Angeles last summer, using profanity, smoking in a bathroom and calling passengers "peasants," federal authorities said this week. Hilton, 20, surrendered himself to the FBI on Tuesday -- charged with interfering with flight crew members -- and appeared in court later that day, said spokesman Thom Mrozek of the U.S. Attorney's Office. Hilton was freed on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on March 5. The federal charge alleges that Hilton "knowingly assaulted and intimidated flight attendants of the aircraft and, in doing so, interfered with the performance of the duties of the flight attendants and lessened the ability of the flight attendants to perform their duties." Hilton and his attorney couldn't be immediately reached for comment. If convicted, Hilton could face up to 20 years in prison, authorities said. On the July 31, 2014, flight, a flight attendant told the FBI that Hilton appeared to be "under the influence of drugs because of his erratic behavior while walking through the cabin," court papers said. Hilton left his seat five minutes after takeoff, even though the "fasten seat belt" sign was still on, authorities said. Another flight attendant said Hilton rose from his seat at least 20 times during the 10½-hour flight, court documents said. Read the federal complaint (Warning: profane language) When Hilton became enraged because a flight attendant was following him, he shouted several times that "I am going to f------ kill you!" and used other vulgarities, court papers said. Passengers became frightened and disturbed, authorities said. Hilton yelled several times, saying "I will f------ own anyone on this flight; they are f------ peasants." Hilton also accused the flight attendants of "taking the peasants' side" and then said he was angry because he had just broken up with a girlfriend, court papers said. He bragged that he was already banned by other airlines. "Hilton frequently lamented that he wanted to smoke marijuana on the plane," according to an affidavit by FBI agent David Gates. Hilton also allegedly punched the bulkhead next to an attendant's head, missing his face by about 4 inches, court papers said. He also allegedly told a flight attendant that "I could get you all fired in five minutes. I know your boss!" "My father will pay this out, he has done it before. Dad paid $300,000 last time," Hilton allegedly told a flight attendant, according to court papers. Hilton's father is Rick Hilton -- who is a grandson of the Hilton Hotel empire's founder, Conrad Nicholson Hilton -- and is a partner in a real estate development firm in Beverly Hills, California. Rick Hilton and his wife of more than 30 years, Kathy, are parents of four children, Paris, Nicky, Barron and Conrad, making them the great-grandchildren of the hotel empire, according to Rick Hilton's webpage. At some point during the flight, the attendant saw Hilton go into a bathroom and smelled cigarette smoke coming from it, authorities said. The flight's pilot, who was second-in-command to the captain, "noticed the smoke detector above the bathroom ceiling had been stuffed with paper towels, apparently to prevent the smoke alarm from sounding," court papers said. The pilot later confronted Hilton, and Hilton surrendered a used pack of cigarettes and a lighter, authorities said. Hilton returned to his seat and fell asleep. The captain authorized crew members to form a "restraint team" to restrain Hilton before he woke up, authorities said in court papers. The crew used a blanket and handcuffs on Hilton about 75 minutes before the plane landed, authorities said. He awoke while being restrained and began screaming obscenities, court documents said. "As Hilton was being restrained, he told the flight attendants he was a model and that they were 'going to ruin my career,' " the affidavit said. Later, in an interview with the FBI the same day, Hilton said he started his travels in Mykonos, Greece, had a connection in Athens, and then traveled to London, authorities said. He took a sleeping pill before boarding the flight to Los Angeles, court papers said. Hilton admitted to calling people "peasants" on the flight, but he "denied having a confrontation with a flight attendant near the start of the flight but acknowledged having other issues with flight attendants," the affidavit said. Hilton allegedly told the FBI agent: "I told all of them I could get all of their jobs taken away in less than thirty seconds," the affidavit said. When Gates, the FBI agent, read federal law to Hilton, he interrupted him and stated: "I did intimidate. But, through defense. He came up to me with his nose," referring to a crew member, the affidavit said. CNN's Stella Chan contributed to this report.
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Conrad Hilton, younger brother of Paris Hilton, is free on $100,000 bond .
He's charged with interfering with flight crew members and faces up to 20 years in prison .
He allegedly disabled a smoke detector, called passengers "peasants" and punched a bulkhead .
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A pensioner on social security who accidentally sent her rent check addressed to her landlord to Comcast found the company had cashed it when she asked for it back. Francis Wilson from Albuquerque, New Mexico unwittingly put her $235 rent check for her landlord in an envelope along with her $20 Comcast subscription payment and accidentally sent it off to the company. But when she realised her mistake and asked for it back, the Comcast admitted that they had already cashed the check and said they would only pay it back by putting credit on her account. Francis Wilson, 79, who discovered that she accidentally sent her $235 rent check addressed to her landlord to Comcast and the company then cashed it when she asked for it back . The 79-year-old, who needed the cash back to pay her landlord, begged Comcast to give her the money back but each time they refused her the refund. She told KRQR-TV: 'At first I couldn't think in my mind, where did I send the check? I just couldn't imagine that it was Comcast. 'They didn't even call me and tell me I had made the mistake. Who gave them the authority to cash the check?' It was only when Mrs Wilson called the local media to tell them of her story that Comcast relented and evetually gave her the money. As well as reimbursing the money, they also gave her $235 in cash and kept the $235 credit on her Comcast account. After asking Comcast to reimburse the check the cashed, pictured, the company refused and saying they could only credit her account . A spokeswoman from the firm explained that the check had been cashed as they use an automated payments system and nobody had personally handled the payment. She also added that as soon as the mistake was brought to their attention they quickly apologised and offered to pay her back. But Mrs Wilson added: 'It took a long time for this, it wasn't overnight.' Last week, Comcast also came under fire after it emerged an Illinois woman was sent a bill from the company addressed to 'Super Bi***' Mary Bauer said she had been battling with the company since last April, calling 'hundreds of times' as she tried to get them to restore the Hallmark Channel to her line-up. It was only when Mrs Wilson called the local media that Comcast relented and agreed to pay her the money back . Meanwhile another couple were sent a bill addressed to 'A**hole Brown' after they tried to cancel their subscription. Lisa and Ricardo Brown from Spokane Washington said they wanted to cancel the cable on their Comcast account - which cost them $60 - after suffering financial difficulties. But Mrs Brown said the customer service representative transferred her to a retention specialist who attempted to persuade her to keep the cable and sign a new two-year contract. When the couple received their next bill, Mr Brown's name had been changed from Ricardo Brown to 'A**hole Brown.' In both cases Comcast were forced to apologise and said an internal investigation was underway.
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Francis Wilson, 79, wrote out $235 rent check addressed to her landlord .
But she accidentally put it in an envelope with her Comcast payment .
She sent the envelope to Comcast but called them as soon as she realised .
Found check was cashed by Comcast even though it was not for them .
Company refused to pay her back and would only credit Comcast account .
After involving local media the company then relented and reimbursed her .
To apologise they also gave her $235 in cash and kept the $235 credit on her account .
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The US Defense Department is investigating video footage appearing to show Islamic State fanatics with at least one cache of weapons airdropped by coalition forces that was meant for Kurdish militiamen battling the extremist group in a border town. The cache of weapons included hand grenades, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, according to a video uploaded by a media group loyal to the Islamic State (ISIS) group. The video appeared authentic and corresponded to The Associated Press' reporting of the event. At one point a fighter in the video says: 'Thanks be to God! Spoils and booty for the mujahideen.' The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which bases its information on a network of activists on the ground, said the militants had seized at least one cache. Scroll down for video . A still from an Islamic State (ISIS) video, purportedly shows an IS militant displaying the content of a crate carrying grenades near the town of Ain al-Arab, known by the Kurds as Kobane, on the Syria-Turkey border . A U.S. military airdrop of weapons meant for Kurdish fighters fell into the hands of their jihadist foes near the Syrian battleground town of Kobane, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said . The caches were airdropped early Monday to Kurds in the embattled Syrian town of Kobane that lies near the Turkish border. The militant group has been trying to seize the town for over a month now, causing the exodus of some 200,000 people from the area into Turkey. While Kurds are battling on the ground, a U.S.-led coalition is also targeting the militants from the air. On Tuesday, ISIS loyalists on social media posted sarcastic thank you notes to the United States, including one image that said 'Team USA.' The caches were airdropped early Monday to Kurds in the embattled Syrian town of Kobani that lies near the Turkish border . A container filled with meals ready to eat and fresh water being dropped from a C-130 Hercules during an operational resupply airdrop near the area of Bayji, Iraq . But the lost weapons drop was more an embarrassment than a great strategic loss. The Islamic State militants already possess millions of dollars-worth of U.S. weaponry that they captured from fleeing Iraqi soldiers when the group seized swaths of Iraq in a sudden sweep in June. On Tuesday, the U.S. Central Command said U.S. military forces conducted four airstrikes near Kobani that destroyed IS fighting positions, an IS building and a large IS unit. Also Tuesday, Syrian government airstrikes hit a rebel-held town along the country's southern border with Jordan, killing at least eight people. Militant: Particular blackspots for ISIS checkpoints are the roads around the militants' strongholds in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, as well as a number of major highways in eastern Syria. Checkpoints: ISIS militants are forcing vehicles carrying food and medical supplies in Syria and Iraq to pay to continue their journey unhindered . Activists with the Local Coordination Committees and the Observatory said the number of those killed was likely to rise as there are more victims under the rubble. The LCC said Syrian government planes dropped crude explosives-laden canisters on the town of Nasib on the Syria-Jordan border. The airstrikes are part of battles between Syrian government forces and Islamic rebel groups for control of the area. Syrian government forces have been heavily bombing rebel areas in recent weeks, while the U.S-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against Islamic State militants elsewhere in Syria. An American journalist has been killed in a car crash in Turkey just days after claiming she claimed the Turkish intelligence services had threatened her over her reporting of the siege of Kobane. Serena Shim, who worked for Iran's state-owned Press TV as Turkey correspondent, died in the city of Suruc after the car in which she was travelling reportedly collided with a 'heavy vehicle'. Shim's death came just days after she spoke on camera of her fears of being arrested, claiming Turkish intelligence agents had accused her of spying after one of her reports suggested ISIS militants were being smuggled back and forth over the Syrian border in the back of aid vehicles. Tragic: Serena Shim, who worked for Iran's state-owned Press TV as Turkey correspondent, died in the city of Suruc after the car in which she was travelling reportedly collided with a 'heavy vehicle' Shim, an American citizen of Lebanese origin, had been working in Turkey for Press TV - the Iranian state-owned television network. In a report published on the company's website, it is claimed she had been in a rental car on the way back to her hotel in the town of Suruc in Urfa Province when the 'suspicious' accident took place. Neither the 'heavy vehicle' nor the driver involved in the crash have been located after the incident, Press TV claimed, adding that her parents 'refused to believe' the crash had been an accident and are planning to pursue the matter legally. Press TV's account of the crash has been somewhat disputed by Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News, however, who said the vehicle involved was a cement mixer and that the as-yet-unidentified driver had been arrested at the scene. Death: Serena Shim's death came just days after she spoke on camera of her fears of being arrested, claiming Turkish intelligence agents had accused her of spying . Only last Friday Shim was interviewed on camera by Press TV about her fears of being arrested by Turkish intelligence agencies. In the short interview she alleged that she had been approached and accused of spying after a report in which he said she claimed to have received images of Islamic State terrorists being smuggled over the Turkey-Syria in vehicles belonging to the World Food Organization and other aid groups. Shim described herself as 'surprised' at the accusation, 'because I have nothing to hide and I have never done anything aside my job.'
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Video appears to show IS soldiers with American-supplied arms .
The weapons include hand grenades, ammunition and grenade launchers .
The caches were airdropped to Kurds in the Syrian town of Kobane .
US Defense Department said that it is investigating the video .
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(CNN) -- The latest constitutional amendment being floated by some Senate Republicans -- to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to unauthorized immigrants -- is not new. Calls for modification of the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship guarantee have appeared during other moments of immigration-related hand-wringing. The question is whether the idea is a good one. And the reform is not unthinkable from a democratic point of view. In fact, the United States and Canada stand apart from other major immigrant-receiving societies in the breadth of birthright rules. The United Kingdom amended its laws in 1981 to provide that only children born to citizens, or permanent residents born in the U.K., are citizens at birth. In 2004, voters in Ireland amended their constitution along similar lines, in part for reasons familiar to the American audience: fear that birthright citizenship attracted asylum claimants who could use their children as anchors. The French rule allows children born to foreign parents to become citizens at the age of majority (when the state no longer considers a person a minor), rather than at birth. But if ever there were a case for maintaining American exceptionalism, the 14th Amendment is it. Rejection of universal birthright citizenship would upend practices vital to the success of the American venture. The proposed amendment's implicit premise, that children of parents who have broken the law do not deserve U.S. citizenship, contradicts a basic American value: the sins of the parents should not be visited upon the children. Justice Robert Jackson put it succinctly in dissent from the Korematsu decision (1944), which found Japanese internment policies during World War II constitutional: "If any fundamental assumption underlies our system, it is that guilt is personal and not inheritable." Justice Harry Blackmun reasoned similarly in Plyler v. Doe (1982) when striking down a Texas law that would have denied unauthorized children access to public schools. Frustration with illegal immigration, he wrote, ought not lead to unequal treatment of children who had no hand in creating their "illegality." U.S. courts and most legal scholars have consistently interpreted the Citizenship Clause to apply universally, save to the children of diplomats, invading armies and Native Americans (though the Supreme Court has never directly addressed the status of children born to unauthorized immigrants). The clause thus operates as a constitutional reset button. Each generation born in the U.S. stands on its own, with equal citizenship status, regardless of parentage. Given our history as a society of immigrants, this rule has been crucial to our development into a cohesive political community and to our ability to integrate each new immigrant cohort. It ensures that those who are born and raised in the United States have an equal opportunity to participate and contribute and are regarded by others as full Americans. Not all children born in the U.S. remain, and perhaps those Senate Republicans envision deporting all unauthorized immigrants and their children. But clear-eyed pragmatism tells us that most children born here also go to school, become socialized and enter adulthood here, making them functionally American. Unless we are prepared to tolerate the emergence of castes based on parentage, universal birthright citizenship and a robust naturalization regime should remain in place. The goals of the proposed amendment are not strictly punitive, though its effects inevitably would be. Its supporters argue it would reduce incentives for illegal immigration. But this argument is not serious. The obstacles to passage are nearly insurmountable, and this particular amendment has never come close to succeeding. More important, changing the birthright rule would have little to no effect on illegal immigration. No doubt stories exist of Mexicans crossing the border just to give birth or of tourists arranging vacations to produce U.S.-citizen children. But the actual causes of illegal immigration are complex and overwhelmingly related to the absence of job opportunities in Mexico and the demand for immigrant labor in the U.S. Precisely because illegal immigration is difficult to prevent, lawmakers substitute symbolic posturing for genuine policymaking. Though the 14th Amendment is likely safe, it is instructive whenever politicians propose manipulating it to remember its historical role. The reset principle can also inform debates over other issues, such as the DREAM Act, which would legalize high school graduates who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Even the debate over whether to legalize existing unauthorized immigrants, which is more complex because of their culpability, would benefit from an appreciation of how second chances can advance equality and integration. The conventional interpretation of the 14th Amendment reminds us that we take our aspirations to equality seriously. We are willing to risk certain costs, such as opportunistic immigration and the creation of citizens who may never develop ties to the U.S., to ensure political equality. For the United States to stand alone on this principle does nothing less than reaffirm traditions that have helped turned a collection of people from all over the world into an integrated and powerful success. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Cristina Rodriguez.
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14th Amendment guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil .
Cristina Rodriguez says that's been crucial for cohesive, casteless U.S. society .
She argues modifying Constitution would not reverse tide of illegal immigration .
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Moscow (CNN) -- Russia said Wednesday that it blamed "unfriendly" actions by Britain for a recent diplomatic spat that led both nations to expel each others' diplomats. "The British side has recently took an unfriendly step, groundlessly declaring persona non grata a diplomat at the Russian Embassy in London. We were compelled to take a similar step in response," a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "It is regretful that the actions of the British side were undertaken at a moment when our relations with Britain have just started to improve. The initiators of this incident bear full responsibility for its consequences." The statement comes after the United Kingdom expelled a Russian diplomat on suspicion of spying, and Russia kicked out a British embassy staffer in Moscow in retaliation. Britain asked the Russian to leave on December 10 "in response to clear evidence of activities by the Russian intelligence services against U.K. interests," British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Tuesday. Russia told the British diplomat to leave Moscow on December 16, Hague said. Hague said there was not "any basis" for the expulsion. CNN's Maxim Tkachenko contributed to this report.
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London expels a Russian diplomat on suspicion of spying .
Russia expels a British embassy staffer in response .
London says the Russian embassy staffer was working "against UK interests"
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A sprawling, 100-acre New Zealand farm that shares its name with a popular nursery rhyme has gone on sale for £3.5 million. Old Macdonald's Farm in Marahau, on the northern coast of the country's South Island, boasts panoramic views of the nearby Abel Tasman National Park and overlooks the picturesque Tasman Bay. Buyers will also get an interesting sweetener thrown in to the deal – a collection of the farm's free-roaming animals including cattle and alpacas, pigs and cattle. Old Macdonald's Farm in Marahau, on the northern coast of the country's South Island, boasts panoramic views of Abel Tasman National Park . The settlement also features a full-sized sand volleyball court, a secure car park and a mini orchard filled with almond, apricot, plum, persimmon and loquat trees. The farm is currently owned and run by Craig, Lyn, Doug and Sean Macdonald, and comes complete with livestock including 40 cattle, 20 llamas and alpacas and a pig, as well as a three-bedroom family house. A spokesperson for Vladi Private Islands who are listing the property said: 'Old MacDonalds Farm is a melange of a rustic Kiwi camping ground, untouched country pastures and riparian river rights. 'Many aspects make up this already, well established property however the opportunities and potential is still colossal. The 100-acre settlement overlooks the Tasman Bay, perfect for sea kayaking, boating, fishing and trekking on world-famous coastal paths . According to the estate agent's website, a 'crisp, clear river runs through the property and offers many swimming holes' The farm is located on the edge of the 22,530 hectare Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its famous coastal track . 'In its entirety the farm is 31 hectares of flat to gently contoured land mass. 'From almost all bearings there is a view to be had, either out to Tasman Bay and its azure waters or a distinctive green belt that wraps and intermingles the property. 'A crisp, clear river runs through the property and offers many swimming holes with easy access from the flat areas. 'A circular bush walk is also part of the camp attracting many visitors to enjoy a slice of New Zealand with its native plant varieties including Nikau Palms, Matai trees, ferns and a 700 year old rimu tree. 'The price contains all buildings, vehicles, furniture and animals. The sprawling site comes with a three-bedroom family home, and the price includes all furniture, vehicles and animals . A circular bush walk is part of the camp along with native plant varieties including Nikau Palms, Matai trees, ferns and a 700-year-old rimu tree . The farm is currently owned and run by Craig, Lyn, Doug and Sean Macdonald, and comes complete with livestock including 40 cattle, 20 llamas and alpacas and a pig . 'Marahau is a tranquil seaside resort at the commencement of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. 'From this recreational boundary a multitude of outdoor pleasures are at the water's edge including sea kayaking, boating, fishing and nature walkways.' The entrance to the farm is located just 400 meters away from the edge of the 22,530 hectare Abel Tasman National Park, renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its famous coastal track. There are currently 20 llamas and alpacas living on the farm, which are all being sold along with the grounds and buildings on the property . A spokesperson for Vladi Private Islands who are listing the property, described the settlement as 'a melange of a rustic Kiwi camping ground, and untouched country pastures' Anyone thinking of continuing to run the farm as a business can expect a revenue of around £350,000, which is currently what the property earns from tourists who come to stay on the settlements campsite . The 100-acre settlement features a full-sized sand volleyball court, a secure car park and a mini orchard filled with almond, apricot, plum, persimmon and loquat trees . The climate in Marahau is said to be 'mild' and described as 'a good place to visit at any time of the year'. Anyone thinking of continuing to run the farm as a business can expect a revenue of around £350,000, which is currently what the property earns from farming and the groups of tourists who come to stay on the settlement's campsite each year. Visitors are said to flock to the site to indulge in the multitude of outdoor activities including sea kayaking, boating, fishing and trekking on the local walkways. For more information on the listing, visit vladi-private-islands.de.
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Old Macdonald's Farm is situated in Marahau, on the northern coast of New Zealand's South Island .
The 100-acres site boasts panoramic views of the Abel Tasman National Park and overlooks Tasman Bay .
It currently brings in £350,000-a-year, mostly through its popularity with tourists who come to camp in the grounds .
The farm has a full-sized volleyball court, car park and fully-licensed cafe in addition to a three-bedroom house .
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The cuckolded husband of a woman involved in a 'close relationship' with the Bishop of Arundel has called for him to be sacked from the Catholic Church. Simon Hodgkinson, whose wife, Olivia, 43, is the latest woman to be linked to the bishop, is compiling a formal complaint against Kieran Conry over his intimate friendship with her. It has been claimed that Bishop Conry had relationships with up to four women, breaking his vow of celibacy. Scroll down for video . Kieran Conry, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, had a secret relationship with Olivia Hodgkinson . The bishop resigned two weeks ago after admitting he had been ‘unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest' Mr Hodgkinson's complaint will be sent to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Papal Nuncio, the Pope's representative in the UK, and the Vicar General, one of the Church's most powerful figures, the Sunday Telegraph reported. As well as stating Bishop Conry broke his celibacy vow, the complaint will say he has gone against Church teachings on adultery, marriage and family life by having a close relationship with Mrs Hodgkinson, a 43-year-old mother-of-two, and an affair with another married woman. Mr Hodgkinson also claims the bishop abused his authority, taking advantage of both women after they turned to him for help with their marriages. Graham Baldwin, from the charity Catalyst - which helps individuals whose family life has been affected by religious or cult groups - said: 'Bishop Conry has ... by his own admission on at least one occasion, committed adultery with a married woman, which in the eyes of the Church is a mortal sin. 'He needs to be laicised - what most people would understand as defrocked - and removed from the priesthood.' Mr Hodgkinson, a 44-year-old banker, said: 'His behaviour has been appalling. To think that this is a person who people turn to for marriage advice is unbelievable. It makes him a hypocrite.' Bishop Conry, 63, resigned as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton a fortnight ago, saying he had been 'unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest'. He said it 'was the easiest way to avoid further embarrassment, disappointment...and shame for the church.' Simon Hodgkinson is compiling a formal complaint against Kieran Conry over his intimate friendship with Olivia . Bishop Conry says he still wants to be a priest, despite being forced to resign a fortnight ago . In his resignation statement added that his actions 'were not illegal and did not involve minors.' Despite this, the bishop insisted he wanted to remain in the Church as a priest. Mr Hodgkinson discovered his wife's affair after she did not attend choir practice at their local church. He went to drop off some music through her letterbox to find she was not home at around 10pm. He said: 'I thought it was really weird. I decided it was time to test my suspicion that she was having an affair. ‘I went up to the bishop’s residence and her car was there. I checked and it was there all night. I was devastated.’ Since then a second love affair with a married mother-of-three six years ago has come to light, and he has been linked to two other women. Questions have been raised over whether the Catholic Church turned a blind eye to the bishop's behaviour. After writing a letter to the bishop asking whether the pair were having an affair, Mr Hodgkinson did not receive a reply. He then sent a second letter to the bishop, as well as the Papal Nuncio, the Vicar General and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, but none of them have responded. Mr Hodgkinson said: ‘The thought of losing my wife to someone who has behaved so irresponsibly is awful. ‘He has abused his authority to the extent that he has allowed a married woman and mother of two children to sleep in his house and he has been completely blind to the emotional impact on the people affected by this. ‘For someone in his position to create that much emotional distress without really noticing or thinking about the consequences and then failing to explain himself is arrogant. Conry technically remains both a priest and a bishop, even though he is no longer responsible for Arundel and Brighton.
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Simon Hodgkinson's wife had a 'close relationship' with a Catholic bishop .
Bishop Kieran Conry resigned a fortnight ago for being 'unfaithful' to Church .
Mr Hodgkinson says Conry abused his position of power in the Church .
He discovered his wife, Olivia, was cheating after she missed choir practice .
Now he has complained to the Catholic Church and the Pope's British envoy .
The bishop should be defrocked for breaking celibacy vow, Hodgkinson says .
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Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle has become the latest player to withdraw from the Germany squad after falling ill. Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marco Reus and Sami Khedira are all missing for Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, and now Schurrle has been added to that list. A statement from the German Football Association read: 'Andre Schurrle has caught a cold and will not be available for the game against Republic of Ireland tonight. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Andre Schurrle score against Argentina during a recent friendly . Andre Schurrle has pulled out of the Germany squad ahead of their match against the Republic of Ireland . The Chelsea man joins a growing list of injured German players which also includes Arsenal's Mesut Ozil . 'The Chelsea attacker has already departed from the team hotel in Essen.' The 27-year-old faces considerable competition to start for both club and country, but believes Jose Mourinho is the perfect manager to help him fulfil his potential. 'Jose Mourinho has taught me a different style of play and a different way of thinking to reach the world-class level someday,' Schurrle told SportBild. 'To him, finishing second is a failure. He doesn't know the word 'losing'. That's how he holds his talk before the matches. His thinking is impressive - as impressive as the way he gets his message across. 'He challenges you to be robust on the pitch, to play like a man. To commit a foul. I feel much better since joining Chelsea and I have become much more confident.' Schurrle featured in all but one of Germany's matches as they won the World Cup in Brazil . The 27-year-old said his time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho has made him improve as a player .
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Andre Schurrle has pulled out of the Germany squad .
The Chelsea midfielder has caught a cold according to the DFB .
Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus and Bastian Schweinsteiger are also out .
Schurrle also said Jose Mourinho has helped him become world class .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:01 EST, 20 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:17 EST, 20 February 2013 . David McMahon was blinded in one eye after he was hit by a golf ball struck by golfer Gavin Dear. The pensioner is now suing the pro for £50,000 . A pensioner is suing a professional golfer for £50,000 after being blinded in one eye by a ball while he worked at a tournament. David McMahon was on the course at the Scottish amateur Champion of Champions event, looking for balls struck into the gorse by competitors, when he was struck by a shot that ruptured his eyeball. Mr McMahon, 70, is seeking £50,000 from Gavin Dear, a former Walker Cup player who turned professional in 2009. Yesterday, a judge was told that the amount of damages had been agreed between lawyers in the action – but that liability was still contested. Mr McMahon said he had approached a couple who had strayed off a path and asked them to move as they were in danger where they were standing at the tournament on Leven Links, Fife, in April 2009. He said Mr Dear was ‘on the edge of the semi rough’ between the sixth and 12th fairways. Mr McMahon then turned to walk back to his golf buggy when he was hit in the eye by a ball. He told the court: ‘I landed right on the ground. The ball hit me and I went down. 'I covered my eye with my glove. I took my glove back and it was full of blood.’ Mr McMahon was asked by his counsel, Ronald Clancy, QC, if he heard anyone shout a warning before he was hit by the ball and he replied: ‘No.’ Mr Clancy asked him what he would have done if at the point he turned away from speaking to the spectators to return to the buggy he had heard the warning shout of ‘Fore’. Mr McMahon responded: ‘I would have become the ground. I have been hit eight times by golf balls and, take my word for it, it is sore.’ When questioned by Graham Primrose, QC for Mr Dear, the retired bus driver from Leven denied he was behind the buggy and emerged into the path of the ball. Mr Dear, pictured at a tournament last year, claims Mr McMahon was not in sight when he hit the ball . In the action, it is said that Mr McMahon suffered a traumatic rupture of the right eyeball resulting in blindness to the eye. It is alleged that Mr Dear knew, or ought to have known, that Mr McMahon was in line with the path of his ball to the sixth hole. It is claimed that, had the golfer exercised reasonable care in ensuring that no one was standing in a position to be struck by the ball, he would not have been injured. Mr Dear, 28, of Scone, Perthshire, maintains that neither Mr McMahon nor the alleged spectators were visible at any stage to him, his playing partner or two men accompanying them on their round. He said he had played his tee shot on the par five sixth hole into light rough which divides the sixth and 12th fairways and was content with its landing position. Leven Links Golf Course in Fife. Mr McMahon was working at the Scottish amateur Champion of Champions event . He claims that he saw a buggy but there was no sign of any person at or near it. Mr Dear maintains that, having considered the position of the buggy and noted the absence of any activity, he proceeded to consider playing his second shot. It is said: ‘He had no reason not to believe that it was safe and appropriate to do so.’ It is claimed that after the ball was struck Mr McMahon emerged ‘suddenly and without warning’ from behind a golf cart. Mr Dear maintains that he acted at all times with reasonable care. The case continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.
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David McMahon was hit in the eye by a ball hit by pro Gavin Dear .
He claims he had no warning that the ball was coming .
Mr Dear claims the man was out of sight when he hit the ball .
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London, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton made their first official engagement as a couple Thursday, launching a lifeboat in Wales. The pair, who are due to marry in April, officially named the "Hereford Endeavour" lifeboat in a ceremony at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station in Anglesey, North Wales. Middleton, wearing a Vivien Sheriff black-feathered beret, three-quarter length cream coat and suede boots, poured a bottle of champagne over the lifeboat after Prince William made a speech commending the efforts of the volunteers and rescue crew. "We effectively have two launches today," said CNN royal contributor Mark Saunders. "The launch of the lifeboat by William and Catherine and, at the same time, the launch of William and Catherine into this celebrity saturated world they are going to be living in." Despite the modest nature of the event, hundreds of people turned out to watch the royal couple conduct their first official duty together. "In 20 years of royal reporting I've never witnessed quite such excitement for such a single job," said Saunders. One onlooker told CNN: "It's lovely... I would have thought more people would have brought flowers and things for them but it's lovely... It's low key which is what he (Prince William) wanted." It's the first public appearance the couple has made since they announced their engagement last November. "It's a very low-key event, launching a lifeboat on the island where they both live...it's a very good debut event for them," said Saunders. "They have a very good relationship with the locals here, they are often seen at the local supermarket and buying wine from the local off-license. So for a first event, they couldn't have picked a better one." The reason for such a low-key ceremony, says Saunders, is to prepare Middleton for life as a royal. "(The royal family) have learnt many lessons from when Princess Diana first joined the royal family. "Diana was just thrown in the deep end and absolutely given no guidance whatsoever. They're making sure this time round Catherine is well prepared," he said. After naming the new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Prince William and Middleton met members of the charity's lifeboat crew along with fundraising volunteers and were given a demonstration of the vessel's capabilities. In a statement issued before the ceremony, Lifeboat's Operations Manager, Aubrey Diggle said: "It's an honor to have Prince William and Miss Middleton at our naming ceremony. "Naming a new lifeboat is always a special occasion for the charity where we can thank our supporters and fundraisers. Having the royal couple there will make the day even more memorable for the whole community." The couple currently reside in Anglesey while Prince William serves as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
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Prince William and Kate have conducted their first official engagement together .
The couple attended a lifeboat naming ceremony in Anglesey, north Wales .
The pair currently live in Anglesey while Prince William serves as an RAF pilot .
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Manuel Pellegrini praised his Manchester City players for keeping the pressure on leaders Chelsea with a record-equalling victory at the start of what he called a ‘key’ week. City beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 without a recognised striker and head into their match against Burnley with the chance of winning 10 consecutive games for the first time in their history. City are three points behind Chelsea, but Pellegrini is targeting top spot by the turn of the new year. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to win their 10th consecutive game against Burnley . Pellegrini barks out instructions during Manchester City's 3-1 win against West Brom . David Silva celebrates with Samir Nasri after scoring his side's third goal against the Baggies . ‘I think this is a key week because we have to play nine points in just one week,’ Pellegrini said. ‘It is important for us to be as soon as we can at the top of the table so as not to give an advantage for the second half of the season. ‘We are not aware about records but we are aware of adding points because it will be a very close fight for the title this year and we want to keep our title. ‘If we continue in this way maybe we can do it. Any team who can arrive to 86 points can win the title. The title is not just two teams. Other teams will be involved as well. Manchester United.’ City, who have 42 points, face Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on New Year’s Day after the visit of Burnley. Twice before have the club won nine consecutives matches in all competitions – in the 2011-12 season and a century before that – but never 10. The Manchester City boss Pellegrini talks tactics with Frank Lampard during win against West Brom . Pellegrini believes rivals Manchester United have a chance of winning the Premier League . City won at the Hawthorns through goals from Fernando, Yaya Toure and David Silva. Brown Ideye got a late consolation. Pellegrini used James Milner up front once more with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko still injured. Stevan Jovetic made the bench and could feature against Burnley. Captain Vincent Kompany could also return from injury. ‘We scored three goals again without a striker,’ said the City manager. ‘James is a very intelligent player. He knows which movement he must take to create the space. ‘David is a very dangerous player because he finishes very well and has a lot of skill inside the box. ‘Vincent Kompany maybe will be fit (for Burnley). Jovetic was on the bench, so maybe he will be fit for Sunday. He was available to play today, but in this game it was not important for him to play. Also, the pitch was difficult for someone recovering from a muscle injury.’
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Manchester City won their ninth consecutive match against West Brom .
Manuel Pellegrini has said there are more than two teams in title race .
He believes rivals Manchester United have chance of winning league .
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By . Corey Charlton . Game of Thrones exploded in popularity when it was first brought to our screens, and now a dedicated couple of fans have created their very own homage - by dressing their dogs up as the show's main characters. 'The Pugs of Westeros' sees canine trio Roxy, Blue and Bono playing doggy versions of the show's main characters, including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and conniving King Joffrey. The pugs' owners, Phillip Lauer, 57, and his wife Sue, 47, from California, have been dressing their pugs up as characters from cinema and TV since they were puppies. And while the pair normally only shoot stills, they jumped at the chance of creating a mini-movie based on one of their favourite shows after being contacted by streaming service Blinkbox. Mr Lauer said: 'Sue is a professional photographer and designer and she loves to take pictures of our pugs in various scenarios. When blinkbox set us the challenge of a Game of Thrones tribute, we couldn't resist. Sue spent two weeks just creating the Iron Throne alone but it was well worth it. 'The pugs have been doing this since they were puppies. We have a studio set up in the garage and whenever I walk them towards it they get excited, no doubt wondering what's next. It's fun for them, but they do take it seriously - they are proper little professionals.' Scroll down for video . The bark family: The trio of dressed up pugs - featuring Bono as Jon Snow, Blue as Ned Stark and Roxy as Bran Stark . King Ruff-rey: The throne alone took pug owner Sue Lauer two weeks to create, seen here holding up a King Joffrey imitator . Spooky likeness: Left is Prince Oberyn Martell from Game of Thrones and his impersonator Bono the pug dog . The character of Petyr Baelish is played by Aidan Gillen in the show - here he is acted by Bono the pug . Dragon litter: Roxy as Daenerys Targaryen, the 'Mother of Dragons' from Game of Thrones . At the wall-kies: Kit Harrington, left, plays Jon Snow in the series, while Bono, right, dresses as his character with a slight twist . From left are the pug dog look-a-likes of characters Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow . Impish: Blue is pictured dressed as the character Tyrion Lannister, left, and Grand Maester Luwin, right . In the TV show the character Varys, who Roxy the pug dog is pictured imitating, is a eunuch . King Joffrey Bark-atheon: The cruel king, played by Jack Gleeson in the show, is imitated .
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U.S. couple create their own Game of Thrones opening sequence, constructing a set and using their three pet pugs as actors in costumes .
Homage titled 'The Pugs of Westeros' features dogs Roxy, Blue and Bono all dressed up as main characters from the critically acclaimed HBO series .
Couple say they have been dressing the dogs in costumes since they were puppies and past photo shoots include 'The Pugs of Middle Earth'
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:00 EST, 6 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:00 EST, 6 November 2012 . The economic cost of lung cancer is higher than any other cancer . There is an 'urgent' need to reduce the number of teenagers taking up smoking, after experts estimated that the cost of lung cancer to the UK economy is £2.4 billion each year. The figure, which is to be presented at the NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool later today, is higher than the cost of any other cancer, researchers said. The economic cost, which includes healthcare costs and the potential wage loss of patients who have died, for bowel cancer is £1.6 billion and £1.5 billion for breast cancer, according to the new study. Researchers at Oxford University calculated that the total annual cost of all cancers to the UK economy is £15.8 billion - £5.6 billion of which is for healthcare costs and £7.6 billion is attributable to premature deaths and time off work. Each lung cancer patient costs the UK healthcare system £9,071 annually, the NCRI said. Research author, Dr Jose Leal, at the Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, said: 'Lung cancer costs more than any other cancer - mainly because of potential wage losses due to premature deaths from people in employment - about 60 per cent of the total economic costs - and high health care costs. 'The death rate from the disease remains high at 56 deaths per 100,000 people in the UK population annually, and almost a quarter of these occur before retirement. 'Our research shows that cancers impact the economy as a whole - and not just the health service.' 157,000 children aged 11-15 start smoking in the UK each year (posed by models) The NCRI said that each year in the UK, 41,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer, and eight in 10 cases are caused by smoking. Data from the Office for National Statistics show that last year, 30,000 people died from lung cancer. It accounted for 5.3 per cent of all deaths in women and 7.2 per cent of all deaths in men in 2011. The NCRI said 157,000 children aged 11-15 start smoking in the UK each year. Dr Jane Cope, director of the NCRI, said: 'These figures remind us that cancer has a cost, not just in professional healthcare but also in loss of earnings for patients, and for loved ones who give up work to look after them. 'Since 86 per cent of lung cancer deaths are linked to smoking, we can reduce these financial and societal costs by helping people to stop smoking.' Jean King, Cancer Research UK’s director of tobacco control, added: 'This research highlights the stark economic impact of different cancers. But it’s important to remember the very real human impact of cancer - the lives lost to, and affected by the disease. 'It’s vital we prevent more young people from becoming addicted to a product that will kill half of all long term smokers. 'Putting an end to the silent salesman of the slickly-designed, colourful tobacco packaging is a crucial step towards making cigarettes less appealing to children. 'Stopping young people taking up this deadly addiction in the first place will not only reduce the number of lung cancer cases in the future but a range of other illnesses that continue to blight the lives of so many people.'
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Cost is higher than other common cancers, such as bowel or breast .
Each lung cancer patient costs the UK healthcare system £9,071 annually .
157,000 children aged 11-15 start smoking in the UK each year .
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Washington (CNN) -- The chairman of the Republican Party and a leading GOP senator called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to give up his post Sunday, following the publication of remarks he made about President Obama's race in 2008. A new book quotes Reid, D-Nevada, as saying privately in 2008 that Obama could be successful as a black candidate in part because of his "light-skinned" appearance and speaking patterns "with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." The remarks were "embarrassing and racially insensitive," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, head of the GOP's Senate campaign arm, in a statement to CNN. GOP Chairman Michael Steele, on NBC's "Meet the Press," said: "Racism and racist conversations have no place today in America." Steele also was on the defensive for a remark he made last week that members of both parties have called a racial slur. In an interview with Fox News, Steele used the phrase "honest injun." The Congressional Black Caucus has accepted Reid's apology and is dismissing calls for him to step down as majority leader. Rep. Barbara Lee, chairwoman of the caucus, issued the following statement: "I have had an opportunity to speak with Senator Reid and he apologized for his unfortunate remarks concerning the president, and he understands the gravity of such remarks. There are too many issues like the economy, job creation and energy for these regrettable comments to distract us from the work that must be done on behalf of the American people." Democrats also rejected the calls for Reid's dismissal. Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia, chairman of the Democratic Party, said "the case is closed" following Reid's round of apologies. Douglas Wilder of Virginia, who 20 years ago became the nation's first elected African-American governor, also rejected calls for Reid's ouster. "I think that what Reid was giving was a personal opinion, which wasn't affecting the laws or the operation of the dispensation of justice in our country," Wilder told CNN's "State of the Union." But he said he believes the incident "illustrates the need for more open discussion about race." Reid's office made clear he has no plans to step down. Democrats rejected the calls for Reid's dismissal, and Reid's office made clear he has no plans to step down. "Sen. Reid will stay in his position as majority leader and will run for re-election," his spokesman said. "As the leader in the fight to pass the Voting Rights Act and legislation banning hate crimes, Sen. Reid has a long record of addressing issues that are important to the African-American community. His Republican critics who are looking to politicize the issue can't say the same." Reid's controversial quote is in the book "Game Change," due in stores Monday. The authors write that "Reid was convinced, in fact, that Obama's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination." In a statement to CNN, Reid said, "I deeply regret using such a poor choice of words." "I sincerely apologize for offending any and all Americans, especially African-Americans for my improper comments. I was a proud and enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama during the campaign and have worked as hard as I can to advance President Obama's legislative agenda," Reid said. In his defense, he pointed to his efforts to integrate the Las Vegas strip and the gaming industry, among other legislation favored by African-American voters. "I have worked hard to advance issues important to the African-American community," he said. And the senate leader called Obama on Saturday afternoon to apologize for the remarks. In a statement issued after the call, Obama said, "As far as I am concerned, the book is closed." "Harry Reid called me today and apologized for an unfortunate comment reported today," the president said. "I accepted Harry's apology without question because I've known him for years, I've seen the passionate leadership he's shown on issues of social justice and I know what's in his heart." An aide to the senator told CNN that Reid also offered apologies to several prominent African-American political figures, including House Democrats Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Barbara Lee of California; the Rev. Al Sharpton; CNN political contributor and Democratic strategist Donna Brazile; NAACP chairman Julian Bond; and the head of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Wade Henderson. Steele, the GOP's first African-American chairman, was asked about the remarks on both "Meet the Press" and "Fox News Sunday." He told NBC on Sunday he believes Reid is out of touch with "how African-Americans generally feel" about sensitive issues. Steele was asked by NBC whether he believes the situation is similar to one involving former Sen. Trent Lott, who lost his post as Senate majority leader in 2002 after saying that the nation would have been better off if one-time segregationist candidate Strom Thurmond had been elected president. "Oh, yeah. There is a big double standard here," Steele said on NBC. Steele added: "When Democrats get caught saying racist things, you know, an apology is enough." Steele said that if a Republican senator had made the same remark Reid did, Steele himself and the Democratic Party "would be screaming for his head very much as they were with Trent Lott." Cornyn, in his statement, also accused Democrats of following a "double standard," and noted that they had pushed Lott to step down. "As we await his explanation, Sen. Reid should do the right thing, follow the example that he himself set in 2002, and step down as majority leader," Cornyn said. Kaine shot back against those arguments. "Anybody looking at Trent Lott's statements praising somebody who had been a pro-segregation candidate for president will see that there is no comparison between those comments and those of Sen. Reid," Kaine told NBC. The comments "were in the context of praising the senator and acknowledging that the senator could be a great president, but they were still insensitive," Kaine said. Asked whether Reid should resign, he said, "Absolutely not. ... We're moving on." Nevada state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, who is African-American, affirmed his support for Reid in a statement Saturday. "While I am disappointed in Sen. Reid's comment and choice of words, I accept his apology," said Horsford, a Democrat. "I have known Sen. Reid for many years and he has consistently been supportive of advancing the interests of the African-American community as he has for all Nevadans and all Americans." Steele, meanwhile, was asked about his remark in a Fox News interview last week that the GOP platform "is one of the best political documents that's been written in the last 25 years, 'honest injun' on that." "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace noted that lawmakers from both parties have called that a racial slur. "Well, if it is, I apologize for it. It's not an intent to be a racial slur. I wasn't intending to say a racial slur at all," Steele said. CNN's Dana Bash, Mark Preston and Rebecca Sinderbrand contributed to this report.
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NEW: Congressional Black Caucus rejects calls for Reid to step down .
Michael Steele calls for Reid to step down, accuses Dems of "double standard"
GOP chair says Senate majority leader's language "harkens back to the 1950s and '60s"
New book quotes Reid discussing "light-skinned" Obama's lack of "Negro dialect"
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By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 13:40 EST, 29 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:18 EST, 30 July 2012 . Brave: Sam Nagy has just become the youngest ever 'Good Samaritan' organ donor in Britain . Risking your own life for a complete stranger is a tough decision at any age. But at the tender age of 20, it is even more remarkable. But that is exactly what Sam Nagy has just done - to become the youngest ever 'Good Samaritan' organ donor in Britain. This month the banking administrator had an operation to remove one of his kidneys - which will now go to a complete stranger. The brave decision by Mr Nagy, from Huddersfield, was taken despite his mother expressing her concerns and admitting that she does not completely understand what motivated him. Speaking to The Sunday Times, he said the first person he spoke to about his decision thought he was too young and should wait a while. 'By the time I had done all the research... I thought "I am quite mature for my age, what difference is a few years going to make?" 'If there are people on the waiting list who are in quite a bad way... what is the reason for waiting a few years?' When he applied to become a donor, doctors did not express concerns about his age. His believes this is because he had carried out thorough research into the procedure. But one person who did raise serious concerns was his mother, Karen, who said she was apprehensive about the operation. 'I'm extremely proud of him but part of me thinks 'At what point in your life as a young man do you wake up and think that this is what you want to do?' She says that when he asked her what she thought, she told him she didn't want him to do it. However, she did admit that if her son needed a kidney, she would hope there was somebody like Mr Nagy who was willing to donate one. Mr Nagy's inspiration behind his bold decision came following voluntary work for a charity helping children in Kenya. Generous: Because of Mr Nagy's decision, another person will now benefit from his kidney . After having a bad day from seeing children suffering from abuse and people living in dreadful conditions, he decided there must be something he could do to help. Mr Nagy does not know who has received his kidney or whether he will ever see them in the future. On a blog which he writes, called Altruistic Donation, My Journey to Save A Life, he said: 'I'm just an average person, no amazing talents, no special abilities, just a motive to help.' The previous youngest Good Samaritan living kidney donor was 25.
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Sam Nagy took the decision despite his mother expressing her concerns .
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(CNN) -- Two international staffers supporting the peacekeeping mission in the volatile Sudanese region of Darfur were kidnapped Saturday morning, a spokesman for the peacekeeping force told CNN. Soldiers with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) pictured in June. The man and the woman, whose identities and nationalities were withheld, worked for UNAMID, a U.N. and African Union force designated to keep peace in Darfur. "Our people have been able to establish contact with the people responsible for the abduction," said UNAMID spokesman Noureddine Mezni, but he declined to identify the abductors. The organization is "asking for their immediate release," Mezni added. The peacekeeping force began operations in Darfur in December 2007 and is expected to remain there until July 2010, according to UNAMID's Web site. As of July 31 its force is comprised of more than 13,000 troops from 39 countries. As of June 30, 999 international civilian personnel were on staff, according to the site. The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Darfur, and 2.5 million have been forced to flee their homes. Sudan denies the death toll is that high. The violence in Darfur erupted in 2003 after rebels began an uprising against the Sudanese government. To counter the rebels, Arab militias with ties to the Sudanese government went from village to village in Darfur, killing, torturing and raping residents there, according to the United Nations, Western governments and human rights organizations. The militias targeted civilian members of tribes from which the rebels drew strength. CNN's Ben Brumfield contributed to this report .
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United Nations estimates 300,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Darfur .
Force began operations in Darfur in December 2007, expected to remain till 2010 .
Violence erupted in 2003 after rebels began uprising against Sudanese government .
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Washington (CNN) -- By now, many Americans are used to getting random e-mails allegedly from "friends" with weird-looking links embedded in them, or what looks like SPAM from fake companies inviting you to click on a link to reset your password. But what you may not know is that shady Internet practices could be playing a dangerous role in international cyber warfare. From China to Russia to the Middle East to African countries in transition after the Arab Spring, attacks launched from overseas against American companies and private citizens have now become a primary fear of the U.S. government, according to the annual intelligence community's worldwide threat assessment released Tuesday. "Threats are more diverse, interconnected and viral than at any time in history," Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said in testimony prepared for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Report: Cyberattacks a key threat to U.S. national security . "Attacks, which might involve cyber and financial weapons, can be deniable and unattributable," Clapper said for Tuesday's hearing. "Destruction can be invisible, latent and progressive." The Senate committee is talking with Clapper and other administration officials this week in an annual round of hearings on international threat assessments. Cyber security firm Mandiant recently linked China to cyber espionage and attempts to steal American trade secrets. "We see two sets of attackers in broad groups. We have intruders who are nation states who conduct espionage. They're going after as you mentioned trade secrets, information that they can use to improve their own companies back home. And we also see criminal groups," Richard Bejtlich, chief security officer of Mandiant, told Soledad O'Brien on CNN on Monday. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon also sounded the alarm in his remarks on Monday to The Asia Society in New York. "Increasingly, U.S. businesses are speaking out about their serious concerns about sophisticated, targeted theft of confidential business information and proprietary technologies through cyber intrusions emanating from China on an unprecedented scale," he said. "The international community cannot afford to tolerate such activity from any country. As the president said in the State of the Union, we will take action to protect our economy against cyber-threats," he said. The White House signaled that cybersecurity would be a top priority during President Barack Obama's second term. On the same day as the State of the Union address last month, Obama signed an executive order aimed at quelling cyberespionage against U.S. government agencies and American businesses. The order also seeks to shore up defenses of the critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyberattacks. Obama administration takes on hackers stealing trade secrets . "We know hackers steal people's identities and infiltrate private e-mail. We know foreign countries and companies swipe our corporate secrets," Obama said during the State of the Union address. "Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, our financial institutions, and our air traffic control systems," he said. The president stressed the urgency of swift action. "We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the face of real threats to our security and our economy," he said. For instance, that link in an e-mail from a trusted friend could really disguise a malicious file or "bot" intended to steal your passwords, log all your keystrokes or ultimately put your bank accounts, personal details and other private information in the hands of cyber criminals or foreign governments. Now imagine that happening thousands of times a day, every day of the year, all across the country. The effect could put broader networks and secure data at risk. Foreign governments can also monitor some data networks, cloud computing and wireless transmissions in efforts to steal sensitive information. The United States is seeking a more muscular response to the growing threat from foreign hackers interested in obtaining business trade secrets. Cloud threats and firewalls: Internet guru demystifies cyber security . The response, seen in a 150-page report unveiled by Attorney General Eric Holder and other leading government officials earlier this year, includes pledges by the Justice Department and FBI to crack down on hacking, a guide for corporations vulnerable to attacks on how to beef up their own security, and a proposal to better coordinate efforts with U.S. allies to prosecute foreign hackers. "In this time of economic recovery, this work is more important than it has ever been before," Holder said. "I am pleased to report we are fighting back more aggressively and collaboratively than ever before." Major banks hit with biggest cyberattacks in history . Facebook, Microsoft, the New York Times and other media companies have all faced cyber attacks in recent years. So have financial institutions like Bank of America, US Bancorp, HSBC, JP Morgan Chase, Mastercard, PNC, SunTrust and Wells Fargo. Companies like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup recently sounded the alarm with shareholders about the increased risk of cyberattacks. The Obama administration specficially pointed the finger at China on Monday. Donilon said that Beijing must "take serious steps" to fight hacking of U.S tech networks. He said the U.S. government wants China to recognize "the urgency and scope" of the cybersecurity issue and "the risk it poses" to international trade and to the "reputation of Chinese industry and to our overall relations." Legislation aimed at regulating how businesses report and address cyber attacks failed in the Senate last year amid GOP and business lobby resistance. But the business community may now be coming around to working a bit more closely with the government in the interest of improving security. During a Senate hearing last week, lawmakers listened to the business community and government officials' concerns. During a similar series of committee hearings this week, lawmakers will examine more ideas on the topic. Still, those in federal government and the business community are taking the increased risk of cyberattacks very seriously. "A cyber attack against a government agency or a defense contractor is an attack against our nation," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, who is also chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "A cyber attack against a private company dealing with, say a water company is an attack against our nation. So is it with an attack on a private company that provides power or clean water to millions of Americans," Rockefeller said. "An attack against any of these pieces, even though they might be privately operated, is an attack against our nation's critical infrastructure and therefore, us as a nation." CNN's Sudip Bhattacharya, Mariano Castillo and Alex Mooney contributed to this report.
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Internet attacks against U.S. citizens, companies are increasing, research shows .
Senate committee hearing from Obama administration on threats from overseas .
Facebook, Microsoft, banks, media companies all hit with cyber attacks .
The Obama administration wants China to curb hacking .
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By . Sam Creighton . A jealous ex has been slapped with a restraining order for taking revenge on his former fiancee by posting naked pictures of her on Facebook. Ben Haddon, 29, uploaded two intimate images of his former partner Lisa Beckett, 29, on the social network site just weeks after they split up in January. The builder, from Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to harassment without violence at North Staffordshire Justice Centre yesterday and was issued with an indefinite restraining order, barring him from making contact with Miss Beckett. Lisa Beckett said she is 'disgusted' by the pictures and claims not to have known they had been taken . He was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation to his ex-partner as well as a £250 fine and £110 costs. The . court heard how the father-of-two had kept the x-rated photographs - . which Miss Beckett claims not to have consented to - from their 14-month . relationship and used them to humiliate her online. He . also tried to get her in trouble at work by claiming she was on drugs . and even sent threatening text messages and made abusive phone calls. Haddon texted Miss Beckett on February 4, saying he had uploaded . pornographic pictures of her on Facebook and was planning to post more. The couple pictured before the incident. Miss Beckett said she and Mr Haddon had been happy . The court heard how Haddon deleted the photographs minutes later - although Miss Beckett claims they were there for up to an hour - but they had already been seen by Miss Beckett’s friends and family. Prosecutor Katie Price said: 'Miss Beckett said he was ringing her and threatening her. 'He would ring her place of work to try to get her into trouble by telling them she had taken drugs. 'He said he was going to put things on his Facebook page and he continued to threaten her via text. 'He would also ring her and tell her he was going to blacken her eyes. 'On February 4, Mr Haddon sent a text saying he had uploaded some pornographic pictures and was planning to upload more. 'Miss Beckett was disgusted. The first photograph showed her and the defendant lying together naked on a bed. 'The second photograph was of a similar nature, but a close-up version. 'Miss Beckett claims she did not know these pictures had been taken and that she definitely did not consent to them.' In a statement read out in court, Miss Beckett added: 'When I found out the photographs had been uploaded I was at work. 'I didn’t eat or sleep for the whole day. I felt terrified of what was coming next. I feel that this has damaged my reputation. 'I never thought Ben would be capable of this.' The couple had been together for 14-months before the relationship fell apart and the harassment started . Miss Beckett told the court she was shocked Haddon was capable of doing something like posting the pictures . Defending himself in court, Haddon described himself as a 'first-class idiot' and apologised to Miss Beckett. He . said: 'I am ashamed of what I have done but I want to make sure that . you know that she did know these photographs had been taken and she was . quite willing to have them taken at the time. 'I am a father, and I am disgusted in myself. I have been a first class idiot. 'But I would like to apologise, I am sorry. I hope we can both move on with our lives.' The court heard the pair had been in a relationship for just over a year before things turned sour in January. They lived together from June 2013 and Haddon even proposed to her in October, while they were on . holiday in Wales. But . the relationship fell apart in January when he walked out on Miss Beckett . after his ex-partner started to let him see his two young children. Haddon apologised but Miss Beckett said it is not enough to make up for what has happened . Miss Beckett, . a support worker for disabled people, said: 'It was a good . relationship, he didn’t do anything wrong, it was just normal. We lived . together since June and we got engaged last October. 'He started getting contact with his children in January and as soon as that happened he just left. 'It just ended but we parted on good terms, I didn’t get an explanation. 'He . still wanted to see me and didn’t want me to see anybody else but he . had left the home and left me so I told him he had no right to tell me . who I was seeing. 'I think jealousy got the better of him and all the harassment started.' Speaking after the trial, the mother-of-one said: 'I . had never seen them [the pictures] before and they were disgusting. It . was intercourse from behind but I didn’t know the phone was there. You . could see genitals. 'You . don’t need your mum and dad or colleagues at work seeing that kind of . thing. I rang the police straight away because I didn’t know what else . to do. 'An officer came to my home and I had to initial every picture to say it was me, it was humiliating. 'I am happy with the restraining order because I know he would contact me again if it wasn’t for that. 'But I would have been happier if he had been jailed for three months to have time to reflect about what he did. 'He . hasn’t learnt his lesson, he called himself a first class idiot in . court but he thinks it’s funny. And this is a man who has a daughter, it . is absolutely disgusting. 'I don’t think I can ever trust anybody again. The thought that I let this man around my child makes my skin crawl.'
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Ben Haddon, 29, posted two racy pictures of his ex on social network .
The couple broke up in January, after being engaged for three months .
Father-of-two also tried to get his ex sacked and threatened to attack her .
He described himself in court as a 'first class idiot' for posting the pictures .
Lisa Beckett, 29, claims she never consented to photos being taken .
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By . David Kent . Basketball legend Michael Jordan has reached billionaire status. Forbes Magazine estimates that Jordan's equity as owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets is $416million and his net worth outside of the team to be $600million. It reported Jordan now owns 89.5 per cent of the Hornets. Jordan's spokeswoman, Estee Portnoy, confirmed that Jordan purchased an additional stake in the Hornets in January 2013, but wouldn't say how much. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Michael Jordan sink a stunning chip during a golf match . Ulitmate slam dunk: Jordan made a name for himself on the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s . Champion: Jordan was a six-time NBA winner with Chicago Bulls . Portnoy had no comment on whether or not Jordan is a billionaire. A six-time NBA champion with Chicago Bulls, Jordan earned fame and fortune on the basketball court, as well as through endorsements and movies. The 51-year-old became the majority owner of the Hornets (formerly the Bobcats) in 2010 when he bought out Bob Johnson's share of the team.
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Jordan won six NBA titles with Chicago Bulls during an illustrious playing career .
He now owns NBA team Charlotte Hornets .
Forbes Magazine estimates that Jordan is worth more than $1billion .
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(CNN) -- FC Moscow have pulled out of the 2010 Russian Premier Liga after the club's owner withdrew financing of the club. After days of speculation Sports Projects, a subsidiary of the club's owners Norilsk Nickel, confirmed on Friday the company could no longer justify financing the club. The club's future now looks uncertain, with lower league football or even closure a possibility. Meanwhile, Montenegrin coach Miodrag Bozovic, his staff and players are expected to be told to find new employers. "In my opinion the decision has been taken because, from the point of view of the club's location and name, it does not fit in with the priorities of Norilsk Nickel, the majority of whose workforce are based in Russia's polar regions and the Krasnodar territory," Sports Projects general director Leonid Isakovich told reporters. "Our decision has been influenced by a lack of support from the Moscow authorities. We have made several attempts to find mutual cooperation, but were unable to find an understanding." The club passed the licensing requirements to compete in the Premier Liga on Thursday, offering a glimmer of hope. But the growing speculation surrounding Norilsk Nickel's continued backing led to a group of fans congregating at the city's Sheremetyevo airport to lobby support from national team coach Guus Hiddink, who was returning to the country to meet new Russian Football Association president Sergei Fursenko. FC Moscow were founded in 1997 under the name Torpedo-ZIL. They finished the 2009 season in sixth place, narrowly missing out on a Europa League spot, and have reached the quarterfinals of the Russian Cup, with ties due to be played in April. Former Russian champions Alania Vladikavkaz, who finished third in Division One, are now expected to take FC Moscow's place in the top flight. FC Moscow may not turn out to be the Premier Liga's only casualty this season. Samara-based side Krylya Sovetov, who are heavily in debt and are reported to owe some of their players wages and bonuses going back to August, have until February 15 to clear their debts and satisfy the licensing requirements for the coming season. The 2010 Premier Liga is due to begin on March 13.
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FC Moscow have pulled out of competing in the 2010 Russian Premier Liga .
The decision comes after the their owner withdrew financing of the club .
Alania Vladikavkaz are now expected to take FC Moscow's place in the top flight .
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By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 21:41 EST, 27 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 22:16 EST, 27 November 2013 . A high-profile New York jewelry designer whose uncle founded the French fashion house Givenchy has been arrested for punching a police office in the face. Taffin jewelry boss James de Givenchy, 50, allegedly assaulted the NYPD cop after refusing to get out of his black Mercedes SUV, which was sitting on the back of a tow truck. The altercation happened outside the Valbella Italian restaurant at 421 W. 13th St. in Manhattan's Meatpacking district about 2 a.m. Saturday. High society scuffle: Taffin jewelry boss James de Givenchy, 50, allegedly assaulted the NYPD cop after refusing to get out of his black Mercedes SUV, which was sitting on the back of a tow truck. His wife Gina, pictured was also arrested . Police said the former creative director for Sotheby's Diamonds had parked his car illegally, and when he returned to the vehicle an NYPD traffic officer was towing it. The angry designer then allegedly climbed onto the back of the tow truck and got into his Mercedes, stubbornly refusing to get out. The sergeant from the Sixth Precinct was then forced to pull him out of the car, police said. Givenchy then assumed a 'fighting stance' on the sidewalk, and the sergeant fired a taser at him but missed. That's when he punched the sergeant in the face, police said. A second officer came to help the sergeant, and the pair sprayed Mace at de Givenchy before finally calming him down enough to arrest him, DNAInfo reported. Scene: The altercation happened outside the Valbella Italian restaurant, pictured, at 421 W. 13th St. in Manhattan's Meatpacking district about 2 a.m. Saturday . Bond: Givenchy's jewelry has been featured at Sotheby's and Christie's and he was once dubbed 'the James Bond of the jewelry world' by Vogue . His wife, Gina de Givenchy, 46, was also arrested after she tried to get the officers off her husband. Givenchy's jewelry has been featured at Sotheby's and Christie's and he was once dubbed 'the James Bond of the jewelry world' by Vogue. The couple are regulars on the Manhattan socialite scene and their Upper East Side apartment was on one occasion featured in T Magazine. Givenchy is charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. He was released after paying $2,500 bail, court records show. Gina de Givenchy was charged with obstructing governmental administration, which is a misdemeanor charge.
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Taffin jewelry boss James de Givenchy, 50, allegedly assaulted the NYPD cop after refusing to get out of his black Mercedes SUV, which was sitting on the back of a tow truck .
The altercation happened outside the Valbella Italian restaurant at 421 W. 13th St. in Manhattan's Meatpacking district about 2 a.m. Saturday .
His wife, Gina de Givenchy, 46, was also arrested after she tried to get the officers off her husband .
Prior to the punch, the cop tried to taser Givenchy but missed .
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By . Rachel Quigley . Last updated at 3:18 PM on 20th December 2011 . A social work professor accused of rape and performing other lewd acts on teenage girls has been formally charged. Dwain Pellebon, 54, of the University of Oklahoma, was arraigned on two counts of rape, two counts of lewd acts with a child and two counts of sexual child abuse. The professor was arrested last week after authorities received allegations from a child welfare worker he had sexually abused two teenage girls in the past two years. He denies all the allegations. Paid leave: Dwain Pellebon, 54, of the University of Oklahoma, has been arrested for allegedly committing rape twice and lewd acts on a child under 16 years old . A state Department of Human Services worker told Norman police that a . 13-year-old reported seeing Pellebon fondle another 13-year-old during a . sleepover at the suspect's Norman home, according to a search warrant . affidavit. The girl was interviewed by police . last week, according to NewsOk, and told them she woke up in his home on . at least two occasions with Pellebon lying beside her touching her . 'from her hair to her ankles'. The alleged abuse started when she was 11. The social worker also said Pellebon sexually abused a mentally disabled 15-year-old at least twice. The girl also told police the suspect would remove her from bed, take her clothes off and 'display her on a bed for viewing'. Court documents also revealed the . girl said Pellebon kept track of her menstrual cycle and showed her . 'parts of the body you weren't supposed to see'. The social work professor admitted . taking off the girl's clothes but said he did it to apply cream to her . 'chest, back and butt' while they were alone in his bedroom. NewsOk reported that though Pellebon denies any sexual contact, he described himself to investigators as an 'affectionate, sensual man who liked to hug, kiss, cuddle and stroke young girls that he felt close to'. He also told police that he had viewed child pornography once but did not download it. University: Pellebon is on unpaid leave from the university and free on $75,000 bail . In 2001, Pellebon was investigated by DHS under similar circumstances . but no charges were filed because the alleged victim — the daughter of a . former Norman police officer — failed to give investigators a . statement, documents show. He has been placed on administrative leave without pay and is free on $75,000 bail. The 54-year-old was a director on a local board for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which helps children in juvenile court and foster systems. He took a leave of absence from the board earlier this year, a Cleveland County CASA spokesman told The Oklahoman. Pellebon . teaches a course on human sexuality that looks at ‘sexual behaviour, . gender differences and sexual values’, reported CNN. After he was arrested a university spokesman said they 'acted swiftly to suspend Pellebon from any contact with students and from use of any university facilities'.
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Dwain Pellebon, 54, arrested for rape and lewd acts .
Denies charges but admitted being 'affectionate and sensual'
Admitted watching child porn .
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(CNN) -- On November 24, 1859, the first edition of a book that would shake the most deeply established beliefs about life was published in London. What would eventually be known as "The Origin of Species" was the opening shot in a debate that hasn't ended, even 150 years later. In a series of books starting in 1976 and in his 2002 TED Talk, biologist Richard Dawkins has explored the implications of Darwin's work. In "The Selfish Gene," Dawkins wrote, "Living organisms had existed on earth, without ever knowing why, for over three thousand million years before the truth finally dawned on one of them. His name was Charles Darwin." Watch the TED Talk by Richard Dawkins . Dawkins argues that there is no doubt that Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is true and, unlike some other scholars of the subject, says belief in evolution is not compatible with faith in religion. In fact, he argues, science and religion undermine each other. "I believe a true understanding of Darwinism is deeply corrosive to religious faith," Dawkins says in his TED Talk. There's no room for a God in the world as he sees it, and he believes atheists should be forceful in opposing religion. He acknowledges that it's an unpopular case to make, particularly in the United States. "It's an undeniable fact that to own up to being an atheist is tantamount to introducing yourself as Mr. Hitler or Miss Beelzebub," he said. "And that all stems from the perception of atheists as some kind of weird, way-out minority." Watch an interview with Dawkins . According to Dawkins, life was not created by an intelligent designer. In "The Selfish Gene," he wrote that science has established that, "We are survival machines -- robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes." Read why another writer believes evolution and faith can be compatible . Darwin himself was very slow to make his theory of evolution by natural selection public, taking 15 years from his early insights on the subject to the publication of the book -- and publishing it then only after naturalist Alfred Wallace had independently come up with the idea of evolution. Darwin struggled with the book, which he called "my abominable volume" and said that it "has cost me so much labor that I almost hate it." The book went through six editions with Darwin's input and sold many copies, but it was controversial from the start. Read the view of an advocate of "intelligent design" In an interview by e-mail last week, CNN asked Dawkins about Darwin and religion. CNN: How would you describe the book's importance compared to other classic books? Richard Dawkins: Dan Dennett described natural selection as the best idea anyone ever had, and that is an easily defensible talking-point. Wallace independently had the idea, and the main reason Darwin is remembered more than the admirable Wallace is that Darwin wrote the book that changed people's minds. Evolution by natural selection didn't trickle into public consciousness but was properly launched, fully fashioned, in a brilliant book. T.H. Huxley surely wasn't the only reader to close the book saying, "How extremely stupid of me not to have thought of that." CNN: In your TED Talk, you described American biologists as being in a "state of war" when it comes to defending evolution against its critics. Do you think that's still the case, nearly eight years later? Dawkins: Yes. More so, if anything. CNN: You contrast the British 10 pound note, which displays a likeness of Darwin, to the "In God We Trust" on American currency. Why are attitudes in Britain so significantly different on this question? Dawkins: I think it stems from the far greater popularity of religion in America, but that only pushes the question back a stage. Why is America so much more religious than most other western countries? CNN: What's your sense of Darwin's influence around the world? Dawkins: Evolution is almost universally accepted among those who understand it, almost universally rejected by those who don't. CNN: You maintain that science is corrosive to religion and that religion undermines science. In what practical ways do you see the influence of religion today affecting what science can accomplish? Dawkins: Since we are talking about practical ways, the obvious example is stem cell research. But there is a more pernicious and pervasive influence, which is an active shutting down of the critical faculties. Religion teaches us to be satisfied with non-explanations, and this is viciously corrosive of science and of the life of the mind generally. CNN: In your 1986 book, "the Blind Watchmaker," you wrote that, "For reasons that are not entirely clear to me, Darwinism seems more in need of advocacy than similarly established truths in other branches of science." Do you have any further thoughts on why that's the case? Dawkins: I think it is mostly because of biblical literalism. Then there's the added fact that, as the great molecular biologist Jacques Monod said, 'The trouble with natural selection is that everybody THINKS he understands it.' CNN: What's the greatest remaining mystery about evolution? Dawkins: How the evolution of the brain gave rise to the emergent property we call subjective consciousness. CNN: What question would you ask Darwin if he were alive today? Dawkins: Why did you wait so long before publishing your brilliant idea? CNN: You make the argument in the TED Talk for atheists to assert themselves boldly and overcome the cultural stigma against opposing religion. Do you see signs that such an attitude is taking hold? Dawkins: Yes, I am happy to say I do think so. I'd like to think that books such as those by Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens and me have initiated a turning of the tide. Editor's note: TED Talks appear Tuesdays on CNN.com through a partnership with TED, a nonprofit organization devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading." TED started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three fields from which it took its name: Technology, Entertainment, Design. It has since spread ideas in many fields through conferences around the world and through its web site, TED.com .
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Darwin's "Origin of Species" was published 150 years ago on November 24 .
In a TED Talk, Richard Dawkins said evolution and religion are at odds .
He urges atheists to be forceful in making their case for science .
Dawkins: "Religion teaches us to be satisfied with non-explanations"
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By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 13:26 EST, 20 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:27 EST, 20 September 2013 . A pony had to have an eye amputated after impaling itself onto the three which it had been chained to with a metal tether. Owner James Smith has been banned from keeping horses for a year after RSPCA inspectors found Bertie the pony in extreme pain, with blood pouring from his eye. Mr Smith, of Cottingham, East Yorkshire, had cruelly tied Bertie in such a way that the pony had wrapped the chain around the tree several times, limiting his movement and resulting in him injuring his eye. Painful neglect: Bertie the pony was found in great pain and distress by RSPCA inspectors after he had impaled himself on the tree to which he was tied in an attempt to move . After he was freed by RSPCA and police officers, a veterinarian found that Bertie's eye had been ruptured would need to be removed. Inspector Hannah Bryer said: ‘Bertie suffered immense pain and distress as a result of the way he was tethered. ‘The fact of the matter is, had he been tethered in a correct and safe fashion, this injury would not have occurred. Access de-neighed: Bertie's owner has been banned from handling horses for a year . ‘The pony had an injury to the right eye, which was bleeding. 'The pony was at full stretch in attempt to get away from the tree, with the neck strap tight to his head. 'He had his head down and he was shaking. ‘I immediately called a vet to the scene and set about trying to free him with the help of some police officers.’ Inspector Bryer is now warning horse owners to ensure they tether their animals properly. She said: ‘The current animal welfare legislation does not make tethering horses illegal. However, people who chose to tether their animals must ensure that it is done safely and appropriately. ‘The consequences of not heeding that advice can be devastating, as this case highlights. ‘Thankfully, Bertie has adapted well to only having one eye and is doing well in his new home.’ Smith pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the pony at Beverley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He was banned from keeping horses and ordered to undertake 30 hours at a Humberside probation attendance centre.
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Bertie the pony impaled himself onto a tree branch and lost his eye .
He had been tied with a metal chain which had wrapped around the tree .
Bertie was saved by RSPCA inspectors who found him bleeding .
His owner James Smith has been banned from keeping horses for a year .
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By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:01 EST, 17 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:12 EST, 17 May 2013 . More than a quarter of gay people have been subjected to violence, abuse or hate-filled threats in the past five years, according to 'the most comprehensive study' of homophobia in Europe. The European Union are calling for action to counter discrimination and violence against homosexuals after the survey, by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, revealed many gay people are living in fear across the 27-nation bloc. Morten Kjaerum, of the EUAFR, said action is needed 'to break down the barriers, eliminate the hate and create a society where everyone can fully enjoy their rights.' The survey of 93,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people showed that more than 80 percent of the group are verbally abused or bullied at school, nearly one in five feel discriminated against when seeking work and a quarter of the people have been attacked or threatened in recent years. Loud and proud: The survey also found that poorer and younger respondents were more likely to face discrimination due to their sexuality while the majority of attacks took place in public and were usually carried out by men in groups of more than one . The survey was released Friday at a conference in The Hague, Netherlands, on the International Day against Homophobia. It also found that poorer and younger respondents were more likely to face discrimination due to their sexuality while the majority of attacks took place in public and were usually carried out by men in groups of more than one. More worryingly, it revealed that more than half of gay people who have suffered violence on account of their sexuality did not report it to police. Defence: The survey of 93,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people showed that more than 80 percent of the group are verbally abused or bullied at school, nearly one in five feel discriminated against when seeking work and a quarter of the people have been attacked or threatened in recent years . Meanwhile, two-thirds of respondents said they had tried to hide or disguise their sexuality at school and 20 per cent of gay or bisexual respondents [and 29 per cent of transgender . respondents] said they had suffered discrimination at work or when . looking for a job. Gay man John van Breugel, from the Netherlands, told the BBC he had been attacked only twice in his life, adding: 'First when I was in Germany with my boyfriend and a couple came up and called us "dirty gays." He said the second time was in London when a man spat in his face as he went to the shops. He added: 'I came out as gay when I was 17,' he recalled. 'My best friend never . spoke to me again, but everyone else was very accepting - my family and . friends were great. At my high school no bad words were said against . me.'
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European Union is calling for action to counter discrimination and violence .
Poorer and younger respondents were more likely to face discrimination .
Majority of attacks in public and usually carried out by men in groups .
More than half who have suffered violence did not .
report it to police .
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(CNN) -- "Hi I'm Mindy Grossman. I'm a mom, a wife, the CEO of HSNi but most of all I'm a disruptor." Mindy Grossman has been the driving force behind making the Home Shopping Network both hip and profitable, by bringing in celebrities from Jessica Simpson to P. Diddy and boosting sales dramatically. Digital sales now account for approximately 45% of HSNi's (HSN and Cornerstone) total revenues, according to Forbes. CNN's Isha Sesay finds out how she did it and what inspires her. Upbringing . Isha Sesay: You didn't study fashion, so how did you get into this business? Mindy Grossman: I probably have one of the most unconventional career paths ever. My parents married young but weren't able to have children so my father's boss in the produce business lent them the money to adopt me. I felt a real responsibility to be the first one to go to college, and the first one to be successful. I grew up very fast, I took things very seriously. I graduated high school at 16 and went to college, determined to be an attorney. I also got engaged very young, at 19. But when I was in my last semester of senior year of college I realized I was leading someone else's life and I wasn't really recognizing things that were inside me that were really important. Creativity and curiosity and really experiencing things. I moved to New York and was offered a job working for a company called Manhattan international. It was a menswear conglomerate at the time, working for the president of their international division. I was 20. Early on I was told I could do anything I wanted to do. It wasn't an issue being a woman or not coming from a wealthy family, and that is what always inspired me. The vision . IS: How was it perceived when you first joined HSN in 2006? MG: It was definitely an interesting time. I spent the first 18 years of my career in the menswear industry. When I started polo jeans, which was my startup experience, and then I went to Nike, so those were somewhat difference transitions. When it was announced that I was leaving Nike, to go to what at the time was called IAC retail, it wasn't exactly looked at as aspirational. IS: But why was it so attractive to you? MG: Because I had seen the world changing. I had the opportunity to be traveling globally, to Japan to China, Latin America. I saw the wave of growth of mobile interaction in Japan that wasn't even glistening here at that time. How people were interfacing with brands. How technology was going to change things, how content was becoming power. So I knew that there was something there and I thought this could be part of it. I was at home watching HSN, keeping an eye on the competition but I'm also food network lover. I remember my husband saying "what are you doing" and I said "I'm trying to see what's gonna click". All of a sudden I saw Wolfgang Puck -- who was engaging and entertaining and he wasn't selling. He was inspiring and engaging customers and they wanted to buy his product because of that. The next day I went and had lunch with Chairman Barry Diller at the Four Seasons and kind of laid out this vision. And what's wonderful, in pure Barry fashion he was like, go forth. And you know - I jumped in. IS: Do you shop at HSN? MG: I'm going to tell you the truth. My husband once burst out laughing and I said what's so funny. He said you just got a letter from yourself for being one of the best customers at HSN! IS: How much do you buy? MG: I think I might be one of, if not the biggest jewelry customers. I believe that the reason that I really understand our consumer is I AM her. I love the thrill of it, I love discovery, I love the story behind what I'm buying. You can walk with me in my home and I will tell you the story of where I found that chair and how I found that chair and every single piece. The celeb factor . IS: Part of the reason for your success has been you attracting major celebrities and their brands and bringing them to HSN. Why has it done so well? MG: One of the things that we said early on is if we're going to have credibility in this idea of editorial program commerce, we need every one of the individuals that come to HSN, they have to have a great product, a great story and be a great storyteller. It's about the story, so if you look at our recent 100 Foot Journey or Maleficent with our Disney partnership, those are things that can transport people they can feel they're part of that journey and then they can be inspired to want the product, and that's what we're trying to do. The challenges . IS: What are some of the challenges you've faced in your time here? MG: The challenge was getting people to embrace the new, and dealing with being dismissed. It hurts because you take it personally, but it makes you stronger. I'll never forget when I first went to some fancy cocktail party in New York, somebody said asked what I did, and I said i was the CEO of IAC retail and we have HSN, and they go (whispering) "I've shopped on HSN" and I go, "Why are you whispering?!" But it was a very sobering experience and one that really, reinforced my belief of how to behave, as a leader as an individual. Inspire: Actress who became NASA's 'secret weapon'
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Mindy Grossman is the CEO of a TV shopping network .
She changed people's view of home shopping with celebrity endorsements .
She cites risk taking and being your own customer as keys to her success .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:57 EST, 24 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:38 EST, 24 August 2013 . Many men are often told how much they . look like their fathers, especially as they get older, a statement that . sparked an idea for a photo project for Craig Gibson. The . UK-based photographer decided to overlap photos of fathers and sons to . help focus the eye on the similarities in facial features between the . different generations. Gibson . took countless photos of each subject to ensure that he had shots of . both father and son’s faces that were aligned at the same angle for his . photo series ‘Boys And Their Fathers.’ By . overlapping the images the father and sons appear to have far more . physical attributes in common than one would notice by simply looking at . them next to each other. Each . photograph urges the viewer to take a closer look at both father and . son, showing that we are genetically bonded to our families, no matter . how different we seem to be, reports My Modern Met.
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Photographer Craig Gibson has combined photos of fathers and sons to show how similar their facial features are .
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A girl who wrote to DC Comics after she was fed up of the misogynistic nature of her favourite comic books was delighted when the company transformed her into her very own hero. Rowan Hansen, 11, from Illinois, wrote a letter to the comic giants at the beginning of February expressing her annoyance with the lack of female characters in the superhero strips. In it she called for more female characters and action figures and even pointed out that their rival Marvel comics were outdoing them in gender equality. Rowan Hansen (left) wrote a letter to DC comics complaining that there weren't enough female characters in their strips and movies, the company responded by recreating the 11-year-old in superhero form (right) In the letter Rowan wrote: 'I'm upset because there aren't very many girl superheroes or movies and comics from DC. 'There are Superman and Batman movies but not a Wonder Woman one. You have a Flash TV show but not a Wonder Woman one. 'Marvel comic made a movie about Talking Tree and Racoon Awesome but you haven't made a movie with Wonder Woman.' Rowan went on to say that she was not alone and there are many other female readers of DC comics. In her letter she tells DC that 'girls read comics too and they care', it received thousands of shares on Twitter . 'I love your comics, but I would love them a lot more if there were more girls. 'I asked a lot of the people I know whether they watched movies or read books or comics where girls were the main characters, they all said yes. 'Please do something about this. Girls read comics too and they care.' Her letter received thousands of shares on Twitter after Jim Hansen, Rowan's father posted it online. A disgruntled Rowan was therefore delighted when she received a reply later in the month from DC Comics who tweeted saying they are 'working hard to create more superhero fun for girls'. DC also tweeted to say that they agreed with Rowan and that more girls should read comics. Rowan with her father Jim who posted the letter online . To prove they were true to their word the company released a bespoke image of Rowan reimagined as her very own superhero complete with a costume and cape. The comic book super fan told Today says she could never get her head around the gender inequality in the superhero world. 'I have never really understood why they've had more male superheroes. 'It's not like the male superheroes are better than the female superheroes, there are just more of them.' Although Rowan was thrilled with her response she says that she will not cease to campaign for more female characters. She told Today: 'It was really, really cool. But I don't want people to think, "Oh, yeah, okay, they responded to her. Now it's over." I want people to keep trying to make this happen, because it's really important to me.'
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Rowan Hanson, 11, complained to DC about the lack of female characters .
Her father posted it online and it received thousands of shares .
DC responded by reimagining Rowan as her very own superhero .
Rowan says she will continue to campaign for more girl characters .
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By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 10:42 EST, 18 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:20 EST, 19 September 2013 . Tonight's Powerball jackpot in the U.S is estimated at $400 million, making it the nation's fifth-largest ever, though its jackpot hit $590 million earlier this year. The game's rules were changed in early 2012 to boost payoffs and now organizers of the country's other big lottery, Mega Millions, are planning changes of their own. Although Mega Millions still holds the record for the largest jackpot in U.S. history - a $656 million prize in March 2012 - organizers are hoping to more regularly see huge jackpots by lessening the odds of winning big while upping a player's shot at smaller but still hefty prizes. Bob Knowles buys a Powerball ticket on Tuesday in Des Moines, Iowa, to be in to win the $400m jackpot . Mega Millions doesn't plan to change its $1 ticket price, but an extra $1 option already in the game will be expanded to allow players to increase their secondary prize total to between $1 million and $5 million, a major increase from $250,000. Game changes also include boosting the starting jackpot from $12 million to $15 million, and allowing the jackpot to grow by at least $5 million between drawings when no top winner is selected. It's those jackpots, not the name on the game, that ultimately draw in 45-year-old Trent Shenefield. 'Depends on what's up the highest,' the electrician said Tuesday while at a QuickTrip convenience store in suburban Kansas City. 'I guess everyone wants to win the big one.' But fellow lottery player Bob Knowles, a school bus driver in Iowa, said the changes didn't really matter. The 62-year-old said he purchases tickets for both games several times a week and would be happy with any jackpot. 'That's nice, but I don't care. I can get by with $10 million. I can get by with $3 million,' he said after buying Powerball tickets at a grocery store in Des Moines. Laric Elbert shows his Powerball ticket, in Des Moines, Iowa, ahead of the jackpot . 'I just play along with the Mega and Powerball. What it starts off with would be pretty comfortable for me to win.' The changes take effect for the Oct. 22 drawing and were based on extensive consumer research, said Paula Otto, executive director for the Virginia Lottery and lead director for Mega Millions. She said officials decided not to increase ticket prices, but acknowledged Powerball's success after it increased its ticket prizes from $1 to $2. 'Certainly we were looking at the fact that changes that Powerball made, primarily by increasing the price point, it definitely favorably impacted the jackpot,' Otto said. 'It's doing what it's supposed to do, which is helping Powerball have bigger jackpots on a pretty consistent basis.' The Powerball jackpot is now the FIFTH biggest in U.S. history1. $656 million, Mega Millions, March 30, 2012 (3 tickets from Kansas, Illinois and Maryland)2. $590.5 million, Powerball, May 18, 2013 (1 ticket from Florida)3. $587.5 million, Powerball, Nov. 28, 2012 (2 tickets from Arizona and Missouri)4. $400 million, Powerball, (drawing scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 7; jackpot could grow)5. $390 million, Mega Millions, March 6, 2007 (2 tickets from Georgia and New Jersey)6. $380 million, Mega Millions, Jan. 4, 2011 (2 tickets from Idaho and Washington)7. $365 million, Powerball, Feb. 18, 2006 (1 ticket from Nebraska)8. $363 million, The Big Game, May 9, 2000 (2 tickets from Illinois and Michigan)9. $340 million, Powerball, Oct. 19, 2005 (1 ticket from Oregon)10. $338.3 million, Powerball, March 23, 2013 (1 ticket from New Jersey) She noted that both games are now sold side by side, as part of a 2010 licensing agreement, in 43 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 'It's great to have both games available to players and to have drawings four nights a week. I think that the two games complement each other,' Otto said. The Iowa-based Multi-State Lottery Association is operated by 33 state lotteries that help oversee Powerball. Mega Millions has no central office and is run by individual state lotteries that handle their own accounting matters. 'I applaud them for looking at changes,' said Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich. 'You need to revise, you need to refresh. Any good, big company knows that you need to revitalize your product.' Here are some things to keep in mind ahead of Wednesday night's Powerball jackpot drawing. 1. THE ODDS . Remember, a person's odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 175 million. That's how many combinations are possible with the game's five white balls and one red ball. In this case, there have been 11 drawings since August 10 without a winner. 2. BIG JACKPOTS . A major revamp in January 2012 increased the cost of a Powerball ticket from $1 to $2. It also led to larger jackpots in smaller amounts of time. Of the top 10 Powerball jackpots of all time, nearly half have been recorded after the game change. 3. CONSOLATION PRIZE . Since the revamp, a secondary $1 million prize has made some losers happy anyway. More than 730 people have won $1 million, and more than 120 people have won $2 million through the Power Play option. 4. WHY WAIT FOR THE HYPE? There's technically no need to wait for a larger jackpot. Whether the jackpot is $40 million or $400 million, your odds of winning the top prize are the same. Whether you buy 1 ticket or 10 tickets, your odds are pretty much the same. A higher jackpot just means there's a higher chance there will be more than one winning ticket. 5. SOMEONE IS GOING TO WIN . The chance of a person's combination being selected remains astronomically high, though the chance that some set of six numbers will be selected is 1. That means even though your chances of winning are slim, the chances that someone else will win are high. Ronald Wasserstein, executive director of the American Statistical Association, said that's what makes people think it could be them. When it's probably not. 6. AGAIN, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WIN . Remember, you're probably not going to win. Wasserstein said it's hard for people to grasp how small their chances actually are, since no one can really see 175 million of anything. Wasserstein tries to break it down. Take 175 million one-dollar bills and lay them out. Pick one lucky dollar bill that will win you all $175 million. You can line up those dollar bills twice along the edges of the continental United States. Or you can cover 380 football fields. Imagine picking the one lucky dollar bill from those fields, and that's your chance of winning the Powerball jackpot on a single ticket.
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Mega Millions is also changing its rules to create less huge wins and more smaller, but still hefty prizes .
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By . Ryan Gorman . and Ashley Collman . Dozens of Calgary police are searching a sprawling farm outside the Canadian city after a tip in the disappearance of a young boy and his grandparents led them to the property. Authorities released a CCTV image of a pickup they believe is . linked to the disappearance of five-year-old Nathan O'Brien and Alvin and Kathryn Liknes, and locals had them at the truck owner's home in less than 24 hours. The late 1980s . - early 1990s green Ford F-150 was seen in the Park Hill area the trio was in around the time they . are believed to have gone missing, police said. A man has been taken in for questioning, but has not been identified because he has yet to be charged with a crime. No stone unturned: Officers are walking every inch of every field on the farm after tips led them to the property . Searching buildings: Police in what resembled Haz-Mat suits also looked through buildings on the property . massive effort: Dozens of police officers shuttled up from Calgary to the rural plot of land to look for the missing five-year-old boy and his grandparents . The property owners are an elderly couple who have lived there for decades and have an adult son in his 50s who lives at home and mostly keeps to himself, neighbors told Global News. A man has been taken in for questioning but has not yet been charged with any wrongdoing, Calgary Police Service Duty Inspector Jow Matthews said during a Saturday press conference. Gone: Five-year-old Nathan O'Brien went missing from his grandparents house sometime Sunday night or Monday morning . 'Police were led to the property yesterday evening following a tip after the public appeal for information relating to the truck,' said Matthews. 'It’s simply a lead that we’re following up… that we believe has some weight.' 'We’re questioning the man and following the lead on the vehicle,' Matthews continued. 'He is a person of interest.' Aerial footage from Global News showed teams of officers walking every inch of the fields on the property and planting orange flags near areas of interest. Officers in what resembled Haz-Mat suits were also seen searching buildings on the massive property. Two other searchers could be seen emptying grain from a large truck one bucket at a time. Police appear to be leaving no stone unturned in their search of the farm. 'They were quite hush hush,' neighbor Jimmy Nevada told Global News. 'The SWAT team was out checking buildings and what not.' Police vehicles lined the street in front of the farm and dotted the plot of land it sits on. 'We want to make sure that we cover every avenue, we want to cover off that ground as quickly as we can,' Matthews said, adding that he expects searchers to be there for a total of 24 to 36 hours. The massive search effort came only . one day after a still of the pickup truck was released to the public in a . nationally televised press conference. Not suspects: Alvin and Kathryn Liknes are not . considered suspects in the case, since investigators found signs of a . struggle in the home . 'We just believe given . the area the vehicle was in, and the fact that it was the night of the . incident and that it drove in the area several times, that there's a . good possibility that the individual, or individuals, may have . information,' Calgary police Staff Sgt. Doug Andrus said at a Friday . news briefing. Police also were able to confirm the worst news of all. 'A violent crime happened in that residence,' Andrus said, according to the CBC. Despite . this declaration, Andrus added 'we remain hopeful that we will find . them alive, but, based on the evidence, I would say someone would be in . medical distress. Calgary . Police and the young boy's parents have also now begun asking anyone . who attended an estate sale last weekend to provide fingerprints, said . Andrus. Those are being run against evidence already collected. Parents . of a missing Canadian boy issued an emotional plea to bring him home . yesterday, after he disappeared earlier this week from a sleepover at . his grandparents house. Tipped off: Police swarmed the farm after neighbors told them the green Ford F-150 was parked in the driveway . Sprawling: Police are on the massive farm in hopes of finding anything that will lead them to five-year-old Nathaniel O'Brien and his grandparents Alvin and Kathryn Liknes - they have been missing for one week . Closed off: Police vehicles lined the street in front of the property and locals were told to stay away . Have you seen this truck: Canadian authorities are searching for this green late 1980s - early 1990s Ford F-150 pickup, they believe the driver may have information that would lead to the missing trio . The . grandparents are not considered suspects in the case as investigators . found evidence that all three left the home against their will. At the Wednesday press conference, Nathan's father Rod O'Brien cried as he spoke about his beloved middle son. 'To . whoever has Nathan, please find it in your heart to drop off our little . angel Nathan, so he can be rescued and reunited with his brothers and . his family,' Mr O'Brien said. Jennifer O'Brien also spoke, telling her son to have courage. 'Stay strong, Nathan. We know you are our superhero and I just need you to stay strong and we are going to see you.' 'We . can't be with you right now, but the best people who can be with you . other than us are your grandparents,' Mrs O'Brien said of her parents. 'I know Grandma is holding you so tight right now, and they are doing . everything in their power to keep you safe.' Mrs . O'Brien last saw her son Sunday night, after helping her parents all . day with a garage sale as they were downsizing to move into a new . Edmonton home. Emotional: The parents of Nathan O'Brien cry in a press conference about his disappearance on Wednesday. Mother Jennifer O'Brien on the left and father Rob O'Brien on the right . Mrs O'Brien described her son as a chatterbox who loved superheros. Pictured above, Rod O'Brien (left), Jennifer O'Brien (second left), Maximus O'Brien (center), Nathan O'Brien (second right), Luke O'Brien . She left her parents home around 10pm and Nathan stayed behind to have a sleepover with his grandparents. When she returned 12 hours later in the morning, all three were gone. An Amber Alert was issued for Nathan later that evening, but investigators so far have not named a suspect. Investigators . have not said much about what they found in the home, but there is . visible an 8-meter-long drag mark of what looks to be recently cleaned . up dark liquid that runs from the home's side door to the driveway. 'We have a big mystery on our hands right now, we don’t know where these people are,' said Inspector Keith Cain. 'We’re still very optimistic they are alive.' Where did they go? Mom Jennifer O'Brien was the last to see Nathan after she left him at her parents house Sunday night . Mrs O'Brien and her son spent the day prior helping her parents with a garage sale at their home . Investigators . are now asking those who attended the garage sale on Sunday to attend a . meeting at the Parkhill Community Hall today. Officers want the . shoppers to bring with them their purchases so they can figure out what . was or wasn't taken from the home. The meeting is running from 10am to . 10pm. Before Wednesday's plea for help, the family considered announcing a . reward but decided against it since police said it might not be helpful . right now. Authorities . say there was no custody issues with the family since Nathan is the . O'Brien's biological son and they are still married. Nathan . is described as three-feet tall with curly blond hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing peach-colored shorts and a blue-striped hoodie. Alvin . Liknes is six-feet tall, 200 pounds with grey and blond hair and was . wearing black shorts. Authorities say he has a distinctive walk. His . wife Kathryn is five-foot-three, 120 pounds and has reddish-brown hair . with green eyes. Since the three family members were reported missing, authorities have received over 100 tips. 'You're our superhero': During a press conference on Wednesday, Mrs O'Brien told her son to stay strong .
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Nathan O'Brien, 5, and grandparents Alvin and Kathryn Liknes, 66 and 53, were reported missing Monday morning .
Calgary Police were led to a property outside the city after releasing images of a green 1980s - 1990s Ford F-150 .
A man has been taken into custody for questioning but not identified .
Investigators .
don't believe the grandparents are responsible for the boy's .
disappearance since they found signs of a struggle at the house .
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f575904c7dfb9aa8af8235ddac48720452fde949
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New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Tuesday called a six-month halt on deepwater drilling "needed, appropriate and within our authorities" in announcing he will issue a new order on a moratorium just hours after a federal judge blocked such a mandate. "We see clear evidence every day, as oil spills from BP's well, of the need for a pause on deepwater drilling," Salazar said in a statement. "That evidence mounts as BP continues to be unable to stop its blowout, notwithstanding the huge efforts and help from the federal scientific team and most major oil companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico." Salazar's statement did not give an exact date for when the new order would be imposed, saying only "in the coming days." He promised that the new order will include evidence that "eliminates any doubt that a moratorium is needed, appropriate, and within our authorities." U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman in New Orleans, Louisiana issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday against the ban, which halted all drilling in more than 500 feet of water and prevented new permits from being issued. The White House said it would appeal the ruling. President Barack Obama ordered the moratorium after the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon, an oil rig off Louisiana. Eleven people died in the blast, which triggered an underwater oil gusher. Brian Collins, an attorney for the Justice Department, insisted Monday that the suspension is necessary while officials conduct a safety review. But a group of companies that provides boats and equipment to the offshore drilling industry filed a lawsuit claiming the government has no evidence that existing operations pose a threat to the Gulf of Mexico and asked the court to declare the moratorium invalid and unenforceable. Feldman agreed, writing in his ruling, "an invalid agency decision to suspend drilling of wells in depths of over 500 . feet simply cannot justify the immeasurable effect on the plaintiffs, the local economy, the Gulf region, and the critical present-day aspect of the availability of domestic energy in this country." White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the government will immediately appeal the ruling to the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. "The president strongly believes, as the Department of Interior and Department of Justice argued yesterday, that continuing to drill at these depths without knowing what happened does not make any sense," Gibbs said. Such drilling "puts the safety of those involved, potentially puts safety of those on the rigs and the safety of the environment and the Gulf at a danger that the president does not believe we can afford right now." In issuing the ruling, Feldman said, "the court is unable to divine or fathom a relationship between the findings (of the government) and the immense scope of the moratorium. The plaintiffs assert that they have suffered and will continue to suffer irreparable harm as a result of the moratorium. The court agrees." Transocean President Steve Newman, whose company owned the Deepwater Horizon, said Tuesday that he supported ending the moratorium, and the office of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal filed a brief in support of blocking the moratorium. Jindal and Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, were among those asking the Obama administration Tuesday not to appeal the ruling. "I'm going to strongly urge the administration not to appeal this ruling, but to try to find a way forward that would achieve the president's goals for safety and responsibility, but at the same time would not jeopardize and threaten a very vibrant and necessary industry for decades," Landrieu told reporters during a conference call. iReport: In the Gulf? Share your experience with BP . Legendary Texas oil and gas executive T. Boone Pickens also said such a ban is not needed. "The accident that BP has had could be likened to qualified pilots in an airliner and they have pilot error," he told CNN's "Campbell Brown" program Tuesday night. "(An) airliner crashes, starts a 50,000-acre forest fire and we shut down all flying? No more airlines until we have six months to see what happened?" Ken Wells, the president of the Offshore Marine Service Association, said Tuesday that while the ruling is positive for his group -- which represents many of the ships that service oil rigs -- the decision is "tempered by the realization this is a big, strong government. And if they want to keep fighting on this, they will keep fighting." Wells told CNN that many of the small business owners and workers who support the rigs felt "like innocent bystanders in all this," adding that many of them are losing their jobs left and right. He said Feldman's decision "may help our industry survive." Government estimates indicate as much as 60,000 barrels (2.5 million gallons) of oil may be flowing into the Gulf every day, and the gusher has already taken a serious toll on tourism and the fishing industry in Gulf Coast states. BP said Tuesday it had collected 25,830 barrels -- 1.08 million gallons -- of oil from the gushing undersea well over the past 24 hours. The amount is the most ever collected; the previous record was set Thursday when 25,290 barrels were collected. The company announced Tuesday that it will donate net revenues it receives from the sale of oil recovered from the spill to the National Fish and Wildlife Federation. Also Tuesday, protesters in London, England, briefly disrupted an oil conference that BP CEO Tony Hayward pulled out of a day earlier. Just before the welcoming speech by BP chief of staff Steve Westwell, who was standing in for Hayward at the World National Oil Companies Congress, a woman got on stage and started shouting. Security quickly removed her. The woman was Greenpeace campaigner Emma Gibson, who told the crowd that "because BP is incapable of telling you the truth, I'm going to tell you what you need to know." Hayward decided not to attend the conference because of his "commitment to the Gulf of Mexico relief effort," a BP spokesman said Monday. Westwell started his speech by apologizing on Hayward's behalf for him not being at the conference. He said the past few weeks have been "extremely difficult for BP." "It has been hugely shocking for us, for America, and for the rest of the world," Westwell said. "Everyone at BP is devastated, and we deeply regret what's happened. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones. And we are profoundly aware of our responsibilities to those people whose livelihoods and neighborhoods have suffered." Kenneth Feinberg, who is overseeing BP's $20 billion escrow claims fund, met with Alabama Gov. Bob Riley on Tuesday in what Riley described as a "very, very productive meeting" to discuss ways to accelerate the claims payment process. "I will be back quickly to spend as much time as it takes to make sure that this program is designed and implemented in an expeditious manner," Feinberg said. BP said in a statement Monday that costs from the disaster now total about $2 billion, including the cost of the response, containment, relief well drilling, grants to Gulf states, claims paid and federal costs. To date, more than 65,000 claims have been submitted and more than 32,000 payments totaling more than $105 million have been made, the company said. Elsewhere, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said the Islamic republic, which has chilly relations with the United States, would consider helping America with the oil spill if asked, according to the Iranian Labour News Agency. "The difficult solution of an oil spill, from the standpoint that it's a humanitarian problem, persuades all countries to offer help," ILNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying. CNN's Anderson Cooper, Eric Marrapodi, Chris Lawrence, Alan Silverleib, Matthew Chance, Vivian Kuo and Ethan Harp contributed to this report.
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NEW: Salazar says ban is "needed" and "appropriate"
Judge blocks government's temporary ban on deepwater drilling .
White House says it will appeal decision .
Louisiana governor, senator, urge administration not to appeal .
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