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(CNN) -- As far as former world champion Mario Andretti is concerned the key to a successful rekindling of Formula One's American dream is a buzzword that has been flying around Washington faster than a Ferrari in recent weeks: stability. Days after the country entrusted Barack Obama to edge the United States towards economic recovery, motorsport royalty has descended on Texas in the latest attempt to ignite a lasting passion for F1 in a country with more motorheads to the pound than anywhere else on the planet. While the domestic Daytona and Indycar series thrive on continued popularity, Formula One can never claim to have set America alight, despite repeated efforts to foster a permanent place in the hearts of motorsport fans. That could all change in Austin, which has a purpose-built circuit to unveil as well as a 10-year deal to host an F1 race. And just like Obama relied heavily on the Latino vote to propel him back to power, F1 are also hoping to court a new swathe of Latin American fans, with Austin just 200 miles from the Mexican border. Andretti -- one of only two Americans ever to claim the F1 world title -- is convinced this latest attempt to grow the sport in both North and South America can succeed, and mirror the success it enjoyed at the Watkins Glen circuit in New York between 1961 and 1980. "I think F1 fans in the United States can begin to rejoice," he told CNN World Sport. "I just keep saying this; Formula One's fan base in America is very much underestimated, but they need to have some stability which I think we will finally achieve. "The new facility in Austin is going to be a beautiful site. This is what the U.S. has really needed and from here on, starting this year, I think we can look forward to the race happening every year and at a place we will be very proud (of). "The fact Austin is down in the southern part of Texas, easily reachable by South American fans -- you've got Mexico, Brazil, Argentina -- many of them are fertile grounds for F1." Despite an association stretching back over half a century, Formula One and the States have never got beyond the dating stage, enjoying an on-off relationship that has spawned 41 races at nine different venues. Since the first race was staged at the Sebring Circuit in Florida in 1959, the United States Grand Prix has been through places like Detroit, Indianapolis and Las Vegas, enjoying only one true period of permanency, at Watkins Glen. That 19-year stint in upstate New York counted as the sport's golden years in America as bumper crowds flocked to the tree-lined track, bathed in fall colors, to watch the world's best do battle. Jackie Stewart, a three-time world champion, recalls how the small town would be swamped by drivers, teams and supporters, who all congregated around "the bog" -- a patch of quicksand-like mud induced by an invasion of trucks and cars -- or the famous Glen Motor Inn. But once the track was deemed too dangerous, the USGP was on the move again, even being upstaged in Scottsdale, Arizona by a camel race -- surely a low point in the competition's 62-year history. "It was a street race, and for the same reason -- the quality of the road surface -- it never lasted for very long," Stewart explained. "Apparently the biggest downside was that there was a camel race on the same weekend that drew a larger crowd than a Formula One race, which was very telling about America's understanding of Formula One. "Had there been a Nascar race there, or an Indycar race, it would have been a different story." Formula One didn't fare much better at its most recent home in Indianapolis. A dispute over tires in 2005 led to a host of drop outs and a race involving just six cars, much to the embarrassment of the sport's authorities. But now, with a purpose-built race track, funded by a private investor, and a decade-long commitment to race in Texas, perhaps Formula One will finally get a foothold in a lucrative market which could help drive it towards a bigger and brighter future. Stewart told CNN World Sport: "I think Austin, Texas has an even better chance, because they're building a stadium, a Formula One road racing stadium. "Formula One needs the United States. There is a huge car market. I know now China is bigger, I know India is bigger and if not, going to be bigger, but the United States of America is still huge. "We need to get a home there, where Formula One could be developed, and it could be seen as the sophisticated end of Formula One, of motorsport. But why shouldn't there be, if there's 300 million people in America, if we just got 10 per cent of them, that's a huge audience. "And when we go to a little country, population-wise, like Australia, we have more than 300,000 people coming for the long weekend of the Australian Grand Prix. And they don't have a background like America has, of motorsport." At one stage it appeared the United States' appetite for F1 was insatiable. Despite Watkins Glen's long association coming to an end in 1981, the following season there were an unprecedented three American races, as Detroit, Las Vegas and Long Beach all welcomed the sport. Though that particular hat-trick lasted just one season, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone is keen for a return to the glory days and is desperate to add a second U.S. race to the modern-day roster. New Jersey had been included on a provisional 2013 calendar but organizers have been forced to postpone for a year as they continue to grapple with financial issues. Ecclestone has long pined for a grand prix in the picturesque city of New York, but whether a second race appears in the Big Apple or in neighboring New Jersey, Andretti is confident the U.S has a sufficient appetite for two visits a season. "America as large as it is can easily support two races -- one would feed off the other," he explained. "I just can't see a negative in any way. I know Bernie Ecclestone for many years has wanted to have something in the proximity of New York for obvious reasons. "And with the event there and the backdrop of Manhattan, it's going to provide the ambience they're looking for. I think both venues could be very attractive."
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Formula One returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2007 this weekend .
Former world champ Mario Andretti says stability is key to latest F1 venture .
Purpose-built track in Austin has a ten-year contract to stage F1 races .
Jackie Stewart says U.S. can comfortably support two F1 races every season .
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By . Chris Pleasance for MailOnline . In every pair of siblings there is always a good one and a bad one, and it seems the same is true of bear cubs. Wildlife photographer Greg Harvey, 43, captured one male brown bear cub picking on his sister while he was on a visit to Alaska. Mr Harvey, who lives in Alberta, Canada, says: 'I could see the male tormenting the female every chance he got. How rude: A male brown bear cub appears to stick his tongue out at his sister after the pair were pictured play fighting with each other in Alaska . Wildlife photographer Greg Harvey, 43, said the male cub kept picking on his sister, and even bit her on the backside after chasing her . Mr Harvey said the female cub was rarely the aggressor and even ran to her mother for safety after her brother kept on biting her . 'While she held her own, she was rarely the aggressor and from time to time would get mad at her brother and would try to hide by cuddling her mom.' 'When she had enough she tried to run away, but the little boy wasn't having any of that. He chased after her and bit her on the bum.' The brown bear cubs are only 15-months-old and eager to play with each other; however it seems the brother bear often takes it a little too far. Mr Harvey estimates that the two cubs were only 15 months old when he photographed them in 2011, and were still keen on playing together . The misbehaving male brown bear climbs on the back of his long-suffering sister in Alaska as photographer Greg Harvey captured images . Mr Harvey said he likes anthropomorphic images, in which the animals seem to be carrying out human actions suck as sticking their tongues out . Mr Harvey, a self-taught photographer, said: 'The funny thing about anthropomorphism is it can happen at any time. People often ask about the story behind the images. Truthfully, the stories of any interest are normally what happens behind the scenes in a strange country. 'A brown bear cub wets his lips or tastes the air, and it looks like he is sticking his tongue out at his sister because of her body language as she cuddles up to her mom. I enjoy anthropomorphic images and am over the moon when I am lucky enough to acquire these kinds of images.' The photographer explained that many of his colleagues are in the field taking pictures up to 200 days per year. He added: 'I have to find a way to compete with them with only 14 days on safari per year.' Unlike many of his colleagues who can spend up to 200 days in the field every year, Mr Harvey only spends 14 days on safari . While these young bear cubs are small, they will eventually weigh up to 700lbs as adults, eat up to 90lb of food each day and measure up to 8ft long . A brown bear cub dries off while being watched by its sibling in Alaska where photographer Greg Harvey captured images of the pair playing together .
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Pair of brown bear cubs photographed in Alaska by 43-year-old Greg Harvey who spotted them while visiting .
Mr Harvey said he watched the pair play fighting and noticed that young male kept picking on his sister .
Young male bear bit his sibling on the backside sending her running into the arms of her mother .
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(CNN) -- It has the world's tallest unoccupied building, it puts on the world's biggest annual show and it's sometimes prone to petulant nuclear threats. But what else do you know about North Korea? 1. North Koreans brew great beer . North Koreans love a pint and have a thriving beer brewing culture. Taedonggang Beer is one of the best-known local beers. In 2000 the state-run brewery bought up an entire British brewery, shipped it to North Korea and two years later opened for business just outside Pyongyang. Taedonggang Beer is a full-bodied lager and is named after the capital's Taedong River. 2. High heels are in . Women love their high heels and many wear four-inch heels day and night, to work, to do the shopping, in the military -- we even spotted a woman working on a construction site in a pair. The wedge heel made its appearance in the isolated state four or five years ago -- a trend that made its way across the border from China. Today there are still plenty of wedge heels about, but it's the thin heel that is Pyongyang's must-have fashion accessory today. 3. You can bring your mobile . Visitors no longer need to leave their mobiles behind. As of January, you can bring your phone into the country and buy a local SIM card from a booth at the airport. The SIM card allows you to make and receive international calls and call other foreigners in Pyongyang who have mobiles -- you can't call locals as they are on a different network. A local SIM card for two weeks goes for €50 ($66), but be warned -- calls are expensive ($6.60 a minute to call the United States). North Korea's Koryolink has more than 2 million subscribers. The local cell phones allow all the functions of a regular mobile -- make calls, listen to music, take photos -- with the exception of access to the Internet. Given the regular power outages, the "light" function on mobiles gets plenty of use. 4. People love to sing . Most North Koreans can carry a tune and if you ask someone -- politely -- to sing a song they will probably oblige -- on the spot, with no accompaniment. Pop music is big, especially songs with lyrics. The best-known Western group is still the Beatles -- "Hey Jude" and "Yellow Submarine" are high on the list -- and Celine Dion and the Carpenters also go down well. No surprise then that most bars have karaoke. The all-girl band Moranbong is the most popular local group. The girls -- who were apparently hand-picked by North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un -- wear skimpy dresses and belt out pop tunes, the North's answer to K-pop. 5. Car park volleyball . Volleyball is one of the most popular sports and North Koreans often strike up a game in their lunch hour. The games can be fast and fun, men and women often playing together. The lack of a net is no obstacle and many games start up casually in a car park or any open space. Korean wrestling is also very popular. Behind the veil: Rare look at life in North Korea . 6. The Metro is seriously deep . The Pyongyang Metro is 100 meters underground and it takes a couple of minutes to ride the escalator down to the station. The journey is long enough that some commuters sit on the steps -- despite the signs asking passengers not to. There are no advertisements on the walls to distract you on the ride down to the station -- just bare white walls. (There are only five advertising billboards in Pyongyang, all owned by the same car dealership). The underground network has two lines and 17 stations. Inspired by the grand Moscow Metro, many of the stations have ornate chandeliers and paintings and murals on the walls. 7. Crazy about kimchi . Kimchi -- spicy pickled vegetables -- is the national dish and it's said that every woman makes a different kind of kimchi. The dish is time-consuming to make and the traditional recipe requires women to lovingly swirl and smear hot pepper paste over cabbage leaves for hours. Simon Cockerell of Koryo Tours, which specializes in travel to the reclusive socialist state, says: "There's a saying that you must taste a woman's kimchi before you marry her." 8. Single-hearted unity . North Koreans seem to have an innate ability to form a line -- not a queue, but dead straight lines. The training begins as young children and by the time they are in their teens a crowd of hundreds can organize themselves into any number of parallel lines, equally spaced, in a minute. Whether it's factory workers walking down the street, people gathering to lay flowers beneath a statue of the Great Leader, or soldiers jogging, moving in formation, showing "single-hearted unity" is the order of the day. And it's catching. Spend a week touring the capital and your guides will make sure you get give plenty of practice forming lines. 9. You won('t) see that . The local currency is the won, but foreigners are not allowed to use it. Instead visitors must use hard currency -- U.S. dollars, euros and renminbi. Bizarrely, given the proximity to China, the Renminbi offers the worst exchange rate. Euros get the best rate at present. Pyongyang isn't a shopping destination. North Koreans do most of their shopping in the local markets -- there is a blue-roofed market in most neighborhoods, but foreigners aren't allowed to visit these. Officially, visitors aren't allowed in department stores either, but this is a rule that is given much more flexibility. Visitors tend to be herded into the Foreign Language Bookstore and stamp and souvenir shops where you can stock up on propaganda posters, North Korean stamps and postcards and books by Kim Jong Il (he wrote -- or ghostwrote -- hundreds). 10. Kim pins . All North Koreans wear a "Kim pin" on the left breast of whatever they are wearing. The pins show a portrait of Kim Il Sung or his son, Kim Jong Il -- and sometimes both. Surprisingly given that everyone wears one -- from infants to old folks -- there are no shops selling the pins. Instead they are given out sporadically -- on special occasions and to mark significant events -- and there are lots of different styles. The style doesn't denote anything, just the period it was given out. There is a story that North Koreans will be punished if they give a Kim pin to a foreigner, but that's a myth and they are occasionally given to visitors. How to travel to North Korea .
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North Koreans are enthusiastic beer drinkers .
North Koreans have a huge crush on heels and kimchi .
If you are traveling in North Korea, Korean won would be the last currency you can see .
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A herbal energy drink designed to give men a boost in the bedroom has been banned - because it also contained an erectile dysfunction drug. MosKa is marketed around its natural 'performance enhancing' ingredients such as Red and Siberian Ginseng. But its manufacturer has now discovered the drink also contained 'an underclared ingredient' - Vardenafil, or Levitra. MosKa is marketed around its natural 'performance enhancing' ingredients such as Red and Siberian Ginseng. But its manufacturer has now discovered the drink also contained an erectile dysfunction drug . As a result, some men drinking the beverage, called MosKa, were experiencing prolonged erections. There were also fears they could have experienced the dangerous medical condition priapism. This is where the penis remains erect for longer than four hours and can become permanently damaged. The drink also contains higher than prescribed levels of the drug than are prescribed in Australia, where the product is sold. This in itself is extremely dangerous because erectile dysfunction are usually unsuitable for men with angina or very high blood pressure - and could trigger a heart attack. Other side effects include heartburn, nausea and headaches. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has now warned the drink “poses a serious risk to your health and should not be taken”, according to news.com.au . The news has sparked health fears because drugs such as Levitra are usually unsuitable for men with angina or very high blood pressure - and could trigger a heart attack . It has now banned the drink and warned that any batches entering the country will be seized by Customs. But the TGA warns that its supply is now illegal in Australia and it will work with Customs to help stop supplies entering the country. A notice on MosKa's website reads: We are devastated to have found that the overseas OEM supplier for Moska energy for adults had included an underclared ingredient, Vardenafil (Levitra), within the natural ingredients. 'Vardenafil (Levitra) is a prescription only substance. As such, we have terminated the supplier and in the process of producing the product with our own formulation to ensure no hidden ingredients. All our future products will be tested for compliance with all regulations.'
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MosKa is marketed as 'natural' libido booster with ingredients like Ginseng .
But its manufacturer has now found out it also contained drug Vardenafil .
This meant some customers were experiencing prolonged erections .
The drug is not suitable for some men, such as those with heart conditions .
Can also trigger the condition priapism, which permanently damages penis .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:13 EST, 26 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:14 EST, 26 August 2013 . He is reported to have 'separated' from his wife of four years, Khloe Kardashian amid a storm of cheating and drug abuse allegations. But for Lamar Odom, the claims that he is abusing hard drugs are especially shocking, given his own family history. During a 2011 episode of his spin-off series Khloe & Lamar, the basketball star revealed that his father Joe Odom is a 'heroin addict,' and was largely absent after his mother passed away from colon cancer when he was just 12-years-old. Troubled life: Lamar Odom claimed his father Joe was a 'heroin' addict during a 2011 episode of spin-off reality show, Khloe & Lamar . 'I . witnessed things that a 10-year-old definitely wasn’t supposed to see,' he told his reality star wife on the show after his father arrived unannounced at a Kardashian book signing event. The . 33-year-old star was largely brought up by his grandmother and later Jerry . DeGregorio, the coach of his Rhode Island college team, according to People. But the knowledge of his father's drug addictions appeared to play on his mind in the early stages of his basketball career when he was suspended for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy for the second time in eight months. Getting to know you: Khloe Kardashian and Joe Odom filming a scene together for their reality show . 'A lot of times I'd think about it and . say, "Damn, am I fighting my father's demons with this?" he told The Miami Herald in a 2003 interview, two years after admitting to using marijuana while in Los Angeles playing for The Clippers . Separated? Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom have reportedly 'split' after she allegedly threw him out of the house last Wednesday . 'I just couldn't control myself in LA. I look back at it, the . lifestyle that I was living and the things I had access to, it could . have been something else. 'I was so weak and vulnerable in my life,' he added. 'I was just like, "I need to go somewhere and release. I need to feel different." There were times where I said, "Yo, I gotta go away for two days." I would go to practice, then nobody could find me.' In the interview, Lamar claimed he had not smoked marijuana since his second suspension and put his drug use behind him. He declared he would 'probably start crying' if he did the drug again. However, recent reports allege that Lamar is now in far deeper trouble, with his 'drug problem' reportedly the real reason behind his 'split' with wife Khloe, according to TMZ. (Representatives from both Lamar and Khloe have yet to comment on the drug use allegations and reports of a split.) Khloe has reportedly been attempting to 'save' her husband of four years from his alleged abuse of drugs after recently driving to see him at an undisclosed location. The website alleges . that Khloe and her family attempted to stage an intervention last week which resulted in Lamar leaving the marital home. He was pictured on Wednesday as an associate loaded a number of large . suitcases into his car in Calabasas, California. Sources familiar with the situation told TMZ that 'Khloe has not given up on Lamar' but 'will never get back with him until he's clean. The 29-year-old TV personality is . also said to have taken 'no steps to file for divorce because she . believes there's still a chance for Lamar to be saved,' the report adds. 'They . really do love each other,' a source told People. 'But she really feels . that this problem is out of control, and she's hurt that he won't get . help.' Sad: Lamar's mother, right, died of colon cancer when he was 12-years-old and his father, right was not around when he was a child . No other members of the Kardashian . family have commented on the alleged issues between the couple, with . Kris Jenner looking in good spirits as she visited a friend in Beverly . Hills on Sunday. But Khloe appears to be feeling the pressure, taking to her Twitter page in an expletive filled rant following more reports about her NBA star husband. She wrote on Sunday: 'Really hard to sit here and listen to . people talk s*** about my family! F*** you and shame on you! I'm too . protective for this s***!' Solace: Kris Jenner was spotted visiting a friend in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon amid reports her daughter Khloe has separated from husband Lamar Odom . Reports included the allegation that people close to the NBA star had been unable to find or . contact him for 72 hours over the weekend although a representative for Lamar denied this. A spokesperson for the basketball star told TMZ on Sunday afternoon that he was fine but would not reveal his whereabouts. 'Lamar is not missing. His wife knows exactly where he is,' his agent Jeff Schwartz told ESPN. Back in August last year, Khloe is said to have . urged Lamar to go to rehab and after he entered a San . Diego facility she hired private investigators to make sure he didn't . leave. At her breaking point: Khloe finally tweeted her frustration with people talking 's**t' about her current marital situation . Online affirmation: Khloe posted a tweet on Friday citing the importance of strength to survival . Heartfelt: Lamar posted a tweet last month supporting Khloe as claims of his infidelity surfaced . Lamar reportedly . constantly threatened to leave the rehab clinic and Khloe visited . several times to convince him to stay, but he left after three weeks, . sources said. Lamar, who won two championships with . the Los Angeles Lakers, stayed clean and played well last season for the . Los Angeles Clippers, but sources said he resumed using drugs after the . season. The . couple have also been subject to persistent rumours that their marriage is . in trouble after Lamar, allegedly cheated on Khloe with two . different women. 'Thrown out': Lamar was seen outside the home he shares with Khloe in Calabasas, California on Wednesday . Packed bags: A man was seen loading large amounts of luggage into Lamar's car while the basketball star stood by . TMZ reported Khloe is 'convinced it happened' as regards reports of Lamar's infidelity, but feels his drug . abuse has been the main problem in their relationship. 'Khloe is more concerned about saving Lamar than ending her marriage,' a source told TMZ. The couple got married in 2009 about a month after meeting each other. Representatives for Lamar did not respond to MailOnline's request for comment. Cute as a button: Khloe posted a photomicrograph of herself on Monday as a child looking rather gloomy .
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The couple are said to have split after four years of marriage because of Lamar's drug use .
Shock claims he is allegedly abusing hard drugs .
Father's heroin addiction documented on Kardashian reality show in 2011 .
Khloe launched expletive filled Twitter rant on Sunday .
NBA star's pokesperson said on Monday: 'Lamar is not missing. His wife knows exactly where he is.'
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By . John Drayton . Neymar was left in tears after the Brazil team invited a disabled boy onto the pitch to meet his heroes during training on Thursday. The fan showed off his juggling skills to an astonished David Luiz, before the hosts gathered round the boy to hear a message. Emotional: Neymar is visibly moved after hearing a message from the young disabled fan . Caught up: Neymar can't hide his emotions as he walks away to continue training . Acrobatic: The Brazil striker attempts an overhead kick on the beach in 'training' Barcelona star Neymar was visibly moved by young boy, and was patted on the back by team-mate Thiago Silva as the Brazil players got on with training. Later in the day, the Brazil team took to the beach at their training complex in Teresopolis, near Rio de Janeiro, for a spot of football-volleyball. Scolari is '100 per cent convinced' he will be the first man to guide Brazil to World Cup glory on home turf. Impressed: Luiz speaks to the young disabled fan during training, as he shows off his juggling skills . Hero: The defender took a few minutes out of his afternoon to make the young fan's day . Taking lead: The young fan then spoke to the whole Brazil side as they gathered round . The well-travelled coach, known as 'Big Phil' to Chelsea fans, is back in the job which made him famous and promising the Selecao will be crowned world champions for the sixth time on July 13. 'There is no pressure on Brazil,' he said. 'Brazil are not under pressure to be the world champions. 'Brazil will be the champions. 'I wouldn't have accepted the Brazil job if I didn't think we could win the World Cup. I wouldn't be leading the team I'd be sitting at home. 'I took this job because I'm 100 per cent convinced that I will win the World Cup with Brazil.' Can't wait: Neymar and Brazil get their campaign underway in Sao Paulo against Croatia on June 12 . Overlook: Luiz Felipe Scolari (right) sits with his crew as he observes the training session .
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Young disabled Brazil fan shows off his juggling skills to David Luiz .
Fan then speaks to the Brazil team during a training session .
Neymar is visibly moved by the experience and is consoled by Thiago Silva .
Brazil then trained on a beach playing football-volleyball .
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Barcelona stalwart Xavi has hit out at the Court Of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision to uphold a FIFA sanction that means the club will not be allowed to sign any players in 2015. The Spanish giants were handed the ban after they were deemed to have breached rules on signing international players under the age of 18, but Xavi believes the decision is unfair. 'We have all been screwed by the CAS decision. I expected them to be more lenient,' Xavi told Sport. Xavi (left) has blasted the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to uphold a transfer ban on Barcelona . Xavi still thinks Barca are strong, with a front line of 'three beasts' - Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi . Suarez was one of five players to move to the Nou Camp in the summer, but they now cannot sign any more . 'I find it a huge injustice because no club in the world takes better care of their young players. This will make us even stronger. Despite the ban, Xavi believes Barca will still have enough to be a threat in every match, due to the 'three beasts' dominating their front line. 'The top three are three beasts,' the 34-year-old continued. 'The attack has potential for very good games. Neymar is performing brutally, you will see Luis Suarez increasingly improve and Messi has returned to give his best.' On top of the ban, Barca will also be made to pay a fine of 450,000 Swiss Francs (£293,000).
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Barcelona have been banned from signing any players in 2015 .
The decision was made by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Xavi believes that the club have been 'screwed' by the decision .
Despite this, he still thinks they are strong with 'three beasts' up front .
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Malia Obama has been visiting New York City universities. The 16-year-old First Daughter, who graduates next year, was spotted at NYU campus with her mother Michelle Obama and Secret Service personnel on Friday morning. Later the group was spotted at her father's alma mater: Columbia University. Following in her father's footsteps? Malia Obama visited two New York universities with her mother Michelle . It comes after tours of schools on the West Coast, including Stanford University, where former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton was educated, and the University of California at Berkeley. Malia, a high school junior, was given a private view of NYU's Goddard residential halls, with unaware students told the elevators would be down for 10 minutes. At one point, she was spotted walking with a group of girls her age, seemingly on a group tour. Believed to be an aspiring filmmaker, she no doubt harbors an interest in the Tisch campus, NYU's film academy. At lunchtime, crowds swarmed as the First Lady and First Daughter dropped into student cafe Community Food and Juice. Touring: At one point the First Daughter was spotted walking with a group of girls her age at a campus . Bite to eat: Crowds swarmed with cameras as Malia and Michelle dropped by a student hot spot for lunch . Malia went into 11th grade this fall at the private Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. The Sidwell parent's guide to college counseling suggests that juniors take the PSAT test in October, visit colleges as time allows, take the SAT exam in March and set up a family meeting with a college counselor in late spring, among other steps. And the President is evidently already contemplating the moment he will have to say goodbye to his first-born. 'I've got to practice, because Malia is graduating in two years,' he told a high school graduation last summer. 'I'm trying to get used to not choking up and crying and embarrassing her. So this is sort of my trial run here.'
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Malia, a high school junior, visited halls of residence and local cafe .
She was accompanied by First Lady and Secret Service personnel .
Students were told elevators would be down for 10 minutes .
Comes after Malia visited West Coast schools including Stanford .
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(CNN) -- From the start of the tragedy, aid agencies warned that not enough help was flowing into flood-devastated Pakistan. Now, seven long weeks into the steamrolling crisis, the United Nations and private charitable organizations are sounding the alarm again as large chunks of the country remain submerged and about 20 million people are in need of assistance. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Friday that the United Nations is seeking another $1.594 billion for flood victims, bringing the total to more than $2 billion. The world body has already received about 70 percent of $460 million it initially requested. "In the floods' wake, we are seeing hunger, misery and desperation," Ban said. "Children becoming malnourished. Skin diseases on the rise because of the lack of soap and clean water. Nowhere for families to shelter from the sweltering sun. "Diarrhea could spread quickly in these conditions. Clean water and sanitation equipment must reach even more people. Millions of children and pregnant women are especially at risk. They need access to critical health care. Pakistan is not facing just one humanitarian crisis -- but many at once. Different responses are required." He called the Pakistan floods "the worst natural disaster the United Nations has responded to in its 65-year history." The global spotlight may have shifted away, but floodwaters are still raging through the heart of Pakistan, creating new crises every day, said Valerie Amos, U.N. under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. "An immense tragedy continues to unfold," Amos said. "The human implications of what will happen if not enough is done are terrible. Many millions have already lost everything and have nothing to go back to. ... What I will be doing is asking our supporters to dig deeper and to do more." But even the new appeal may not be enough as the U.N. food agency said Friday that it needs $600 million for emergency food supplies until next July. So far, it has only received $103 million. The World Food Programme is aiming to feed 6 million people every month while transitioning to recovery activities such as food-for-work programs that will help rehabilitate damaged agricultural lands and infrastructure and restore livelihoods, the agency said. It estimates that at least 17 million acres of farmland from north to south are under water and hundreds of bridges and roadways have been destroyed. On top of that, markets have been disrupted and food prices have skyrocketed, leaving many Pakistanis unable to feed themselves or their families, the WFP said. "No one could have predicted the scale and enormity of this catastrophe where women and children are facing a dangerous downwards spiral of hunger and malnutrition," WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran said in a written statement. "We need to scale-up now and we need to scale-up quickly." The scale of the devastation was visible from a helicopter this week. From the sky, the landscape below was brown with wide rivers of murky water while specks of bright blue tarpaulins and tents dotted dry land. "The road to recovery will be long and arduous and Pakistan will need all the help it can get to build back from this disaster," Sheeran said. Hunger is just one of Pakistan's myriad problems. Public health experts remain concerned about disease outbreaks. As of a week ago, the United Nations reported more than 700,000 cases of acute diarrhea, at least 800,000 acute respiratory infections, nearly a million cases of skin disease and almost 183,000 suspected malaria cases. "All of the elements conducive for this to happen are present -- poor sanitation and water supplies, and people are living in cramped conditions in open camp settings," said Sylvain Groulx, a project coordinator with Medecins Sans Frontieres, sometimes referred to as Doctors Without Borders, in northern Sindh province. "Health authorities here have confirmed that there is usually an increase in the number of people who seek medical assistance following Eid, and we are expecting that the health system will be overburdened in the coming days," Groulx said in a news release. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, was celebrated last weekend.
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NEW: The United Nations seeks $1.6 billion more for flood victims .
Pakistan's crisis continues to unfold .
About 20 million people were affected by the massive flooding .
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A U.S. federal judge in Miami . re-sentenced Jose Padilla on Tuesday to 21 years for a 2007 . terrorism conviction after an appeals court deemed the original . 17-year sentence too lenient. Padilla, an al Qaeda recruit and the first U.S. citizen . labeled an enemy combatant, was convicted on charges of . conspiracy to murder, kidnap and maim people abroad, as well as . providing material support for terrorism. Federal prosecutors agreed not to seek more than 30 years in . prison for Padilla as long as his lawyers did not introduce . records related to alleged harsh conditions he endured during . the 3-1/2 years spent in a South Carolina military prison. A U.S. federal judge in Miami re-sentenced Jose Padilla on Tuesday to 21 years for a 2007 terrorism conviction after an appeals court deemed the original 17-year sentence too lenient . 'There are certain things we know and don't know about how . Mr. Padilla was held,' U.S. District Judge Marcia Cooke said on . Tuesday before handing down the stiffer sentence. Padilla sat shackled in a khaki jumpsuit and did not speak . during the two-hour hearing. Under his new sentence, Cooke also . ordered Padilla remain held in a super-maximum security prison. Padilla's mother Estela Lebron, who in 2012 mounted a failed . effort to sue former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and . high-ranking military officials for violating the U.S. constitution, rebuked the government. 'Washington, D.C., George Bush, Barack Obama, all of the . judges ... they know that my son was tortured,' she said, . referring to the U.S. president and his predecessor. Cooke had delayed Padilla's re-sentencing many times as . lawyers wrangled over his long criminal history and classified . documents. 'His actual involvement in jihad, his actual training, sets . him apart,' said Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Del Toro. Under his new sentence, Cooke also ordered Padilla remain held in a super-maximum security prison . But Padilla's lawyer Michael Caruso, a federal public . defender, said recruiters for extremist groups lied to Padilla, . presenting jihad as defending Muslims under attack. Padilla, a former Chicago gang member who attended a south . Florida mosque, converted to Islam in the mid-1990s after a . troubled childhood, his brother Tomas Texidor said in court. 'He's not the man you think he is,' Texidor said, fighting . back tears. Padilla was arrested in 2002 as he returned to Chicago from . abroad. Prosecutors said he had spent time at a military . training camp in Afghanistan. He was accused of plotting to detonate a radioactive 'dirty . bomb' in a U.S. city, but was never charged with that. Then-President George W. Bush ordered him held as an enemy . combatant and interrogated in a South Carolina military prison. Padilla, a former Chicago gang member who attended a south Florida mosque, converted to Islam in the mid-1990s after a troubled childhood, his brother Tomas Texidor said in court . Prosecutors later argued Padilla deserved a life sentence . for his 2007 conviction, but Cooke rejected that sentence . because Padilla did not commit acts of terrorism on U.S. soil, . or attacks on officials or a plot to overthrow the U.S. government. An appeals court ruled in 2011 that the 17-year sentence he . ultimately received was not severe enough. In a 2012 appeal which was rejected by the U.S. Supreme . Court, Padilla said he was held in isolation for more than three . years at the military prison, shackled for hours in painful 'stress' positions and subjected to lengthy bouts of blinding . light followed by total darkness.
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Padilla was an al Qaeda recruit and first U.S. citizen labeled an enemy combatant .
Initial conviction for terrorism resulted in 17-year sentence only .
Padilla will remain held in a super-maximum security prison .
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By . Associated Press and Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 16:48 EST, 10 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:08 EST, 10 April 2013 . A gunman who allegedly lured five firefighters to his northwest Georgia home and held four of them hostage for hours this afternoon has been shot dead. Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said the man had barricaded himself inside the house in Suwanee with the firefighters who responded to a fake medical call at around 3:40 p.m. At about 7:30 p.m authorities set off an explosion to distract the suspect before a SWAT team rushed the house, shooting the gunman dead. The firefighters mainly suffered cuts and bruises in the . explosion and would be able to go home to their families tonight, said fire department Capt. Tommy Rutledge. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Operation: At about 7:30 p.m an explosion shook the area and a SWAT team entered the home, shooting dead the suspect . All over: A group of people huddle together after an explosion and gunshots were heard near the scene where a man was holding four firefighters hostage . 'The explosion you heard was used to distract the suspect, to get into the house and take care of business,' Ritter said in a news conference minutes after the resolution. He said the situation had gotten to the point where authorities believed the lives of the hostages were in 'immediate danger.' 'It's an unfortunate circumstance we . did not want this to end this way,' Ritter said. 'But with the decisions . this guy was making, this was his demise.' A SWAT officer was shot in the hand or arm as the team entered the residence but he is expected to be fine. The gunman had originally taken five men hostage just before 4 p.m . but one firefighter was released to move a fire truck, according to . authorities. The man allegedly faked a heart attack to lure the . firefighters to his two-story house. Police had been communicating with the unidentified suspect before the SWAT team entered the property. The suspect was apparently suffering financial . difficulties and was asking to have his power and cable be turned back . on, Fox News reported. Police . said the firemen responded to the home on Walnut Grove Way after the seemingly routine medical call. Ambulance: An EMT works in the back of an ambulance as it leaves an Suwanee, Ga., subdivision after an explosion and gunshots were heard . Team: Gwinnett County Police Department SWAT members, pictured, shot and killed the suspect just before 8 p.m. 'They arrived at the scene. They went . in and began to do what they do every day when they were taken . hostage,' said Rutledge earlier. 'There was no indication there would be anything wrong at the home even when they made entry.' He . said the firefighters responded to the address with one ambulance and . one fire engine, adding that they are cross trained as medical and . firefighting forces. Rutledge would not comment on whether there was a . genuine medical emergency. Ritter said authorities did not believe there were any civilians inside the house but claimed he didn't know whether the man was . alone when the original call was made. 'Right now we just want our . firefighters to be released. We want them to be able to go home safe to . their families,' Rutledge told WSB-TV after a 5:45 p.m. press conference. 'Our hopes are for a peaceful resolution.' Scene: A gunman is holding four firefighters hostage in Georgia after they responded to medical call . Stand off: Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said the man has barricaded himself inside the house, pictured, in Suwanee with the firefighters who responded to a medical call . Streets: Television helicopter footage showed police and fire trucks surrounding the neighborhood of mostly two-story homes and well-kept lawns about 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta . The residence is near Collins Hill Road and Taylor Road. According to the TV station, the house, worth around $150,000, had been foreclosed on. Freddie Mac confirmed that the bank is prepping the property for sale but that it was not yet on the market. Spokesman Brad German said there was a tenant living in the house when it was foreclosed. It's not clear whether that person is still living there. Television . helicopter footage showed dozens of police and fire trucks surrounding the . neighborhood of mostly two-story homes and well-kept lawns about 35 . miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Local news crews are on the scene but Ritter had asked that TV helicopters stay clear of the airspace for the safety of all involved. The home is near Collins Hill Park, Walnut Grove Elementary School and Collins Hill High School. Those schools are closed this week for spring break. Residents were not being allowed into the neighborhood during the stand off, according to Fox News. WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW: .
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The unidentified suspect had barricaded himself inside the two-story house in Suwanee, which is 35 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta .
He was holding the firefighters at gunpoint .
Five firefighters were originally being held but the gunman released one to move a fire truck .
The man allegedly lured the team to his home by faking a heart attack and then demanding they turn back on his utilities that had been switched off .
Hostages suffered only minor injuries .
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Victoria Azarenka continued her love affair with the bright blue courts of Melbourne Park on Tuesday as the unseeded two-time former champion cruised to a first round victory over Sloane Stephens. Azarenka, 25, showed she will be a dangerous floater in the draw after being unseeded at a grand slam for the first time since the 2007 US Open following a run of injuries that restricted her to just nine tournaments last year. Victoria Azarenka celebrates her first round victory over Sloane Stephens . Azarenka blows a kiss to the crowd after her victory . She broke the 21-year-old American three times in the first set to clinch it in 29 minutes, and while Stephens fought off five break points in the second game of the second set, her resistance then faded and the tall Belarusian romped to a 6-3, 6-2 win. Stephens was unable to get past Azarenka and crashed out of the Australian Open . Stephens looks dejected as she saw her Australian Open challenge come to an end on day two . Azarenka shakes hands with Stephens after her victory in the first round . It is the third successive year Azarenka has beaten Stephens at Melbourne Park, the only place they have met on the WTA circuit, and she will next play either eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki or American teenager Taylor Townsend.
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Victoria Azarenka beat Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in the first round .
It is the first time since the 2007 US Open that Azarenka has been unseeded .
Azarenka has won the Australian Open twice in both 2012 and 2013 .
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The former wives of two NFL players have revealed they were told to keep quiet about domestic violence by the teams their husbands played for. Mercedes Sands, who was married to a player from the Cincinnati Bengals, and Brandie Underwood who married a member of the Green Bay Packers, have told of feeling trapped in abusive relationships and how the NFL's culture of silence and inclusiveness left them feeling like they couldn't seek help. The women spoke out as the NFL continues to be rocked by a domestic violence scandal that began when video emerged in September of Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancée to the ground in a hotel elevator. Four other cases of domestic violence have since come to light. Scroll down for video . Mercedes Sands, who was married to Cincinnati Bengals player Robert Sands, left, and Brandie Underwood, who married Brandon Underwood of the Green Bay Packers, right, have spoken out saying they were told to keep quiet about domestic violence by the teams their husbands played for . Speaking to The New York Times, Ms Sands told how she started fighting with her husband Robert just months after they married in 2011 - something that soon came to the attention of the Bengals team management. In January 2012, Ms Sands knocked herself unconscious after driving her car into a neighbor's house while trying to flee her husband. Within days, the team's head coach Marvin Lewis chaired a meeting between her and Mr Sands, she recalled. He told them to seek counselling, but also advised them to reach out to the Bengals first if there were further problems, rather than authorities, as police attention would prompt adverse media interest. Ms Underwood, 28, who left her partner Brandon in 2011, said the wives of players often felt like the team was 'all you have'. She said:'Other than them, I knew nobody. You come to this town when your husband is drafted, and you get kind of pushed into this group. It is how you get your friends - your support system.' Ms Underwood said other wives told her not to cause a fuss, as it could affect the harmony and success of their husbands' team. They were to put up with Infidelity and even if they reached breaking point within their marriages, they were told to just keep quiet, she said. Ms Sands said to begin with, she kept quiet. She didn't call the police, and instead raised issued with the Bengals' player relations coordinator. He would take calls 24 hours a day, and sometimes defused arguments at their home in the middle of the night, she said. Her husband told her if she complained to police it could threaten his position within the team, and ultimately their livelihood, she claimed. Mr Sands, who is now with the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League, said he had only ever physically abused Ms Sands and had never physically assaulted her. He confirmed her reports that the Bengals wanted to keep problems away from authorities. The NFL continues to be rocked by allegations of violence by its players, a scandal that was sparked by a video, seen above, of Ray Rice, punching his partner to the ground in September . But the club told the newspaper that they never told the couple not to involve the police, rather, they said the couple were told to work on their problems and make use of the services available to them. Ms Sands was just 22, when she moved from Miami to Cincinnati. The Bengals became her second family, she said. The team hosted her and her husband for thanksgiving and the Bengals later threw her and other expectant mothers a baby shower. But less than a week after the baby shower, everything changed, and Ms Sands said she became an outcast. In January 2013 she called police to report Ms Sands had choked her while putting his weight on her stomach. He was arrested, just one day before a play-off game. The support systems then went silence, Ms Sands, now 25, recalled. Mr Sands cancelled her credit card and emptied their joint account, she said, and during the final weeks of her pregnancy Ms Sands relied on food stamps and church handouts. For Ms Underwood, the ups and downs, happened daily. In one incident in June 2011, after they had celebrated the Packers' Super Bowl victory, she recalled how her husband ripped a necklace off her neck and threw her out of his parked car before driving away. When police arrived Ms Underwood didn't say what had taken place, but according to officers she had said she wanted to make a point to her husband that he couldn't 'keep doing this to me'. Mr Underwood was arrested. An investigation into recent domestic violence cases involved NFL players, showed that in many cases the women, stood by their partners, even while they were being prosecuted. Ray Rice - In September video was released of the Baltimore Ravens player punching his then-fiancée to the ground in a hotel elevator. Rice was initially suspended for just two weeks, but as outrage intensified, he was then released from his team and suspended indefinitely. Adrian Peterson - The Minnesota Vikings player is facing child abuse charges over disciplining his son, four, with a switch. Peterson was initially allowed to keep playing, but was later banned from playing until the case is resolved. He continues to be paid. Greg Hardy - The Carolina Panthers defensive end was found guilty in July of assaulting and threatening his girlfriend. He is appealing the case. He has also been barred from playing while the matter is before the courts, but continues to get paid. Jonathan Dwyer - The Arizona Cardinals player was arrested in September for two domestic violence incidents involving a woman, 27 and an 18-month-old child. He is on bail and has been deactivated from all team activities. Ray McDonald - The San Francisco 49ers defensive end was arrested in August on felony domestic charges related to an altercation with his girlfriend. He was bailed and his continued to take the field for his team. The team's CEO has said he wants to see clear evidence of wrongdoing before punishing the player. A career in the NFL, on average, only last three years, something Ms Underwood said she was acutely aware of. If she spoke out, she feared she would affect her husbands career. Ms Underwood told how her life changed overnight after her husband landed a four-year $1.8million contract. She was then welcomed into the Packers' family and a life of luxury. But a week after the birth of the couple's third son, in June 2010, Mr Underwood told her he was being investigated for sexually assaulting two women. He later pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor prostitution charge. Ms Underwood said she was encouraged by the Packers' management and other wives, to stand by her husband. She felt trapped: 'They are more worried about protecting a team's name or player than a wife.' She made plans to divorce him the following year and left him about two months after the night he chucked her out of his car. Mr Underwood later pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge over the incident. Ms Underwood then moved home, to a town near Dayton, Ohio, and began waiting tables. She did not hear from the Packers' again. The team refused to comment on the Underwoods case to the newspaper. Mr Underwood was suspended for two games under the NFL's personal conduct policy, although it is not known whether it was for the prostitution charge or the episode where Ms Underwood was pushed out of his car. The Packers dropped him before the 2011 season. Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesman, said teams had offered a variety of resources to players or family members for years, including referrals for counseling services. In 2012 the league started the NFL Life Line, a free, confidential phone consultation service to assist current and former players, as well as coaches and family members.
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The NFL continues to be rocked by a domestic violence scandal .
Which began when video emerged of Ray Rice punching his fiancée .
Wives of former players have revealed how they were told to stay quiet .
And how they were told to call team management, rather than the police .
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(CNN) -- Before he died Friday, it seems, James Rebhorn wrote his own obituary. St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Jersey City, New Jersey, has shared a letter titled "His Life, According to Jim" that's signed by the actor and dated March 2014. According to the church, Rebhorn, 65, was a longtime member who "will be remembered not so much for his many screen and stage accomplishments as for his firm faith, his strong leadership, his care for others, and his unfailing good humor." Actor James Rebhorn dead at 65 . And in the obituary, Rebhorn's faith and love for his family are particularly evident. It includes recognition of the influence of his parents, who "gave him his faith and wisely encouraged him to stay in touch with God," and his sister, who was "his confidant (and) ... bridge over troubled waters." He also mentions how his wife, Rebecca, and their two daughters "anchored his life and gave him the freedom to live it." "Without them always at the center of his being," the obituary continues, "(Rebhorn's) life would have been little more than a vapor. Rebecca loved him with all his flaws, and in her the concept of ceaseless love could find no better example." Rebhorn was born in September 1948 in Philadelphia. After graduating from Ohio's Wittenberg University and earning a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia, he soon found his way to both the stage and the screen. If his name isn't familiar, his face probably is: Rebhorn played the headmaster in 1992's "Scent of a Woman," a district attorney on the series finale of "Seinfeld" and the secretary of defense alongside Will Smith in 1996's "Independence Day." Most recently, he was on television as "Homeland's" Frank Mathison, the father of Claire Danes' Carrie. Throughout his life, Rebhorn's obituary says, he was "fortunate enough to earn his living doing what he loved. ... A lucky man in every way." Although his representative did not specify Rebhorn's cause of death, she said he died "at home with his loving family in attendance." In addition to his wife and daughters, whom he says "made him immensely proud," Rebhorn noted the numerous family members and friends he's leaving behind. "He loved them all," Rehborn said, "and he knows they loved him." People we've lost in 2014 . CNN's Alan Duke contributed to this report.
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Actor James Rebhorn died at 65 on Friday .
His church has shared a letter signed by him .
The obituary notes his love for his faith and family .
He earned a living "doing what he loved," a "lucky man in every way"
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(CNN) -- As Haitians struggle to recover from the devastation of Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake, mental health experts caution that the most severe psychological effects won't take form until individuals' situations stabilize. Feelings of confusion, fear, agitation, grief and anger that surround a large-scale traumatic event such as the Haiti earthquake give way to more pronounced psychological disorders once people's basic human needs are taken care of, experts say. "Once the initial resources are in, when actually most people are going to start feel out of danger, is when the psychological aftereffects are going to hit people," said Dr. Daniella David, professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. "People need to ask for help when that happens." In the immediate short-term period after a large-scale traumatic event, people are concerned primarily with self-preservation and taking care of family and friends, said Dr. Sandro Galea, chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. These people experience acute stress and anxiety, which is taken up by trying to fulfill the immediate physical needs. There is a normal and immediate stress response that comes with an event that causes damage to homes and infrastructure and loss of family members, David said. Haiti has the potential for higher rates of mental illness and a slower recovery after this episode because the population is already strained from weak social and economic supports, Galea said. In those conditions, they may already be predisposed to developing mental illness irrespective of the earthquake itself, he said. View or add to CNN's database of missing persons in Haiti . The stress of the disaster situation, combined with the potential predisposition toward stress disorders, could lead to an extreme emotional reaction, but that does not mean these factors predict any kind of violent or other extreme behavior, said Joan Cook, assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, in an e-mail. "I'd say that if the rate of psychological problems turns out similar to previous severe natural disasters in other economically disadvantaged countries, as many as 50 percent or more could suffer in the short-term from clinically significant distress," she said. When disaster victims have information about their situation, they tend to make rational decisions and tend to the immediate needs of themselves and those close to them, Galea said. There is little evidence of widespread panic in those cases, he said, but there is a danger of misinformation. "People can accept uncertainty, as long as they are brought into the uncertainty and told what central authorities do know, and also what central authorities don't know," he said. "It's critically important that there is information that comes out centrally from a single source." To assist at the early stage, the most important thing to do immediately after a disaster -- for example, at this moment in Haiti -- is to try to help with basic needs such as shelter and food, David said. In terms of psychological support, studies of natural disasters show that people should be moved to safety and informed that the immediate danger is over, something that has unfortunately been difficult to do in Haiti, she said. About a month after a disaster occurs, once the immediate physical needs are addressed, symptoms of mental illness begin to coalesce into specific conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, Galea said. PTSD in particular can last years after the event in a substantial portion of people, he said. The response varies. Some people may become fearful and develop panic attacks, while others experience sadness that turns into depression, and still others have an acute stress reaction that leads to PTSD or another stress disorder, David said. The high rates of mental illness in a population that has experienced a traumatic event go down over time, depending on how various problems in the area are resolved, Galea said. "The extent to which we are able to assist people in rebuilding their lives becomes a tremendously important driver of whether or not the psychopathology that is caused by the trauma will go on to become severe, and how long it lasts," Galea said. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, researchers found that stressors such as not having a job, not having access to insurance and not being able to get paid contributed to the symptoms of mental illness, Galea said. "Rebuilding lives, rebuilding social supports, rebuilding financial and practical supports will go a long way to minimizing the health consequences of the event that has passed," he said. Health.com: How will Haitians cope with psychological aftershocks? A population that has gone through something like an earthquake of this magnitude will typically have about 10 percent of people with PTSD and 10 percent with depression, based on studies of Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and other events, he said. But among those who lose their homes and loved ones in an event like this, the rates can be more like 40 to 50 percent. The life expectancy in Haiti is just 61 years, according to the World Bank, well under the average life span of 78 years for an individual in the United States. About 56 percent of Haitians live on less than $1 per day, according to the World Bank. There is some research to suggest that fatalism -- feeling that you are powerless against life's external control -- is also related to long-term emotional consequences of disaster, Cook said. Studies by psychologist Fran Norris at Dartmouth University have shown that adult disaster survivors who feel uncared for by others or who lack the capacity to manage stress are also at risk for PTSD, Cook said. Recent events such as Hurricane Katrina have offered extraordinary insights into human response to natural disasters, experts said. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russell Honoré, who led relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, said Thursday that a lack of information "created a lot of anxiety for people because they didn't know what was going on." "We need to correct that, and as soon as we can, start pushing information to people, because rumors can cause the victims to make bad decisions," he said.
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After initial shock of tragedy wanes, other mental issues arise, experts say .
World Bank: Life expectancy in Haiti is 61 years; U.S. is 78 .
Expert: The Haitian population is already strained from weak social and economic supports .
There is a danger of rumors spreading, leading people to make bad decisions .
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The abridged story of Michael Grant reads as follows. A natural, muscle-bound athlete who excelled at baseball, basketball and American football; poor grades forced him to shelve his college dreams and try his hand at boxing. Grant fought just 12 times as an amateur before turning professional and of his first 31 fights, only seven went the distance. He was heavyweight boxing’s next big thing. Until he ran into Lennox Lewis at the turn of the millennium. Michael Grant lands a punch on Obed Sullivan during his win in 1998 and was considered the next big thing . Grant came up short when he faced Lennox Lewis at Madison Square Garden in 2000 . The newly-crowned undisputed champion of the world knocked Grant down three times in the first round before finishing him in the second. Grant would never get another shot at the title and his most recent fight was a fifth-round stoppage defeat last year at the age of 42. Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and standing at the same 6ft 7in as Grant, Deontay Wilder also dreamed of making it on the football field or the basketball court but his life changed after the birth of his daughter Naieya in 2005. Instead of playing as a wide receiver or a forward, he stepped into a boxing gym for the first time. And so began a whirlwind journey. A two-year amateur career culminated in a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and, after just 30 fights, he turned professional. Deontay Wilder won an Olympic bronze medal Beijing Games in 2008 after just 30 amateur fights . Wilder takes on WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne (left) in Las Vegas on Saturday night . Wilder weighs in ahead of his first world title shot as he bids to prove he's the real deal . Seven years later, on Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Wilder has his chance to win a world title against the WBC champion Bermane Stiverne in one of the most meaningful and anticipated heavyweight fights of the last decade. He is two years older than Grant was but his record is even more impressive: 32 knockouts from as many fights. He has never been beyond the fourth round. But Wilder’s resume is constantly under scrutiny. His best win to date is a first-round stoppage of Malik Scott last year but his record is also littered with names like Audley Harrison, Jason Gavern and Matthew Greer. ‘I think this is definitely my chance now to shut the critics up, the naysayers, the haters, the non-believers, the a*******, the d******** or whatever you want to call them – I’m ready to shut them all up,’ he says. ‘We’ll see if he [Stiverne] is a test or not. Like I say, many came before him who were supposed to be a test for me and I made the impossible possible by knocking them out when I wasn’t supposed to do it, and now they suddenly became bums, so we’ll see on Saturday if he is a true test. ‘I feel no matter what I do there’s still going to be somebody out there with an opinion on something and there’s always going to be someone out there with something to say so I’m not trying to please nobody.’ Wilder has a perfect professional record having won all 32 of his fights by knock out before the fifth round . Wilder beat Britain's Audley Harrison with an impressive first round knock out in 2013 . Wilder (left) lands a punch on Jason Gavern in their heavywieght fight at StubHub Center in August 2014 . While there is no doubting his power, Wilder has never been in trouble in a professional ring. And he has never faced anyone like Stiverne. The Haitian, born the youngest of 14 children, moved to Miami when he was 10 and turned to boxing when injury curtailed a promising football career. He has also spent time in Canada but has lived in Las Vegas for a decade. Stiverne knocked out his first dozen opponents before suffering a surprise defeat to Demetrice King. A six-round draw with Charles Davis would be the only other blot on his record before his double-header with Chris Arreola thrust him into the limelight. Promoted by Don King, who is enjoying perhaps his final fling at the top of the heavyweight game, Stiverne outpointed Arreola in their first meeting before the pair clashed again for the vacant WBC title last May following Vitali Klitschko’s retirement. This time, Stiverne knocked Arreola down twice before the referee stepped in to halt his punishment. Stiverne is the reigning WBC heavyweight champion and will provide a real test for Wilder . ‘It’s going to be a real fight, a fight like you’ve never seen before,’ the champion says. ‘I’m no cab driver, I’m no one-hit wonder, this is the real deal. This belt here isn’t going anywhere. This green belt is staying right here. ‘Everyone who has supported me, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve seen plenty of guys like Wilder, even guys who talk more than him. ‘It’s going to be a short night. It’s going to be painful - really painful. And I will send him home with no belt. If he has not gone past four rounds, that is not my business ‐ that is his business. ‘All I have to say is that after Saturday, all the people that had questions about this man will get the answers - more than the answers. I don’t care if he went 24 rounds or whatever it is. It doesn’t matter. All I am saying is I can’t wait. ‘After this fight you will never ever hear about Deontay Wilder.’ It is eight years since America had a heavyweight champion of the world when Shannon Briggs reigned for seven short months. The dominance of Wladimir Klitschko, who holds the other three major belts, has diluted interest in what was once the greatest prize in sport. ‘That’s definitely the significance behind it [this world title fight],’ says Wilder. ‘Just bring the belt back. It’s been a long time coming. A lot of Americans have been yearning for an American champion – they want an American champion, they want the excitement. WBC heavyweight champion Stiverne and Wilder go head-to-head at the pre-fight press conference . ‘If any fighter in America is up for that job then hands down it’s me. I’ve got everything. I’m the total package - I’m entertaining, I’m exciting, I got charisma and I’ve got that one-punch knockout power, that’s what everyone comes to see.’ Wilder is certainly entertaining; but he is also unpredictable. Last year, he beat up internet troll Charlie Zelenoff who had harassed the boxer on social media and made comments about his daughter who has spina bifida. The video went viral but asked serious questions about his temperament. ‘People don’t know what it took me to get here,’ he adds. ‘Nothing has been given to me and I appreciate every little thing I have. This made me who I am in life. ‘I knew it was going to take hard work to get that belt and I’m ready for that test. This is my time; I don’t think my opponent understands purpose because this is my time. ‘When I do the unexpected, I don’t want you all to degrade this man, Stiverne. I don’t want anyone to make excuses for my victory. Stick by your word. Let this be a test for me and watch me pass my test. I guarantee I will do it.’ Wilder takes verbal shots at Stiverne during the pre-fight press conference . Stiverne vs Wilder is live on BoxNation on Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.
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Deontay Wilder faces WBC champion Bermane Stiverne in Las Vegas .
Wilder has a perfect professional record of 32 wins all by knock out .
The American has never been beyond the fourth round in a fight .
Michael Grant had a similar record before he lost to Lennox Lewis .
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Alastair Cook’s patience with his arch-critic snapped at Headingley on Thursday ahead of the decisive second Test against Sri Lanka when he accused Shane Warne of making personal attacks on him and his England captaincy. The Australian has seemingly had it in for Cook ever since he called his 294 against India at Edgbaston three years ago ‘boring’ but he cranked up his criticism of the England captain this winter and throughout last week’s first Test. And Cook responded to persistent negative comments from Warne on Sky TV and in his newspaper column about his tactics and the timing of his declaration against Sri Lanka at Lord’s by saying ‘something needs to be done.’ Hitting back: Alastair Cook has criticised Australian pundit Shane Warne for 'personal attacks' Outspoken: Sky pundit Warne has been vocal in his criticism of Cook's captaincy in recent months . Tactics: Cook (left) discusses strategy with England coach Peter Moores during training at Headingley . Under pressure: Cook's captaincy came under criticism in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's last week . Nets: England practise at Headingley ahead of the second Test with Sri Lanka which starts on Friday . Cook refused to bite when asked about Warne and other criticism in his press conference ahead of Friday's second Investec Test but was more forthcoming in a radio interview with the BBC’s Jonathan Agnew. ‘Something needs to be done because in my eyes I’ve been criticised for a hell of a lot of my three years as captain,’ said Cook when asked for his response to ‘voluble’ remarks, in particular from Warne. ‘Yes, when you lose as captain you get criticised but I’ve also won a lot for England. I’ve won more one-day games than any other England captain, I’ve won an Ashes and away in India. I’m proud of that, so to be criticised for three years I find quite hard to take to be honest. ‘Support and positivity is what this England team need. The crowd at Lord’s were brilliant, the public there were fantastic and got behind the lads. A bit more support like that would stand everyone in good stead.’ Did Cook believe the criticism was personal? ‘Yes I think it is,’ he said. But would a century in Leeds silence the noises off? ‘It probably wouldn’t which is sad but hopefully for the good of this England side it would.’ There is no question to this observer that Warne, a close friend and confidante of Australian captain Michael Clarke and an ally of Kevin Pietersen, has been harsh and relentless in his attacks on Cook but whether the England captain should have responded in this way at this time is questionable. Up and down: Cook looks frustrated during the first Test (left) but was smiling in training before the second . Friend: Sky TV pundit Warne (left) is close with Australia captain Michael Clarke (right) Strategy: Moores (second left) talks with Liam Plunkett (left) and England's other players during training . VIDEO New look line up impressing so far - Cook . Cook can only stoke up the fire and increase the pressure on himself by responding to Warne and would have been better off ignoring a man who is undoubtedly one of the greatest of all cricketers but to my mind at least is a one-eyed and repetitive commentator. Quite what Cook feels can be done to stop Warne is not clear but he cannot expect to silence or censor a pundit who is paid to give his views. Unfortunately, the deportation of voluble Australians is beyond the power even of an England captain or an ECB chairman in Giles Clarke who complained to Sky about Warne’s attacks on Cook after the disastrous Ashes winter. Other than Warne and perhaps a couple of other observers Cook and the new England have actually received a lot of support from the bulk of the media and there were far more positive assessments of the Lord’s performance by England and the tactics of their captain than negative ones. It is certainly laughable for those who have called on Cook to stand up as an England captain and do the job his way to now say he should be picking the brains of those in the commentary box who would seek to undermine him. Venue: Headingley will host the second Test between England and Sri Lanka which starts on Friday . Hitting out: Plunkett bats in the nets at Headingley ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka . Catch: Stuart Broad dives to grab the ball as England prepare ahead of the second Test with Sri Lanka . Cool: Ian Bell looks calm as he waits to catch the ball during a nets session at Headingley with England . Cook said yesterday that the man outside of the England set-up who he turns to for advice is former England captain and Sportsmail columnist Nasser Hussain and it is absolutely his prerogative to seek opinions from where he wants to rather than pander to Shane Warne just because he has been a critic of him. ‘Everyone will have different views on how to get results and I’m doing it the way that feels right to me on the pitch,’ said Cook. ‘We keep things in house but I spoke to Nasser the other day not just about captaincy but all sorts of things. He is a good friend of mine and made some good points. 'At the end of the day I feel we did a very good job at Lord’s without quite getting over the line and if we continue to play like that I will be proud as England captain.’ What Cook needs most of all to repel Warne’s near unplayable deliveries is to score his first Test century since he last played here at Headingley against New Zealand just over a year ago. And the England captain knows it. Huddle: England players and coaching staff take time during training to talk through their strategy . Oval ball: England's Joe Root runs with an Aussie rules' ball during training ahead of the second Test . Bowling: England paceman Jimmy Anderson (left) and spinner Moeen Ali (right) during training at Headingley . 'It’s crucial I score runs as captain so I need to get back to getting as many as I can,’ said Cook. ‘I am doing the hard work. I’ve just got to score in the middle. 'I think this run is different to the poor form I had a few years ago because back then I didn’t know where the next run was coming from. The difference now is that I haven’t been converting starts to hundreds and that’s frustrating.’ Sri Lanka want to complete a tour that has seen them win the Twenty20 international and one-day series with a victory that would give them their first Test series win in England. Cook knows they will be tough opponents again but hopes the Headingley pitch will have more pace, bounce and carry than Lord’s. ‘We played really well at Lord’s but that’s gone,’ said Cook. ‘We have to earn the right to again get in the positions we got into there. Eventually we dominated Sri Lanka but it took us four and a half days of really hard work to do so. 'Yes we desperately want to win this Test and to do so we will need to play good cricket.’ And if they do maybe even Shane Warne will be impressed. Focused: Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews is ready to face England in the second Test at Headingley . Smash: Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara hits a shot during a net session at Headingley ahead of the second Test . Poised: Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal readies himself to catch a ball during a nets session at Headingley . Suited: Mathews in his full cricket gear leaves the nets following a session before the second Test .
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Cook accuses Warne of targeted attacks on his England captaincy .
England face Sri Lanka in decisive second Test at Headingley on Friday .
The England captain insists 'something needs to be done' to quieten Warne .
Warne is close friend of Kevin Pietersen and Australia's Michael Clarke .
Cook says it is crucial he scores runs to quell the criticism from Warne .
Both sides trained at Headingley ahead of the second Test .
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At school, most of us learnt that the Earth’s tectonic plates ‘float’ like large rocky rafts. But teachers were vague about what the pieces of Earth’s crust actually float on because no one really knew.Now scientists have solved the mystery, however. Geologists have used tonnes of dynamite, creating their own seismic waves, to discover that the plates move across a thick layer of jelly-like rock. Geologists have used tonnes of dynamite to create their own seismic waves and discover that tectonic plates move across a thick layer of jelly-like rock. Here, instruments are used to measure the waves . Together with experts from the US and Japan, a team of geologists from Victoria University of Wellington, in New Zealand, developed a new method to get the most detailed images yet of the base of the tectonic plate beneath Wellington. In the past, geologists have studied earthquakes and the speed of the seismic waves produced, in a bid to unravel the mystery. ‘Rather than relying on earthquake waves that come from below we create our own "earthquakes" with dynamite shots,’ study leader Tim Stern told Cosmos Magazine. The team detonated dynamite underground across the southern part of the North Island and listened for echoes to build an image of the bottom of the Pacific Plate, which is 62 miles (100km) beneath the Earth’s surface. They used 877 Coke can-sized seismometers set up over 52 miles (85km) to take their measurements. Experts already knew that plates are made of a thick layer of hard rock, called the lithosphere, above a softer layer called the asthenosphere (shown in this diagram), but the boundary between them was a mystery . In the past, geologists have studied earthquakes and the speed of the seismic waves produced, in a bid to unravel the mystery. This stock image shows seismic waves created by a small earthquake . Experts already knew that plates are made of a thick layer of hard rock, called the lithosphere, above a softer layer called the asthenosphere, but the boundary was a mystery. The recordings were clearer than before and showed that Earth’s tectonic plates are gliding on a distinct layer of ‘soft’ rock, six miles (10km) thick and weak enough to allow the plates to shift many centimetres per year. The study revealed that the Earth’s tectonic plates are gliding on a distinct layer of ‘soft’ rock, six miles (10km) thick. It is weak enough to allow the plates to shift many centimetres per year. The thinner layer beneath the plate appears to contain pockets of molten rock that make it easier for the plates to slide across them. This means that the plates can be pushed and pulled around without strong resistance at the base. Professor Stern said: ‘A weak slippery base also explains why tectonic plates can sometimes abruptly change the direction in which they’re slipping. It’s a bit like a ski sliding on snow.’ The rock may be soft because of a higher concentration of water or magma than in rock in the lithosphere, which is 0.1 per cent magma. The experts say that if the rock was made of just 2 per cent magma, it may explain its unusual consistency. ‘The idea that Earth’s surface consists of a mosaic of moving plates is a well-established scientific paradigm, but it had never been clear about what actually moves the plates around,’ said Professor Stern of the university’s geography department. ‘To work this out requires an understanding of what happens at the bottom of a tectonic plate. It’s been difficult to obtain the necessary detailed images at such great depths using the usual method of recording natural earthquake waves. ‘But by generating our own seismic waves using higher frequency dynamite shots we were able to see how they became modified as they passed through different layers in the earth. ‘This, along with some new techniques in seismic reflection processing, allowed us to obtain the most detailed image yet of an oceanic tectonic plate.’ He says that the thinner layer beneath the plate appears to contain pockets of molten rock that make it easier for the plates to slide across them. ‘This means that the plates can be pushed and pulled around without strong resistance at the base. ‘A weak slippery base also explains why tectonic plates can sometimes abruptly change the direction in which they’re slipping. It’s a bit like a ski sliding on snow.’ The rock may be soft and jelly-like because of a higher concentration of water or magma than in rock in the lithosphere, which is 0.1 per cent magma. The experts say that if the rock was made of just 2 per cent magma, it may explain its unusual consistency. ‘On a million-year time scale this would appear weak and jelly-like,’ Professor Stern said. He said that understanding the boundary between the base of cold, rigid tectonic plates and the underlying hot mantle underneath is central to our knowledge of plate tectonics, as well as the very formation and evolution of our planet. Researchers say weak zones caused the Earth's mantle to crack, causing tectonic plates to form . They are responsible for the formation of continents, and are still active - as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions show. However, researchers have never been able to work out why the Earth developed tectonic plates, but other planets did not. On April, Yale said it had solved the mystery - and say the key is tiny minerals within rocks. The research suggests how and when Earth came to develop one of its most distinct features — rigid tectonic plates — and why Venus, Earth’s twin-like neighbor, never has. 'We think it all comes down to the behavior of tiny grains of minerals within rocks,' said Yale geophysicist David Bercovici, lead author of research published online April 6 in the journal Nature. The researchers argue that in Earth’s early days, mantle convection caused weak zones in the lithosphere - the outermost shell of the planet. These zones persisted, developed into plate boundaries, and ultimately connected to form a global network of tectonic plates. The weak zones, they argue, resulted from the tendency of mineral grains in rocks to shrink as the rock deforms.
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Geologists used dynamite to create their own seismic waves .
Waves enabled them to get a clear picture of the bottom of the Pacific Plate .
This revealed tectonic plates are gliding on a layer of ‘soft’ rock, .
It is six miles (10km) thick and weak enough to allow the plates to shift .
Find could shed light the formation and evolution of our planet .
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Fraser Hobday, pictured, asked his sister to post his entire career and life story online - right from his early days at primary school. A footballer playing for a team languishing at the bottom of a Scottish semi-professional league scored an own goal - by giving himself a Wikipedia entry almost as big as a Premier League star. Cafe worker Fraser Hobday who plays in goal for lowly Huntly FC who are currently bottom of their division with a goal difference of minus 33. But despite his modest achievements the 19-year-old asked his sister to post a rundown of his career and life story online - right from his early days at primary school. The trainee chef's 3,271-word biography tells how he failed to keep any clean sheets at his first senior club. He then describes how he faced the pressure of a penalty in his first big game for Huntly FC, who play in the Scottish Highland League - and let in the goal. The career of Joe Hart, the Manchester City and England goalkeeper, who has won two Premier League title is described on Wikipedia in 200 words less. Mr Hobday's entry charts his involvement in the Dunnottar Primary School team 'from its establishment in 2005'. 'He was picked at the first time of asking, when the school held trials for Primaries 5, 6 and 7,' it says. The entry describes the time he won 'most improved player' in the under 13s category while playing for Stonehaven Youth FC. Describing one game during his career at Huntly FC, the entry said: 'Around the 30th minute of the game, and already 3-2 down, a sudden rush of blood to the head saw Huntly FC second choice goalkeeper Shaun Barney sent off for violent conduct. 'The team were forced into making a substitution, sacrificing defensive midfielder Mark Gray, and putting on the young trialist Hobday. 'His first responsibility was to stop a penalty and the pressure was on. Unfortunately, Hobday didn't save the penalty and Turriff United FC went on to win the game 7-3'. The action-packed biography went viral and sparked a flood of praise from admirers. On Twitter @Oddschecker wrote: 'Fraser Hobday, a goalkeeper in the Scottish Highland League, has a longer wiki entry than Neymar!' Officials at Huntly FC (@huntlyfc) proudly posted: 'Meet Fraser Hobday: the amateur footballer who has a Wikipedia page worthy of Lionel Messi.' Mr Hobday's page said that when not performing heroics on the pitch he studies professional cookery at Aberdeen college and works part-time in a local cafe. Wikipedia has suspended the entry with the message: 'This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedia's deletion policy.' The footballer said today that his Wikipedia entry page was a serious record of his career and not intended as a joke. The entry charts the time he won 'most improved player' in the under 13s category while playing for Stonehaven Youth FC . The trainee chef (pictured right) describes his career in 3,271 words. The Wikipedia entry for fellow goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has two Premier League winning medals is 200 words less . He said: 'First and foremost I take my football career very, very seriously.'It's something I want to make a career of. 'It's my aspiration and my desire. It's what I want to do. 'So whether that was at Middlefield Wasps or Huntly now, I think it's important to show everything that I've done. 'A lot of professional footballers have these information pages and Wikipedia was what I came across and decided to try for myself rather than Linked-in or a blog. 'It started off as something small and grew into something a bit bigger- it's basically an online CV. 'Fraser, who is a semi-pro, said his sister Heather Morgan, 30, had put the information on Wikipaedia as an 'online CV'. Age: 27 . Playing position: Goalkeeper . Day job: Manchester City and England player . Career highlights: Winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City as well as the FA Cup and gaining 47 England caps . Gary Lineker's Wikipedia entry is 3,849 words long . Manchester City appearances: 202 . Height: 6ft 5ins . Clubs: Shrewbury Town, Manchester City . Wikipedia page word count: 3,071 . Age: 19 . Playing position: Goalkeeper . Day job: Trainee chef . Career highlights: Making first team appearances for Aberdeen-based Huntly FC . Fraser Hobday's Wikepdia page is 3,271 words . Huntly FC appearances: 20 . Height: 5ft 11ins . Clubs: Parkvale FC, Huntly FC . Wikipedia page word count: 3,271 . He added: 'I gave my sister the information on a Microsoft word document. We knew Wikipedia doesn't allow you to add your own entries so I can't write it. 'So she put it up onto the Wikipedia to do me a bit of a favour really. 'It's been there about a year but it wasn't until pre-season this year that some of the boys on the team spotted it. 'It became a bit of a joke on the bus. They'd say "what's Fraser doing tonight?", "probably updating his Wikipedia page". 'They thought the detail in it was pretty hilarious. 'Most improved player comes up a lot and I get some stick for it. 'I saw that some people had said that it was a Wiki page worthy of Messi - I mean, that's a great comparison. 'Others I saw mentioned Neymar and even Pele. You couldn't really ask for much better could you?' Fraser Hobday describes how he faced the pressure of a penalty in his first big game for Huntly FC, who play in the Scottish Highland League - and let in the goal . The Wikipedia entry went viral online with some commenting that it was an entry worthy of Brazilian superstar Neymar (pictured) Wikipedia has since suspended the page with the message: 'This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedia's deletion policy.' Mr Hobday said that despite the Wikipedia page being suspended, he will now upload the info onto a blog. He said: 'I'm looking at ways to keep it going.'I'm working hard, I train four nights a week, I play every game so the experience and the exposure is great.'If this page has helped promote Huntly or the Highland League then that can only good. Wikimedia UK, which supports Wikipedia, said: 'Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and as such as guidelines about what content is suitable for inclusion, and what isn't. 'In the case of biographies of living people, one of the key guidelines is what we call notability. 'For a biography to be suitable for inclusion, the subject must be notable within their field. 'There is actually a specific notability criteria for footballers, which states that anyone who has played in a senior international, or played or managed in a fully professional league, would be considered notable. 'While Fraser Hobday's career hasn't yet reached the professional ranks, I hope that one day he makes the step up and his Wikipedia entry can be restored.'
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Goalkeeper Fraser Hobday asked sister to post 3,271-word Wikipedia entry .
19-year-old plays for Huntly FC rooted to bottom of Scottish semi-pro league .
Wikipedia entry is bigger than one describing Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart's entire career .
Biography, which includes a rundown of his school career, went viral online .
Said he used entry as online CV and admits he has been teased by friends .
Wikipedia has suspended the entry because it does not match its guidelines for entries on footballers .
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Father Paul Coleman said he was 'devastated' to hear of the death of Nicole's father, Antony Kidman . The Catholic priest who officiated at the wedding of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban has spoken about the loss of the Oscar-winning actress's father. Long-time friend of the family Father Paul Coleman said he is 'devastated' by the news of Dr Kidman's death from a fall in a Singapore hotel room. The Sydney parishioner - who first met Dr Kidman when his oldest daughter was a student at North Sydney Girls school - said he was a good man and a 'great husband to his wife' who he regularly dined with. Father Coleman first met Nicole's parents at her confirmation when she was 12 - but knew Nicole from her time at North Sydney Girls School where he taught scripture. 'I knew him very well and I found him to be an honourable man, an upstanding person who was kind and generous,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Nicole Kidman with her late father Dr Antony Kidman who Father Paul Coleman said was an 'upstanding' man . 'I often dined with them (the Kidmans) and admired the good work he did in the community and at the Royal North Shore centre.' Dr Kidman was a clinical psychologist at Royal North Shore Hospital and a director of health psychology at the University of Technology Sydney. A friend of the family confirmed on Friday that Dr Kidman died from a fall in his Singapore hotel room while visiting his youngest daughter, Antonia, and six grandchildren. Father Coleman met Dr Kidman through Nicole when he was a scripture teacher at North Sydney Girls High School, before he participated in the confirmation of the Oscar-winning actress when she was about 12. He visited the school once a week for scripture teachings, up until when he left the The Parishes of Our Lady of the Way in 1986, but kept a closely-held relationship with the Kidmans that would see him unite Nicole and husband Keith Urban in 2006. When the pair advertised that they were engaged and wanted a traditional Catholic wedding down under, Father Coleman was the man trusted with the official duties at a ceremony in front of 238 friends and family at Manly, in Sydney's north. Father Paul Coleman officiated at the wedding of Nicole and Keith Urban in 2006 . He said he was 'humbled' by the opportunity to marry and counsel them on the meaning of a romantic marriage. 'I just prepared them,' he said, which involved advising the Hollywood actress and her country-rock husband on the 'importance of what they were doing.' 'I'm not married myself but I tried to draw them to the messages of marriage.' He also baptised their second child, Faith, in the NSW southern highlands. Father Coleman was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1948, and worked as a Father at the The Parishes of Our Lady of the Way from 1975 to 1986. He now spends most of his time working as a chaplain at Sydney's Mater Hospital where he visits ill patients and hospital staff. Father Coleman said he was being inundated with phone calls on Friday night in relation to Dr Kidman's tragic death. 'The family are shocked and everyone is ringing me up - they are all shocked.' 'He was very open, a warm and friendly person of good character,' he said.
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Father Paul Coleman had known Dr Antony Kidman more than 30 years .
They met at Nicole's Catholic confirmation when she was 12 .
Father Coleman worked at Nicole's school and wed her and Keith Urban .
He said Dr Kidman was a man he 'admired' for his tireless medical work .
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Danny Ings' double on his home ground led England to an impressive 3-1 win over Portugal at Turf Moor. The Burnley striker scored in the sixth minute and then again in the second half, while Carl Jenkinson also got on the scoresheet for England. Relive all the action as it happened below. Host commentator . A very good night at the office for England and they head to France for their next game on Monday night. That's all from me... see you soon! A job very well done by England. They have played some really good football and scored three quality goals. It's a morale boosting win against the team who they will face in their Euro 2015 opener in Czech Republic in June. Portugal played some good football as well, but their defending let them down. But also they look to be holding back a bit and not revealing their hand to England with that game in June to come. England have now won 11 in a row and will head to France for a friendly in Brest on Monday after inflicting Portugal's first defeat in 15. Three added minutes at Turf Moor. Nathan Redmond is announced as man of the match with two minutes to play plus injury time. It was a close call between him and Ings, who scored twice. I probably would have given it to Redmond as well. Not long left now and there's a party atmosphere in the crowd. A standing ovation for Danny Ings as he is replaced with 11 minutes to play. The night couldn't have gone much better for him - two goals on home soil. Bamford is the man to replace him while Robinson also comes on for Garbutt. England almost home here, but need to keep their concentration. A good night's work for Redmond comes to an end as he is replaced by Alex Pritchard with 18 minutes to play. Redmond has been a problem for Portugal's defence all night. 20 minutes to go in Burnley and Portugal are the team on the front foot now. England are defending very deep and allowing their visitors to apply pressure. So far, though, Southgate's side are holding firm and still maintaining a threat on the counter attack. Ings was clean through a minute ago with a chance for his hat-trick... but he was also yards offside. A number of changes for Portugal. Chalobah came on for Hughes for England as well. Two-goal cushion restored for England. Once again Portugal were opened up very easily. Redmond did very down the left as he beat his defender and cut the ball back low for Ings to slot in from close range. England have had to do some defending at the start of the second half, but that goal should settle them. Very good response. Portugal must have had a message at half-time to start pushing on and having a go at England. In the first half they were timid in possession and often just went from side to side. In eight minutes of second-half action they have already tested England more than they did in the entire first half. England need to be a bit more cautious at the back, but there are still plenty of opportunities going forward, especially on the counter attack. Game on again in Burnley. Lovely finish from Bernardo Silva through the legs of Butland and Portugal are back in it. England look to have been caught cold there after the restart, and suddenly their lead is not so comfortable now. 45 minutes to got then and we're underway in the second half. 'More of the same please' would have been the message from Southgate in the dressing room at half-time. Half-time in Burnley and it's looking good for England at the moment. They have scored two really good goals and looked very dangerous in possession. Portugal, for all their possession, never really threatened England and have also struggled to contain the likes of Ings, Redmond and Ince. I'll be back for the second half very shortly, but here's Dom King's views on the action so far: . 'This is a big night for some of these England players. Gareth Southgate has a rough idea of what his 23-man party for the Czech Republic will be and a few of this group need to stake a claim. One man who is doing so is Tom Ince. He has been heavily involved and is taking the chance to impress the head coach. Will Hughes, too, has built on his outstanding performance in Croatia. So far it is a case of a job being very well done.' No 2 for England! Again it was lovely, intricate build-up play and Will Hughes' cut back from the left channel went all the way through to Jenkinson, who arrived into the penalty box late and slotted in England's second. An excellent finish from the young Arsenal right back and England double their advantage. Portugal very poor defensively. Hughes has the ball in the back of the net, but was offside from Ings' ball through. No arguments there, the Derby man was a couple of yards off. Much better football from England over the last few minutes. They have been the team taking the game to the opposition and looking menacing. Portugal had a lot of possession earlier but never really troubled England, but on the other hand England look dangerous whenever they come forward. Five minutes until half-time. Portugal are dominating possession at the moment and moving the ball around really well, but without testing the England back line. England's pacy attacking players like Ince and Redmond are being given plenty of space to work with due to the pattern of the game. Portugal's midfield are very narrow when they defend and there are some gaps for England to exploit. 33 minutes played - 1-0 to England. Garbutt has gotten forward from left back a couple of times and put in some dangerous crosses, the latest of which was spilled by Portugal goalkeeper Silva. Pace of the game has slowed down somewhat. England are having to work very hard without possession as Portugal are becoming more and more comfortable in possession. 20 minutes gone at Turf Moor and signs that Portugal are starting to settle into the game now. They've had some possession in midfield and come forward well once or twice. Fernandes just had a go from 20 yards, but dragged his shot wide of the far post. Sportsmail's Dom King is wrapped up warm in position at Turf Moor. Here is an update from him... 'Turf Moor felt different in the minutes before kick-off as the usual soundtrack, which features David Bowie, The Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire, was replaced by some atmospheric music. Some things here remain the same and that is Danny Ings scoring in front of the Jimmy McIlroy Stand. Ings has had to play second fiddle to Harry Kane and Saido Berahino in the qualification programme but he is taking this opportunity to show Gareth Southgate why he should go to the Czech Republic next summer.' England once again carved right through Portugal and the visitors were lucky that the offside flag went up against Ince after Redmond played him through. England's wide players having a lot of joy at the moment and Portugal need to weather this storm. England look full of pace and creativity every time they come forward. Portugal are being pushed back very deep at the moment and can't get a foot on the ball. Impressive opening 10 minutes from Southgate's side. Danny Ings! England take the lead! Perfect start for Gareth Southgate's side in Burnley and it's local boy Ings who opens the scoring in just the sixth minute. Ince did very well in the right channel to stay onside and then pick out Ings with a low cross. The Burnley striker did the rest with a clinical finish from six yards to give England the lead. Just rewards for a fast start. A purposeful run from Ings through the centre gets his home Burnley crowd excited. The striker laid the ball out to the right and then just couldn't get on the end of the return cross into the box. Bright start from England. National anthems done and dusted at Turf Moor. Burnley's own striker Danny Ings in particular looks raring to go. Portugal kick us off and we're underway. These two teams will meet in their opening Group B fixture at the Euro U21 finals in Czech Republic next summer. Alongside these two will be Italy and Sweden while Group A is made up of hosts Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark and Serbia. Gareth Southgate just told BT Sport that 'the hard work starts now'. In Portugal, they certainly will have their work cut out. This team won all 10 of their qualification matches, including both legs of the play-off against Holland in a 7-4 aggregate win. 10 minutes to go until kick-off in Burnley. Portugal starting line-up: Silva, Figueiredo, Alves, Neves, Silva, Pereira, Esgaio, Fernandes, Ruben, Bangna, Venancio. And the benches... England: Robinson, Bond, Lascelles, Chalobah, Pritchard, Bamford, Kane, Woodrow, Wilson, Bettinelli. Portugal: Fernandes, Gaspar, Oliveira, Cancelo, Vezo, Sturgeon, Teixeira. Harry Kane starts from the bench for England tonight and there is no Saido Berahino - the star of qualifying - as he is in Roy Hodgson's senior squad. England's starting XI for tonight is as follows... Butland, Jenkinson, Garbutt, Hughes, Gibson, Keane, Ince, Forster-Caskey, Ings, Carroll, Redmond. Good evening one and all, welcome to our coverage of tonight's U21 clash between England and Portugal in Burnley. This should be a good one. We have two in form teams who have both qualified for next year's European Under 21 Championship in Czech Republic and they'll meet again in their Group B opener at the finals in June. Kick-off is around 30 minutes away and team news will follow very shortly. So sit back, relax and get comfortable.
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Danny Ings scores twice as England beat Portugal at Turf Moor .
Ings converted Tom Ince's cross in sixth minute to give England the lead .
Carl Jenkinson slotted home England's second goal just before half-time .
Bernardo Silva pulled one back for Portugal before Ings scored his second .
England win their 11th straight game and inflict first loss in 15 for Portugal .
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Sevastopol, Crimea (CNN) -- As I wait in line, staring down at the notes in my iPhone to remember the exact order for two Quarter Pounder with Cheese meals for our engineer and cameraman, I could well be in any McDonald's in the world. The golden arches, the familiar red signs with Ronald McDonald staring straight at me and the menu remain the same wherever you go in the world, such is the long arm of American corporate globalization. This restaurant is certainly a testament to that. However, this isn't New York. Nor is it London. It is Crimea. With a couple of Mercedes sports cars parked on the curb, facing the town's Apple store, this particular McDonald's is doing a roaring trade this Friday lunchtime. Russians reported in Ukraine outside Crimea . It's only two days before the region's people will go to the ballot boxes and vote on whether to stay part of the Ukraine or join Russia. The referendum will be held on Sunday. From what we have seen here, this will be largely symbolic. From what we can see, the majority of Crimeans would rather look toward Moscow than Kiev and the white, blue and red of the Russian flag is already flying through these streets. Our team was asked to come down here to the port of Sevastopol after having spent a week in the heart of the Crimean capital, Simferopol, dodging cossacks with their whips, men with more than a whiff of vodka on their breath and Russian soldiers sporting trendy balaclavas and AK47s. Nestled on the Black Sea, Sevastopol is a party town, prettier than the capital. Luxury yachts are in the port side by side with Russian destroyers. There are many nightclubs and bars. Indeed, the main square has had a concert on every night for the past seven days to celebrate returning back to the "motherland." Contrary to what the European foreign ministers say on their official Twitter accounts and what the State Department may read out during their briefings in Washington, the majority of the people we have spoken with here are glad the Russian bear has woken up. And they are happy to roar with it. I mean, in their eyes with the amount of propaganda from billboards with swastikas over the map of Ukraine and rumors of terrorists in Kiev, who wouldn't want to be Russian? In their eyes, it's either that or being a Nazi. The main square here fills up each lunchtime with cossacks, Russian flags and the local pro-Russian militias with their red armbands dressed all in black. The music reminds me of old Soviet propaganda films and these men in their gangs of militias remind me of my history lessons learning about the so-called "brownshirts" of Adolf Hitler's SA during the 1930s. The irony not lost that these men who chant "Putin, Putin, Putin" and call those who protested in Maidan square fascists look very similar to those real fascists pictured in my old history books. Any dissent here has now been stamped out. We have been in this town for over a week now, and I haven't seen one Ukrainian flag apart from the two on the Ukrainian warships blockaded in the port. It is far too dangerous for any pro-Ukranian voices to speak out. News of abductions and kidnapping are daily here, and as we enjoyed a meal last night, we were asked to give our details to the Ukrainian police officers who detained us there for just under an hour. They are carefully watched over by their new Russian boss. A plainclothed FSB (Russian secret police) officer making sure that the local police now start to monitor the movements of Western journalists properly. An apologetic "sorry" was uttered in English after they had finished taking our passport details. No matter how the older generation here roar and chant the Russian President's name, there is a bubble under the surface. The majority of young people here have grown up as Ukrainian, never under the watchful eye of Moscow, and they aren't too pleased. Every time you ask them what they think, you just get a sigh as they say "What can we do?" and talk of perhaps one day leaving to Kiev. And so the result of the referendum on Sunday will go one way. There may be two questions posed on the ballot paper, but there is already only one answer. That answer being written in Cyrillic. Yet Monday, before we leave Crimea and take our flights back to London, via Moscow as all other flights to and from other destinations have been canceled, I may well pop in and grab a bite for the road. I am sure that I will still look around in that full restaurant and see the same Ukrainian faces, paying for their meals with Ukrainian currency with a Big Mac in one hand and a Russian flag in the other. Legal or not, Crimean referendum will shape country's future . McCain goes to Kiev, calls for U.S. military support .
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CNN's Alex Felton and a crew have been in port city of Sevastopol .
They find a crisis can't stop the lure of McDonald's, which is doing a thriving business .
From the looks of it, the residents of Crimea are happy the Russian bear has awoken .
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Beijing (CNN) -- China's former President Jiang Zemin appeared in Beijing on Sunday, the first time he's been seen publicly since rumors surfaced months ago that he had died. Jiang, 85, was among many current and former dignitaries attending a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of China's 1911 revolution, which led to the toppling of the Qing Dynasty. China became a Communist state in 1949, under the leadership of Mao Zedong. At the start of the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, live footage on China's state-run television showed Jiang for a few seconds as he walked on the stage, closely followed by an assistant. In another segment, Jiang appears to sing along with others during the playing of the Chinese national anthem. Death rumors spur reflections on Jiang legacy . Former Chinese premier Li Peng was also in the crowd, among other retired party and government leaders. So were active government ministers, private entrepreneurs and Beijing-based ambassadors from other countries. In the event's keynote speech, current President Hu Jintao extolled the "thoroughly modern, national and democratic revolution" of 1911. And among other stances, he urged mainland China and Taiwan to work together for a "peaceful reunification of China," according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Reaching an accord with Taiwan had been one of Jiang's focuses in his tenure as president, during which he made conciliatory overtures to the island nation including a "One Country, Two Systems" proposal. It was one of many efforts he pursued in his time, between 1989 and 2002, as the general-secretary of China's Communist Party and, from 1993 to 2003, as the nation's president. As China's ruler, he generally pushed market reforms while working to keep the country politically and socially conservative. China's economy boomed under his leadership, growing at an annual average rate of over 9%. China also regained control of Hong Kong in 1997 and Macau in 1999, while national pride soared in 2000 when Beijing was picked to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. With rare exceptions, Jiang largely has been out of the public eye in recent years. This summer, Chinese authorities dismissed as "pure rumors" reports that he was on his death bed.
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Jiang Zemin appears at a ceremony marking China's 1911 revolution .
It is his first public appearance since rumors months ago about his health .
Jiang was China's president from 1993 to 2003 .
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By . Alex Greig . PUBLISHED: . 17:57 EST, 22 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:57 EST, 22 June 2013 . The U.S. is stealing Chinese cell phone data, according to whistle-blower Edward Snowden. The 29-year-old former National Security Agency contractor claims he has the evidence to prove that the U.S. government has hacked Chinese phone companies and stolen millions of text messages and other information. Snowden made the claims from Hong Kong where he's in hiding after the U.S. issued an arrest warrant for him, and said the U.S. had snooped on targets in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, including the prestigious Tsinghua University. Espionage: Hong Kong was silent Saturday on whether Edward Snowden would be extradited to the United States now that he has been formally charged . The university, which is home to the mainland's six major backbone networks from where internet data from millions of Chinese citizens can be gathered, was breached as recently as January, Snowden said. 'There’s far more than this,' Snowden said in an interview with the South China Morning Post on June 12. 'The NSA does all kinds of things like hack Chinese cell phone companies to steal all of your SMS data,' he told the paper. Mobile nation: China Mobile is China's - and the world's - largest mobile network, with 735 million subscribers . During the interview, Snowden also said the U.S. and UK had technology which gave them unauthorized access to Blackberry phones of delegates at two G20 summits in London in 2009. Chinese government data shows that text message is by far the most popular mode of communication in China, with 900 billion text messages exchanged in 2012, up 2.1 per cent from the year before. China Mobile is the world’s largest mobile network carrier, with 735 million subscribers, and China Unicom, the second largest, has 258 million users. China Telecom is third in the world with 172 million users. Warning: Fang Binxing, widely thought to be the man behind China's 'great firewall' has been urging the Chinese government to review telecommunications security . The paper says that Chinese telecommunications companies have begun quietly replacing foreign-made equipment for fear of surveillance. For years, cyber-security experts such as Fang Binxing, president at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications have been concerned that telecommunications equipment was vulnerable to hacking by foreign powers, taking advantage of foreign-made components. Now that domestic suppliers are catching up with foreign imports, key components are being replaced with Chinese-made parts. The U.S. government has defended its electronic surveillance programs with claims that up to 50 would-be terrorist attacks were prevented because of intelligence gathered by the NSA. President Obama says the NSA is not listening in on phone calls or reading emails unless legal requirements have been satisfied.
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The U.S. government has stolen millions of text messages from Chinese telecommunications companies, Edward Snowden said in an interview .
The former CIA operative and NSA contractor said he has evidence of the hacking .
Snowden has been charged with espionage by the U.S. government .
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More frozen berry products have been pulled from supermarket shelves after five people contracted the potentially deadly hepatitis A virus after consuming the fruit. The first items to be pulled were 1kg packets of Nanna's Frozen Mixed Berries after five adults, three in Victoria and two in NSW, fell ill after eating the fruit. On Sunday Patties Foods also recalled a number of their products, the 300 gram and 500 gram varieties of their Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries. Patties Foods CEO Steven Chaur said the wider recall was a precautionary measure until the results of further laboratory testing came back. Scroll down for video . Five adults, three in Victoria and two in NSW, have contracted potentially deadly Hepatitis A after consuming the 1kg packets of Nanna's Frozen Mixed Berries . Australian farmers urge consumers to always buy homegrown products . 'We have decided that all our frozen Mixed Berries should be recalled until such time as we receive the results of further laboratory tests,' Mr Chaur said. 'The recall is an important step to ensure public safety and confidence.' The berries, which are sold in major supermarkets including Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores, are packed in China and distributed in Australia by Patties Foods, based in Bairnsdale in southeast Victoria. Meantime Australian farmers say the outbreak from frozen the berries imported from China illustrates the risks involved with imported food and called on consumers to always buy homegrown products. Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey said not all imported food adhered to Australia's strict guidelines which were some of the best health and safety standards in the world. Mr Tuohey urged consumers to always buy Australian made products but conceded identifying those products could be quite challenging. 'I can only assume that this company is using Chinese berries because they are offering a lower market price,' he told The Herald Sun. 'Berries are certainly in season in Australia.' He said that it was likely the berries were contaminated when they were first picked. 'They may have been placed on the ground where rats and other vermin could have caused the problem,' he said. 'Unfortunately, Australian Customs don't test every batch, they only check a certain percentage of shipments.' The health department has also told the company to recall the product that contains strawberries, raspberries and blackberries from China and blueberries from Chile. Hepatitis A is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus comes in contact with hands, water or food, and then enters a person's mouth. Victoria's chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, says frozen berries have been tied to outbreaks of the virus in the past. Hepatitis A (pictured) is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus comes in contact with hands, water or food, and then enters a person's mouth. 'Hepatitis A virus infection is uncommon and normally associated with travel to countries affected by endemic hepatitis A,' she said in a statement on Saturday. 'The only common link between the cases is consumption of this product - there is no overseas travel or common restaurant exposure.' NSW Health's Communicable Diseases Branch director Dr Vicky Shepherd said an investigation by all health agencies would help determine how many people have been affected - although some may not be struck down with the infection for a few weeks. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include abdominal pain, nausea and fever as well as yellow skin and eyes. The outbreak comes as a number of Victorian hospitals are told to dispose of chocolate mousse, which has been found to contain listeria. Hospitals are contacting patients who might have consumed the dessert between January 29 and February 10. No cases of the illness have been reported and the product is not supplied to the general public. The contamination came to light after the company conducted routine testing of its products. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, their unborn babies and the elderly. Concerned consumers can call Patties Foods on 1800 650 069. The following products have been recalled: . Nanna's Mixed Berries 1kg, up to and including Best Before Date 22/11/16 . Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 300g, up to and including Best Before Date 10/12/17 . Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 500g, up to and including Best Before Date 06/10/17 . Several Victorian hospitals have been told to dispose of chocolate mousse, which has been found to contain listeria .
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Three people in Victoria and two in NSW have contracted Hepatitis A .
Consumers urged to throw out 1kg packs of Nanna's Frozen Mixed Berries .
Patties Foods also recalled 300g and 500g Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries .
Australian farmers say the outbreak showed the risk of imported products .
They urge consumers to always buy homegrown products .
Chocolate mousse in Victorian hospitals has been found to contain listeria .
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A gang of 13 millionaire supercar owners who took their Ferraris, McLarens and Lamborghinis to China to take part in illegal races have been given suspended sentences after they sped along private roads at 160mph. The gang - all men and aged between 36 and 62 - crossed from Hong Kong to Shenzhen in southern China to stage the illegal race. They reportedly told police they had travelled to China because the roads in Hong Kong were too narrow for racing. A gang of 13 supercar drivers have been given suspended sentences after they took their expensive fast cars to China to stage an illegal race there and were caught driving at 160mph on private roads, their luxury fleet is being shipped back to Hong Kong . Each was given a prison sentence of between one and six months, suspended for two years, at Bao'an District People's Court after they admitted driving at 160mph on private roads. Other motorists reported their 'sheer terror' when they tore past. Police seized 12 of the vehicles, which were stopped in November last year. Van driver Wang Ho, 39, said: 'I was doing about 100 kph (60mph) but they overtook me like I was standing still.' He added: 'My van literally shook when they went past me on both sides because of the speed they were doing. 'They were going so fast their number plates were a blur. 'I thought if they made even one small mistake at that speed they would kill me.' Other motorists said it appeared the drivers 'thought they were on a race track.' Shenzhen in southern China was chosen for the race because the roads in Hong Kong are too narrow . The fleet of luxury cars included Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Nissan GT-Rs which were taken over the border . The drivers have been fined around £70,000 and were warned by a judge they may not be so lucky next time. They were also banned from driving on the mainland for two years, the Shenzhen Daily reported. 'The street racing posed a great danger to road safety and some frightened drivers reported to police,' Xie Xingming, deputy chief of the traffic police bureau's investigative department, told the newspaper. 'The drivers raced on rainy days, posing a great threat to road safety. Some of them drove at about 270 kilometers per hour.' One of the drivers - only known by the surname Chen - said the punishment had been harsh and he 'had only hoped to have some fun by driver faster,' according to the Shenzhen Daily. Reports said the gang had been seen driving at up to 160mph on private roads in supercars which included Ferraris and Nissan GT-Rs. The cars will now be taken back to Hong Kong after motorists reported 'sheer terror' when drivers sped past . A van driver said his vehicle 'literally shook' as the vehicles tore past people in private roads in China . They were also said to reach speeds three times the legal limit on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Riverside Highway. The gang's fleet of luxury supercars was seen being shipped back to Hong Kong after the sentences were handed down. Police tracked down the drivers after they were captured on November 6 last year, racing along the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Riverside Highway, which connects Guangdong's capital Guangzhou, Dongguan and Shenzhen. Officers also found temporary import papers the owners ad been forced to sign to get the cars into the country - allowing them to stay there for just a week. The 13 were told by judges: 'Our roads are not a racetrack for the wealthy. If there is a next time you will not be so lucky.'
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Gang of supercar owners drove their Ferraris and Lamborghinis to China .
Planned to take part in illegal race and drove their cars at up to 160mph .
The group went to Shenzhen because roads in Hong Kong ''too narrow'
Motorists described their vans 'shaking' when supercars passed by them .
Gang given suspended prison sentences and fined £70,000 .
Judges in China told gang: 'Our roads are not a racetrack for the wealthy'
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(CNN)As CNN presents an encore of Roger Ebert's dramatic story "Life Itself," on Friday at 9 p.m. ET, it may strike you how Oscar-nominated director Steve James sprinkles surprising details about the late movie reviewer's life throughout the film. A lot of folks already know that Ebert wrote the screenplay for the 1970 cult classic "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls." They also may remember years ago when he outed himself as a recovering alcoholic. And when Ebert and Gene Siskel launched their TV review show in the 1970s, most people know they didn't get along at first. "Life Itself," includes a Siskel-Ebert squabble so snarky it'll make you squirm with discomfort. The move reminds us that the fame of someone like Ebert, who lost his battle with cancer in 2013, may fool us into thinking we knew him almost like a friend or a neighbor down the street. But of course fame has always been good at casting illusions. "Life Itself" jabs viewers with the realization that there were aspects of Roger we knew nothing about. The private details about Ebert in the film paint a warts-and-all portrait of a man who clearly lived a pretty fulfilling and interesting life. With that in mind, here are five facts from the film that may take you by surprise: . 1. Ebert's drinking years: The 'hired lady' Ebert's longtime friend, writer William Knack, shares this story in the film: "I met Roger one time with a woman that looked like a young Linda Ronstadt ... I said, 'who is that?' And he said, 'she's a hired lady.' And I said, 'a hooker?' And he said, 'Now, you take care of her when I leave.' And he left town." 2. He suspected his cancer was linked to radiation treatments. "My disease may have been started by childhood radiation treatments for an ear infection," said Ebert in the film. 3. Siskel hung out with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's inner circle. "Gene was more of a — for lack of a better word — an elegant character," Siskel's widow, Marlene Iglitzen said in the film. "He caught the eye of Hugh Hefner and he was adopted by the clan at the [Playboy] Mansion. And he traveled with Hefner in the Bunny Jet. Even though Roger wrote 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls,' I think Gene lived the life for a while." Take the quiz: How 'Ebert are you? 4. Siskel -- who died in 1999 -- hid his terminal brain cancer from Ebert until his final days. "He didn't really want the [TV show producers] at Disney to know how sick he was. ... and Roger didn't know. And that really wounded Roger," said Ebert's ex-producer Thea Flaum in the film. "I don't think it's that he didn't trust Roger personally. Nonetheless when something like that happens, you take it personally. How else is there to take it?" Eventually Ebert learned Siskel was sick. But it was too late. Ebert's widow Chaz Ebert said the timing was tragic. "I was so sad for Roger for not being able to tell his 'brother' goodbye. ... We were going to go and visit him that Monday, but he passed away that Saturday." 5. A chance meeting with Ebert helped inspire a girl to grow up to be a movie director. When she was 8 or 9, Ava DuVernay's aunt took her to see a rehearsal for the Oscars in Hollywood. When she spotted Ebert, she recognized him from TV. "I remember saying, 'Thumbs up! Thumbs up!' ... And he came over. The two posed for a quick snapshot. After DuVernay directed her first film years later, Ebert's review "really got to the heart of what I was trying to articulate," she said in the documentary. "The film was about my aunt who took me to the Oscars that day ... and about losing someone that you love. Ebert's review touched me so much that I sent him the picture from the Oscars." Later, Ebert honored DuVernay's aunt in a heartfelt blog post. DuVernay went on to direct the 2014 hit film, "Selma." Related: 'Selma' star's incredible transformation . Read Ebert's review of DuVernay's film, "I Will Follow" Read Ebert's blog post: Memories of two beloved aunts .
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CNN's "Life Itself" includes surprises about famed film critic Roger Ebert .
Friends recall Ebert's early drinking days, including a "hired lady"
Ebert suspected radiation treatments were linked to his terminal cancer .
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Young men suspected of falling for the warped ideology of ISIS are being arrested at a rate of almost one a day, it has emerged. Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said ISIS is unlike any other threat Britain has faced before in its bid to recruit and corrupt people. The national policing lead for counter-terrorism said arrests were up 35 per cent as extremists try to radicalise 'misfits, criminals and the vulnerable'. Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Mark Rowley said officers were now making arrests almost every day to pick up extremists trying to radicalise 'misfits, criminals and the vulnerable' Armed police patrols have been stepped up in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, while Scotland Yard has issued a public plea for more money to deal with the mountains of electronic evidence involved in terror cases. Ministers urged the public to be ‘vigilant’ and warned Britain is at 'very significant risk' from a terror attack by extremists. Mr Rowley said the threat posed by ISIS extremists, including those returning to the UK after fighting in Iraq and Syria, had led to a sharp rise in police activity. He told BBC One's Andrew Marr show: 'It's very different. We're making 35 per cent more arrests now than we used to in counter-terrorism. It's nearly one arrest a day. 'That comes out of the fact that we're not just dealing with a classic terrorist organisation organising plots across the world. 'We're dealing with a group that's trying to create what you might call a corrupt cult of people, of followers who will act in their name. 'They're trying to attract misfits, criminals and the vulnerable; and it's those people, not part of a bigger organisation, who may act of their own volition. That's the challenge for us – is to have good sight of them and be able to intervene with them.' In the wake of the terror attacks in Paris last month, armed police were deployed to sites across London including St Pancras station . He confirmed that emergency plans to cope with a terror attack in the UK have been changed in the wake of the Paris shootings because it was 'not everything we anticipated'. Around 600 people are believed to have travelled to Syria and Iraq from the UK since the conflict began and around half have returned home. Asked about the anti-terror unit's reaction to the Paris attacks, Mr Rowley said: 'In terms of our national firearms capability, we've asked is it strong enough? How's it placed? How's it organised? 'We've arranged to be able to deal with those sorts of events and we have some well-tested exercises and command and control regimes for working across the country on counter-terrorism. 'But you look at an event like Paris and you think not everything in that we anticipated, so we're going to have to make some refinements to our plans to improve.' He also shared Prince Charles's fears of how young people in the UK are being radicalised in their own communities. The prince's comments on Islam and Christianity were broadcast in an interview with BBC Radio 2's The Sunday Hour with Diane Louise Jordan this morning . The Prince said it is a 'great worry' that so many young Britons who are yearning for adventure and excitement are being radicalised by 'crazy stuff' online voiced fears about the 'alarming' extent to which young people are being radicalised. Mr Rowley said: 'That's the dynamic that worries us most of us all, is the ability of IS to reach in to communities. 'We've been making lots of appeals to communities over the past year asking them for increasing amounts of help and we've seen that, we've seen more information coming forward.' The police have recently strengthened their cyber resources, leading to 1,000 'unsavoury' posts a week being taken down. However, Mr Rowley said more money is needed to grow the anti-terror unit over the next year and discussions with the Government for funding are ongoing. 'We certainly need more money and that’s what we’re discussing with government at the moment,' he said. Last month chief constables across the country began reviewing how to strengthen the protection of their officers and the Jewish community in the light of the Paris terrorist attacks. The police have also been giving the public tips on how to spot a potential terrorist in a drive to encourage people to report suspicious behaviour. Leaflets given to commuters by officers this morning include six things which should set alarm bells ringing, including someone with a lot of mobile phones, vague travel plans or taking a keen interest in CCTV cameras. Commuters have been given flyers promoting the confidential anti-terrorist hotline, which advise the public: ‘Don’t rely on others. If you suspect it, report it.’ Leaflets given to commuters by police today include six things which should set alarm bells ringing and urge them to report anything suspicious to specialist counter-terror officers . It makes clear that specialist counter-terror officers should decide whether something suspicious is important and could help to prevent an attack. The leaflet adds: ‘Everyone has a role to play in helping to prevent terrorism. You can do this by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.’ It sets out six types of suspicious activity to report to police, including: . Someone noticeable behaving differently for no obvious reason . Someone with a large number of mobile phones for no obvious reason . Someone with passports or other documents in different names for no obvious reason . Someone who travels for long periods of time but is vague about where they’re going . Someone buying or storing large amounts of chemicals for no obvious reason . Someone taking an interest in security, like CCTV cameras, for no obvious reason . The direct appeal to the public follows an increased police presence in central London. The Metropolitan Police said the leaflets being handed out today were part of ongoing measures to educate the public and not a change in approach. The Metropolitan Police said the leaflets were part of ongoing measures to educate the public and not a change in approach.
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Scotland Yard 's Mark Rowley warns of rising demand on officers .
Arrests made every day as extremists target 'misfits and the vulnerable'
ISIS unlike any threat UK has seen and training reviewed after Paris attack .
Prince Charles warns of young being radicalised by 'crazy stuff' online .
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By . Dai Davies, former Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent . PUBLISHED: . 20:17 EST, 24 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 02:40 EST, 25 March 2014 . Public trust in the police is one of the essential ingredients of a well-ordered society. As a former senior officer myself, I can only regret how badly the police's reputation for integrity has been tarnished in recent years. Now another shattering blow has come with the revelations by this paper about an undercover three-year investigation into serious criminal behaviour and corruption by a group of trusted detectives in the Metropolitan Police. It appears that much of the evidence of this behaviour — such as files, videos and photographs — may have been deliberately shredded by Scotland Yard in 2003 in an attempt to thwart the anti-corruption investigation. The refusal to risk tarnishing the reputation of the Met has led to a deeply troubling culture of cover-ups. Scroll down for video . It took more than 18 years to bring two of Stephen Lawrence's (left) killers to justice. Daniel Morgan was killed with an axe in the car park of a South London pub in 1987. No-one has been brought to justice for his murder . What makes these findings all the more shocking is the possibility that this web of dishonesty could have undermined Scotland Yard's inquiries into two high-profile murder cases: that of the black teenager Stephen Lawrence and of the private eye Daniel Morgan, who was killed with an axe in the car park of a South London pub in 1987. At the time of his murder, which still remains unsolved 27 years later, Morgan was carrying out his own investigation into alleged corruption within South London detective squads. Previous official inquiries into the disastrously botched handling of the Stephen Lawrence murder case have already exposed an insidious police culture of deceit, malpractice, racial prejudice and incompetence. Now the Home Secretary has ordered another inquiry, this one into serious allegations that the Metropolitan Police sent in undercover officers to spy secretly on the Lawrence family in the aftermath of Stephen's death in 1993. This new outrage follows other major recent scandals which have shown the police at their worst. Abuses . One was the notorious Plebgate incident in which officers on duty in Downing Street allegedly conspired to destroy the career of Cabinet Minister Andrew Mitchell by making false accusations against him. Apart from the corruption itself, one of the features common to all these appalling incidents is the apparent impulse to cover up the wrong-doing, to close ranks, to frustrate and mislead investigators. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe will be quizzed by the Home Affairs Select Committee . Time after time, the instinct of the police is not to face up to the challenge of abuses in their midst, but to pretend that they do not exist. Log books are distorted; statements manufactured. In many of these cases — Plebgate is just one example — the cover-up and all that goes with it turn out to be worse than the original crime. One of the more depressing aspects of these recent scandals is that they are so reminiscent of the dark days of the Seventies, when many police forces were riddled with abuses. We had been promised that such misconduct had been consigned to the dustbin of history, that a new era of scrupulously honest policing had arrived. But the Mail's stories about the shredding of 'lorry loads' of documents and the taking of bribes could have come straight from the police force of 40 years ago, when I was a young officer. Then, just as today, the vast majority of my colleagues were honourable, decent people who had joined the force to fight crime and protect the public. Corruption, though undoubtedly practised by a few bad apples, was not endemic. Nevertheless, there was a powerful 'canteen culture' which meant that wrong-doers were often protected, particularly within certain elements of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and some specialist regional squads. They looked after their own, hostile to any outsiders or to scrutiny of their methods. Detective Inspectors were treated like gods by their men, which fed their sense of invincibility and their belief that they were a law unto themselves. In this climate, a small but significant minority were willing to bend the law, sometimes to get results, sometimes for their own selfish ends. A few even became allies of criminals. They 'fitted up' innocent men so that the guilty would go free or ensured that charges were dropped. In return for cash, they gave criminal gangs warnings of imminent raids or arrests. They were willing to lie on oath, siphon off their share of money for informants and even share in the proceeds of drug deals and robberies. Heroic . It was this culture that Sir Robert Mark was determined to smash when he took over as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in 1972, having already won a reputation as a radical reformer when serving as Chief Constable of Leicester. Sir Robert was a man I admired tremendously because of his natural authority, his straight talking and his determination. When he said he was going to root out corruption, he meant it. One of his most acerbic pronouncements, which reflected the prevalence of dishonesty in the early Seventies, was: 'A good police force is one which catches more crooks than it employs.' Sir Robert Mark was determined to smash when he took over as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in 1972 . As a result of his heroic efforts to reform the Met, more than 500 officers were dismissed or forced to resign. Jail sentences were given to two chiefs: Commander Kenneth Drury of the Flying Squad and Detective Chief Superintendent Bill Moody, Head of the Obscence Publications Squad. Sir Robert's actions may have caused dismay to the corrupt cliques, but his resolute campaign was welcomed by officers like me who were fed up with the way the abusers were destroying the Met's image. Sadly, Sir Robert resigned in 1977 following a row with the Labour Government, his work still unfinished. None of his successors have matched him for resolution and guts. That was all too graphically demonstrated when another investigation into Metropolitan Police corruption was held between 1978 and 1982 in the wake of Sir Robert's reforms. Called Operation Countryman, it was conducted by detectives from Hampshire and Dorset. These men complained bitterly that their investigation had been wilfully obstructed by both the Metropolitan Commissioner Sir David McNee and by the Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Thomas Hetherington. It was the same story in the mid-Nineties, when I was a Chief Superintendent. Throughout this period, the Commissioner Sir Paul Condon trumpeted his commitment to another anti-corruption drive within his force, but I sensed it was all just empty words. So I decided to challenge him. 'How many senior officers have actually been dismissed for corruption?' I asked. The answer? None. That says it all. Since Sir Robert Mark's courageous fight, real leadership has been sorely lacking at the top of the Met. That is why corrupt coppers have been able to get away with it for far too long. Since my retirement from the force, I have experienced the police's behaviour from the other side. Acting as a security consultant and adviser, I was involved in a case where the police wanted a central London nightclub to lose its licence because of allegations of disorderly behaviour. Attack . In court, I was one of the witnesses for the nightclub. I made a list of recommendations on how the club could be better run. What amazed me was how the police, opposing my stance, were willing to undermine my record, attack my credibility as an expert, and even wrongly question my former rank to ensure that they won their argument. If the police were willing to do this to me, who had once been in charge of protecting the Queen and the Royal Family, what might they be willing to do to an ordinary member of the public? Sir Robert Mark almost succeeded in cleaning up the Augean stables of the force 40 years ago. Will the present-day Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe be up to the job? If the news reports of recent days are anything to go by, the task remains Herculean.
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Police's reputation for integrity has been tarnished in recent years .
Successive Met Commissioners have launched anti-corruption drives .
But refusal to risk tarnishing its reputation has been deeply troubling .
Will Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe be up to the job?
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Police were called to a pub’s beer garden after a squirrel climbed inside a woman’s handbag and refused to get out. The woman, in her 30s, dialled 999 from the Shropshire Arms in Chester to say the squirrel ‘would not leave her alone’. Detective Constable Nigel Thake, of Cheshire Constabulary, promptly arrived and managed to send the rodent on its way. Police were able to coax the squirrel out of the woman's handbag after the emergency call out . Officers released the squirrel after removing him to a local park . The incident happened at the Shropshire Arms in Chester, pictured . Writing about the incident on its official Twitter account, the force said: ‘Welcome to the varied day of a police officer’, and referred to DC Thake as ‘Dr Dolittle’. A police spokesman added: ‘The squirrel was released back into the wild.’ Local resident Tom Scott said: ‘I would have thought this was a case for the RSPCA rather than the police, but it just goes to show that the police are up for whatever gets thrown at them.’ Luckily, the animal in question was nowhere near Phil Warmlsey's pie shop Something Nice in Old Dalby, Leicestershire, where the 46-year-old businessman has developed a new range of squirrel pies. He said: 'We started with kangaroo, crocodile, elk, buffalo and wagyu beef. We found a niche in the market. There are plenty of grey squirrels – they’re classified as vermin and it’s legal to kill them . 'In a pie, it has similar characteristics to rabbit – it is a dark meat and very gamey. People come back for more because it has an excellent flavour – deep and rich.’ Squirrel was a popular dish in Victorian times and according to Mr Warmsley, customers love the exotic dish. He sells the pies for £2.50 each. He said: 'Killing more grey squirrels could give the red squirrel a chance to repopulate. 'You do get the odd person who asks how I can do this to such a lovely creature, but being at the top of the food chain we have the luxury of being able to eat what we want and they are vermin.'
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Scared woman was unable to coax the squirrel from her handbag .
Detective Constable Nigel Thake raced to the scene in the Shrophsire Arms .
The rodent was taken away by officers before being released in a nearby park .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:04 EST, 13 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:36 EST, 13 April 2013 . Grinning graffiti artist Krisitan Holmes, from Sidcup, Kent, is in jail after a seven-year spree of vandalising trains and stations . A graffiti artist who vandalised trains and stations, including the world famous Bluebell steam railway, during a seven-year spree has been put behind bars. Kristian Holmes, 32, caused £250,000 of damage by scrawling his 'VAMP' tag to trains, walls, and bridges across London and the southeast between 2003 and 2010. The accounts worker kept an A-Z street guide marked with the locations he had vandalised and his distinctive tag was even found scrawled on a wall in Ibiza. Holmes was a leading member of the PS crew which forced trains out of services by daubing tags, in-jokes and crude caricatures on carriages at night-time. He had links to other graffiti vandals including Matthew Mandell, who was just 4ft 3in and used a stepladder to tag trains across London, Hertfordshire and Kent. Holmes began his 'tedious and depressing' crime spree when he attacked a 63-year-old carriage on the Bluebell Railway - the steam-powered heritage line run by volunteers in Sussex. He was convicted by a jury of 39 charges of criminal damage after a five week retrial at Blackfriars Crown Court. Holmes was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice after he made a video showing a mixed race man painting the VAMP tag in a bid to scupper an investigation into the damage. Judge Deva Pillay remanded him in custody ahead of sentence on May 17. The first jury had failed to reach verdicts after a six-week trial last July. Prosecutor James Murray-Smith had said there was a 'welter of circumstantial evidence' linking Holmes to the damage. 'Mr Holmes is a prolific graffiti vandal,' he said. 'We are not talking here about witty imaginative images such as those I expect you are familiar with by Banksy. 'What you make of the graffiti in this case is a matter for you, but I would suggest what you are dealing with is simple damage. 'It is damage which to the vast majority of the public is tedious and depressing.' Of the Bluebell Railway, he said: 'It is not owned by a large wealth corporation, it is run by volunteers for their pleasure. 'If one of the trains gets damaged, they either have to get together the money to pay for repairs, or do the work themselves.' Holmes was first caught writing his tag on a wall at Cafe 1001, in Brick Lane, east London, on July 26, 2009. Scroll down for video . Holmes began his spree in 2003, targeting the world-famous Bluebell steam railway in Sussex . He was arrested but claimed he was bending down to look at the graffiti at time. Holmes was caught with three cans of spray paint in his bag, but was released without charge. Mr Murray-Smith said British Transport Police officers found a 'bomber bag' - the vandal's term for a rucksack of graffiti equipment - when they aided Holmes' home in Kirkland Close, Sidcup, Kent. He originally claimed to live in Ellison Road, Sidcup, but when officers raided his real home they found 22 spray can nozzles, Network Rail high visibility jackets and trousers, cameras, and right-hand gloves 'splattered with paint'. They also found an A-Z atlas with annotations marking places where the VAMP tag had been sprayed, or potential pitfalls to accessing railway lines, the court heard. Police raided Holmes' employer, RI Building Services in Bromley, and his previous employer Versatile Kent in Orpington when they arrested him, and seized his computers. When asked in interview about MySpace pages featuring the VAMP tag, he claimed it was just a 'freaky coincidence.' Holmes had also created a series of YouTube videos with Pang to throw detectives off the scent. 'There was a conspiracy as posting the videos on YouTube was an attempt to mislead police into thinking the author of the tag was mixed race person, not a white person,' Mr Murray-Smith said. But the jury saw images taken from Holmes' computers which show a white hand making the tag. Mr Murray-Smith said Holmes was an associate of other prolific graffiti vandals like Mandell, 29, and they kept in touch through MySpace and Facebook. Mandell, who had Holmes' number stored in his phone under the name 'Kris Vam', was jailed for nine months and given a five year ASBO for criminal damage in 2010. Holmes, of Kirkland Close, Sidcup, Kent was convicted of 39 counts of criminal damage - 23 attacks on Southeastern Railway trains, eight on Network Rail walls or bridges, two on National Express East Anglia trains and two on East Kent Railway Trust carriages, as well as the scrawls at Cafe 1001, the Bluebell Railway, and on a Barclays Bank wall. He was also convicted of perverting the course of justice.
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Kristian Holmes, from Sidcup, Kent, went on seven-year spree .
Found guilty of 39 offences and remanded in custody ahead of sentence .
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By . Sarah Griffiths . We might think of quirky fruit beers made in small, independent breweries as a modern trend. But in fact the practice goes back 9,000 years when high-ranking cavemen drank brews which included fruit and strange ingredients such as pine resin. Unlike in modern times, alcohol was considered to be sacred and was used in ritual ceremonies, new research suggests. Hold the glasses: Alcohol was considered to be sacred and were used in ritual ceremonies, new research suggests. Fossils and skeletons revealed evidence that elite people drank fruit wines, mead and beer made with barley and oats, much like the pints we consume today (pictured) Alcoholic residues suggest that ancient Eurasians drank fruity wines, beer made from barley and wheat and mead. They also consumed fermented drinks made from dairy products. The making of alcohol seems to originate in China in around 7,000BC. People living in the Zagros Mountains of north-western Iran were drinking wine made with pine resin in 5,000BC. Scientists have discovered a professional winery in south-eastern Armenia dating from 4,000BC. Experts think that the wine was made for mortuary practices as there were 20 graves and a number of cups unearthed nearby. Dr Guerra-Doce thinks that alcohol and drugs were only used by people of high social standing in the vast region. Fossils and skeletons revealed evidence that elite people drank fruit wines and beer. Elisa Guerra-Doce, a prehistory expert at the University of Valladolid in Spain told Live Science that the archaeological record of prehistoric Europe shows that people used mind-altering substances. As well as historical accounts by ancient Greek writers, archaeologists have found macrofossil remains with mind-altering properties and some designs in tombs could have been inspired by altered states of consciousness. Dr Guerra-Doce looked at macrofossil remains of psychoactive plants, residue from fermented alcoholic drinks, chemical compounds left on skeletons and artwork showing drinking scenes in a bid to piece together how alcohol and drugs were used in Eurasian prehistory. Alcoholic residues suggest that ancient Eurasians drank fruity wines, beer made from barley and wheat and mead. They also consumed fermented drinks made from dairy products. While the making of alcohol seems to originate in China in around 7,000BC, 2,000 years later, people living in the Zagros Mountains of north-western Iran were drinking wine made with pine resin. And scientists have discovered a professional winery in south-eastern Armenia dating from 4,000BC. Experts think that the wine was made for mortuary practices as there were 20 graves and a number of cups unearthed nearby. Some pottery fragments contained residues of beer and wine from burial sites and settlements. High ranking people in ancient Eurasia occasionally drank to excess. Alcohol and drugs were considered to be sacred and were used in ritual ceremonies, new research suggests. Here, a figurine known as the 'Poppy Goddess' (centre) is thought to have been used in the taking of opium . Dr Guerra-Doce said: ‘Many tombs have provided traces of alcoholic drinks and drugs. I think these substances were used to aid in communication with the spirit world.’ Some artworks, such as a figurine known as the ‘Poppy Goddess’ show that drugs were also used ceremonially. The figurine was found in a chamber in Crete thought to have been used by cult members. She has three moveable hairpins shaped like poppy capsules, which hint at how opium might have been extracted by people. Her serene expression suggests the trance-like state ancient people may have entered into by inhaling opium fumes. Dr Guerra-Doce thinks that alcohol and drugs were only used by people of high social standing in the vast region. ‘The main evidence to support that idea is the archaeological contexts where they have been found: tombs of high-status individuals and restricted ceremonial places,’ she said. ‘I think that prior to a large-scale production, alcoholic drinks were reserved for special events and they played a similar role as drug plants.’ But as larger scale wineries and breweries became more common, alcohol found its way into the hands of average people, who largely used it for hedonistic rather than ritualistic purposes.
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Alcohol was considered to be sacred and was used in ritual ceremonies .
An expert at the University of Valladolid in Spain found evidence that elite people drank fruit wines and beer from 7,000BC onwards .
In 5,000BC Iranian people were drinking wine made with pine resin and there were wineries in south-eastern Armenia dating in 4,000BC .
The consumption of alcohol was linked to funerary ceremonies, not fun .
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Heavy drinking is in sharp decline, according to a large-scale survey. Numbers of people who drink every day of the week have fallen by a third since the 1990s, it was found. The biggest drinkers in the country are the middle-aged and higher-earners, the state-backed survey said. There was a sharp fall in the proportion of people who said they had drunk alcohol on five or more days in the previous week . And despite the apparent prevalence . of teenage binge-drinking, the findings show that drinking is going out . of fashion among the young. The results come from the General . Lifestyle Survey drawn up by the Office for National Statistics from . interviews with 15,000 people. More than half of women under 50 are now unmarried, new figures show. The Office for National Statistics said that over the last 30 years the proportion of women who were married has fallen by a third while the proportion cohabiting has tripled. Since 1979, the proportion of women aged . 18-49 who were married fell from 74per cent to 47 per cent in . 2011. Over the same period the proportion of couples cohabiting trebled from 11 per cent to 34 per cent. One in five women over 45 do not have children. The proportion of one-parent households has also tripled, and the proportion of families with only one child increased by around a third. In 1973 just two per cent of 25-44-year-olds lived alone but by 2011 it had soared to 10 per cent. They suggest that heavy alcohol . consumption is now following smoking as a social and personal habit that . is increasingly uncommon among the young. Instead it is most typically found among those who developed a taste for drink years ago. Declining heavy drinking will further . undermine David Cameron’s scheme to introduce minimum pricing on . alcohol bought in supermarkets. The Prime Minister believes that . blocking sales of cheap alcohol with minimum prices, possible 50 pence a . unit, would tackle alcoholism, violence and anti-social behaviour, and . save the NHS large sums. But the ONS findings back the . majority of the Cabinet who have opposed the pricing plan on the grounds . that it would punish lower income people who drink moderately. Yesterday’s survey says that people in routine jobs and on low incomes drink less alcohol – as do the unemployed. The survey said that in 1998 some 23 per cent of men and 13 per cent of women were drinking on five or more days every week. By 2011, that had dropped to 16 per . cent of men and 9 per cent of women. It added that the people most . likely to drink five days or more a week were those over 45, and that . younger people drink less. There was a major drop in . binge-drinking among men under 24. In 2005, nearly half, 46 per cent, . reported drinking more than four units of alcohol on their heaviest . drinking day in the week before they were interviewed. Just half of 16-24-year-olds reported drinking in a week, down from 60 per cent in 2005 . Four units is the equivalent of two pints of beer, two medium glasses of wine, or four pub measures of spirits. By 2011, fewer than a third of men in that age group – 32 per cent – were drinking at that level. The ONS said there was a similar downward trend in the proportions of women exceeding three units. The survey said highest levels of . regular drinking were among managers and professionals, and lowest . levels among those whose work was described as routine or manual. Similarly, the wealthier the household, the more likely the people in it to drink. Three-quarters of men with jobs drank . alcohol in the week before they were interviewed, but fewer than half . of those who were unemployed or workless had drunk. The calorie count of alcoholic drinks could be displayed in pubs and shops under plans to warn people about how fattening booze can be . It was also found that 67 per cent of . men and 54 per cent of women had a drink in the week before their . interview in England, compared with 56 per cent and 48 per cent in . Scotland. Almost one in ten pregnant women continue to drink during pregnancy, the General Lifestyle Survey found. The survey also noted that the number of people who smoke has gone down from 45 per cent in 1974 to 20 per cent in 2011. Elaine Hindal, of the Drinkaware . pressure group, said: ‘On the surface, today’s figures seem to suggest . we’re all drinking less, but if you take a closer look, there’s still . cause for concern. Of regular drinkers, more than half report drinking . over the guidelines, and a quarter are drinking to binge-drinking . levels.’
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Office for National Statistics reveals the 'most pronounced changes' in drinking habits was among 16-24-year-olds .
Just half of 16-24-year-olds reported drinking in a week, down from 60 per cent in 2005 .
Managers and professionals have highest level of regular drinking .
Drinking double the number of daily units is also on the downward trend .
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My usual look: Swept off the face . Most women know that the right haircut and colour can take years off your appearance, but few spend time worrying about how their parting is ageing their face, writes Frances Childs. However, according to celebrity hair-stylist Andrew Barton, the wrong parting can make us look years older - dragging down features - while the right parting can be almost as rejuvenating as a visit to a plastic surgeon. I'm so unsure what to do with my own parting that I usually sweep my hair back in a slightly skew-whiff messy look. Yet at 45, I'm eager to turn back the clock. Here, with the help of Pascal Lombardo, chief stylist at Andrew Barton's London salon, I try five different partings to see if they make me look older or younger - with staggering results. Ageing: The centre parting looks too severe . HOW TO DO IT: It's easiest to get a clean parting on damp hair. Take the sharp end of a tail comb and, starting at your hairline, guide the point of the comb straight through the centre of your head, using the teeth to smooth down the sides as you go. Easy peasy. VERDICT: I hate this parting! I had hoped that this look would be chic and sleek, but sadly, I look old and severe - like a desiccated Miss Havisham. My hair has no body at the crown and hangs limply down the sides of my face. Although I only coloured my hair a month ago, the parting shows off my obvious re-growth and, let’s face it, grey hairs are anything but youthful. 'Unless you can afford to have your roots touched up every few weeks, it is best to avoid severe partings,' Pascal admits. 'This is a classic look. It's elegant, but on you it is a little ageing as it drags the face downwards.' Trendy: The zig-zag adds volume . HOW TO DO IT: This one is a little trickier. First, create your classic centre parting as before, then, with the tail of your comb, lift a section of hair from a centimetre to the left of your parting and flick it over to the right, smoothing with your comb. Do the same on the right side and then repeat every couple of centimetres until you reach the crown of your head. VERDICT: I'm wary of this one. It may be a zig-zag, but it's still a centre parting, which, I'm now convinced, makes me look ancient. But Pascal insists: 'The slightly messy look will soften your features, making you look younger. And a jagged parting will make hair look thicker. 'The zig-zag effect adds volume, which lifts the cheekbones, making the face look more youthful.' And it does! Not only does it seem to lift my face, but the trendier style makes me look less austere and grannyish. Result! Flattering: The parting makes the eyes look bigger . HOW TO DO IT: My right eye is noticeably bigger and wider than my left, so Pascal explains that parting my hair on the right should be flattering as it will bring attention to this eye. I'm getting to be a dab hand with the tail comb now, but I still have to reposition this line a couple of times until Pascal's satisfied I've got it exactly right. VERDICT: I love it! I think I look much younger and Pascal explains why. 'Having your hair sweeping from right to left emphasises your wider eye, and wider eyes give your face the appearance of youth,' he says. 'Parting your hair this way will always make you look younger.' My hair seems to have more volume and body as well, which combine to make me look more youthful. The added volume, especially around the cheekbones, makes my face look a bit fuller, too, and distracts from my sagging jawline. Hurrah! Sculpted: It's chic but not right for Frances . HOW TO DO IT: This time we use the thin outer edge of my eyebrow as a guide. Starting from that point we run the tail of the comb neatly from the front to the back of my head, smoothing the sides down as we go. 'Using the natural line of the eyebrow as a guide, you get a parting that helps to create a flattering look,' he explains. VERDICT: I can see that the low parting looks sculpted and chic. But I suspect I don't have the flamboyance and dramatic flair necessary to carry this off. 'It looks fabulous, vibrant. You could wear it to a party,' enthuses Pascal as he showers me in hairspray. But I'm not convinced, it's for me. It looks like a comb-over gone wrong and it's much too trendy. My hair now dips down far too low on my forehead to be flattering, and, when I look in the mirror, my attention's drawn straight to the edge of my crow's feet. Not a good look. Favourite look: This kind of parting is also favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge . HOW TO DO IT: Pascal explains that the way to find the perfect position for an off-centre parting is to trace a line up from the inner edge of my right eye and then part my hair directly in alignment with that point. I could get the hang of this one. VERDICT: This is my favourite parting and I'm in good company. The Duchess of Cambridge often has her hair parted in a similar fashion. The difference an inch makes is amazing. It's surprisingly flattering, softening my face and distracting from my wobbly jawline. 'As we age our faces begin to lose definition, but this parting draws attention to the eyes and the cheekbones and away from the sagging bits,' Pascal explains. The parting also gives my hair more body, which makes me look younger. My new parting has forced my hair to hang in a different way, and the swoop across my forehead breaks up my frown lines quite brilliantly.
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Celeb hair-stylist Andrew Barton says the wrong parting can make us look years older .
Frances Childs, 45, tries some different styles and is amazed by the results .
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Former Wolves and Ipswich striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is training with Brentford. The 28-year-old, who began his career at Manchester United, is a free agent after leaving Ipswich at the end of last season. Ebanks-Blake is building up his fitness with Brentford after an injury and scored for their development squad in a 2-1 defeat by Huddersfield last Saturday. Former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake celebrates scoring for his former club . The 28-year-old is on the look-out for a new club and the ex-Ipswich player has been training with Brentford . Ebanks-Blake scored 64 goals in five seasons with Wolves and has given Brentford manager Mark Warburton food for thought with his latest strike. With Ipswich, the veteran featured in just nine league goals and failed to score a single goal. Ebanks-Blake is regaining his fitness after an injury and is keen to find a new club as he remains a free agent .
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The 28-year-old, who began his career with Manchester United in 2002 as a youth, is a free agent after leaving Ipswich at the end of last season .
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is building up his fitness after an injury .
The striker scored for Brentford's development squad in a 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield last Saturday .
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Anthony Weiner lost his cool today on the campaign trail, engaging in a blazing shouting match with a constituent who insulted him and his wife. New York's infamous mayoral candidate was out and about in the Borough Hall area of Brooklyn ahead of celebrations on Thursday for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The politician was picking up some traditional baked goods in the strongly Orthodox Jewish community, when a man in a yarmulke came up to Weiner, called him a 'scumbag' and added: 'You’re married to an Arab' making a reference to the disgraced congressman's wife Huma Abedin. Weiner shot back at the man calling him a 'jackass', while chewing a large mouthful of cake. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE . Showdown: In a Brooklyn bakery, Anthony Weiner got into a tit-for-tat argument with a constituent today after the man said the mayoral candidate was a 'deviant' Weiner replied: 'Charming. Takes one to know one, jackass.' The heated exchange was caught on video by Weiner's campaign. Weiner then said: 'You wait until I walk out to say anything. That's courage. Go ahead.' He then returned to the store before a tit-for-tat shouting match ensues. The man told Weiner: 'You have a nerve to even walk around in public. You are disgusting.' To which Weiner responded: 'Oh yeah, and you're a perfect person?' Charming man: New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner called a constituent a 'jackass' today after he insulted his wife at a store in Brooklyn, New York . Spat with a voter: Customers at the Brooklyn bakery looked on in disbelief at the heated exchange . Displeased: Weiner's patience with constituents' opinions following his sexting scandal appears to be wearing thin . The man returned: 'I'm not perfect, but I didn't do what you did.' Weiner would not let the issue go, raising his voice and pointing his finger at the man, while customers in the bakery looked on in disbelief. The disgraced politician said: 'You're my judge? You're my judge? What rabbi taught you that? What rabbi taught you that you're my judge?' The man said: 'You're fine. You talk to God and work out your problems, but stay out of the public eye. That's the difference.' Public opinion: The man confronted Weiner in the Brooklyn bakery . Weiner continued: 'That's up to you to judge, my friend. I don't take my judgments to you and I don't judge you.' The voter said: 'You're a bad example for the people.' Weiner fired back: 'That's your judgment?' The man then reasoned: 'No, that's obvious. Your behavior is deviant.' The voter then asks how Weiner could betray the person closest to him, referring to the politician's long-suffering wife Huma Abedin, as the politician continues to shout over him. As Weiner became more and more hysterical, the man calmly answers that he is not judging the politician but says he should stay out of the public, go home and get a job. Weiner then adds: 'By the way, I have fought very hard for this community and delivered more than you will ever in your entire life.' Losing his cool: Weiner shouts back at the man after he told the politician to take himself out of public life because his behavior was not normal . The man calmly says: 'You never delivered anything to me or for any of these people.' The mayoral then calls the constituent 'ignorant' before turning away with the remark: 'Take care buddy, nice talking to you.' Outside the shop, Weiner attempted to brush off the incident, saying: 'I don't back down' before adding that the man had every right to his opinion because 'this is America'. The shouting match came as it was announced earlier this week that support had collapsed for ex-congressman Weiner, a former front-runner amid a new sexting scandal with student-turned-porn-star Sydney Leathers. Weiner is now in a distant fourth, with only 7 per cent of the vote. Weiner also embarrassed himself on Monday by putting on a fake and bizarre Caribbean accent as he shouted to crowds from a float at the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn.
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Candidate was on walkabout in Brooklyn ahead of Rosh Hashanah .
Constituent told Weiner: 'You have a nerve to even walk around in public. You are disgusting'
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(CNN) -- The Pennsylvania attorney general may be taking a second look at the actions of a rural high school where Jerry Sandusky was a volunteer coach in 2008 and where administrators have been publicly criticized for discouraging a student from making allegations of sexual abuse against the then-famous coach. That student, Aaron Fisher, later became known as the first of 10 victims in a scathing indictment of serial and predatory child sex abuse by Sandusky, who is now serving 30 years in prison for his crimes. The co-author of Fisher's book, Mike Gillum, told CNN that he and Fisher's mother have been approached by investigators with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office about the actions of administrators at Central Mountain High School in 2008. Matt Sandusky files motion to have name changed . Sandusky was a volunteer football coach and would often take Fisher from class without his mother's permission. Fisher, who was abused for four years, launched the investigation into Sandusky when he came forward to police in 2009. Fisher's mother has repeatedly said that the high school principal told her to wait and think about the implications of accusing Sandusky before calling authorities. Although there's been talk about an investigation by the state department of Education or by federal authorities, Gillum said this inquiry by the attorney general is the first time Fisher, his mom or Gillum have been contacted by investigators about the actions of school administrators. Sandusky's son, six others reach settlement with Penn State . In the past year, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has launched a case-wide review of the Sandusky investigation because of numerous criticisms about the two-year gap between Fisher's report and Sandusky's arrest, plus allegations that charges weren't filed against others who might have known about Sandusky's abuse for months. Two former administrators and the former president of Penn State are facing trial on charges related to an alleged cover-up at the university. But Fisher's high school, Central Mountain, in the small town of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, has escaped scrutiny from authorities until now. Fisher made his name public last year with the publication of his book, "Silent No More." Sandusky's appeal denied .
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Pennsylvania attorney general's office asks questions about school administration's actions .
Jerry Sandusky would take boy out of class without his mother's permission .
Sandusky is now serving 30 years in prison for child sexual abuse .
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New York (CNN) -- Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is a gastronomic tour de force. The Ethiopian-born chef has won three coveted James Beard Awards, an accolade described as "like winning the Olympic gold medal for chefs," and has been celebrated as one of "The Great Chefs of America" by the Culinary Institute of America. With three restaurants and cookbooks to his name, Samuelsson, 39, is firmly established in the world of haute cuisine, so it was no surprise that he was chosen to cook for President Barack Obama's first White House state dinner. The dinner featured a seasonal menu reflecting American and Indian flavors in honor of the visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Samuelsson worked with first lady Michelle Obama to create a menu that included potato and eggplant salad, roasted potato dumplings with tomato chutney, chickpeas and okra, green curry prawns and caramelized salsify with smoked collard greens. It's been a whirlwind rise to the top for the chef who says he developed an interest in cooking at just six years old. But life has not always been easy for him or his family. Born Kassahun Tsegie in a small village north of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Samuelsson was three years old when he, his older sister and mother contracted tuberculosis during an epidemic in Ethiopia. Admitted to hospital, Samuelsson and his sister Linda survived, but his mother was killed by the disease. After their mother's death, a nurse took pity on the young siblings and found an adoption agency to register them, Samuelsson told CNN. Blog: Meeting Marcus Samuelsson . Months later, Swedish couple Anne Marie and Lennart Samuelsson adopted the children and they left Ethiopia for a life in Europe, which at times proved radically different for them. Looking back on his upbringing, Samuelsson said: "My mother was white, my father was white, we were mixed kids, mixed family. It was the norm, you know. Not until maybe you're in your teens do you really start reflecting on that maybe that's not the norm." It was only later in life when his sister started to dig into the family history that Samuelsson discovered his biological father in Ethiopia was still alive. Samuelsson told CNN: "We found him and my step brothers and sisters. This is one of my biggest gifts to have met my birth father and my sisters and brothers and I feel extremely connected to them. "My father knew we were adopted. He knew that we were in Sweden but he just didn't know where," he added. It was in his adoptive home that Samuelsson's love of cooking was shaped and developed by his grandmother. He would spend hours in the kitchen with her and by the age of 16 had decided to become a world-class chef. He attended the Culinary Institute in Gothenburg, and then worked in Switzerland, Austria and France before moving to the United States in 1991 where he was employed as an apprentice at acclaimed Scandinavian restaurant "Aquavit" in New York. This was to be his launch pad to culinary fame. After four years at "Aquavit," at the age of just 24, Samuelsson was promoted to Executive Chef and his career skyrocketed. Fifteen years on, Samuelsson has created his own brand, with three restaurants and a collection of cooking books and classes to his name. It's been hard work but Samuelsson credits his success to his origins. He told CNN: "I always feel like the biggest luxury I have is that I am connected to poverty. I come from a clay house in the country in Addis. No water, no electricity, no nothing ... I think it is my responsibility to represent poverty. Talk about it and also show there's lots of happy togetherness, family and love." Susannah Palk contributed to this article .
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Samuelsson was adopted at the age of three .
He cooked for President Barack Obama's first White House state dinner .
He has won three James Beard Awards .
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Ho ho -- huh? The family of an African-American high school student in New Mexico says he's crushed after a teacher questioned why he was wearing Santa garb during a school holiday dress-up day last week, CNN affiliate KOAT reported. The teacher told Christopher Rougier, a freshman at Cleveland High School, that he couldn't be Santa because Santa is white, the student's father, Michael, told KOAT. "He was embarrassed," he told the station. Now, his son doesn't want anything to do with Christmas. Michael Rougier said the teacher called his wife to apologize, but that's not enough. "He needs to be fired," Rougier told KOAT. "For him to make a comment like that, there has to be at a minimum prejudice in him, and we don't have room for that." Kim Vesely, the director of Rio Rancho Public Schools, released a statement to media about the incident. "This situation involves a teacher recently hired by Cleveland High who made -- and admits he made -- a stupid mistake," the director said. "The remark was inappropriate and should not have been made. The teacher feels very badly about what occurred. He self-reported the incident to the principal and has apologized to the student and to the student's parent. Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken." The boy's family has asked that he be moved out of the teacher's class, and the school has complied, Vesely said. The teacher's remark came amid something of a dust-up over Santa's skin color after Fox News Channel picked up on a Slate.com writer's piece questioning the mythical character's ethnicity. Writer Aisha Harris, who is black, wrote about growing up wondering why Santa was depicted as a white man, and argued for something less definitive: a penguin. In a widely viewed segment reacting to Harris' piece, Fox anchor Megyn Kelly said on air: "And, by the way, for all of you kids watching at home, Santa just is white, but this person is arguing maybe we should also have a black Santa. But, you know, Santa is what he is. And so, you know, we're just debating this because someone wrote about it, kids." Harris said Kelly's comments are part of the reason she felt the need to provoke thought about Santa's race. "To me, (it) just spoke to the reason why I wrote the piece, is that there are a lot of people out there who automatically assume that Santa must be white and there's no way -- it's laughable that he could be anything else," Harris said Sunday on CNN's "Reliable Sources." "The point I was trying to make was that I think that we have, the world has changed a lot over the last 50, 100 years, and Santa Claus is a fictional character," Harris continued. "He is nothing like the original historical figure he was based off of anymore," she said. "We've kind of evolved him into this magical mythical figure, and for kids, I think it's important that they don't have to feel necessarily bogged down that Santa is always white, and that's the way he should be." Kelly shot back at her critics, telling them to get a sense of humor. "Humor is what we try to bring to this show, but that's lost on the humorless," she said Friday on "The Kelly File." "This would be funny if it were not so telling about our society, in particular, the knee-jerk instinct by so many to race-bait and to assume the worst in people, especially people employed by the very powerful Fox News Channel." She wasn't motivated by racial fear or loathing, she said. "In fact, it was something far less sinister: A lifetime of exposure to the very same commercials, mall casting calls, and movies Harris references in her piece." "We continually see St. Nick as a white man in modern-day America," Kelly continued. "Should that change? Well, that debate got lost because so many couldn't get past the fact that I acknowledged, as Harris did, that the most commonly depicted image of Santa, does, in fact, have white skin." Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, co-host of CNN's Crossfire, said a network makeup artist told him "Santa Claus is what every child needs him to be, and the children get to decide Santa Claus, not some TV commentator." "I thought it was beautifully done," Gingrich said. Reality check . At least all adults can agree on one fact: Santa Claus isn't even real. So why the brouhaha? Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, said the debate is "much ado about nothing" because there's no doubt Santa is white. "(St.) Nick was Greek. The last time I checked, Greeks weren't black," Donohue told CNN's Don Lemon on The 11th Hour. According to the St. Nicholas Center, which says it's dedicated to "discovering the truth about Santa Claus," St. Nicholas was indeed Greek and lived about 1,700 years ago in an area that is now southern Turkey. But author Reza Aslan said he doesn't think many Greek people would be accurately portrayed as the "rosy-cheeked Santa that we're all used to." "White has more to do with sociological, economic, cultural considerations that go far beyond just the simple color of your skin," Aslan told Lemon. Amy Holmes, anchor of "The Hot List" at TheBlaze.com, acknowledged that most depictions of Santa feature a white man. But in addition to being fictional, "traditionally Santa has also been an obese, alcoholic elf who lives in the North Pole, who has very questionable labor practices -- not to mention animal cruelty, lashing those poor reindeer through the sky all night long." "This is ridiculous that we are even having this debate," Holmes said. "Everyone knows that Santa is your parents. So whatever race they are is the race that Santa is." Opinion: Santa's color isn't the important thing .
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Commentator: Santa's not just fictional, he's also "an obese, alcoholic elf" with questionable labor practices .
St. Nicholas Center: St. Nick was Greek and lived about 1,700 years ago in what is now southern Turkey .
KOAT: Christopher Rougier wore a Santa hat and beard to a dress-up day at a New Mexico school .
A teacher told the teen he couldn't be Santa because Santa is white, the affiliate reports .
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Just the thought of you partner cheating may make you feel queasy. But a new study has found that men and women fear different scenarios more. Most men would be more upset if their other half had a sexual affair, but women would be more hurt by emotional infidelity, researchers have claimed. The fear: A new study has found that most men would be more upset if their other half had a sexual affair (illustrated with a stock image), but women would be more hurt by emotional infidelity, researchers have claimed, citing evolutionary reasons . Scientists asked 64,000 people what would upset them more: their partners having sex with someone else - but not falling in love with them – or their partners falling in love – but not having sex with them. They found that 54 per cent of heterosexual men were more likely to be more hurt by sexual infidelity than emotional infidelity, whereas just 35 per cent of women would be more hurt by sex than if their partner fell in love with another person. The gender differences emerged across age groups, income levels, history of being cheated on, history of being unfaithful as well as the length of relationships. But gay men and women did not differ significantly in how they felt, according to the study of people aged from 18-65. Men fear sexual infidelity more because if his partner becomes pregnant, he cannot be sure the baby will be his, the researchers said . The results, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour, were consistent with the evolutionary perspective of paternal uncertainty, the researchers said. That is, if a man is in a relationship with a woman and she becomes pregnant, he can never be sure if that child is his, or has been fathered by someone else - barring a paternity test - and will therefore fear sexual infidelity more. In contrast, women never face the problem of maternal uncertainty, because they can be sure that the child they are carrying is theirs. So while it is expected that both men and women will experience sexual jealousy, ‘men may exhibit particularly heightened responses compared with women’, according to the researchers at Chapman University in Orange, California. ‘While women do not face maternal uncertainty, they risk the potential loss of resources and commitment from partners [as they are left with a child to care for] if their partner channels their investment to another mate.’ The researchers explained that men are brought up to be masculine, which includes having great sexual prowess. ‘If a man’s partner commits sexual infidelity, this brings into question his sexual prowess and therefore threatens his masculinity, which leads him to react more negatively to his partner committing sexual rather than emotional infidelity,’ they said. ‘In contrast, women are taught to think relationally and to be emotional nurturers in a relationship. ‘If their partner commits emotional infidelity, this may threaten her sense of self more so than if her partner commits sexual infidelity.’ People who are 29, 39, 49 or 59 are more likely to cheat and make life-changing decisions as they approach a milestone birthday, a study published in November revealed. Researchers analysed the responses of 42,000 adults from more than 100 countries who completed a survey about their values between 2010 and 2014. They found that people with an age ending in nine were more likely to make changes ‘that suggest a search for meaning’ such as taking up marathon running or joining an extramarital dating site. Lead author Adam Alter, from New York University, said: ‘People audit the meaningfulness of their lives as they approach a new decade. 'People tend to either conclude happily that their lives are meaningful or they decide their lives lack meaning. '...some people might struggle to come to terms with the conclusion that their lives lack meaning. They might seek a socially damaging extramarital affair.' The researchers obtained data from an online dating site that targets people who are already in a relationship and found that there were far more 9-ender men - 18 per cent more - than would be expected by chance. Further analysis found a similar, though less-pronounced, pattern of results for women.
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Study by Chapman University, California, found 54 per cent of heterosexual men were more likely to be more hurt by sexual infidelity .
But 65 per cent of women would be more hurt if their partner fell in love .
Experts claim this is because of evolutionary differences where men fear they may not be the father of their partner's baby .
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Premier League chief Richard Scudamore’s reward for delivering another astonishing TV rights deal for the clubs could be the executive chairmanship. A decision on that role is expected before the next PL meeting in March. And the timing couldn’t be better for Scudamore, with the clubs wanting to show their gratitude for £5billion coming their way from domestic deals alone. Scudamore’s promotion is said to have the support of up to 10 clubs already. And the PL’s nomination panel led by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, who had been expected to recommend the in-house option at the pre-Christmas clubs’ meeting, have not been in a hurry to appoint anyone else. Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has helped deliver a record £5billion TV rights deal for 2016-19 . Anthony Fry has been unable to fulfil the chairman’s role since suffering a serious stroke last March. And it is not ideal for the interim chairman, Harrogate lawyer Peter McCormick, to stay at the helm much longer when the PL are his prime clients. If Scudamore does become chairman, the PL are expected to appoint a robust independent director — not before time — to ensure King Richard doesn’t get everything his own way. John Inverdale, who presents the BBC’s Six Nations rugby coverage, is in pole position to do the same job for ITV during the World Cup. Inverdale is better known for his BBC work, but also hosts French Open tennis on ITV and looks to have recovered his reputation since the furore around his observation on 5 Live that 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli was ‘never going to be a looker’. John Inverdale (centre) is currently presenting the BBC's coverage of the Six Nations rugby . There has been the utmost secrecy around the Premier League TV rights tender from the start, with confidentiality contracts signed by all involved. But with Sky Sports and BT splitting the rights, how much easier - and vastly cheaper - it might have been if the TV network CEOs, Jeremy Darroch and Gavin Patterson, whose children attend the same school in Weybridge, had agreed a price between them on the school run. The mystery over manager Nigel Pearson’s sacking and reinstatement by Leicester might be a lot more straightforward than reported. Perhaps the Thai owner was intent on dismissing Pearson until he realised it would have left nobody qualified to take charge for Tuesday night’s defeat at Arsenal. Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha shakes hands with manager Nigel Pearson at the Emirates . The FA’s flawed anti-discrimination policy, that saw referee grandee David Elleray only rapped over the knuckles for a racist comment and manager Malky Mackay expected to escape punishment despite an exchange of racist and sexist texts, is also evident at grassroots level. Winchester City Youth were only fined £45 by the Hampshire FA after numerous complaints that the mother of one of their players had yelled ‘shut up you monkey’ at a mixed race youngster from AFC Totton. The mother escaped censure after her son moved to another club. Totton youth manager Shawn Kitcher said: ‘It’s scandalous a parent can get away with making such an appalling racist comment which shocked all who heard it.’ The mother insisted she had called the player a ‘cheeky little monkey’. The FA say spectators at parks are outside their jurisdiction. Former England captain David Beckham at an initiative with children's charity UNICEF in London on Monday . There could be light at the end of the tunnel in David Beckham’s long search for a home for his Miami Major League Soccer franchise. Beckham’s two waterfront proposals have been strongly resisted but the Miami-Dade County commissioner is now backing building a stadium next to the Marlins baseball venue. It is on the site of the former Orange Bowl and could utilise Marlins car parking spaces. The Beckham build will be privately funded, as there is still plenty of resentment in Miami about the amount of taxpayers’ money spent on the Marlins stadium. With everything involving Sepp Blatter under great scrutiny ahead of the FIFA presidential election in May, his nephew Philippe selling sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media to the Chinese for €1bn will be closely analysed - especially as InFront benefit from being FIFA’s broadcast rights agents in 26 Asian territories for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
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Sky Sports dominate £5bn Premier League TV rights deal for 2016-19 .
£5.136bn deal means each Premier League broadcast will cost £10.2m .
The total figure is a rise of more than 70 per cent on the 2013-16 price .
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(CNN)Disability doesn't mean disadvantage. And Farida Bedwei, a celebrated software engineer from Ghana, is proof of that. Born in 1979, Bedwei was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one -- cerebral palsy is an incurable neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination but does not interfere with the ability to learn. Bedwei has steadfastly refused to let her disability affect her career trajectory. Today, as the co-founder and chief technical officer of software company Logiciel, she is considered one of the most powerful women in financial technology on the continent -- in 2013, South Africa's CEO Magazine named Bedwei the most influential woman in business and government in Africa for the financial sector. Her greatest achievement, Bedwei says, is the development of a cloud software platform that is being used by 130 micro-finance companies nationwide. These institutions administer loans to their customers by sending a code to their mobile phones via SMS. That code can be exchanged for money at any branch, making small loans available immediately. Here, Bedwei reveals how tech can transform lives and how she defied the odds to find success. Create an education plan that works for you. Bedwei lived a nomadic childhood thanks to her father's role at the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, the family resided in Dominica, Grenada and the United Kingdom before finally settling in Ghana when Bedwei was nine years old. Bedwei was home schooled until the age of 12, and then continued her education at a government school where she was able to socialize with other children. Her family noticed her passion for computers, so it was decided for Bedwei to skip senior high school and enroll in a one-year computer course at the St. Michael information technology center. At 15 years old, she was one of the youngest in the class. A challenge, perhaps? But one she took in her stride. "I'm sure most of my classmates were wondering what I was doing with them. And that it how I started my career as a software engineer because through that course I realized what aspect of IT I was going to specialize in. I loved the idea of solving problems and creating things," she says. Found your dream job? Fight for it. Following her graduation, the passionate programmer began looking for work and found her dream role at Soft, a premier software company in the region. She recalls: "I went and saw the head of the technical division and I told him, I want a job here, I don't have any experience, but I'm inspired to learn... If you give me the chance, I promise you that you'll never regret it. So he said, 'OK, fine... come and join.'" Know when you need to move on. Three years later, Bedwei was on the move again and soon found work as a senior software architect at Rancard Solutions. "I was with them for nine years. For the first three years of my stay with them, I was actually going to school part time. I already had a diploma in Information Systems, but I wanted something else to add to it. I was doing a diploma in e-technology. That is the web industry... because I realized that was the way the industry was going. After that diploma, I wanted to get a degree because I had two diplomas and no degree... and in Ghana, a degree is what counts." Don't be afraid to go it alone if you see a gap in the market. After completing a one-year degree at the University of Hertfordshire in England, Bedwei returned home with a degree in computer science and continued working for Rancard. In 2010, she joined G-Life Financial Services in 2010. The system the company adopted wasn't efficient for micro-financing, so with Derrick Dankyi, a fellow colleague at the company, they started building their own cloud software platform called gKudi. "It's helping the micro-financing industry in this country," she says. "It's helping them make valid decisions on what to do, it's helping them cut out fraud and it's helping them give loans to people who need loans." Disability doesn't need to stop you achieving success. Along with her business achievements, Bedwei prides herself on inspiring others through organizations like The Girls in ICT Committee -- a group established to encourage more women to pursue IT careers. She says: "I am a role model for a lot of children with disabilities so and it's very important for me to showcase to the world that... Yes ... You can have a disabled child and it's not the end of the world. There is so much that that child can end up doing given the right resources." Read this: Nigeria reacts to election delay . Read this: How to build a media empire . More from African Voices .
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Farida Bedwei is a software engineer from Ghana .
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at one, she has refused to let her disability hold her back .
Throughout teen years, Bedwei used computers leading to a passion for technology .
Today she is one of the most influential women in business and finance on the continent .
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By . Lydia Warren . Arrest: Will Hayden, from Sons of Guns, was arrested on Saturday but posted bond . The star of reality TV show Sons of Guns has been arrested for child molestation - but he insists the claims are the work of a bitter ex-girlfriend. William Hayden, 49, whose show airs on the Discovery Channel, was arrested in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Saturday on charges of molestation of a child and a crime against nature. The gun store owner posted $150,000 bond the same day and was released, according to the sheriff's website. While the case has been sealed by a judge, Hayden told TMZ that his ex-girlfriend, who is mother to one of his daughters, went to authorities a week ago and accused him of molesting the girl. He said that she did it as revenge for him ending their relationship. Hayden has since married and is bringing up the girl with his new wife. The youngster returned to his home after he was interviewed by Child Protective Services. His older daughter Stephanie, who appears on Sons of Guns beside him, said that her father was innocent. 'There was never any impropriety in our home,' she said. 'He was and is a good father.' On the show: Hayden (second left) is the star of Sons of Guns, which first aired on Discovery in 2011. It follows Hayden's company, which manufactures and sells custom guns in Louisiana . On Monday, she took to Facebook to defend her father. 'This . was a false allegation and unfortunately that's all it takes,' she . wrote. 'My father is a good man, and ALL of his children love him very . much and are truly sickened that a person would try to do this to our . family. Its not right [sic]. You see the love we have for our family... 'The . one thing that really hurts us is that my sister is heartbroken that . anyone could think this of her father. Its a nightmare...please stand . with us.' Sons of . Guns first aired on the Discovery Channel in 2011 and follows Hayden's . life at the helm of a gun store, Red Jacket Firearms, in Louisiana. Stephanie manages the office for the company. It's . not his first brush with the law; in 2009, Hayden - a former Marine - . was investigated over ten unregistered guns by the U.S. Department of . Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Video Source Discovery . Support: Hayden's daughter Stephanie, who also appears on the show, said her dad (right) was a good father . Defense: Stephanie took to Facebook on Monday afternoon to defend her father and said that her younger sister was 'heartbroken' by the claims made against their father . Then in . 2013, relatives filed a lawsuit against him, claiming he and his ex-wife . had previously given them shares in the company - before transferring . part of the company to a new name and rendering the shares worthless, Business Report reported. But his attorney argued that he had transferred some of the business to comply with the ATF and federal regulations regarding automatic firearms and had never intended to deceive anyone. East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's office refused to comment on this latest case, saying it had been sealed by a judge.
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Will Hayden, 49, was arrested in Louisiana on Saturday and posted bond .
He claims that his bitter ex-girlfriend told authorities that he had molested their daughter to get back at him for breaking up with her .
His older daughter Stephanie, who also appears on the show, defended her father and said her sister is 'heartbroken' about the false claims .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:37 EST, 8 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:19 EST, 8 August 2012 . July was the hottest month on record in the continental United States, even beating the most sweltering month in the devastating Dust Bowl of 1936, federal scientists have revealed. The country's average temperature was 77.6 degrees F (25.3 degrees C) which is 3.3 degrees higher than the 20th century average, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted. Records, which began in 1895, show that the previous warmest month was July 1936 when the average temperature across the nation was 77.4 (25.2 degrees C) degrees F. The staggering statistics come after a summer of severe weather - including devastating fires plaguing Colorado, tornadoes ravaging Washington D.C. and crops drying out across the Midwest. Sweltering: July was the hottest month in the U.S. since records began, scientists have revealed. Here, people relax in the sand at the Brooklyn Bridge Park pop-up pool last month . Cooling off: It was also the hottest January to July period and the hottest 12-month period on record . 'It's a pretty significant increase over the last record,' Jake Crouch from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center said. '[It] is out and beyond those Dust Bowl years. We're rivaling and beating them consistently from month to month.' Across the country, 32 states had months that were among their 10 warmest Julys, but only Virginia, had the hottest on record, which Crouch said indicated the breadth of the heat and droughts. The Midwest, the Plains and along the Eastern Seaboard were particularly sweltering, with cities including Denver, Indianapolis and St Louis all smashing records for their hottest month on record. Remarkably, record daily high temperatures up until August 5 this year have already eclipsed the number of record daily highs set during all of 2011. Sizzling: Only Virginia had a record month, indicating how warm the country was as a whiole . Parched: This graph shows the level of rain across the country last month and how the Midwest - where most of the country's crop and soybean farming occurs - suffered extreme droughts . The . Midwest, where 75 per cent of the country's corn and soybean crops are . grown, struggled under near-record drought conditions, NOAA's Drought Monitor reported. 77.6 Average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit across the U.S. in July . 3.3 Degrees higher than the average for the 20th century . 77.4 Previous record in degrees Fahrenheit for hottest month, set in July 1936 . 63 Percentage of U.S. covered in drought . 2.57 Inches of average rainfall across U.S . 0.19 Number of inches of rainfall lower than country's average for July . 2 million Number of acres burned by wildfires . 27,042 Number of temperature records broken or tied so far in 2012 . According to The Weather Channel, . there were 26,674 daily record highs broken or tied during 2011, while . there have already been 27,042 this year - with five months still . remaining. July also . marks the end of the hottest January-to-July period since record keeping . began, as well as the warmest 12-month period, taking over the record . set just last month. It . makes it the fourth time in as many months that the record for the . hottest year has been smashed. The top 13 warmest 12-month periods since . 1895 have all occurred since 1999. As . well as crippling heat, moderate to extreme droughts ravaged the . country last month, covering nearly 63 per cent of the continental U.S. - . the worst since 1956. Rainfall totaled less than 50 percent of the normal amount for the month, records show, while no measurable rain fell in some areas. Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Maine had totals among their driest ever. Heating up: Last July smashed the hottest 12-month period record for the fourth month in a row . Stark difference: This graph shows just how much warmer the average temperatures were each month since January compared to previous years . As a result, this year's corn crop yield . could be the smallest in six years and the third year of declining corn . production - sparking high prices and supply shortages. The drought triggered a surge in the . prices for home-grown corn and soybeans to record highs in July, with . values rising about 50 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, over the . past two months. Crouch said the drought and heat helped each other along to create devastating conditions. Dry soil drives up daytime temperatures, and as dry soil prevailed over so much of the country, it helped make things hotter over a wide area, Crouch told Reuters. 'The hotter it gets, the drier it gets, the hotter it gets,' he said. Baking: 63 per cent of the country suffered moderate to extreme droughts. Here, a dry pool in Kansas . Relentess: The sun beats down on a farm in Wise County, Texas. The weather is expected to push up crop prices even further in August, beating record highs last month . Struggles: Cool weather will come too late for damaged crops. Here, a corn field in Harvey County, Kansas . Record: The month was even hotter than the Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Children cover their faces as they pump water during sizzling temperatures and a windstorm in Springfield, Colorado . He said that this summer is set apart . from the Dust Bowl summer of 1936 due to warm nighttime temperatures, . whereas in 1936, records were set by daytime highs. July's sizzling heat and droughts also created the perfect conditions for wildfires; more than two million acres burned throughout the month, nearly half a million acres above average. NOAA also has a measurement called the U.S. Climate Extreme Index, which tracks indicators of unusually high and low temperatures, droughts, floods, storms and hurricanes. The index is calculated as a . percentage, which suggests how much of the country is experiencing . extreme weather. In July is was 37 per cent - beating last July. The . average is 20 per cent. And between January and July this year, the index was 46 per cent, which smashes the previous record from 1934. Out of control: Beach-goers at Coney Island. This year, 27,042 temperature records have been broken . Relief: People swim in the Brooklyn Bridge Park pop-up pool last month in an attempt to escape the heat . Hot work: A man pushes a cart of bottled water down Broadway in New York during warm weather last month . In a response to how the unprecedented heat is damaging farmers' livelihoods, President Obama called on Congress on Tuesday to pass a farm bill so disaster aid can flow to farms. 'It is a historic drought and it is having a profound impact on farmers and ranchers all across many states,' Obama said during a meeting of Obama's rural council at the White House. Crop insurance will provide a safety net for row-crop growers but ranchers have less of a federal cushion. Crop insurance indemnities could be double or triple last year's level, economists estimate. The measurements cover all states excluding Hawaii and Alaska.
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Beat the previous warmest month on record of July 1936 .
Also hottest January-July and hottest 12-month period on record .
More than 27,000 temperature records broken or tied so far this year .
Moderate to extreme droughts covered 63 per cent of the country in July .
Left the Midwest struggling with corn and soybean crop production .
Analysts: Parched land will cause 30 - 50 per cent jump in crop prices .
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By . Kieran Corcoran . PUBLISHED: . 12:19 EST, 2 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:48 EST, 2 January 2014 . A couple at the centre of an international five-year manhunt over an alleged £1million NHS fraud have been arrested in Cyprus. Deborah Hancox, 44, and John Leigh, 53, are charged with eight counts of fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Greater Manchester Deanery, a teaching organisation. They allegedly moved to Cyprus after . police interviews in 2008. The pair were only able to be arrested when . they moved from the Turkish-controlled north side of the island to . Republic of Cyprus in the south. Arrested: The pair were taken in by Cypriot police and appeared in court in Manchester on Tuesday . Unlike the north side, which has no extradition treaty with the UK, the Republic of Cyprus does, and allowed Hancox and Leigh to be taken in. The couple stepped over the . border to the Republic of Cyprus at the end of last year where they were . taken into custody on a European Arrest Warrant. The couple were flown back to Britain by Cypriot police and appeared before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. Ms Sarah Johnson, from the CPS, said with a little research the couple would have discovered northern Cyprus to be a ‘non-convention’ country, and so has no extradition treaty with the UK. Appeal on Crimewatch: The pair allegedly moved to Cyprus in 2008 . A Crimewatch appeal to help trace the pair was made by the National Crime Agency in October. They were wanted in a joint investigation by Greater Manchester Police and the NHS’s counter fraud unit, NHS Protect. Leigh was employed by the NHS as an IT manager from 2000 until 2009. He was questioned by police over claims he had interests in three IT companies used to supply equipment, services and goods to the NHS. The couple are suspected of being involved in a fraud that led to the NHS being defrauded out of more than £1million. The case has been transferred to Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing later this month. Criminals have been able to take shelter in northern Cyprus for years thanks to diplomatic tensions over the area. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, dozens of criminals began fleeing there to take advantage of the fact that the Turkish-controlled part of the island has no extradition treaty with the UK. The situation came about because the UK government does not recognise Turkey’s claim to the land. The Turkish government has offered to sign a treaty with the UK, but so far the Government has refused to avoid offending Cyprus or Greece. Fears have been raised that the situation means the area could become the equivalent of Spain's Costa de Sol in the 1970s and 1980s, where criminals would often go to escape extradition. Authorities in northern Cyprus have said they will co-operate with UK police. This, however, has not stopped the island being a problem. Last year the Serious Organised Crime Agency released a ‘most wanted’ list of nine wanted men who were believed to be in Cyprus, in the hope that it would help them be brought to justice.
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Deborah Hancox, 44, and John Leigh, 53, were extradited back to the UK .
They are charged with defrauding the NHS's Greater Manchester Deanery .
The pair allegedly went to the island in 2008 after being questioned by police .
Police could only take them in after they strayed from northern Cyprus - which has no extradition treaty - to the Republic of Cyprus, which does .
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Former Arsenal striker Carlos Vela made sure David Moyes’ reign at Anoeta started in style scoring a hat-trick in Real Sociedad’s 3-0 win over Elche. Despite the best efforts of fussy referee Carlos Velasco, Moyes picked up his first win and it was largely thanks to the Mexican international who scored twice in the first half and then again after the break to help Real Sociedad move away from the La Liga drop zone. Vela had the ball in the net inside three minutes when Sergio Canales tricked his way down the right and rolled the ball into Carlos Martinez’ path. The right back crossed to Real Sociedad’s leading scoring and he scored with a powerful header. David Moyes applauds the Real Sociedad fans before his first home game in charge against Elche on Friday night . Moyes gazes towards the skies prior to the hosts game against Sociedad on Friday night . The former Manchester United boss looks on from the touchline as his side train prior to their home clash . Carlos Vela punches the air after scoring his side's opening goal in their La Liga clash against Elche . The 25-year-old slots home coolly from close range after a superb solo run to make it 2-0 to Sociedad . The former Arsenal man is all smiles as he doubles his side's advantage just after the half hour mark at the Anoeta Stadium . Vela looks to the skies in elation after notching his side second's goal as the forward takes on Victor Rodriguez . Real Sociedad: Zubikarai, Martínez, Elustondo, Ansotegi, De la Bella, Bergara, Granero, Vela (Castro, 87), Xabi Prieto, Canales (Rubén Pardo, 71), Agirretxe (Finnbogason, 8) Elche: Tyton, Suárez, Rodríguez Lombán, Pelegrín, Cisma, Fajr (Mendes Rodrigues, 45), González Morales, Mosquera (Alonso Martín, 76), Rodríguez Romero, Cristian de Jesus, Herrera (Corominas, 60) Goals scored: Vela 3, 32, 53 . One of the things that Moyes will need to get used to in La Liga is the tendency for some referees to penalise the slightest physical contact. In recent years match officials’ style has change and become closer to that of Premier League referees but Velasco is old-school and frustrated Moyes by whistling every Real challenge in the early part of the game. Moyes has demanded his players be more physical but both Canales and Jon Ansotegi went into the book for what looked like harmless challenges. Real Sociedad’s football was bright though with Canales linking well with the excellent Vela and shooting over as the home side went for the second goal. Striker Imanol Agirretxe pulled up with a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Alfred Finnbogason but it did nothing to knock La Real out of their stride and Vela soon had the second. He ran onto a perfectly weighted pass from skipper Xabi Prieto and sprinted between Elche’s two central defenders to score past Przemysław Tyton. Former QPR midfielder Esteban Granero (left) challenges Jonathan Cristian de Jesus during the first half . Elche's Faycal Fajr (R) fights for the ball with Sociedad midfielder Sergio Canales (L), as Moyes looks on with interest during the match . Elche threatened through their Brazilian striker Jonathas but he squandered two chances in the first 45 minutes and Real Sociedad goalkeeper Eñaut Zubikarai saved well from Denis Suarez. Vela was on form though and he played Canales in with a brilliant pass only for the former Real Madrid forward’s cross to be blocked. Vela almost scored at the start of the second half but Tyton turned his shot away for a corner. Vela has a superb record against Elche who came into the game never having won at Anoeta and having lost this fixture 4-0 last season. The Mexican has the quality to lead Real up the table and his third goal was the pick of the three burying a shot in the far corner through through the legs of Elche defender David Lomban. Vela is a reminder of why Real Sociedad were playing Champions League football last season and when he was hauled down by Victor Rodriguez Velasco pulled out perhaps his first justifiable card of the night. He is not the only jewel in the squad Moyes has inherited. Ruben Pardo came on for Canales in the last 20 minutes and orchestrated some of the best football of the night. The Spain under-21 international has lost his way of late but Moyes will be encouraged by this cameo. He will also be delighted with a second clean sheet from his players. If that and the form of Vela, who went off to a standing ovation four minutes from time, keeps up then Real will soon be back at the right end of the table. Markel Bergara Larranaga looks to put a challenge in on Elche's Domingo Cisma during the second half . Moyes looks deep in thought as he issues instructions to his Sociedad side against Elche . Moyes shows the vocal side to his management as he seeks more from his side during the opening 45 minutes .
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David Moyes secured a win in his first home game in charge of Real Sociedad .
The former Manchester United manager led his side to a comfortable 3-0 win against Elche .
Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela scored a superb hat-trick in just 53 minutes to give the hosts victory .
It was only the second win in 11 league matches for the struggling La Liga outfit .
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This motorist avoided decapitation by millimetres when he crashed his 190mph Corvette underneath a removal truck - by ducking. The driver of the sleek sports car was travelling up a steep highway when he came up behind the slow-moving HGV. He went into the back of the truck, causing the low slung Corvette Z06 to go underneath it; finally coming to a halt once the front of the sports car had gone six feet beneath the trailer. Lucky to be alive: Blood is clearly visible on the driver's forehead as he is freed from the car . Write-off: The Corvette was destroyed - but at least the driver was not badly hurt . I may have pranged it slightly: The HGV was going slowly when the Corvette went into the rear . The middle-aged driver ducked at the last moment and avoided potential decapitation, emerging relatively unscathed despite the carnage. However, the high-powered Corvette was less than lucky and was completely written off in the smash. The incredible incident took place on the southbound San Diego Freeway near Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. Retired LA firefighter Rick McClure, 60, was among the first to arrive at the scene. He said: 'He was very lucky to say the least. In the past drivers have been decapitated after crashing underneath trucks so a law was introduced so they had barriers to prevent this. Crash scene: Firefighters examine the car and work out how they can free the Corvette's driver . Pulled out: A stretcher is lowered down as the firefighters prepare to remove the driver from the wreck . 'But somehow he still managed to get the Corvette underneath. 'It happened at about 11:10pm so the freeway was fairly open. It was an uphill stretch of the road and the truck was going slowly up the steep grade. 'The Corvette must have been overtaking a few other cars and then all of a sudden he saw the slowing truck and went up the back of it. 'I was first at the scene and it was unbelievable to see the guy in the Corvette talking. He had some minor injuries but was in good spirits considering what had happened.' The driver was transported to the nearby Ronald Reagan Medical Centre with minor injuries.
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Corvette Z06 ended up wedged 6ft under the truck's trailer .
Driver escaped collision in Los Angeles with minor injuries .
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(CNN) -- Barbara Walters isn't fully retiring, but "The View" has still given the veteran journalist a send-off to remember. On Friday's show, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and Michael Douglas made surprise appearances as they all joined the current "View" co-hosts in wishing Walters well as she leaves on-camera work behind. "I want to start by saying I can't believe this day has come and I can't believe it's for real," Clinton told Walters. "Because I don't know what we're all going to do without seeing you go from one place to another, asking questions that we'd all like to ask." True to form, Walters snuck in a few more of those questions Friday, asking Clinton whether she'll run for president. "Well, I am running ... around the park," Clinton quipped. And when it came to Michael Douglas, who swore that Walters gives the best parties, the 84-year-old journalist couldn't help but inquire about the actor's relationship with wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, which hit a rough patch last summer. (These days, Douglas said, "Catherine and I are wonderful.") With that much curiosity still evidently brimming, why is Walters leaving? Well, keep in mind that she's not leaving TV in general. She'll still serve as executive producer of "The View," and will make special appearances for ABC News when needed. It's just that, as Walters said when she announced her retirement in May 2013, she has no interest in appearing on another TV program. CNNMoney: Barbara Walters is retiring but not going away . Walters began her national broadcast career in 1961 as a reporter, writer and panel member for NBC's "Today" show before being promoted to co-host in 1974. By 1976, ABC had snatched her up for its own news programs. At that network, Walters launched "The Barbara Walters Specials" and "10 Most Fascinating People" before becoming a co-host and correspondent for ABC News' "20/20" in 1984. Along the way, she's interviewed every U.S. president and first lady since Richard and Pat Nixon. Looking upon the numerous women who had looked up to her throughout her career, Walters said they were her legacy. "How do you say goodbye to something like 50 years in television?" she said in conclusion. "How proud when I see all the young women who are making and reporting the news. If I did anything to help make that happen, that is my legacy. From the bottom of my heart, to all of you with whom I have worked and who have watched and been by my side, I can say: 'Thank you.' " Ironically, one of the best-informed women in news had no idea what to expect for her farewell taping. "Nobody told me what was going to happen today, so I couldn't plan for it," Walters told HLN's A.J. Hammer after the taping. "Nobody told me that Hillary Clinton was going to show up. That line of women who said that maybe I inspired or influenced them? Nobody told me about that. Nobody told me that Oprah was going to come in! It was all just a wonderful surprise." Still soaking it in, Walters reflected, "I have to remember (all of this) on days that are not so great. I have to remember these women. I have to remember today." CNN affiliate WGNO: Fan gets Barbara Walters tattoo . CNN's Dana Ford and Alan Duke contributed to this report.
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On Friday, "The View" aired Barbara Walters' last episode as co-host .
Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton and Michael Douglas came to say goodbye .
TV news personalities who were influenced by her work were there as well .
Walters: The final episode was "a wonderful surprise"
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f5aaae6f604a942a505c2ceb62601608dc476607
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(CNN) -- The midflight breakdown of a JetBlue pilot has sparked concerns about psychological screening for flight crews. Capt. Clayton Osbon's erratic behavior prompted Flight 191 from New York to Las Vegas to make an unscheduled landing in Amarillo, Texas, on Tuesday after crew and passengers intervened and subdued the 49-year-old pilot. Osbon "yelled jumbled comments about Jesus, September 11th, Iraq, Iran,and terrorists," according to a federal criminal complaint filed against Osbon. One passenger quoted Osbon as saying, "Pray f------ now for Jesus Christ," the complaint said. "It just seemed like something triggered him to go off the wall. He would be calm one minute and then just all of a sudden turn," said passenger Jason Levin. JetBlue pilot charged with interfering with flight crew . JetBlue has not elaborated on the pilot's condition, but CEO Dave Barger referred to the incident as a "medical situation." The pilot's behavior points to possible psychological distress, doctors say. The episode could be the result of bipolar disorder or a recent start on antidepressant medication, said Dr. Charles Raison, a psychiatrist at the University of Arizona and CNN consultant who has not treated Osbon. Medical illnesses such as brain tumors, subtle seizures or hormonal imbalances could also have caused Osbon's behavior, Raison said. All airline pilots are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to have a first-class medical certificate that must be renewed annually for pilots younger than 40 and every six months for pilots 40 and older. JetBlue follows all FAA pilot requirements, the airline said. Pilots must be examined by an aviation medical examiner as part of that process, and a candidate's psychological condition is assessed. The exam does not include a formal psychiatric evaluation, although the examiner should "form a general impression of the emotional stability and mental state of the applicant," according to FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. Bipolar disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders that involve "acting out" and substance dependence generally are disqualifying conditions, according to the guide. In these cases, the examiner would either deny issuing the certificate or defer it and report evidence of significant problems to the FAA, the guide says. "If the person is exhibiting any signs of psychosis, thinks he's on the moon, is disoriented in time and place, if he's taking any medicines -- and the FAA is very strict -- the computer won't even let me give an exam if medicines are not approved. It's very strict under those circumstances," said Dr. Gabriel Guardarramas, an FAA-approved New York family doctor who performs about 40 pilot exams a year. Guardarramas said one pilot grieving the death of his father raised a red flag for him and he deferred certification to the FAA. "Pilots as a rule are extremely stable people," said retired airline Capt. Steve Luckey, a 33-year veteran. "By the time a person becomes a commercial pilot, they've gone through so many filters." However, the agency's strict criteria prompt some to hide their conditions, according to two pilots who spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity out of concern for their own careers. One veteran with three decades of experience said he's known just a single fellow pilot who sought treatment for depression. The treatment lasted eight or nine months, and he never told his employer, the pilot said. "A guy has worked his whole career toward what he's gotten, and he's dealing with issues, what does he do? If he says, 'Hey, I'm depressed,' then the FAA pulls his medical certificates and then there goes his career." Another veteran pilot echoed that sentiment: "Yes, pilots are flying around depressed because if they do (admit depression), they'll be grounded." "Pilots are generally well psychologically screened for all the right reasons. Some people snap. If this pilot did indeed snap, it doesn't surprise me. There's tremendous pressure out there in the pilot group, and that's something the public should care about," the pilot said. In its medical examiners guide, the FAA says pilots being treated with four specific antidepressants may receive medical clearance, which would be decided on a case-by-case basis. Osbon's breakdown comes just weeks after an American Airlines flight attendant's behavior alarmed passengers and prompted flight crew members to restrain her while the plane was taxiing. One passenger said the flight attendant described herself as bipolar and said she had not taken her medication. Other accounts referred to her talking on the intercom about the plane crashing. American Airlines has not identified her, and no charges have been filed. She remains employed by the company, the airline said Wednesday. American said the airline follows all FAA rules. Unlike pilots, flight attendants are not required to pass medical examinations before they fly, according to the Association of Flight Attendants, a union that does not represent American Airlines workers. "However, flight attendants do have to go through recurrent training each year to refresh their emergency situation skills," said AFA spokeswoman Corey Caldwell. They are also required to receive proficiency certification from the FAA. She added that "in most cases," flight attendants could be treated for various conditions and still perform "as first responders efficiently," noting that red flags would probably come up during the initial six- to eight-week training period or during a probationary period of up to a year. In addition to the pressure of performing the duties of flying itself, airline employees face the added stress of trying to survive in an industry fraught with restructuring, bankruptcies and other uncertainties. "This industry is very turbulent," Caldwell said. "And after 9/11, these workers really went through a very difficult time personally and professionally." CNN's Mike Ahlers, Katia Hetter and Lizzie O'Leary contributed to this report.
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JetBlue: Pilot incident a "medical situation"
Doctor: Erratic behavior points to possible psychological distress .
FAA requires medical evaluation, including psychological assessment .
Pilots: Some do not report depression treatment, fearing for their jobs .
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A man was arrested after he opened the emergency exit on board a plane 'to get off quicker.' Shortly after the China Eastern flight MU2331 from Xi’an arrived at Sanya Fenghaung International Airport in Hainan, the impatient Chinese passenger made for an alternative exit out. By activating the emergency exit, he deployed the emergency slide; the whole event caused an almost two-hour delay to the flight. Scroll down for video . Airport staff manage to deflate the slide, but their rescue work meant a two-hour delay to the flight . The man opened the emergency exit as he wanted to get off the plane quicker, and was then arrested . When asked why he had broken the rules, the passenger replied by saying he had 'wanted to get off the plane quicker.' He also claimed he had not listened to the in-flight instructions, saying that he was not aware you couldn't use the emergency exit to disembark. The on-board flight attendants tried in vain to prevent the slide from deploying, but were caught short. The cost of the Chinese man's actions are thought to have amounted to around £10,000 . The man claimed not have heard the safety briefings on board, and 'didn't know' he could use the exit . Sanya Fenghaung International Airport, where passengers were subjected to delays after a Chinese man opened the emergency exit to 'get out quicker' The man's actions, not only caused delays to his fellow passengers, but is also estimated to have cost the airline £10,000 ($15,724). The incident comes only days after a Chinese woman scalded a flight attendant by throwing a cup of hot noodles after finding out she wouldn't be sat next to her boyfriend. The incident occurred on a charter flight from Bangkok to Nanjing, China, and passengers were on hand to pull out their smartphones as the mid-air drama unfolded in front of them, snapping pictures as the injured flight attendant covered her face and shouted in pain. During the chaos a man believed to be the woman's boyfriend jumped out of his seat and angrily threatened to blow up the plane as the injured flight attendant was tended to by her co-workers. But the man accused of making the threat later said the attendant was scalded by accident during a tussle over a receipt they had requested for the hot water.
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China Eastern flight had arrived at Sanya Fenghaung International Airport .
Man activated the emergency exit causing two-hour delay for passengers .
Cost of his actions believed to amount to around £10,000 .
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By . Mail On Sunday Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:00 EST, 28 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:00 EST, 28 September 2013 . Mary Berry was mystified by the use of hemp flour – made from cannabis plants – on the Great British Bake Off this week. But given the plant’s myriad nutritional benefits, she might want to make it a kitchen staple. Hemp seeds, from which it is milled, are high in protein, fibre and healthy fats. Flour power: Mary Berry takes a whiff of contestant Howard Middleton's hemp flower on Tuesday's episode of Great British Bake Off . A research review found that a high intake could help tackle heart disease, improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood clot formation. Hemp seeds also increase levels of important fatty acids in the blood, as the seeds are high in omega-3 and omega-6. But scientists report that legal issues and misunderstandings have slowed research progress. Mary, can rest easy, however, for hemp is safe – and legal – as it’s derived from a variety of cannabis that doesn’t contain the psychoactive ingredient THC. Health itself: Hemp flour is made from hemp seeds which grows on the cannabis plant . People who think they protect the family from their cigarette smoke by lighting up only when home alone might need to think again. Studies suggest tobacco residue stays in a room long after the smoker has gone. Researchers in California tested hotel rooms in which smoking was allowed and found levels of tobacco by-products up to 75 times higher than in hotels that banned smoking. Non-smokers stayed in hotels overnight, and finger-wipe analysis afterwards found nicotine on their skin, with the highest levels in those who stayed in ‘smoking’ rooms – suggesting that cigarette residue lingers in the air and on surfaces. Running along: Spencer Matthews . Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews is swapping champagne and canapes for cereal bars and protein shakes, and running the New York Marathon in a bid to lose weight. Spencer, 25, confessed: ‘Ever since I was young my weight has fluctuated and I put on pounds more easily than I’d like. 'I live life to extremes and when I am in party boy mode, drinking and eating to excess, it can creep on pretty quickly. 'I’ve signed up to the marathon so I have an incentive to run.’ Spencer will be flying to the US for the event, on November 3, with personal trainer Shane Collins, who works with singer Natalie Imbruglia and TV presenter Zoe Hardman. But there is one problem: ‘I suffer from shin splints,’ Spencer says. Nearly 60 per cent of womb cancer cases could be prevented if women exercised for at least 30 minutes a day and kept off excess body fat. And the UK-based World Cancer Research Fund International warns that eating lots of high-GI foods, such as sugar and processed food, increases cancer risk as obesity affects hormones like oestrogen and insulin – both at the root of this cancer. Dr Adeola Olaitan, gynaecological oncologist at University College Hospital London, says: ‘Rates of this cancer are on the rise and it is linked to increasing obesity.’
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One of the contestants on Great British Bake Off used hemp flour .
Hemp flour is milled from hemp seeds growing on cannabis plants .
The type of cannabis used for the flour does not contains THC .
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The lawyer for a NYU student accused of setting his classmate's bed on fire while she slept claims the victim could have been participating because she was drunk. Part-time real estate agent Jaime Castano, 20, allegedly burned the 19-year-old's mattress in his dorm room last August while singing to her, recording the incident on a cell phone and posting it on Snapchat. At his arraignment last week, the student's attorney Alyssa Gamliel suggested the victim had blacked out during a booze binge and may have been complicit, according to the New York Daily News. Allegations: Jaime Castano, 20, has been accused of setting fire to the to the 19-year-old's (not pictured) mattress in NYU accomodation last August while singing her, recording the incident and posting it on Snapchat . 'I do not think she knows what happened or her participation in this, nor do I think the People will be able to prove that she was not sort of participating in some of this activity,' she told a judge at Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday. The teenager suffered 'painful burns and scarring to her torso', it was alleged in a criminal complaint. However Gamliel argues that the injuries became infected because she failed to treat them and could have been a result of her 'continued behavior of intoxication'. The victim claims she and a third person were with Castano at his dorm room on Lafayette Street when she fell asleep at about 11pm on August 23. Case: If convicted of first-degree assault, Castano could be jailed for up to 25 years . At around 6am the following the morning she woke to find holes and burn marks on her bed and blankets, burns on her clothes, and painful burns on her body, prosecutors told the broadcaster. But she wasn't aware of what caused the fire until she saw Castano's video, which he had shared with the photo-messaging application, it is claimed . The victim reported the attack to university officials but they did not alert police until October 27 - more than two months after it allegedly occurred. If convicted of first-degree assault, Castano could be jailed for up to 25 years. He was expelled by NYU in September after an internal investigation, although his attorney told the judge Monday that he left the private university voluntarily. Dorm: The teenager suffered 'painful burns and scarring to her torso' during the incident that allegedly took place at Castano's student accomodation in Manhattan (pictured)
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Jaime Castano, 20, allegedly set fire to the to the 19-year-old's mattress .
She and another person were in his Manhattan dorm room at the time .
Castono's attorney Alyssa Gamliel said victim had been on a booze binge .
Told the judge at Manhattan Criminal Court victim could have played a part .
Claims her injuries were infected because of her 'behaviour of intoxication'
Castano faces 25 years in prison if convicted of the alleged assault .
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An early and severe start to the flu season has many health experts concerned. On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 47 states are experiencing widespread activity, although it appears to be decreasing in some areas. According to the CDC, this is the most flu cases they've seen at this time of year in more than a decade. Twenty pediatric flu-related deaths have occurred since the start of the season. The CDC does not track adult flu-related deaths. The peak of the season, which usually happens in February, may be yet to come for most states -- officials said Friday it may be a week or two before it becomes clear whether cases have peaked. Here are some common flu questions from readers answered: . Why is this year's flu causing more severe cases? The type of flu that is going around is called Influenza A (H3N2), which is often linked to more serious diseases than other flu varieties, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told CNN. People could get more complications from this particular strain, which would make them sick for a longer period of time. How is this flu season different than last year's? The 2011-2012 flu season began late and was relatively mild compared with previous seasons, according to the CDC. In fact, the season's peak set a record for the lowest and shortest since surveillance began. The number of pediatric flu-related deaths was also low last year. The CDC reported 26 children under the age of 18 had died by May 25, 2012. As a comparison, 122 pediatric flu-related deaths were reported during the 2010-2011 season. How many people usually die from the flu each year? The flu kills about 36,000 people a year in the United States, according to the CDC, though the range varies greatly each year. Most deaths are caused by complications from the flu. Children under 2 years old, adults over 65, pregnant women and American Indians are at a greater risk of suffering from flu complications, according to the CDC. People with medical conditions like asthma, lung disease, heart disease and people with weakened immune systems are also at risk. How does someone go from having the flu to dying? Most of the people who die have underlying illnesses or a weakened immune system, says Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent. The flu can weaken the immune system even more, which can lead to a complication like a bacterial infection. "It is that bacterial infection that most often causes death, especially in the younger population," Gupta says. So if I get the flu, should I go to the emergency room? Most people with the flu don't have to -- they'll recover on their own in five to seven days with plenty of rest and fluids, says Dr. David Zich, internal medicine and emergency medicine physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. However, you should go to the ER immediately if: . -- You have difficulty breathing or have pain in your chest . -- You can't keep fluids down because of nausea and vomiting . -- Your fever or cough gets better, then worsens . "Let's say you have the flu, you get better, you think everything is all clear," Gupta says. "Then a couple days later, the fever comes back. That means you may now have a bacterial infection." Does this mean the flu vaccine isn't working? The flu vaccine is only about 60% effective, according to the CDC. How well the vaccine works can vary based on your age and health, as well as how good the "match" of the vaccine is to this year's flu strain. Each year, the vaccine is made from three strains of the influenza virus that researchers suspect will be the most active. So far, according to the CDC, this year's vaccine matches well with the most predominant type of flu spreading in the United States, but is less well matched to the No. 2 type of virus. The vaccine usually works best in young, healthy people, according to Dr. Bill Schaffner, chairman of the preventative medicine department at Vanderbilt University. But even if you do get the flu, the vaccine can protect against harsher complications. Learn more about the flu vaccine's effectiveness . Will the flu vaccine make me sick? The virus used in the flu shot is a dead virus, Gupta says. "You cannot get the flu from a flu shot." But your body's immune system will react, and that can make you feel pain in your arm or feel less than 100% for a few days. Is there a flu vaccine shortage? While CNN has heard reports of vaccine shortages in some areas, manufacturers say there are vaccines available for anyone who wants to get a flu shot. There was a temporary delay in new shipments of the antiviral medicine Tamiflu due to an increased demand, according to a spokeswoman. Tamiflu can help reduce the severity and length of flu symptoms if taken early. Learn more about the reported shortages . I'm sold! Is it too late to get the vaccine? In one word: no. Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your body and provide protection against the virus, the CDC says. Opinion: Next time, get the vaccine early . How can I avoid getting the flu in the first place? It's disturbing to think about, but flu germs can spread up to 6 feet through coughs and sneezes. They can also live on surfaces for up to eight hours. Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and mother of two, recommends practicing good "social distancing." This means canceling parties or dates if someone is sick and avoiding large crowds (like at the movies or going out to dinner) if your community has been hit hard by the virus. It's also a good idea to practice proper hand-washing -- for at least 20 seconds several times a day. And wiping handles, counters and remotes daily with hot soapy water or disinfectant will kill any germs that linger. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your family .
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The type of flu going around is called Influenza A (H3N2)
The flu kills about 36,000 people a year in the United States, according to the CDC .
People with medical conditions and weakened immune systems are most at risk .
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By . Associated Press . and Joshua Gardner . An Oregon man who claims he was seduced by an IRS agent and just as quickly abandoned during an audit that left him owning $69,000 wants to sue the U.S. government. Vincent Burroughs has already had one case against agent Dora Abrahamson and the federal government dropped. Now he's appealing and says the IRS must be held accountable for his feeling 'like a cheap wh***.' Racy: Vincent Burroughs (right) claims IRS agent Dora Abrahamson seduced him after contacting him about an audit and realizing she knew him from his amateur motorcycle races . Burroughs alleges Abrahamson contacted him about an audit in August 2011. The amateur motorcycle racer and professional contractor says he'd fallen about $20,000 behind on taxes after his once steady work dried up during the recession. Abrahamson allegedly told Burroughs she was a fan of his racing and 'knew who he was, and that it was lucky for him that this was the case, and that they should meet.' A series of text messages were exchanged. Some on Abrahamson's end were allegedly lurid and Burroughs claims she sent him a racy photo. Burroughs initially ignored the woman's advances, according to the lawsuit, but he surrendered after a 'provocatively attired' Abrahamson arrived at his home in September 2011, the lawsuit states. 'She told (Burroughs) that she could . be a bitch, or that she could be nice,' states the suit, which Burroughs . and his attorney David Moule recently revealed was dismissed. 'She . said that she could impose no penalty, or a 40 percent penalty, and . that if he would give her what she wanted, she would give him what he . needed,' it alleged. 'Don't you race motorcycles?': Burroughs claims he didn't recognize the agent but that she started to send racy text messages before showing up to his home in September 2011 to help him do his 'paperwork' 'I feel like a cheap wh***': Burroughs said the two had sex and that days later Abrahamson dropped his case because of a conflict of interest. He says the agent who took his case then said he owed far more than he believes he owes and wants the government to pay for Abrahamson's 'sexual coercion' and for ruining his relationship with this longtime girlfriend . 'She just pushed me back, and I kind of went back, and I landed...and she immediately came over, got on top of me, started kissing on me,' he told 20/20 last year. The two of them had sex. Days later, Abrahamson contacted him to say she would no longer be handling the case due to the conflict of interest. After another agent did the audit, Burroughs was told he owed $69,000. The lawsuit claims that Abrahamson's conduct caused the plaintiff distress and a rift in his relationship with a 'significant other' and Burroughs reiterated as much in a tearful 2013 interview with 20/20. The suit alleged that the government was liable for damages because IRS officials provided inadequate supervision. However, the case--which was asking the government pay out $100,000, has since been dismissed. 'The government (said) that it was immune from lawsuit because it had never waived its immunity for intentional acts of its employees that were committed outside the scope of their employment,' said the attorney Moule. The plaintiff had already removed Abrahamson's name from the suit by the time it was dismissed because she lacked assets for them to go after. Abrahamson has never publicly commented on her role in the case but denied Burroughs' allegations in court papers.
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Oregon man Vincent Burroughs says IRS agent Dora Abrahamson showed up at his door in 2011 to 'help him with his paperwork' after he was audited .
The two had sex after Burroughs says he was seduced despite never having met before .
Abrahamson denies the allegations and was dropped from Burroughs' suit because she lacked assets to seize .
The case against the IRS was then dropped and Burroughs is now appealing the decision and wants $100,000 .
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By . James Chapman . PUBLISHED: . 14:59 EST, 31 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:44 EST, 31 July 2012 . London Mayor Boris Johnson will court controversy this week by taking media tycoon Rupert Murdoch to a top Olympics event as his personal guest. The News Corporation boss and his wife Wendi Deng are among a group of business leaders invited by Mr Johnson to attend a swimming final expected to feature Britain’s Rebecca Adlington on Friday. As Mayor, Mr Johnson has oversight of Scotland Yard, where a police investigation into the phone-hacking scandal that has engulfed the media mogul’s newspapers is still under way. Into the spirit: London Mayor Boris Johnson poses with Team GB fans as he faces questions about his decision to invite controversial media tycoon Rupert Murdoch to the Olympics as his personal guest . 'Long-standing invitation': The News Corporation boss (left) and his wife Wendi Deng (right) are among a group of business leaders invited by Mr Johnson to attend a swimming final on Friday . Mr Johnson’s decision to invite Mr . Murdoch, despite the phone hacking scandal will be seen as a deliberate . attempt to demonstrate his independence from David Cameron. The Prime Minister has distanced himself from the tycoon since setting up the Leveson inquiry into media standards and ethics. The London mayor was initially highly critical of an investigation into phone hacking, describing it as ‘codswallop’. Mr Johnson is thought to have invited Mr Murdoch to attend because of his firms’ investment in British sport over many years, particularly BSkyB. It is believed to be a ‘long-standing invitation’ that was also extended to other media executives. Getting behind him: Mr Johnson, posing with London 2012 volunteers, is thought to have invited Mr Murdoch to attend because of his investment in British sport through his companies . Making a point: Mr Johnson was meeting London 2012 volunteers who are working around the city to give tourists directions and information during the Games . Up for it: Mr Johnson's gesture is believed to be a 'long-standing invitation' that was also extended to other media executives . Boris Johnson today made light of Team GB's meagre medal haul so far by commending the British for being polite hosts by not winning too much in the opening days. Great Britain's two silvers and two bronzes leaves them trailing in 21st place in the medal table, way behind the leaders China, who have a total of 19. Mr Johnson said: 'Everyone seems to be enjoying it (the Games). The transport system is holding up very well, and we still have plenty of medals to win. 'We have shown natural restraint and politeness in not hogging the medals board so far.' Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger, whose . newspaper has led a campaign against Mr Murdoch’s empire, is understood . to have been invited but was unable to attend. Mr Murdoch and his wife are expected to sit pool-side with Mr Johnson to watch Team GB star Miss Adlington go for gold in the 800m freestyle event. She won gold in Beijing four years ago in the 800m, an will go into the event as one of the favourites, providing she makes it through Thursday’s heats. Mr Johnson was also pictured yawning yesterday as he and his family took in the beach volleyball on Horse Guards Parade. However, his boredom appeared to manifest itself only during the men’s matches, and he seemed to perk up once the bikini-clad women competitors came on. Len Duvall, leader of the Labour group on the London Assembly said: ‘There are serious questions as to the appropriateness of Boris Johnson taking Mr Murdoch to the Olympics. ‘An internal City Hall investigation is still underway after it was discovered the Mayor had failed to declare meetings with Mr Murdoch. 'I do not think it is appropriate for the Mayor to be entertaining Mr Murdoch in this way.’ Boris Johnson made no attempt to stifle his yawn during the men's beach volleyball match, left, but perked up and managed a smile when the women came on to play . Privileged seats: Mr Murdoch is expected to sit pool-side with Mr Johnson to watch Team GB star Rebecca Adlington go for gold in the 800m freestyle event . Tensions: Mr Johnson's decision to invite Mr Murdoch, despite the phone hacking scandal that has engulfed his empire, will be seen as a deliberate attempt to demonstrate his independence from David Cameron . Jenny Jones, a green party member, said inviting Mr Murdoch was ‘inappropriate’ and showed ‘appalling judgment’ by the Conservative mayor. ‘Johnson seems to think he can get away with anything but there is always a step too far and this could be it. Most people will be appalled that he has taken someone who heads up a company that is currently involved in a criminal investigation,’ she said. The Mayor’s official spokesman said: ‘As the Mayor has always said he would use the Games to shamelessly promote London as the leading business hub in Europe. With that aim in mind he’s meeting and will continue to meet a range of business and media executives at or on the margins of Olympic events to further London’s drive for investment that will spur jobs and growth.’
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News Corp boss will join London Mayor to watch swimming final on Friday .
Questions raised as phone-hacking scandal has engulfed his media empire .
Will be seen as bid by Mr Johnson to distance himself from David Cameron .
Meanwhile, Mayor makes light of Team GB's small medal collection so far .
'We've shown natural restraint and politeness in not hogging medals board'
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Premier League clubs splashed out a whopping £220,800,000 on new strikers during last summer's transfer window, with mixed results to say the least. While some players have taken to life in England like ducks to water, finding the back of the net on a regular basis and immediately earning a place in the hearts of supporters, others haven't been quite so lucky. But with a huge disparity between the fees shelled out on new attacking talent, which acquisitions have been the best value so far? Diego Costa, pictured celebrating against Liverpool, was the most expensive striker signed last summer . Italian forward Graziano Pelle, pictured celebrating against Newcastle, has netted six league goals already . Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli (centre) is yet to find the back of the net after swapping AC Milan for Anfield . To decide, MailOnline Sport has done some calculations and worked out the cost of each top-flight goal scored by the forwards signed for cold, hard cash last summer. And with those who arrived on free transfers before the window slammed shut back on September 1 exempt, Crystal Palace's Fraizer Campbell has emerged as the best buy. The former Manchester United and Sunderland man moved to Selhurst Park from relegated Cardiff in late July for just £800,000 and has since scored three league goals. The 27-year-old netted in wins against Everton and Leicester before scoring in the Eagles' 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea, giving him an impressive cost-per-goal of just under £267,000 - the best return in the division. Crystal Palace's Fraizer Campbell has cost just under £267,000 per goal so far this season . Former Cardiff striker Campbell celebrates scoring in Palace's 3-2 win at Goodison Park in September . Samuel Eto'o (Everton) - 3 goals . Didier Drogba (Chelsea) - 1 goal . Bafetimbi Gomis (Swansea) - 1 goal . Mame Biram Diouf (Stoke) - 3 goals . Newcastle's Ayoze Perez has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks and, after costing Alan Pardew just £1.5million from Tenerife, sits second in our countdown. Three winning goals against Tottenham, Liverpool and West Brom mean the 21-year-old's strikes have cost £500,000 apiece so far - a figure which looks certain to reduce significantly as the season goes on. Completing the top three is West Ham's Diafra Sakho, who has managed six goals in his eight Premier League appearances since moving to Upton Park from Metz for £3.5m. The Senegalese forward has cost the Hammers £583,000 per goal after finding the back of the net in consecutive matches against Hull, Liverpool, Manchester United, QPR, Burnley and champions Manchester City. Newcastle's Ayoze Perez (left) and West Ham's Diafra Sakho have turned out to be two of the best bargains . Two of last summer's big-money transfers saw Alexis Sanchez and Diego Costa swap Spain for England for a combined cost of £62million. Chilean Sanchez has hit the ground running at Arsenal after leaving Barcelona, scoring eight top-flight goals in 10 appearances to begin paying back his £30million fee. Those strikes, the most recent of which came against Swansea last weekend, mean Sanchez has cost the Gunners £3.75m per goal, while £32m man Costa has set Chelsea back £3.2m for every strike after netting 10 goals in just nine games. Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has paid back a large chunk of his £30m fee with eight goals this season . Costa became an instant hit at Chelsea after netting 10 goals in nine Premier League appearances . It's been a different story for Arsene Wenger's other attacking acquisition, with £16m forward Danny Welbeck having scored just twice in the Premier League. His cost of £8m per goal is the same as Loic Remy, who remained in west London with Jose Mourinho's side after deciding to leave QPR. Romelu Lukaku is another young striker with a hefty price-tag to contend with after leaving Chelsea to join Everton on a £28m permanent deal following a successful loan spell last term. The 21-year-old Belgian has managed four goals under Roberto Martinez this season, making him one of the more costly summer additions at £7m a goal so far. Romelu Lukaku (left) and Danny Welbeck have proved to be two of the costliest strikers so far this season . The former Anderlecht youngster has still fared considerably better than Brendan Rodgers' summer signings across Stanley Park though, with Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli yet to find the back of the net in the league. Balotelli, a £16m buy from AC Milan, has only managed to score in the Champions League against Ludogorets and in the Capital One Cup against Swansea while £4m Lambert has struggled to make his mark since leaving Southampton. There's better news for Saints fans, who have a new hero in £8m Italian frontman Graziano Pelle. The former Feyenoord striker has already hit six goals in his debut campaign, at a cost of £1.33m per strike. Southampton duo Pelle (left) and Shane Long have had mixed fortunes since joining Saints last summer . Manager Ronald Koeman also splashed out £12m on Hull's Shane Long but the Republic of Ireland international is only just starting to find his form. His brace against Leicester last weekend means he has cost a substantial £6m a goal during his brief spell in red and white. Manchester United opted to pursue a late loan deal for Monaco's prolific striker Radamel Falcao, eventually bringing the Colombian to Old Trafford on a temporary deal for the season. But it's not happened for the former Atletico Madrid star in Manchester, with his £6m loan fee paying for just a single goal - the winner against Everton at Old Trafford last month. Manchester United have had just one goal from Radamel Falcao after paying a £6m loan fee for the striker . Like MailOnline Sport's Facebook page. Arsenal . Alexis Sanchez - Cost £30m, 8 goals, cost per goal £3.75m . Danny Welbeck - Cost £16m, 2 goals, cost per goal £8m . Burnley . Marvin Sordell - Cost £1.5m, 0 goals . Lukas Jutkiewicz - Cost £2.5m, 0 goals . Chelsea . Diego Costa - Cost £32m, 10 goals, cost per goal £3.2m . Didier Drogba - Free transfer, 1 goal . Loic Remy - Cost £8m, 1 goal, cost per goal £8m . Crystal Palace . Fraizer Campbell - Cost £800,000, 3 goals, cost per goal £266,000 . Kevin Doyle - Free transfer, 0 goals . Andy Johnson - Free transfer, 0 goals . Everton . Romelu Lukaku - Cost £28m, 4 goals, cost per goal £7m . Samuel Eto'o - Free transfer, 3 goals . Hull . Abel Hernandez - Cost £9.5m, 3 goals, cost per goal £3.16m . Leicester . Leonardo Ulloa - Cost £8m, 5 goals, cost per goal £1.6m . Liverpool . Rickie Lambert - Cost £4m, 0 goals . Mario Balotelli - Cost £16m, 0 goals . Manchester United . Radamel Falcao - Cost £6m (loan fee), 1 goal, cost per goal £6m . Newcastle . Ayoze Perez - Cost £1.5m, 3 goals, cost per goal £500k . Emmanuel Riviere - Cost £7m, 0 goals . QPR . Eduardo Vargas - Loan deal, 1 goal . Southampton . Graziano Pelle - Cost £8m, 6 goals, cost per goal £1.33m . Shane Long - Cost £12m, 2 goals, cost per goal £6m . Stoke . Bojan Krkic - Cost £3m, 1 goal, cost per goal £3m . Mame Biram Diouf - Free transfer, 3 goals . Swansea . Bafetimbi Gomis - Free transfer, 1 goal . Moudo Barrow - Cost £1.5m, 0 goals . West Brom . Brown Ideye - Cost £10m, 0 goals . Georgios Samaras - Free transfer, 0 goals . West Ham . Diafra Sakho - Cost £3.5m, 6 goals, cost per goal £583,000 . Enner Valencia - Cost £12m, 3 goals, cost per goal £4m . Mauro Zarate - Free transfer, 1 goal . Total spent on strikers by Premier League clubs last summer: £220,800,000 . VIDEO Balotelli is just another football - Conte .
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Premier League clubs spent over £200million on new strikers last summer .
Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez were the most expensive forwards signed .
But they have begun to repay their fees with goals for Chelsea and Arsenal .
Ayoze Perez has cost Newcastle £500,000 per goal so far this season .
Diafra Sakho among best value strikers after six goals for West Ham .
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By . Katy Winter . Art teacher Ashley Crane is a picture of beauty as a Miss England contestant, but her modelling career only came about after her rugby dream was cut short. The 22-year-old self-confessed tomboy, who has just been crowned Miss Surrey, was tipped as a future star of the women's game until a serious shoulder injury forced her to quit. The stunning 6ft blonde had dreamed of sporting fame after being discovered at university and even played in a Dubai 7s tournament. After turning out for the first team at Loughborough University Ashley, pictured here playing rugby, was tipped to become one of the greats of the game . Following her shoulder injury on the pitch, friends persuaded a reluctant Ashley to compete for Miss Surrey and she was shocked to walk away with the crown . But last week Ashley, who now works as a teacher at St John's School in Leatherhead, Surrey, swapped her rugby boots for stilettos as she entered her first beauty pageant - and walked away with the Miss Surrey crown. The title puts her in the running for the national Miss England contest next month - and if she wins that, she would be in the running for Miss World. Ashley, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, said: 'It was weird because I was a tomboy and had my head in the game for so long. I thought I had lost my grace. 'I always had the same dress I would chuck on for special events and I'd do my hair. I'd never get glammed up but when you do pageants, you realise how important that is for a girl. 'I loved it from the beginning, you are with all the girls and they were all so chilled out. 'I was over the moon when they called my name at Miss Surrey. I just couldn't believe it. Now I am just buzzing for Miss England, I can't wait. 'There are a few obstacles before the competition - I just have to train well and get the right nutrition.' Last week Ashley, pictured centre after winning her Miss Surrey crown, swapped her rugby boots for stilettos as she entered her first beauty pageant . Ashley started playing rugby when she was 17 - scoring two tries on her debut for a local team. She picked up the sport at Loughborough University and was put into the first team, taking part in the Dubai 7s tournament in summer 2012 as part of a social team. Her side reached the semi-finals where they were beaten by the Kazakhstani national side. But it was Ashley's last tournament as she injured her right shoulder at trials for the Midlands. She faced the choice of spending £6,000 on a private operation or two years on an NHS waiting list, so reluctantly gave up the game. Ashley added: 'When I first started, my mum really didn't want me to play and I didn't realise I had the potential to be good. 'The Dubai 7s massively encouraged me to play professionally. I took so much pride in the fact I was good at what I was doing. Accomplished Ashley, who is currently working as an art teacher, is fundraising for Beauty With A Purpose, a charity that helps children in poverty around the world . 'You get bashed about a lot and you just deal with it. It is an old school mentality of just getting on with it. 'I basically took the tackle and I went down on my shoulder. I thought it was a dead arm at first but it was actually torn tissue. 'It is something that can be repaired with keyhole surgery. I didn't have the money or savings to drop in to and I didn't want to wait around for the surgery. 'The first two months were some of the hardest of my life but then I decided to put it all behind me.' Friends persuaded a reluctant Ashley to take to the catwalk and she she was stunned when she was picked from more than 100 hopefuls to be named Miss Surrey. If she wins the Miss England competition she could be set to win £25,000, a trip to Mauritius and a place in Miss World. Ashley is fundraising for Beauty With A Purpose, a charity that helps children in poverty around the world. She has already completed a 120 mile day-long bike ride and donations can be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/AshleyCrane .
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Art teacher Ashley Crane won Miss Surrey - her first beauty pageant .
The 6ft blonde had long dreamed of a rugby career .
When competing in Dubai 7s semi-finals she suffered serious injury .
The 22-year-old will now compete in Miss England competition .
Is fundraising for children's charity Beauty With A Purpose .
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Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been fined a reported £20,000 for smoking in the showers after a game. The 24-year-old left boss Arsene Wenger furious when he was caught lighting up after his nightmare performance in the 2-0 defeat at Southampton on New Year’s Day. It is not the first time the Poland international has been caught smoking and he was twice pictured with a cigarette in the summer of 2013. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Wenger refuses to answer questions on Wojciech Szczesny . Wojciech Szczesny has been fined a reported £20,000 by Arsenal for smoking in the showers . Wenger has been outspoken on the subject in the past following incidents relating to Jack Wilshere -the midfielder was pictured smoking on holiday last summer - and William Gallas. Szczesny was forced to apologise for his behaviour – and it is unclear whether he might also be axed from this week’s Barclays Premier League clash at home to bogey side Stoke. David Ospina was in goal for the FA Cup win over Hull on Sunday and kept a clean sheet – with Szczesny not even picked on the bench. That may have been pre-planned – the Polish keeper didn’t play in any of Arsenal’s domestic cup games last season. But Former Arsenal star John Jensen had claimed on Danish TV that Szczesny, 24, had suffered a bitter fall-out with Wenger and would not play again this season, although Arsenal denied that allegation and said Szczesny remains part of their first-team plans. Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, 29, has completed his move to Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season. Szczesny was at fault for both Southampton goals during the 2-0 defeat on New Year's Day . Southampton's Tadic pokes the ball past Szczesny after the keeper poor attempt at a clearance . David Ospina replaced Szczesny, who was not even in the squad, for the FA Cup clash with Hull on Sunday .
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Wojciech Szczesny has reportedly been fined £20,000 by Arsenal .
Arsene Wenger was left furious when Szczesny was caught lighting up .
The Polish goalkeeper was forced to apologise for his behaviour .
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(CNN) -- The United States on Thursday expanded a visa ban and set the groundwork for sanctions against Russians and others over the crisis in Ukraine, while Europe also threatened similar action if the matter cannot be resolved diplomatically. The dual action intensified the western response around Russia's military intervention in the Crimean peninsula last week triggered by political upheaval in Kiev. The United States has led the charge on sanctions with Europe seen as a more reluctant partner, at least initially. Russia is the European Union's third-largest trading partner after the United States and China. Germany relies heavily on Russian energy. Visa bans, which were expanded by the State Department, were already in place for some Russian and Ukrainian officials. President Barack Obama also signed an executive order allowing the U.S. government to impose a host of sanctions on both individuals and entities deemed to be violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. If Russia continues "this violation of international law" in Ukraine, "the resolve of the United States and our allies and the international community will remain firm," Obama said in remarks at the White House. His executive order provides the legal basis for sanctions against specific people and entities, though the United States would do so "based on the situation on the ground" in Ukraine, a senior administration official told CNN. It targets those responsible for or complicit in actions that "undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine," the executive order states. No names were revealed, but Russian President Vladimir Putin was not on the list, officials said. Any sanctions would range from freezing assets and blocking property under U.S. jurisdiction to preventing American companies from doing business with any person or entity listed. The Obama administration had previously put trade and investment pact talks with Russia on hold. Separately, Europe also threatened sanctions if the crisis cannot be resolved diplomatically through talks between Moscow and Kiev. The European Council, an arm of the European Union, said it would suspend bilateral talks with Russia on visa matters, and also threatened travel bans, asset freezes and cancellation of the EU-Russia summit if there is no timely diplomatic progress. It also threatened "severe and far-reaching" economic consequences if Russia further destabilizes the situation. Also in Washington, a congressional committee was set to vote later in the day on a resolution condemning Russia's actions and urging the United States to pursue a broad range of economic and other sanctions. Military ties, G8 . U.S. action also extends militarily to boost support for allies in the region. The Pentagon added six fighter jets to the four currently on a NATO mission in the Baltics and the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun is about to take part in a previously scheduled exercise in the Black Sea. In addition, the Pentagon has suspended military exercises with Russia, and the Obama administration has suspended preparations for the upcoming G8 summit of industrialized nations in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the site of the just-completed Winter Olympics. Russian lawmakers are drafting a law that would allow the nation to confiscate assets belonging to U.S. and European companies if sanctions are slapped on Moscow, Russian state media reported. Labott reported from Rome and Kosinski from New York; CNN Money's Mark Thompson and Pierre Meilhan contributed to this report.
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President Obama signed an executive order allowing sanctions .
The sanctions would be aimed at Russians and Ukrainians threatening Ukraine .
Visa bans are already in effect for some Russian and Ukrainian officials .
NEW: Europe to suspend talks with Russia on visas, threatens other economic steps .
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On Thursday morning I woke to find myself featured in a mini-media firestorm. Why? Because I had shaken the hand of a woman I had just interviewed. But this wasn't any woman – it was Kaci Hickox, 33, the nurse who is challenging her 21-day quarantine after returning from treating Ebola victims in Sierra Leone. Stories were written of our encounter with headlines such as: 'Nurse breaks quarantine, shakes reporter's hand'. It was newsworthy because she should not have contact with the public. I was one of a handful of reporters outside her home in Fort Kent, Maine, when she decided to come outside and talk about her 'appalling' confinement. Under Maine's official health guidelines she is not supposed to be in public until the three-week period is over. That is not until November 10. The guidelines are not mandatory but are voluntary. After she made it clear that she doesn't intend to stick to the rules - which are more stringent than those imposed by the CDC - Maine officials are preparing to secure a court order to force her to stay away from the public. Scroll down for video . Spur of the moment: Martin Gould prepares to shake hands with Kaci Hickox outside her Fort Kent, Maine home on Wednesday night after she held an impromptu press conference . Touch: Hickox and Gould come into contact briefly as her boyfriend Ted Wilbur looks on. She thanked Gould . On the spot: Gould takes notes as Hickox protests her treatment which she has branded as 'appalling' Defiant Hickox is living with her boyfriend, Ted Wilbur - who has been out and about talking to friends. And on Thursday she went for a bike ride followed by a gaggle of reporters and cameramen. Despite a state trooper being stationed outside the house, no one tried to prevent people from getting close to her. Wednesday night's impromptu press conference was the first time I had been face-to-face with Hickox. Towards the end she bemoaned the fact that despite showing no symptoms of infection, she shouldn't hug or even shake her hand of people she meets. On the spur of the moment, I simply said: 'I'll shake your hand,' and I did. It felt like a common courtesy to someone I had just been asking questions of. It was a brief handshake, nothing memorable, something I have done thousands of times before. She had a firm grip. She looked me briefly in the eye and thanked me. I turned to leave her property as she and Wilbur went back inside. One local Maine journalist told me he had thought about doing the same but I got there first. Medical experts say the chances of Hickox falling ill from Ebola are now extremely remote and the risk of transmitting the virus while she is healthy are so slight as to be virtually non-existent – particularly to someone like me who touched her hand so briefly. Defiant: Hickox and Wilbur took an hour-long bike ride this morning - followed by state police in car behind . 'Hiding under the covers': Obama shook hands on Wednesday with healthcare workers who had recently returned from Ebola hot zones and were still in the 21-day risk period. He attacked critics who were imposing strict quarantine rules on those the president described as 'American heroes' President Obama on Wednesday tried to reassure the public that it is safe to touch healthcare workers returning from Ebola 'hot zones' when he did the same and shook the hands of doctors and nurses in the 21-day risk period at the White House. The one question I have been asked repeatedly since is: 'Did I wash my hands afterwards?'. Yes I did - partly because I was going out to dinner and I would have washed them anyway.
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Martin Gould shook hands with nurse on spur of the moment after she stepped out of her Fort Kent, Maine, home to insist she was not contagious .
Hickox, 33, is challenging the state's guidelines which say she must stay indoors for 21 days - until virus incubation period is over .
And state is preparing to get a court order to make voluntary guidelines mandatory after she said she would not stick to them .
Gould said it he did it as a common courtesy after Hickox said she wasn't even allowed to hug or shake hands with her friends .
He did wash his hands afterwards though .
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Police are scaling back their search for missing three year old William Tyrell and instead focus their efforts on how he might have disappeared. After nine days of scouring bushland in Kendall, NSW, emergency services and hundreds of volunteers from the town have failed to find any sign of the toddler, who vanished from his grandmother's property while wearing his favourite Spiderman costume. The focus will now move to examine the many pieces of information received concerning William's unexplained disappearance - all but giving up hope of finding his body. Scroll down for video . Police said William's family are doing it very tough in light of the fact there has been no trace of him . 'It's emotionally distressing for them': Police say the search for William has taken a huge toll on his family . The news comes a day after William's distraught parents broker their silence over the disappearance and penned a heartfelt plea to help bring the toddler home, thanking everyone who has participated in the major search operation. Hundreds of gruelling man hours have spent scouring hectares of state forests, roads, residential and commercial properties - but still no clues have been found to suggest the whereabouts of 'Spiderman William.' And while the search must go on - his family say they are forever grateful for the way the tight-knit community and those from afar have banded together to help locate try locate the boy who one day dreams of becoming a firefighter. 'Thank you does not seem like the right sort of word to express our gratitude and heartfelt warmth we feel towards each and every one of you,' a statement from the family reads. 'We have been completely overwhelmed with the way the public, SES, Surf Life Saving, RFS and the Police have rallied together to find our little Spiderman William.' On day nine, about 70 people concentrated on a section of bushland at Middle Brother area, 45km south of Port Macquarie. Equally as clueless about William's disappearance as is family, police Superintendent Paul Fehon said 'someone, somewhere' must know something about where William is. 'There must be someone out there who knows something about William’s unexplained disappearance,' he said. Mr Fehon also paid tribute to the dedication and commitment shown by all those involved in the search as well as those individuals and businesses who provided food and support for the searches. Immediate members of William's family have not been heard from publicly since the toddler disappeared from his grandmother's garden last Friday. A close friend, known only as Nicole, has spoken about the struggle and the toll the search has had on everyone- most notably the family. On Friday, police moved their inquiries onto the region's roads to stop and quiz motorists whether they'd seen any suspicious vehicles the time that William went missing. But like those that went before it, the questioning uncovered no trace of William or any leads into his mysterious disappearance. Now all the family ask is that their son be 'desperately' brought home. Friends of the Tyrell family have said how hard the week has been on everyone taking part in the search . 'William is a much-loved and cherished little boy,' said the friend of the family who wanted to be known only by her first name Nicole . It is now eight days since the Kendall boy missing as police confirm they are broadening their inquiries . The search has taken a huge toll on the SES and the family of William Tyrell said there work has not gon unnoticed . 'We have seen you day and night searching for William' a statement from the Tyrell family reads . Police stopped passers-by as they investigated the disappearance of missing toddler William Tyrell last seen at his grandmother's home in Kendall . The eight-day search has uncovered no trace of the toddler, who was last seen in the garden of his grandmother's property on Beneroon Drive . Police hope questioning motorists will help locate any suspicious vehicles seen in the Kendall area . The massive search shifted from bushland near his grandmother's home to a state forest nearby on Thursday . Police are trying to trace the movements of motor vehicles which were seen in the area last Friday . 'William is only three years and three-months-old and really still a baby, he has so many more years to live and we desperately want him home.' 'Up until a month ago (he) was obsessed with all things Fire Engine and would tell us his name was “Firefighter William”… a future he deserves to fulfil.' Mr Fehon earlier earlier said that William's family were struggling with the fact that there were still no leads in relation to his whereabouts - and this plea confirms their frustration. 'They are doing it very tough,' he said. State Emergency Service crews and police searched roadsides in the nearby Middle Brother State Forest last week for evidence as they focused on the possibility William was picked up by a car. More than 200 volunteers and residents have scoured kilometres of bush surrounding the property in the eight days since he disappeared. A number of tips, including reports that a 'well-dressed, well-spoken' man stopped at a local shop on Friday morning to ask directions to Batar Creek Road, which leads to Benaroon Drive where William was last seen, have uncovered nothing. Forensic tests performed on a patch of blood found near a creek just over 2km from William's grandmother's house were also negative. Test results showed it was not human blood. Bush trackers have found clues such as a knife sheath and a set of small footprints, but tip-offs from bush searches, investigations of CCTV and interviews with neighbours and local businesses have not uncovered a solid lead. But despite the lengthy search efforts Supt Fehon said police were aiming to broaden their investigation. 'We are following every possible avenue of inquiry that is being provided to us, be it CCTV, be it information regarding persons that may have been in the area, and we're asking the public if they know of anything to provide that information to Crime Stoppers,' he said. Investigators repeat their appeal for anyone with information on William’s unexplained disappearance to contact them via Crime Stoppers. William has been described as being of Caucasian appearance with dark hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a Spider Man suit. A special task force was set up on the fifth day of William's disappearance . The toddler was dressed in his favored Spiderman costume when he was last seen . A number of leads into William's disappearance have uncovered no trace of the missing three year old . The street William Tyrell was last seen playing in the garden of his grandmother's home at Kendall . The boy disappeared from Kendall on New South Wales mid-north coast .
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Search for missing toddler, William Tyrell has been scaled back on it's ninth day .
Police will now change the focus to the investigation into how three year old 'Spiderman William' disappeared .
Family releases a statement thanking everyone in the search effort for the missing three-year-old boy .
He has a love for fire trucks and has spoken about wanting to become a firefighter .
On Friday police questioned motorists at Kendall on the NSW mid north coast about the mysterious disappearance of William Tyrell .
Drivers are being asked whether they have seen 'unusual cars' in the area .
The three year old was last seen a week ago in the garden of his grandmother's house .
Police, emergency services and the public have led a frantic search for the young boy ever since .
Police Supt Paul Fehon said police were broadening their investigation .
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China's official news service has launched a shocking volley of abuse at the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Beijing - labeling him a 'rotten banana' and 'a guide dog to the blind'. The article - which also called Gary Locke a plague - reflected Chinese nationalists' acute loathing toward the first Chinese-American to have been Washington's top envoy to Beijing. The editorial 'Farewell, Gary Locke' took direct aim at Locke's identity as a third-generation . Chinese-American, calling him a 'banana' - a racial term for Asians . identifying with Western values despite their skin color. Parting shot: U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke speaks during a farewell press conference which provoked an extraordinary backlash from China's state mouthpiece newsagency . 'But . when a banana sits out for long, its yellow peels will always rot, not . only revealing its white core but also turning into the stomach-churning . color of black,' read the editorial carried by China News Service. Locke provoked the anger of the state mouthpiece with comments in his final press conference on Thursday. In it, the former commerce secretary and two-term governor of Washington state, 63, urged Beijing to respect the rights of peaceful political activists. He said that China should value not just the economic welfare of its people, but also their freedom of speech, assembly and religion. Insult: The startling editorial compared ambassador Garry Locke with a rotten banana - an offensive racial slur . 'We believe that freedom of expression is a universal right and we very much are concerned about the arrest and detentions of people who are engaged in peaceful advocacy,' Locke, accompanied by his wife Mona, told journalists at the U.S. Embassy in eastern Beijing. Locke also stressed the importance of making it easier for Chinese tourists to get visas to visit the U.S. He said: 'Part of the reason for doing that is... to enable more Chinese people to experience America, to see first hand our freedoms, our democracy, our diversity... I hope that perhaps from their experiences in the U.S. they'll want some of those same things in China or understand what is possible in China.' But the comments seem to have struck a nerve with Chinese officials. The editorial, under the byline Wang Ping - likely a pseudonym - carried this morning, mocked Locke's portrayal as an . official judicious with public funds. It criticized him for being . hypocritical as he retreated into his multimillion-dollar official . residence and special-made, bullet-proof luxury vehicle. Farewell: Gary Locke's used his final press conference to call for more Chinese people to visit America and experience its 'democracy' and 'diversity' Wang . belittled Locke's inability to speak his ancestral language and accused . him of failing to understand China's law but fanning 'evil winds' in . the ethnically sensitive regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. 'Not . only did he run around by himself, he even served as a guide dog for . the blind when he took in the so-called blind rights lawyer Chen . Guangcheng and led him running,' the editorial said. Chen later was . allowed to leave China and now lives in the United States. The . editorial made a malicious Chinese curse at Locke, suggesting Locke's . Chinese ancestors would expel him from the family clan should they know . his behaviors. Wang also . made the innuendo that Locke should be blamed for the smog. 'When he . arrived, so did Beijing's smog,' Wang wrote. 'With his departure, . Beijing's sky suddenly turned blue.' 'Let's . bid goodbye to the smog, and let's bid goodbye to the plague. Farewell, . Gary Locke,' ended the article, which was clearly inspired by Mao . Zedong's 1949 piece, 'Farewell, Leighton Stuart,' that scoffed at the . last American ambassador under the collapsing Nationalist government in . Nanjing. Tensions: Relations between America and China reached a low following President Barack Obama's meeting with Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in the White House in 2010 . The piece shocked members of the Chinese public, who denounced the editorial as distasteful and offensive. But whether it would draw diplomatic protests was unclear; attempts to contact officials at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing got no response Friday. Locke's ethnic background particularly interested the Chinese government and people. Locke won public applause when he was seen carrying his own bag and flying economy class but he drew criticism from Beijing as his demeanor was an unwelcome contrast to Chinese officials' privileges and entitlements. In his three years in Beijing, Locke oversaw the defusing of a number of delicate diplomatic episodes. Locke has been a critical player in . soothing tensions between America and China which reached as low after . President Barack Obama met Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at . the White House. He also led diplomatic efforts to seek a resolution when a powerful police chief fled to a U.S. consulate and later when a persecuted blind activist sought shelter in the embassy. The Chinese public also credit him with making them realize the harm of the tiny pollutant PM2.5 and severity of China's foul air by posting the embassy's hourly readings of air quality. Meanwhile, the editorials in Chinese state media turned from initial reservation to unfriendliness to the insolence of the final piece. Danger: Gary Locke is credited with highlighting the serious health problems caused by the little-known air pollutant PM2.5 . 'I think it shows the unfriendliness and impoliteness by the Chinese government toward Gary Locke, and it is without the manners and dignity of a major power,' legal scholar Hao Jinsong said. 'It is unfitting of China's status as a diplomatic power. As a Chinese, I am very angry and feel ashamed of it.' 'This article by China News Service is the most shameless I have ever seen - not one of them but the most shameless,' the popular online commentator Yao Bo said. 'Without him, we probably still would not have known what PM2.5 is, and how did he bring the smog? You have played the snake in the Farmer and the Viper.' Another commentator Fastop Liu, known for his sharp tongue, said the piece is ungraceful. 'When you call him a plague, you become a national shame as you lack diplomatic etiquette, damage the manner of a great power, and lose the face of all Chinese,' Liu wrote. Locke's replacement, former Montana Sen. Max Baucus, was sworn in last week and is expected to arrive within weeks.
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Outgoing U.S. ambassador Gary Locke criticised China's lack of freedom .
Diplomat used his last briefing to attack the Communist regime .
He urged Chinese tourists to travel to America to experience democracy .
Broadside sparked fury from official state news service .
Locke had defused diplomatic rows during his three year tenure in Beijing .
He is credited with highlighting danger of air pollutant PM2.5 .
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By . Lizzie Parry . A badger gnawing its way out of a shed, a snail munching through carpet and a baby vomiting all over a laptop. They are among the bizarre insurance claims made to provider RIAS, as they reveal the top 10 weirdest reasons for claiming on a policy. In one crazy claim, a snail devoured £78-worth of carpet in the home of a 73-year-old man from Preston in Lancashire. Insurance provider RIAS has published its top 10 list of most bizarre claims in the last year. Among them was a man who claimed after a badger damaged his shed, gnawing its way out after becoming trapped inside . A 71-year-old woman from Bath in Somerset, also received a pay out after locking a badger in her shed, which then ate a hole in the wall to escape. One family received a whopping £8,000 payout after a pigeon flew down their chimney and damaged the carpet, ornaments and sofas. A seven-month-old puppy in Cardiff caused £953 of damage when he pinched a bottle of oil from the kitchen, dragged it to the living room and chewed it while sitting on the couch. In Exeter, Devon, a squirrel smashed a window of an 86-year-old woman after it became stuck in her garage. But animals weren't the only things behind bizarre claims - one 62-year-old received £469 after a gust of wind blew his glasses off his face and were run over by a car. In another settled claim, a man received a new £437 laptop after holding up his baby grandson to show a friend on Skype - who then vomited all over the computer . A proud grandfather in Guildford, Essex, received a new £437 laptop after holding up his baby grandson to show a friend on Skype. The baby then vomited all over the computer. The list of bizarre insurance claims was compiled by specialist insurance provider RIAS from the almost 400,000 successful cases in 2012-13. Peter Corfield, Managing Director at RIAS said: 'While we go out of our way to ensure that our homes and gardens are safe and secure, sometimes it's the most unlikely events that can end up causing real damage. 'Not all claims are straightforward and sometimes we do see some bizarre scenarios. 'But, saying that, babies and animals are often the culprits.' And another involved a snail, who devoured £78-worth of carpet in the home of a 73-year-old man from Preston in Lancashire . 1. A 71-year-old woman from Bath locked a badger in her shed, which then managed to bash a hole in the wall to escape. 2. After seeing a dog on the TV, a dog in Galashiels tried to jump into the screen after it. 3. A small child spilt a glass of coke on his grandad's laptop. Drying it . with a hairdryer melted the keys, causing £239 worth of damage. 4. A grandfather in Guildford held his baby grandson up to show him off . over Skype. The baby then threw up on the laptop causing £437 worth of . damage. 5. Wind blew a 62-year-old's glasses off his face, which were then . immediately run over by a car, resulting in £469 worth of damage. 6. A trapped squirrel in the garage of an 86-year-old woman from Exeter managed to crack a window and escape. 7. A snail ate £78 worth of carpet in the home of a 73-year-old man from Preston. 8. A pigeon fell down a chimney and flew into a house, damaging the carpet, ornaments and sofa to the tune of more than £8,000 . 9. A seven-month-old puppy in Cardiff stole a one litre bottle of oil from . the kitchen, dragged it to the living room and chewed it on the sofa, . causing £953 worth of damage . 10. A deer fell into the swimming pool of a 74-year-old man from Guildford, damaging the cover.
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Insurance provider RIAS has revealed its top 10 most bizarre claims .
A snail devoured £78-worth of carpet at the home of a 73-year-old man .
71-year-old also received a pay out after a badger ate its way out of a shed .
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More than 2,000 Amazon staff at German warehouses went on strike on Monday to press demands for better pay and conditions as the online retailer races to ensure Christmas orders are delivered on time. Labour union Verdi said almost 2,300 workers joined the action at five of Amazon's nine distribution centres in Germany, and that the action would be extended to a sixth on Tuesday - the most warehouses hit by a strike in the long-running dispute. The walkouts at the centres are set to run until the end of Wednesday's late shift and Verdi said delays to deliveries could not be ruled out as a result of the strikes. On strike: More than 2,000 Amazon staff at German warehouses went on strike on Monday to press demands for better pay and conditions. Here, employees gather in front of the Amazon distribution center in Rheinberg, Germany . Strike: A man makes his feelings clear in a Grinch mask at the Amazon distribution centre in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, while 'strike' can be seen on a sign in front of an Amazon logistics center in Leipzig . Amazon itself said customers could order up until midnight on December 21 to get gifts in time for Christmas, or even on December 23 or 24 if they pay for express delivery. 'We deliver reliably,' a spokeswoman said, adding that only a small minority of workers had joined the strikes, with around 19,000 employees working normally. Last year, Amazon orders in Germany peaked on December 15, when customers bought 4.6 million items - or 53 per second. Verdi has organised frequent strikes at Amazon since May 2013 as it seeks to force the retailer to raise pay for workers at its distribution centres in accordance with collective bargaining agreements across Germany's mail order and retail industry. In Leipzig: The walkouts at the centres are set to run until the end of Wednesday's late shift and Verdi said delays to deliveries could not be ruled out as a result of the strikes . Confident: The U.S. company has previously said the long-running dispute has not affected deliveries as the vast majority of workers in Germany have not joined the strikes and it can draw on a European network of 28 warehouses in seven countries . Amazon has repeatedly rejected the union's demands, saying it regards warehouse staff as logistics workers and that they receive above-average pay by the standards of that industry. The U.S. company has previously said the long-running dispute has not affected deliveries as the vast majority of workers in Germany have not joined the strikes and it can draw on a European network of 28 warehouses in seven countries. It employs almost 10,000 staff at its warehouses in Germany, its second-biggest market behind the United States, as well as more than 10,000 seasonal workers. It comes after tens of thousands of families in Britain said they have been left in a panic that gifts bought online will not arrive in time for Christmas. Rejected: Amazon has repeatedly rejected the union's demands, saying it regards warehouse staff as logistics workers and that they receive above-average pay by the standards of that industry . Defiant: The U.S. company has previously said the long-running dispute has not affected deliveries as the vast majority of workers in Germany have not joined the strikes and it can draw on a European network of 28 warehouses in seven countries . Couriers delivering goods for major retailers including Amazon, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Waterstones were said to be in chaos as they struggled to deal with huge backlogs. They blamed an unprecedented surge in online shopping over the past fortnight. Yodel, the UK’s largest delivery company after Royal Mail, was unable to collect parcels from retailers this weekend as it is already three days behind on existing orders. It spent the weekend desperately trying to clear the thousands of gifts already piled up in warehouses, with some couriers even delivering parcels in the middle of the night. The company – employed by a string of retailers including Amazon, Boots, Argos, Waterstones and Tesco Direct – said it will not resume normal collections until today at the earliest.
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2,300 workers walked out at five of Amazon's nine centres in Germany .
The strikes are set to run until the end of Wednesday's late shift .
Last year, Amazon in Germany sold 53 items a second at its peak .
Amazon promises the long-running dispute has not affected deliveries .
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President Barack Obama is expected to rein in spying on foreign leaders and is considering restricting National Security Agency access to Americans' phone records, according to people familiar with a White House review of the government's surveillance programs. Obama could unveil his highly anticipated decisions as early as next week. On Thursday, the president is expected to discuss his review with congressional lawmakers, while his top lawyer plans to meet with privacy groups. Representatives from tech companies are meeting with White House staff on Friday. The White House says Obama is still collecting information before making final decisions. Scroll down for video . Feeling the heat: Obama could announce his decision to restrict NSA spying program as early as next week . Among the changes Obama is expected to announce is more oversight of the National Intelligence Priorities Framework, a classified document that ranks U.S. intelligence-gathering priorities and is used to make decisions on scrutiny of foreign leaders. A presidential review board has recommended increasing the number of policy officials who help establish those priorities, and that could result in limits on surveillance of allies. Documents released by former National Security Agency systems analyst Edward Snowden revealed that the U.S. was monitoring the communications of several friendly foreign leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The revelations outraged Merkel as well as other leaders, and U.S. officials say the disclosures have damaged Obama's relations around the world. Obama and Merkel spoke by phone Wednesday, but U.S. officials would not say whether they discussed the NSA issues. Leaked: The controversial NSA spying program was leaked to the media by former defense contractor Edward Snowden . The president also is said to be considering one of the review board's most aggressive recommendations, a proposal to strip the NSA of its ability to store telephone records from millions of Americans and instead have phone companies or a third party hold the records. The NSA would be able to access the records only by obtaining separate court approval for each search, though exceptions could be made in the case of a national security emergency. It's unclear whether Obama will ultimately back the proposal or how quickly it could be carried out if he does. Before making his final decisions, the president was supposed to receive a separate report from a semi-independent commission known as the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, which was created by Congress. However, that panel's report has been delayed without explanation until at least late January, meaning it won't reach the president until after he makes his decisions public. Members of that oversight board met with Obama on Wednesday and have briefed other administration officials on some of their preliminary findings. In a statement, the five-member panel said its meeting with the president focused on the NSA phone collection program and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees the data sweeps. Betrayed: It was revealed that the NSA spied on German Chancellor Angela Merkell . It's unclear why Obama will announce his recommendations before receiving the report from the privacy and civil liberties board. One official familiar with the review process said some White House officials were puzzled by the board's delay. The report would still be available to Congress, where legislators are grappling with several bills aimed at dismantling or preserving the NSA's authority. That official and those familiar with the White House review insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the process by name. Obama also met Wednesday with members of the U.S. intelligence community, which largely supports keeping the NSA surveillance programs intact. Shortly after receiving the review board recommendations last month, Obama signaled that he could be open to significant surveillance changes, including to the bulk collecting of phone records. 'There are ways we can do it, potentially, that gives people greater assurance that there are checks and balances - that there's sufficient oversight and sufficient transparency,' Obama said at a Dec. 20 news conference. He added that programs like the bulk collection 'could be redesigned in ways that give you the same information when you need it without creating these potentials for abuse.' Violation: A judge ruled last month that the NSA's bulk collection program appeared to violate Fourth Amendment . The president also has backed the idea of adding a public advocate position to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which rules on many of the domestic surveillance decisions. The court typically hears only from the government as it decides cases, and the advocate would represent privacy and civil liberties concerns. That review followed disclosures from Snowden, who leaked details of several secret government programs. He faces espionage charges in the U.S., but has been granted temporary asylum in Russia. While Obama has said he welcomes the review, it's unlikely it would have occurred without Snowden's disclosures. Last month, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled that the NSA's bulk collection program appeared to violate Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches, but he didn't issue a preliminary injunction against unreasonable searches because of expected appeals. Late Wednesday, Justice Department lawyers asked Leon to halt further proceedings in his court on the NSA case and a second NSA-related lawsuit until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit hears the government's appeal of his December ruling. Government lawyers said they were asking for the judicial stay from Leon because they were concerned that further court proceedings could jeopardize classified information about the surveillance program. Larry Klayman, the conservative lawyer who filed the suit, has said he plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
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Obama is expected to limit the NSA's access to private citizens' phone records .
Under his plan, the NSA could access phone records but only with a court order .
The president could unveil his plan for the NSA as early as next week .
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By . Rachel Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 06:23 EST, 20 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:46 EST, 20 August 2013 . The number of men opting for beard transplants has rocketed in the past year, according to new research. Figures have revealed that the amount of men having the procedure - which usually involves patching up areas rather than transplanting an entire beard - has risen by 13 per cent in just 12 months. The facial hair transplant is now three times as popular as the rhinoplasty or nose-job among men. This shows how a facial hair transplant can help fill in sparse patches of hair, such as in the sideburns. Most men opt for patch transplants rather than entire beard transplants, according to surgeons . It is thought that the celebrity trend for facial hair is driving the boom, with famous faces such as Gary Barlow and Brad Pitt proving to be influential. Recently Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman caused a Twitter storm after he was seen to be sporting a full bush of beard growth after returning from holiday. One patient to have had the novel surgery is a 48-year-old farmer, who chose to have a hair transplant to fill in his meagre sideburns. Gary Barlow 24 per cent . David Beckham 20 per cent . George Clooney 13 per cent . Brad Pitt 11 per cent . Jeremy Paxman 10 per cent . Tom Selleck 8 per cent . Ewan McGregor 6 per cent . Ashton Kutcher 4 per cent . Zach Galifianakis 3 per cent . Richard Branson 1 per cent . He said he had 'always felt his masculinity had been undermined by not being able to grow proper "mutton chops".' His operation was carried out by the Crown Clinic's surgeon Asim Shahmalak, . who has also performed hair transplants on a number of celebrities. During the operation hair was harvested from the back of his head via follicular unit . extraction (FUE), where individual hairs are taken and implanted into the area being treated. The procedure usually takes around three hours. During the unnamed patient's procedure specifically, Mr Shahmalak transplanted 200 grafts - there are between one and three hairs in each graft - into each of the patient's sideburns. Mr Shahmalak claimed he had witnessed a 25 per cent rise in the number of procedures over . the last three years as beards have become more fashionable. Celebrities including Gary Barlow (left) and Brad Pitt (right) are . thought to have fuelled the boom in facial hair transplants. The . procedure is now three times more popular than the male rhinoplasty or . nose-job . He said: 'A proper, full-grown beard has been the ultimate definition of masculinity for centuries. 'But many . men struggle to grow beards, sideburns and moustaches. 'They have . significant gaps in their facial hair and the end result can look patchy . and unconvincing. He added that patchy facial hair was often a genetic problem. He said: 'If the father had trouble growing a beard then there is a good chance the son will also have patchy facial hair. Dr Shahmalak has carried out two hair transplants on Embarrassing Bodies star Christian Jessen. Dr Jessen turned to him after being taunted on Twitter about his thinning hair. And Mr Shahmalak isn't the only person to wiotness a shrp rise in business. Having . pioneered the world’s first facial hair transplant in 1996, Dr Bessam . Farjo, founder of The Farjo Hair Institute, claims he has seen a . six-fold year on year increase in the amount of men having surgery to . boost their facial follicles over the last five years. Trendsetter? Jeremy Paxman caused a media storm when he appeared on Newsnight with a hairy accessory on his face . He said: 'A full beard is very much a statement look, and it goes in and out of fashion. For the last 12 to 18 months, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of men coming to my practice wanting to fill in bald patches or thicken wisps of hair.' According to the International Society of hair Restoration, more than 4,500 procedures were carried out in the UK last year, 13 per cent more than those performed the previous year. This is over 300 per cent more than the 1,043 rhinoplasties undergone by men in the UK during the same year. But while having a full face of bristles may boost a man's self esteem, the effect appears to be lost on many women. A . recent survey of how beards are perceived by the opposite sex found that two-thirds of women preferred the clean-shaven look to a . beard. However, no hair isn't necessarily better - the poll revealed that 48 per cent of women found stubble sexier than a bare face.
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It is thought hirsute celebrities including Gary Barlow, Brad Pitt and even Jeremy Paxman are driving the trend for hairier faces .
Most men are having patches of sparse growth filled in and some are undergoing the procedure to have the perfect 'designer stubble'
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Facebook is rumoured to be acquiring a company that makes solar-powered drones. And while many people might be worried that the social network could spy on them from the skies, a more altruistic purpose is driving the company’s acquisition bid. Facebook is tipped to spend up to $60million on buying Texas-based Titan Aerospace, which makes drones that can fly solo for five years without needing to land, in order to bring affordable internet access to some five billion people who don’t have it. In April, Google also acquired Titan Aerospace, which is building solar-powered drones (pictured) to provide similar connectivity . Power: Titan Aerospace's drone is covered in around 3,000 solar panels producing about 7 kW of electricity - it flies above the clouds, so it is exposed to sunlight constantly during daylight hours. Wingspan and payload: 60 metres wide. The Solara 60 carries a payload of 250 pounds. Speed: Cruising speed for the Solara is about 65 mph. Function: The drone can be used for surveillance, crop-monitoring, weather and disaster oversight - or to provide communication, which is what Facebook is said to be interested in. Distance: The unmanned craft will have an operating range of over 2.8 million miles. TechCrunch has reported that the social network, which is a backer of the Internet.org initiative, is interested in using some 11,000 high altitude drones to bring internet access to rural Africa and other parts of the world that are not connected. The company is said to be interested in using the Solara 60 model, which is light-weight solar-powered and can fly at 65,000 feet for five years non-stop. The Solara unmanned aircraft is 60 metres wide and self-sufficient as it is covered in around 3,000 solar panels producing about 7 kW of electricity. Facebook is a backer of the Internet.org initiative and is rumoured to be interested in using 11,000 high altitude drones to bring internet access to remote regions of Africa and other parts of the world that are not online. Kenya's first call centre, which opened in 2005, is pictured, but plenty of parts of the continent do not have internet access . As it flies above the clouds, it is exposed to sunlight constantly during daylight hours and store energy for the night flight. The drones are described as ‘atmospheric satellites’ that could be used for surveillance, to monitor weather and communications. Facebook is interested in the latter function and reportedly thinks the drones could be used to provide sustainable regional internet systems. A source told TechCrunch that if Titan Aerospace was acquired, all its drones would be used for the Internet.org project, which is competing with Google’s ‘Project Loon’. Google’s effort plans on using balloons instead of drones to bring internet access to rural and remote areas of the world. The Solara unmanned aircraft 9pictured) is 60 metres wide and self-sufficient as it is covered in around 3,000 solar panels producing about 7 kW of electricity . Experts have pointed out that Facebook’s recent acquisition of WhatsApp could be used to send messages in places with a weak and slow internet connection, while a data compression technology it bought, Onavo, could be used so that functions need less transmitted data to make them work. While Facebook’s aim is altruistic, the company would also seem to be looking to the future, as by connecting communities, more people than ever before will get hooked on social media. Titan Aerospace’s Solara 50 and Solara 60 drones are currently demonstrator models that can be flown and are launched in catapult, but commercial versions are expected next year. They are designed to be cheaper than the cost of a satellite, while carrying out similar functions such as surveillance, crop-monitoring, weather and disaster oversight. The drones (pictured) are described as 'atmospheric satellites' that could be used for surveillance, to monitor weather and communications. Facebook is interested in using them to provide internet access to remote areas of land below . The Institution of Engineering and Technology's deputy president, Professor William Webb, said: 'The idea of using aerial platforms to deliver connectivity is one that is many decades old, from low-orbital satellites to balloons and more recently unmanned aerial vehicles.' 'The difficultly has always been one of keeping the aerial platform in the right place in the sky for weeks or months at a low enough cost. As technologies mature we get ever closer to achieving this and Facebook's intervention in this space is a welcome boost to the area.' He warned that there are many challenges to overcome before the dream of providing internet access to remote communities via drone can be achieved. 'Top of the list is the need to make the drones cost-effective, reliable and demonstrate to the regulators that they can operate safely in our airspace. Many other issues associated with access to radio spectrum, national telecoms regulations and more will also need to be addressed,' he added.
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Facebook is tipped to buy Texas-based Titan Aerospace .
The social network aims on deploying 11,000 high altitude drones to connect remote and rural parts of the world to the internet .
The Solara drone is lightweight and solar-powered so it can fly at 65,000 feet for five years non-stop .
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A convicted felon allegedly killed his daughter and six grandchildren before turning the gun on himself in a murder suicide in northern Florida - 13 years after he accidentally shot his eight-year-old son dead in a hunting accident. Don Spirit, 51, is said to have gunned down daughter Sarah, 28, and her six sons and daughters, before taking his own life at his home in Bell, a town of only 350 people 30 miles west of Gainesville. The Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the victims were Kaleb Kuhlmann, 11, Kylie Kuhlmann, nine, Johnathon Kuhlmann, eight, Brandon Stewart, four and Destiny Stewart, five, and three-month-old Alana Stewart. Scroll down for videos . Victim: Sarah Spirit, 28, (left) and her six children are believed to have been shot by her father Don (right) at his home in Bell, northern Florida . Deputies confirmed Spirit had called 911 warning he may harm himself or others shortly before his rampage. By the time an officer reached the property, Spirit had already committed suicide. The suspect, Spirit, shot and killed his eight-year-old son Kyle during a hunting accident in 2001. According to the Orlando-Sentinel, he spent three years in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon just as his trial was set to begin, in exchange for the minimum sentence. Spirit, having been convicted in 1998 for felony possession of marijuana, did not have rights to own a firearm. He was released in 2006. In 1990, he was arrested on a felony fugitive warrant. Others offences included drug charges and depriving a child of food and shelter, the New York Daily News reported. His daughter Sarah had been on probation for a theft in 2013, jail records show. Following yesterday's shooting, Gilchrist's county sheriff Robert Schultz said the suspect called 911, suggesting he was going to 'harm others as well as himself'. Units were then sent to the family address where the suspect was found dead, along with seven victims. Schultz added that some people were still alive after the shooting, but would not elaborate on the number or their relationship to the family. He added that the department was not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting but insisted the investigation was ongoing. Victim: Nine-year-old Kylie Kuhlmann was one of Sarah Spirit's children who was gunned down by their grandfather, reports have suggested . Brandon Stewart, four, (left) and Alexander Kuhlamn (right) are also believed to be among the victims of the tragic family home shooting . This picture is believed to be of Kaleb Kuhlmann, one of the young children who was found dead in the house . Family murdered: Miss Spirit is pictured holding what is believed to be one of her children . These two children are also believed to have been among the victims. Gilchrist County has identified some of the young victims but have yet to establish all of those who were slain . Scene: A Gilchrist county sheriffs car sits at the end of a trailer home where seven members of a family were slain by their grandfather in Bell, Florida . Cordon: Six children and two adults have reportedly been killed during a shooting in the small northern Florida town of Bell. It is believed a man killed his five grandchildren, his adult daughter and then turned gun on himself . Response: After the suspect called 911, units were then sent to the family address where the suspect was found dead, along with seven victims . 'We're all family here, Schultz said. 'There are certain things in life you can explain; there are certain things you can't. This is one of those things that I can't explain.' Schultz added that Bell and the surrounding community is close-knit and people would pull together. 'We'll get through this,' he said. 'I will continue to ask everybody to pray for the families.' Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman Samantha Andrews confirmed the agency is investigating the shootings and that it appeared to be a murder-suicide. 'At this point, FDLE is investigating at the request of the Gilchrist County sheriff,' Andrews said. 'It appears to be a murder-suicide. There is no danger to the community. It was at a private residence there at Bell.' On Facebook, the sheriff's office wrote: 'At 4 pm today [Thursday], Gilchrist County deputies responded to an incident at a residence in Bell. No citizens are in danger. At this time we are asking for prayers as we continue to investigate this incident.' Statement: Gilchrist's county sheriff Robert Schultz told a news conference that the suspect called 911, suggesting he was going to 'harm others as well as himself' Breaking: TV 20's David Snyder began reporting the shooting in the small town this afternoon . Update: Police have now confirmed the suspect is Don Spirit, 54, the father of Sarah Spirit . Location: Bell is a small town of just 350 people about 30 miles west of Gainesville, Florida . A teacher at Bell Elementary School, which four of the children attended, described seeing the 'happy-go-lucky' children at 3pm on the school bus, hours before they died, the New York Daily News reported. Gilchrist County Schools Superintendent Robert Rankin told the paper: 'It's a tough, tough morning at Bell Elementary School.'
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Don Spirit, 51, allegedly killed his daughter Sarah, 28, and six of her children .
Shot and killed his son eight-year-old son Kyle while hunting in 2001 .
Shooting took place in the small town of Bell, 30 miles west of Gainesville .
Florida law enforcement says it appears to be a 'murder suicide'
Cops confirmed suspect called 911, saying he was going to 'harm others'
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An Ohio police dog that went missing two months ago and gained 24,000 Facebook followers on a page created by his owner has finally been found safe and sound. K-9 Karson and his handler, officer Jerry Popp, shared an emotional reunion on Sunday after the dog saw Popp and immediately jumped into the front seat of his police truck. Popp said he fell to the snow and cried after they found his furry friend. He ran away on December 20. Officer Jerry Popp has been reunited with his K9 Karson, who gained nearly 24,000 followers on Facebook while he was missing . After Karson saw his owner he immediately jumped into Popp's truck, where they shared an emotional hug . But the reunion wasn't quick, according to a post Popp wrote on Karson's Facebook page. Although Popp called commands to Karson he was not close enough to be seen, and the scared dog began to run from the truck. Popp ran for the Belgian Malinois on foot, while Sergeant Ron Fithen pursued him in their truck. After the dog finally gave up and stopped running, Fithen got out of the truck and laid down in the snow. Popp wrote that Fithen wanted to appear 'small and nonthreatening' as he began to talk to the K9. Popp then walked behind Karson, who immediately jumped into the truck when he saw him. As Popp fell the ground and cried, Fithen and a lost dog specialist consoled him and then enveloped him in a group hug. 'Getting the furry boy home is just a loss of words,' Fithen told WLWT 5. 'Just being there at the moment when I met eyes with Karson knowing he was coming home today that - that has made my year.' Karson at first ran from Popp and his fellow officer because he didn't recognize them and was scared . Popp fell to the ground and cried after Karson was finally safe and found in the truck. An officer and lost dog specialist comforted the handler before enveloping him in a group hug . Popp immediately updated Karson's Facebook fans after the rescue. 'Karson has been found. I have him in the truck next to me,' he wrote. # . 'He's alive and healthy. It's all over finally.' The K9 went missing two days before Christmas after escaping from a boarding kennel where he was staying while Popp was on vacation. Karson lost 14 pounds while he was away, surviving record-breaking low temperatures. Popp said he was getting plenty of sleep and being very quiet as he recovered at home. The devoted handler posted frequent updates about Karson after he went missing, keeping the dog's followers informed as the police received numerous sightings and tips. Karson's Facebook page had a devoted following and users were overjoyed to hear of the dog's safe return . Facebook users shared their joy with news of the dog's return. 'I can't say how relieved I am for you and your family and the department,' one user wrote. 'I along with my 9 year old daughter have been following you and K9 Karson since day one. We have checked this site everyday over a hundred times a day reading every post and hoping Karson would be found.' Another user advised Popp to get some much needed sleep. 'Rest well with your boy... cause he has thousands of tennis balls to play with you,' they wrote. Police Chief Duane Weyand said Karson wasn't 'just a dog' but a member of the department and the community. 'That's been our driving force that he belongs here. He's one of us.' Karson lost 14 pounds while he was away, surviving record-breaking low temperatures. Popp said he was getting plenty of sleep and being very quiet as he recovered at home .
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Ohio officer Jerry Popp shared an emotional reunion with his K9 Karson .
Said he fell to the snow and cried after his furry friend was safely found .
Karson immediately jumped into Popp's truck when he saw his handler .
Dog ran away on December 20 .
The dog lost 14 pounds and survived record-low temperatures .
Popp said he is now resting quietly at home .
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These are the adorable images of a mother and baby polar bear sharing a tender moment in the snow. The cute cub can be seen cheekily pulling on his mother's tail to get her attention and prancing about in the snow. And it looks like his pleas for affection paid off as his mother gently tickled his tummy before scooping him up in her arms for a cuddle. Excuse me: The baby polar bear bit his mother's tail and was then tickled on the belly at Moscow Zoo, Russia . The images were captured by . photographer Sergei Gladyshev at Moscow Zoo who said he often . photographs this family of polar bears. He said: ‘Last winter the polar bear mum had three cubs. ‘All . three are different, one is always hungry, the second loves to chase . crows and this one just likes to lie on the ground and get cuddles from . mum. Mother bear: A polar bear cub is tickled by its mother at Moscow Zoo . Little scamp: The baby polar bear pranced about on the ice under the watchful eye of his mother . ‘I often visit the zoo . to watch and photograph the cubs, it's lovely to just sit and watch them . playing and being cared for by their mum. ‘You can tell the mother bear loves all her cubs the same and it's lovely to watch her interactive with them all individually.’ In the wild female polar bears den by digging into deep snow drifts, which provide protection and insulation from the Arctic elements. They give birth in winter, usually to twins. Young cubs live with their mothers for some 28 months to learn the survival skills they need to survive. Although these polar bears look cute, females aggressively protect their young and can be a danger to himans.
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Polar bear cub seen cheekily playing with its mother in the snow .
Close-up images taken by photographer Sergei Gladyshev at Moscow Zoo .
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Brazil star David Luiz doesn't seem too concerned by the pressures of playing the 2014 World Cup on home soil, if the behind the scenes footage from 'Brasil: A Nation Expects' is anything to go by. As Luiz Felipe Scolari's side prepare for the major tournament, several players sat down to talk about the expectations of a nation for the official film of the Brazil national team and Luiz looks to be in good spirits. However, Luiz will be hoping his ball skills are slightly better in Brazil than in the short clip which sees the 27-year-old lose control of a ball in front of the camera and smash a Chandelier in the process. Happy: David Luiz didn't seemed to concerned about the pressures of the 2014 World Cup during the filming of Brasil: A Nation Expects . Relaxed: Luiz will surely play a key role if Brazil are to be successful in the World Cup . Glory: The Brazil squad will be hoping to win the tournament on home soil next month . The promotional clip features interviews . with a host of Brazil stars as Willian, Neymar and Thiago Silva all sit . down to discuss the forthcoming World Cup and the pressures that come . with the tournament being play on home soil. Chelsea midfielder Ramires reveals that playing for the Selecao always comes with a lot of pressure. He said: 'There's always pressure. If you can't handle pressure it's best you don't play for Brazil. Away from the Selecao, Luis looks set for a sensational £50million move from Chelsea to Ligue 1 champions PSG. PSG . representatives have flown out to Brazil in order to wrap up the deal . which is likely to make Luiz the most expensive defender in the world. Luiz struggled to nail down a first team place in Jose Mourinho's team last season and will surely be excited by the prospect of joining his Brazil team-mate Thiago Silva in France. 'Brasil: A Nation Expects will be available on Blu-ray and DVD from Amazon on June 2 2014. Stength: The 27-year-old will play alongside Thiago Silva at the heart of Brazil's defence . Mistake: The Brazil star accidentally kicks the ball into a Chandelier during a game with Oscar (right) All smiles: Luiz turns to the camera in celebration after almost shattering the Chandelier . No pressue: Barcelona star Neymar also appears in the official film for the Brazil national team . Going: Luiz (centre) looks set for a £50m move to Paris Saint-Germain .
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David Luiz and his Brazil team-mate discuss the pressures of trying to win 2014 World Cup on home soil .
Luiz smashes chandelier during kick-about with Brazil midfielder Oscar .
Chelsea's Ramires admits if a player can't handle pressure then they shouldn't be playing for Brazil .
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(CNN) -- Heavy crude oil flowing like a river through a central Arkansas neighborhood could keep residents away for several more days as crews work to clean it up. The oil began spilling into the Mayflower, Arkansas, subdivision Friday from a 2- or 3-inch gash in the Pegasus pipeline, which carries Canadian crude from Patoka, Illinois, to Nederland, Texas, according to a state transportation engineer. The cause of the leak was undetermined, he told CNN affiliate KARK in Little Rock. About two dozen homes were evacuated as the crude oil, which originated in Canada and was bound for Gulf Coast refineries, crawled through yards and down streets. "Hopefully in the near immediate future we can get residents back into certain areas of the neighborhood," Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Nicolas Brescia said Sunday as reporters were given a tour of the neighborhood. Exxon Mobil, which owns the 60-year-old pipeline, met with displaced residents over the weekend to explain how they can make claims for losses. "If you have been harmed by this spill then we're going to look at how to make that right," Exxon Mobil Pipeline Co. President Gary Pruessing told them. Resident Darren Hale complained to CNN affiliate KHTV that being forced to leave his home was frustrating. "I've heard three contradictory answers as to when I will be able to go back home," Hale said. He was first told it would be two days, but later that it would be up to two weeks, he said. Joe Bradley, whose home is about five houses away from the rupture, told KHTV he was worried about how the spill could affect his 8-year-old daughter's health. "Is she supposed to ride her bicycle out here playing with kids out here?" Bradley asked. An around-the-clock cleanup operation began Saturday, with workers scrubbing streets and driveways in the Northwood subdivision, CNN affiliate KATV reported. "The next step is going to be power washing," Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson told KATV Sunday. "More than likely, I think we are doing some testing with some power washing right now with the techniques involved there." None of the estimated 12,000 barrels of oil that spilled has made it to nearby Lake Conway, a local drinking water source, Dodson said. "We're approximately a mile from Lake Conway or at least from the cove," he said. The Pegasus pipeline, which could carry up to 90,000 barrels of crude each day, was built more than 60 years ago, an Exxon Mobil spokesman said. Leaks are not uncommon, but the company's recent inspections showed no red flags for this section, he told KARK.
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Oil spills into a Mayflower, Arkansas, subdivision from a gash in the pipeline .
Families evacuate about two dozen homes as oil crawls through yards and down streets .
Residents complain about the uncertainty of when they can go home .
The pipeline carries Canadian crude from Patoka, Illinois, to Nederland, Texas .
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By . Deborah Arthurs . PUBLISHED: . 18:38 EST, 17 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:20 EST, 19 September 2012 . She is the grande dame of the catwalk with more pedigree than the rest of the London Fashion Week designers put together. And last night, Vivienne Westwood celebrated yet another successful runway show with a packed-to-the-rafters party at Embassy Brasserie. The maverick British designer invited a circle of friends and industry pals to a dinner at the Mayfair restaurant - the second year running she has chosen Embassy for her after-show party... they must be doing something right. Arrivals: Vivienne Westwood with husband Andreas Kronthaler at Embassy Brasserie for her post-show party . Double act: Vivienne works closely with Andreas, her former fashion student and husband of 17 years . A flock of colourful creatures flooded W1 dressed in their finest, filling the restaurant until they spilled out onto the terrace. Westwood, whose Red Label catwalk show was held at the Government's Foreign Office earlier that day, arrived on the arm of husband Andreas Kronthaler after sitting front row at Philip Treacy's comeback show at the Royal Courts of Justice. But for all her success as a designer, and for all the fashionistas, bloggers, stylists and journalists queuing up to get a bit of Westwood wisdom, Westwood, who looked as striking as ever in a dress of her own design, says now she cares little for fashion, using it only as a platform to promote her environmental work. Flamboyant: The upmarket Mayfair postcode got an injection of colour as hundreds of partygoers joined Vivienne Westwood at London Fashion Week's hottest post-show party . Fashion fabulous: Vivienne Westwood enjoyed Benoit Marmoiton's menu with friends at Embassy Brasserie last night . At her show finale she took to the runway in a pair of hot pants and a T-shirt bearing the words Climate Revolution, a moustache and monacle inked on her face with a marker pen, telling her guests to 'Buy less, choose well, make it last.' Wise words. At the party, Vivienne's Climate Change warriors roamed the room in bright green costumes, collecting money for her charity. Guests were left in the expert hands of the restaurant's new star chef, the irrepressible Benoit Marmoiton (how does he keep smiling while serving up 100 covers at once?), who brought out delicate scallop ceviche, burrata with heirloom tomatoes or beef carpaccio, followed by roast cod served with Mediterranean vegetables in Le Creuset pots or slow-cooked beef with roasted new potatoes. It's all about the glamour: Olivia Grant gorgeous in sequins, Laura Whitmore cool in hot pants and Tolula Adeyemi wearing the stunning parrot print scarf dress by Charlotte Taylor with necklace by Denise Manning . Pudding - yes, fashionistas do eat pud - was chocolate mousse with a hazelnut twist, strawberry tart or creme brulée. The soundtrack to the meal was Vivaldi - a personal request from Vivienne, who adores classical music - and the atmosphere in the buzzy restaurant, fuelled by a cool crowd (Nellee Hooper, Tallulah Adeyemi, Olivia . Grant, Lady Victoria Hervey and Laura Whitmore joined in the fun before joining the party downstairs) plus heady CIROC vodka cocktails and excited chatter was such that it was past midnight when guests poured through the doors down the red-lit staircase to nightclub Salon for a riotous party that went on till the wee hours. DJ Erol Sabadosh presided over a packed dancefloor... here are his top three tracks of the night: . Actress Olivia Grant, dressed in oh-so-glam sequins, said she hadn't made it to enough fashion week shows thanks to her filming schedule for new TV show Endeavour - but that she planned to make up for it tonight. 'I have to be up at 7.30am for work, but I think I may pull an all-nighter in honour of fashion week,' she said. Presenter Laura Whitmore, who'd been busy filming for MTV during London Fashion Week, said she was looking forward to Pam Hogg's show tomorrow, more so because she was the name behind Mary Charteris' wedding dress. Co-owner and operator Dan Kapp said it was a 'total pleasure' to host the Vivienne Westwood dinner for a second season at Embassy Brasserie. 'We love that we share Dame Vivienne's passion for supporting young, interesting talent and artists at Salon too,' he said. The atmosphere was electric, the vibe addictive - to the point that at 3am when sensible London Fashion Week goers should be tucked up in face masks preparing for the next day's early start, they were getting their rocks off to DJ Erol Sabadosh's set, playing table football or posing for photos with the club's giant white gorilla statue - which is set to be auctioned off for one of Westwood's favoured charities Cool Earth later this month (say your goodbyes now). A fitting end to a fabulous day for fashion's favourite Dame. Visit Embassy Mayfair's website at www.embassymayfair.com .
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Private dinner held at Embassy Brasserie in Mayfair .
Guests partied afterwards at Salon nightclub .
Vivienne Westwood attended with husband Andreas Kronthaler .
Climate change activists collected money for Westwood's charity campaign .
DJ Erol Sabadosh kept the fashion crowd dancing til 3am .
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Peter Lloyd says that the fact his gym has 'woman only' hours is sexist against men . When I became a member of my local gym, it was to exercise my body - not my human rights. But that's exactly what I'm doing with the Kentish Town Sports Centre in north London. The venue, owned by fitness company Better in association with Camden Council, attracts hundreds of people from all sections of society: religious, atheist, male, female, young and old. There is no dominant demographic. Everybody is welcome and everybody gets on. But not everybody is equal. Because, in an age of political over-correctness, they ban all men and boys for 442 hours every year - simply because they are male. Adding insult to injury, they still charge them the same full-price membership fee as women, but refuse to offer the equivalent option of male-only sessions. Not only is this an outrageous business model, but it's also sexist. Especially given that council officials base it almost solely on women's needs. Fair? I think not. But, because we live in an age of acceptable misandry, most people are too polite to say anything. Not me. Several weeks ago, I formally complained to the general manager, asking him to change the policy with one of three alternatives: A) maintain a women’s hour but introduce a men's alternative for fairness, B) keep women’s hour (and only women’s hour) but annually charge men less, or C) scrap single-gender sessions altogether. Hardly controversial. After all, if demand for women-only sessions is so great then the gym should put their money where their mouth is and fund it themselves. Unsurprisingly, they declined. 'A report by the Women Sport and Fitness Foundation showed that a significant proportion of women (26 per cent) “hate the way they look when they exercise”.' they replied in an email. 'This takes on an even greater significance when you consider that women feel even more self-conscious when taking part in sport and physical activity when men are present. If you are wondering who or what [we are] it's a charity that specialises in increasing women’s physical activity levels.' Translated into plain English, this means that a group of agenda-driven feminists say a minority of women 'feel' bad about their bodies. And because heterosexual men are naturally attracted to women, their very existence makes it worse, so they should be banned. No, seriously. That's like trying to clean a dirty face by rubbing a mirror. A report by the Women Sport and Fitness Foundation showed that a significant proportion of women 'hate the way they look when they exercise' It also assumes that all men in the gym are straight, when many of them are gay and have no interest in the female aesthetic. In fact, if they really wanted to, these men could be voyeuristic in the showers. So what next - gay and straight hours? And what about lesbians - can they attend women-only sessions, or would it make their straight sisters uncomfortable? Gimme a break. If these women have issues with their bodies, I truly sympathise - but it's their problem, not mine. Nor is it any other man's. And who's to say we don't have our own body hang-ups? We know for a fact that increasing numbers of men suffer from anorexia and bulimia as well as 'bigorexia' - the need to be as muscular as possible. Rates of men having cosmetic surgery are also increasing year-on-year, so the facts speak for themselves. Interestingly, women's hour also has little to do with religion. The gym have scarcely used faith to justify their policy, but - even if they did - it still wouldn't excuse their unequal price structure. Want women-only sessions for religious reasons? Fine - more power to you. But don't ask men to pay for 442 hours they can't possibly use. No God would approve of that. 'A group of agenda-driven feminists say a . minority of women 'feel' bad about their bodies. And because . heterosexual men are naturally attracted to women, their very existence . makes it worse, so they say we should be banned.' Furthermore, when I explained that men typically die before women, thus have a greater need to access fitness services – something based on cold, hard fact rather than feelings – they had no convincing answer. Tellingly, the gym's policy also assumes that only men can objectify the opposite sex. But if TV shows like Sex and the City taught us anything, it's that women can be just as forthright. In fact, only two weeks later, I was forced to complain when four teenage girls were wolf-whistling at boys in the weights area – jeering and laughing, while ranking them by size. This wouldn't be acceptable if the sexes were reversed, so why is it tolerated here? This is precisely why I’m suing them for gender bias. Not simply because their policy is unfair, but because it pathologises masculinity while simultaneously repressing it. As far as I'm concerned it also breaks the law. So far, the legal team at Camden Borough Council have simply made me laugh. They've spent hours quoting Harriet Harman's Equality Act, but continue to miss the point. No customer, male or female, should pay for gym time they're not allowed to use. It's that simple. Ultimately, however, it has nothing to do with money. At best, I want a 10 per cent refund; something I would donate to men's charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), but, like the test case of mis-sold PPI, it would empower other men to demand the same compensation - hitting the gym where it hurts. 'If these women have issues with their bodies, I truly sympathise - but it's their problem, not mine. Nor is it any other man's' But, finances aside, the Kentish Town Sports Centre has a social responsibility to encourage equality as well as physical health. Forcing men - whether 70 year-old pensioners or 13 year-old boys who attend with their mothers - to leave a room because of their gender, rather than their behaviour, is degrading. It's also eerily reminiscent of when African Americans were separated from their caucasian peers in 1940s America. Not least because the underlying maxim is the same. In this instance, that all men are inherently bad. This is a toxic message to send out, especially when those affected are frequently young boys in crucial stages of puberty and self-development. Such messages are pernicious. They criminalise men for being male, while telling women that they have less responsibility to contribute to functional gender relations. Interestingly, it's not just patrons who are angered. Last week I spoke with two of the gym's male fitness instructors who expressed their frustration with the ban - not least because, in the middle of a double-dip recession, neither can work during female-only sessions. It's insane. 'I’m suing the gym for gender bias. Not . simply because their policy is unfair, but because it pathologises . masculinity while simultaneously repressing it.' Fortunately, I have other helpful supporters who want to liberate them. Erin Pizzey, the woman who established the world's first-ever domestic violence shelter in 1972 before becoming a men's rights activist, has offered her backing. 'This discrimination has no place in modern society', she said. Meanwhile, equality charity Parity and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell have described my fight as 'sensible and fair'. Stateside, U.S. website AVoiceForMen.com have recently added their weight to my case. Now, I ask common sense and British law to do the same. Being a test case, my claim has sparked global interest because of its potential impact. If I win, gyms all over the country could be forced to update their policies. And rightly so. Not only would this be physically healthy for people who want to exercise without restriction, but it would also be socially healthy for those who understand the toxicity of sexism, whether directed at men or women. For some, this might be a revelation in itself, but trust me: it comes from a place of genuine fairness. Yes, my case may raise some eyebrows, but hopefully it will also raise some consciousness. Because, currently, the staff at my gym are telling our young men they're dangerous by default. And that's a weight no man should learn to carry.
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Peter Lloyd is suing his gym over banning men at certain times .
Men and boys are banned for a total of 442 hours every year .
The gym say it is to make women more comfortable .
'I'm suing the gym for gender bias. Not simply because their policy is unfair, but because it pathologises masculinity while simultaneously repressing it.'
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NEW YORK (CNN) -- Topps Meat Co. on Saturday expanded a recall of ground beef from about 300,000 pounds to 21.7 million pounds, one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history. The recalled products are all ground beef patties with various brand names. In a statement, the Elizabeth, New Jersey, company said the hamburger patties may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and cramps, as well as other complications. A statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said 25 illnesses are under investigation in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The ground beef products being recalled have a "sell by date" or a "best if used by date" between September 25, 2007, and September 25, 2008, Topps' statement said. Watch the latest on the beef recall » . The packages also have the marking "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Tuesday, the company announced a recall of about 331,000 pounds of hamburger meat, according to the USDA. "Because the health and safety of our consumers is our top priority, we are taking these expansive measures," said Vice President of Operations Geoffrey Livermore in the statement. "Topps is continuing to work with the USDA, state departments of health, retailers and distributors to ensure the safety of our consumers. Additionally, we have augmented our internal quality control procedures with microbiologists and food safety experts. We sincerely regret any inconvenience and concerns this may cause our consumers," Livermore said. This is the company's first recall in its 65 years of business, the statement said. Consumers who find the products at home are asked to cut off the UPC code and return it to Topps for a full refund, then dispose of the product immediately, Topps spokeswoman Michelle Williams said. The company said to avoid E. coli, consumers should wash hands thoroughly after handling the beef. Topps set up a toll-free recall help line at (888) 734-0451. Williams said because the products may have been produced up to a year ago, many of them have already been safely consumed. Production in the ground beef area of the company's plant in Elizabeth has been shut down until all the investigations are complete, Williams said in a phone interview. "We're working with the USDA and the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and conducting our own investigation," she added. The products, all ground beef patties and hamburgers with various brand names, were distributed mainly in the northeastern United States, but went to retailers in many other areas of the country as well, Williams said. While the sheer size of the recall is large, two other companies have been involved in larger recalls. In 2002, Pilgrim's Pride recalled more than 27 million pounds of poultry, and Hudson Foods recalled 25 million pounds of ground beef in 1997. E-mail to a friend .
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Topps Meat Co. hamburger patties may contain E. coli bacteria .
New Jersey plant's grinding operation shut down .
As many as 25 cases of illness recorded in eight states .
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By . Chris Greenwood . Migrant camp: A Romanian is moved on from Park Lane as police crackdown on UK gypsies . Police have travelled to Romania to discourage young men from coming to Britain and committing crime. In an unprecedented operation, Scotland Yard sent a ‘police mission’ of officers to rural northern Romania. The trip was designed to help stem the flow of low-skilled migrants who see London and similar cities as attractive destinations. Officers warned Romanians that if they arrive looking for jobs on the black market they are likely to be exploited or become victims of crime. But there is also evidence that many of those who come to Britain end up committing petty crimes such as begging and pickpocketing – sometimes recruited by organised gangs who ‘employ’ them to shoplift, steal and rob. The police operation came after a raid on the derelict ground of Hendon Football Club in North London. Officers discovered that almost every rough sleeper in the squat was from the same remote part of Romania. One man told BBC’s Panorama that up to 400 people had left his village in the Carpathian mountains for London. He said they were prepared to live in grim camps for the chance of illicit building work where they could earn up to three times their usual wages. Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher told the programme the message to Romanians was that they should not travel to Britain unless they can support themselves. ‘What I’m saying is that we know that if you come to the UK without a named job to go to, then you’re at really increased risk of being exploited or being the victim or perpetrator of crime,’ he said. ‘We’re here to protect all the residents of London and that includes those people who come to London looking for work.’ In an unprecedented mission, officers warned civilians of rural Romanian towns to be careful about migrating . Increasing: The number of Romanian immigrants, some pictured here in London's Marble Arch, is rising . Last week the Daily Mail revealed that Romanians are arrested at seven times the rate of Britons in London. And Romanian immigrants account for more than 11 per cent of all foreign national offenders – despite making up only a tiny proportion of UK residents. This placed the eastern European nation at the top of a ‘league table’ of foreign suspects, followed by those from Poland, Lithuania, India and Nigeria. The troubling figures were uncovered by police analysts just weeks before restrictions on Romanians and Bulgarians living in Britain are lifted on January 1. Changes: Immigration Minister Mark Harper insists new rules will prevent people coming to sleep rough . They also discovered that eastern European offenders are more likely to be involved in low-level offences. Last year, Romanians accounted for nearly half of all arrests for begging in the capital and 34 per cent of pickpocketing arrests. Many live in makeshift camps across London, including Marble Arch and Park Lane, where efforts to move them have failed repeatedly. The Met has already brought a team of police from Romania and Poland to London to tackle crimes committed by their fellow nationals. There are concerns that gaps in cross-border intelligence checks are allowing prolific and dangerous offenders to slip through the net. Around 70,000 foreign nationals are arrested in London every year – about 28 per cent of all criminal suspects taken into custody. Immigration Minister Mark Harper said changes to legislation will allow border officials to stop people coming to Britain to sleep rough or beg. ‘We’ve removed some of those people before and one of the weaknesses at the moment is that they can come back and we can’t stop them,’ he said. Romanian Ambassador Ion Jinga said: ‘We are totally against any type of crime committed by Romanians. We have a zero tolerance on any type of crime.’ He added that Romania has ‘one of the lowest rates of crime in Europe’. Susan Hall, leader of Harrow council, said: 'The reality is nobody knows how many Romanians and Bulgarians are coming and that is deeply unsettling for councils. 'People who come here to work are welcome but January the first shouldn't be the starter's pistol for local authorities to be deluged with people they can't cope with. 'We are already seeing the effects of some criminality linked to Eastern Europeans seeping out to the suburbs - and that ranges from prostitution to pick pocketing and beds in sheds overcrowding. This has long since ceased to be just an inner city issue.'
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Police warned people in northern rural towns they could be exploited .
Follows raid on London football club occupied by Romanian gypsies .
Mission was one of many measures being taken to curb immigration .
Panorama – The Romanians Are Coming, BBC1, 8.30pm tonight .
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- After months of tough negotiations and intense political wrangling, Iraqi lawmakers Thursday approved the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement, a pact that allows the presence of American troops in Iraq for three more years. Iraqis in a coffee shop watch the Iraqi parliament on television on Thursday. The vote -- which now needs unanimous ratification from the country's three-member presidency council -- comes after a compromise on a reform package that Sunni Arab politicians demanded in return for their backing of the agreement. There were 198 lawmakers from the 275-member parliament present for the vote; 149 of them voted for the security pact, which is to replace a U.N. mandate that expires at the end of year. The proposal, reached after months of negotiations between Iraqi and U.S. representatives, sets June 30, 2009, as the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from all Iraqi cities and towns. The date for all U.S. troops to leave Iraq would be December 31, 2011. The agreement -- which stresses respect for Iraqi sovereignty -- "requests the temporary assistance" of U.S. forces, but severely restricts their role. It says that all military operations are to be carried out with the agreement of Iraq and must be "fully coordinated" with Iraqis. A Joint Military Operations Coordination Committee would oversee military operations. Iraq has the "primary right to exercise jurisdiction" over U.S. forces "for grave premeditated felonies," the agreement says. Suspects would be held by U.S. forces but must be available to Iraqi authorities for investigation or trial. Iraq also would have the "primary right to exercise jurisdiction" over U.S. contractors and their employees. Also, it says, "Iraqi land, sea and air shouldn't be used as a launching or transit point for attacks against other countries." Parliament also passed another U.S.-Iraqi bilateral pact called the strategic framework agreement, along with the reform legislation. Lawmakers also OK'd a referendum on the progress of the security agreement to be held by the end of July. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan C. Crocker and Gen. Ray Odierno, the top U.S. military official in Iraq, issued a statement welcoming the passage of the security pact and the strategic framework agreement -- which covers a wide range of bilateral cooperation efforts. The two congratulated the lawmakers and said they look forward to the security pact's ratification by the presidency council. "Taken together, these two agreements formalize a strong and equal partnership between the United States and Iraq," their statement said. "They provide the means to secure the significant security gains we have achieved together and to deter future aggression. "They establish a framework for cooperation in the fields of defense, political relations, economics, trade, culture, education, the rule of law, health, the environment and science and technology." Sunni Arabs were not against the historic security agreement, but they were concerned about Shiite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki having too much power when the agreement goes into effect. They wanted legislation that would underscore their constitutional interests and rights. Although there apparently were enough votes to approve the security pact even without the compromise, al-Maliki's government, as well as Shiite and Kurdish leaders, wanted to work out the political reform deal with the Sunni Arabs so there could be national unity on the security pact. Asked why the political reform agreement was so important, Alaa Makki, a Sunni parliament member, said, "It gave a message that there will be no dictatorship in Iraq in the coming period and the Iraqi people will say the final word." The compromise virtually assures the security agreement's ratification by Iraq's presidency council, which consists of Kurdish President Jalal Talabani, Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mehdi and Sunni Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. Lawmakers loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and others had been staunch opponents of the security pact. But there was overwhelming support for the measure from other quarters. The Sadrists made loud protests against the agreement during the brief parliament session. CNN's Jomana Karadsheh and Arwa Damon contributed to this report.
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NEW: Agreement asks "temporary assistance" of U.S. troops, but limits their role .
NEW: Pact gives Iraq jurisdiction over U.S. troops "for grave premeditated felonies"
NEW: U.S. ambassador, military, welcome Iraq's passage of agreements .
Security pact sets June deadline for U.S. combat troops to leave Iraqi cities, towns .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 07:44 EST, 9 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:35 EST, 9 August 2012 . A pediatrician who is an eminent researcher in near-death experiences in children has been accused of 'waterboarding' his 11-year-old daughter as punishment while his wife stood by and watched. Dr Melvin Morse, a published author who has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Larry King, allegedly held the girl's face under a running faucet on four occasions for as long as five minutes. Authorities were alerted to the alleged abuse at the Sussex, Delaware home after a neighbour called police to say Morse had dragged the girl by her ankles across their driveway and spanked her. 'Abuse': Dr Melvin Morse, left, allegedly held his daughter's face under a running tap to 'waterboard' her as a punishment while his wife Pauline, right, watched and did nothing to help her . Officials arrested Morse, 58, after the incident on July 12 but he was released on $750 bail. On August 6, the girl was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center and talked about a punishment her father called 'waterboarding', the Delaware State Police told The News Journal in Delaware. She said he held her under faucets in the kitchen, bathroom and bathtub so the water would shoot up her nose, in a known torture tactic that simulates the sensation of drowning. Her mother, Pauline Morse, 40, watched but did nothing to help, she said. 'Cruel': Morse is a pediatrician and has co-authored books on near-death experiences in children . Frightening: The girl told social workers that her father, left, said she could last for five minutes under the water without getting brain damage. Her mother Pauline, right, has been released on bail . Waterboarding is a form of torture in which water is poured over someone's face, simulating the sensation of drowning. A cloth is often placed over the captive's face so their breathing is restricted for up to 40 seconds as water is continually poured onto them. It dates back to the Spanish Inquisition, when it was a preferred interrogation technique as it leaves no marks on the person's body. The practice can cause extreme pain and distress, damage to lungs, brain damage from oxygen deprivation, long-lasting psychological damage and death. It can also cause broken bones as the captive attempts to escape. In 2007, it emerged that the CIA had waterboarded three Al-Qaeda suspects in 2002 and 2003. The Bush administration allowed it as a form of interrogation by narrowing the definition of torture. In 2009, President Obama banned its use, but the Department of Defense has refused to say whether it uses the technique as a form of training on its troops. Once, her . father said he 'was going to wrap her in a blanket and do it so . that she could not move', she said. Another time he allegedly told her . she 'could go five minutes without brain damage'. The girl added that Morse would . 'sometimes look away while he did it and would become afraid that he . would lose track of time and she would die'. After the alleged torture, she would 'go outside and cry', but Morse would come outside and hold her nose and mouth with his hand, according to court documents. 'He would tell her she was lucky he did not use duct tape,' police noted. 'He would not let go until she lost feeling and . collapsed to the ground.' The girl added that she never knew what she had done to be punished and felt frightened. Her five-year-old sister was also interviewed and said that, although she witnessed the abuse to her sister, she was never targeted 'because she is too young for it', The News Journal reported. The abuse allegedly took place between 2009 and 2011. Morse and his wife were arrested for the second time on August 7 and both face charges of reckless endangerment, conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child. Morse was being held in the Sussex Correctional Institution on $14,500 bail, while Pauline Morse was released on the same amount. Eminent: Dr Morse, right, was interviewed by Larry King, left, about near-death experiences in children . High profile: In 1992, he was also interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, pictured holding up a copy of his book . Both have been ordered to have no contact with their two children, who are being cared for by the local Division of Family Services. The . state Attorney General’s Office filed a motion on Wednesday for the . emergency suspension of Morse’s medical license. He works at a private pediatric practice in Milton. He also specialises in near-death . experiences in children and has co-authored a handful of books on the . subject including Closer to the Light in 1991 and Transformed by the . Light in 1992. 'In . hundreds of interviews with children who had once been declared . clinically dead, Dr. Morse found that children too young to have . absorbed our adult views and ideas of death, share first-hand accounts . of out-of-body travel, telepathic communication and encounters with dead . friends and relatives,' one book review reads. Research: He has written the above books after interviewing children declared clinically dead . Morse was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey and . Larry King about the subject, as well as on radio shows and ABC's 20/20. He runs a nonprofit organization . called The Institute for the Scientific Study of Consciousness. Pauline Morse lists herself as a researcher and the treasurer at the institute on her Facebook page. On her page on Wednesday, she wrote: 'I do not wish to talk. I am extremely shy and I'm very upset and want to just be alone so I can gather myself together. Thank you for understanding.'
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Dr Melvin Morse, 58, 'held girl's head under tap and her mother did nothing'
He 'told her it would take five minutes before she would be brain damaged' - but she feared he'd lose track of time and she'd die .
After, she cried and 'he held his hand over her mouth until she collapsed'
Girl and her sister, 5, were interviewed after neighbours told police Morse had dragged her across driveway by her ankles .
Morse is eminent researcher into children's near-death experiences .
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f5b156bbd8773094f64afc5e548db7ee470bf266
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From the Vatican to Buenos Aires, Catholics worldwide rejoiced when Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio became the new pope. He's the first Jesuit and the first Latin American in modern times to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. But in some ways, he's just a normal guy. Here are five things to know about Pope Francis: . 1. His name says a lot about him . Unlike other recent pontiffs -- John Paul II, Benedict XVI -- Pope Francis doesn't have a numeral after his name. That's because he's the first to take the name Francis. Why Francis? The pope wanted to honor St. Francis of Assisi, an admirer of nature and a servant to the poor and destitute. St. Francis of Assisi was born the son of a rich cloth merchant. But he lived in rags among beggars at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Talk Back: What kind of spiritual leader will draw people back to organized religion? Those close to Pope Francis see similarities between the two men. "Francis of Assisi is ... someone who turned his back on the wealth of his family and the lifestyle he had, and bonded with lepers and the poor," said the Rev. Thomas Rosica, the Vatican's deputy spokesman. "Here's this pope known for his care for AIDS patients and people who are very sick. Who is known for his concern with single mothers whose babies were refused to be baptized by priests in his diocese. "He scolded those priests last year and said, 'How can you turn these people away when they belong to us? '" Pope Francis, the pontiff of firsts, breaks with tradition . 2. He's not actually the first pope from outside Europe . Sure, Francis is the first non-European pope in modern times. But back in the 8th century, a Syrian -- Pope St. Gregory III -- led the church from 731 to 741 A.D. We've also had popes from Bethlehem (St. Evaristus, from 97 to 105 A.D.), Jerusalem (Pope Theodore I, from 642 to 649) and modern-day Libya (Saint Victor I, from 189 to 199). Several other Syrians have also been pontiff in the last few millennia. Of course, the majority of popes have been Italian. But with Francis' appointment, the tide could be shifting to outside Europe. First Latin American pope 'very exciting,' faithful say . 3. He's a pope of the people . In some ways, Pope Francis is just a normal guy. "The new pope is a very humble man," said the Rev. Eduardo Mangiarotti, an Argentine priest. "He takes public transport every day." He also chose to live in an apartment instead of the archbishop's palace, passed on a chauffeured limousine and cooked his own meals, CNN Vatican analyst John Allen wrote in a profile published by National Catholic Reporter. In his first public act as pontiff, Pope Francis broke with tradition by asking the estimated 150,000 people packed into St. Peter's Square to pray for him, rather than him blessing the crowd first. "He is a very simple man," said Luis R. Zarama, auxiliary bishop of Atlanta. "It's very clear from the way he approached the people and asked them to bless him and pray for him. It's a beautiful sign of closeness and humility." The pontiff broke with another tradition by refusing to use a platform to elevate himself above the cardinals standing with him as he was introduced to the world as Pope Francis. "He said I'll stay down here," said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "He met each of us on our own level." From public transport to popemobile: Bergoglio's journey . 4. He comes with a side of controversy . Francis opposes same-sex marriage and abortion, which isn't surprising as leader of the socially conservative Catholic church. But as a cardinal, Francis clashed with the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives. His career as a priest in Argentina coincided with the so-called Dirty War -- and some say the church didn't do enough to confront the military dictatorship. As many as 30,000 people died or disappeared during the seven-year period that began with a coup in 1976. Francis, in particular, was accused in a complaint of complicity in the 1976 kidnapping of two liberal Jesuit priests, Allen wrote. Francis denied the charge. "The best evidence that I know of that this was all a lie and a series of salacious attacks was that Amnesty International who investigated that said that was all untrue," said Jim Nicholson, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. "These were unfair accusations of this fine priest." But Amnesty International said it did not investigate any individual for their specific involvement. "Our research focused on the plight of the disappeared," said Susanna Flood, media director for Amnesty International. Opinion: Francis, open up the church . 5. He faces a host of challenges ahead . Francis takes the helm of a church that has been rocked in recent years by sex abuse by priests and claims of corruption and infighting among the church hierarchy. He may need to find a way to draw new Catholics into the church where it is in decline, said Phillip M. Thompson, executive director of the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory University. And he'll also need to find ways of working with shifting viewpoints among Catholics. In the United States, for example, 90% of Catholics are using contraception and 82% think it is morally permissible. "The church has conservative positions on human sexuality, bioethics, etc., but liberal positions on issues such as economic regulation, the death penalty and immigration," Thompson said. "A church divided against itself seems unlikely to renew our political or cultural structures." Opinion: Humble, authentic and credible .
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Pope Francis took his name from St. Francis, a servant to the poor .
The Argentinian is not the first pope from outside Europe .
He uses public transportation and refused to elevate himself on a platform above cardinals .
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By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 08:36 EST, 29 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:40 EST, 29 April 2013 . A Dutchman has been arrested in Spain in connection with an unprecedented cyberattack that reportedly slowed down the Internet last month, the Dutch prosecution service said. The Netherlands national prosecution . office said a 35-year-old suspect it identified only by his initials, . SK, was arrested on Thursday at his home in Barcelona. He was arrested on suspicion of launching what is . described as the biggest cyberattack in internet history operated from a bunker and had a van capable of hacking into networks anywhere in the . country. On parade: Sven Kamphuis with a flag outside his 'CyberBunker' HQ last month . CyberBunker, is the organisation accused of slowing down the world wide web and disrupting popular film services such as Netflix. An . anti-spam group has tried to block internet traffic from CyberBunker, . which allegedly launched a ‘denial of service’ attack in revenge. This involves sending billions of megabytes of useless data over the internet to clog it up. In . charge at CyberBunker is Sven Olaf Kamphuis, who styles himself the . ‘Minister of Telecommunications and Foreign Affairs’ of the ‘Republic . CyberBunker’. He denied being responsible for the chaos but said he was a spokesman for the culprits. He claimed the guilty parties were . Russian internet service providers unhappy at being on a blacklist drawn . up by Spamhaus, a not-for-profit group dedicated to keeping email . users’ inboxes clear of unwanted advertisements. CyberBunker brags on its website that it . has been a frequent target for law enforcement agencies because of its . controversial customers – it hosts websites for companies offering . ‘anything except child porn and terrorism’. A source close to the investigation told . the Telegraph that the suspect S.K. is Sven Olaf Kamphuis, who acted as . a spokesman for Cyberbunker at the time of the attack. The suspect travelled in Spain using his van 'as a mobile computing office, equipped with various antennas to scan frequencies', an interior ministry statement said. The suspect is accused of attacking the Swiss-British anti-spam watchdog group Spamhaus whose main task is to halt ads for counterfeit Viagra and bogus weight-loss pills reaching the world's inboxes. The anti-spam group tried to block internet traffic from CyberBunker, which allegedly launched a ‘denial of service’ attack in revenge. This involves sending billions of megabytes of useless data over the internet to clog it up. The statement said officers uncovered the computer hacker's bunker, 'from where he even did interviews with different international media'. The statement said the suspect called himself a diplomat belonging to the 'Telecommunications and Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Cyberbunker'. Spanish police were alerted in March by Dutch authorities of large denial-of-service attacks being launched from Spain that were affecting internet servers in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the US. These attacks culminated with a major onslaught on Spamhaus. The . Netherlands National Prosecution Office described them as . 'unprecedentedly serious attacks on the nonprofit organisation . Spamhaus'. The largest . assault clocked in at 300 billion bits per second, according to San . Francisco-based CloudFlare, which Spamhaus enlisted to help it weather . the onslaught. Cyber-attack: Dutch firm SpamHaus, headed by . Steve Linford pictured left, was targeted in an attack so big that . 'bystanders worldwide' were apparently affected . 1,000 cyber crimes are thought to target Britain every hour . £27bn is the cost of cybercrime in the UK every year . 30 government department are succesfully jacked in one attack last year . £2.2bn the cost to the UK government of cyber crime each year . 12.8% is the rise in the number of spam emails last month alone . £1.7bn the cost of online ID fraud in the UK each year . £3,000 the cost of basic malicious software designed to steal bank details . Denial-of-service attacks overwhelm a server with traffic, jamming it with incoming messages. Security experts measure the attacks in bits of data per second. Recent cyberattacks - such as the ones that caused persistent outages at US banking sites late last year - have tended to peak at 100 billion bits per second, one third the size of that experienced by Spamhaus. Netherlands, German, British and US police forces took part in the investigation leading to the arrest, Spain said. The suspect is expected to be extradited from Spain to face justice in the Netherlands. Olaf Kamphuis claimed the guilty parties were . Russian internet service providers unhappy at being on a blacklist drawn . up by Spamhaus, a not-for-profit group dedicated to keeping email . users’ inboxes clear of unwanted advertisements. Speaking . on a videolink from inside his nerve centre last month Mr Kamphuis said: ‘It’s . not us. It’s a collective of a lot of people and internet providers. I . doubt the people doing the attacks can be found.’ He . accused Spamhaus of censorship and said: ‘We are aware that this is one . of the largest [cyber] attacks the world had publicly seen. ‘Nobody ever deputised Spamhaus to determine what goes, and does not go, on the internet.’ Mr Kamphuis even claims the Israeli . secret service Mossad tried to blow up his car in 2010 in a dispute over . his web service Pirate Bay, which was accused of copyright . infringement. After a court . granted an injunction against him and Pirate Bay he claims Mossad . targeted his car as a warning. ‘My car did not decide explode on its . own,’ he said. The Cyberbunker headquarters in Kloetinge, Netherlands, from which the 'biggest cyber attack in history', has been launched . Cyberbunker, is based at an ex-Nato bunker, is what is known as a hosting company, meaning it allows organisations to make their websites accessible on the internet by providing space on a server .
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Had a van capable of hacking into networks anywhere in the country .
Accused of attacking the Swiss-British anti-spam watchdog group .
The 35-year-old was identified only by his initials: S. K.
Thought to be Sven Olaf Kamphuis, who was Cyberbunker spokesman .
Attack last month described as most powerful ever seen - slowed web traffic .
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(CNN) -- Actor Larry Hagman, who created one of television's iconic villains with the treacherous J.R. Ewing of "Dallas," died Friday, according to a family statement. He was 81. Hagman died at a Dallas hospital of complications from cancer, said the statement posted on Hagman's official web site early Saturday. "Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most," it said. "Larry's family and close friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday. When he passed, he was surrounded by loved ones. It was a peaceful passing, just as he had wished for. The family requests privacy at this time." Hagman shot to television superstardom in 1978 with the role of J.R. Ewing, the scheming Texas oil tycoon, in the prime-time soap opera "Dallas." He was the villain viewers loved to hate. Co-stars, fellow actors grieve over loss of Larry Hagman . In 1980, the show became a mega-hit with the "Who Shot J.R.?" plot line that left Americans guessing who pulled the trigger. The answer came on November 21, 1980, in an episode dubbed "Who Done It?." More than 350 million viewers tuned in around the world to find out Kristen Shepherd, the sister of J.R.'s wife, shot him. It remains one of the most watched television episodes in history. Ewing survived that shooting, and Hagman and the rest of the cast thrived for 14 seasons total before bowing out in 1991. He reprised the role for TNT's reboot of the series "Dallas" in June 2012. Hagman filmed appearances for the show's second season, which is set to air in January. (Like CNN, TNT is a division of Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting.) It was a role in which he clearly reveled, even developing a trademark laugh for the character. At one point, Hagman made up fake $100 bills emblazoned with his face and the words "In Hagman We Trust" to hand out to fans. In one of his final interviews on CNN, Hagman appeared alongside original "Dallas" cast members Linda Gray (Sue Ellen) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby) on "Piers Morgan Tonight." During the interview, Morgan described the character of J.R. Ewing as "the dark dealer of evil scheming." "Moi?" Hagman said, breaking into a wide smile. In a statement released Friday by Gray's publicist to KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, the actress described Hagman as "my best friend for more than 35 years." "He was the pied piper of life and brought joy to everyone he knew. He was creative, generous, funny, loving and talented and I will miss him enormously. He was an original and lived life to the full and the world was a brighter place because of him," the statement said. Hagman told Morgan when he was first approached about doing the "Dallas" remake, the first question he asked was: "Are my friends going to be on the show?" "I wouldn't be doing it without them," he said. Word of Hagman's passing spread quickly late Friday and early Saturday, with celebrities and fans mourning his death. Actor William Shatner took to Twitter: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Larry Hagman. My best, Bill." "He was a wonderful human being and an extremely gifted actor. We will be forever thankful that a whole new generation of people got to know and appreciate Larry through his performance as J.R. Ewing," TNT said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time." Hagman was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on the cusp of the Great Depression to actress Mary Martin and Ben Hagman, a lawyer. He spent a year at Bard College in New York and then embarked on a life in theater in Dallas and New York, according to his official website. He appeared onstage with his mother in "South Pacific" in England and even produced and directed several shows while in the U.S. Air Force. After getting married and leaving the service, Hagman returned to the United States and starred in a number of Broadway plays. His family then headed to Hollywood, where Hagman earned roles in such television shows as "The Edge of Night" and "The Defenders." Where's the cast of the original 'Dallas' now? Hagman's breakthrough role came in 1965, when he played astronaut Maj. Tony Nelson, or "Master," as he was known to the scantily clad, 2,000-year-old genie played by Barbara Eden in the hit comedy, "I Dream of Jeannie." "I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking and, in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever," Eden said in a Facebook post on Friday, shortly after hearing of Hagman's death. "...I, like many others, believed he had beat cancer and yet we are reminded that life is never guaranteed." Eden signed off, simply: "Goodbye Larry. There was no one like you before and there will never be anyone like you again." Hagman kept busy after the show went off the air in 1970, appearing in guest roles in "The Streets of San Francisco," "The Rockford Files" and "Barnaby Jones." In the 1990s, he starred in the television show "Orleans." Off screen, his drinking earned him unwanted attention from the tabloids, which chronicled his battle with alcoholism. In recent years, he went public with his wife's battle with Alzheimer's. Hagman 'one of my favorite people' He also suffered several health scares, including a bout with cirrhosis and a 16-hour liver transplant in 1995 that helped save his life. Last year, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but at the time, Hagman called it "a very common and treatable form." He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. People we've lost in 2012: The lives they lived . CNN's AnneClaire Stapleton contributed to this report.
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NEW: Larry Hagman reveled in the role of J.R. Ewing, his co-stars say .
NEW: Hagman died of complications from cancer, his family said .
The statement was posted on Hagman's official web site .
Hagman was best known as iconic villain J.R. Ewing of "Dallas"
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(CNN) -- The date, in that long-gone American spring, was the same as today's: May 19. The year was 1780. The event is mostly forgotten, lost to the mists of history. Many people -- probably most people -- have never heard about it. And the question, on this anniversary of that Day of Darkness, is: . In our constantly connected world, a world in which we are always in touch, always seemingly in the know, could the kind of fear that all but paralyzed the young nation that day still happen? On that day in 1780, at around noon, much of New England -- meaning much of the new America -- went black. At midday, it was midnight. This was not an electrical blackout, of course; homes and businesses did not have electricity in those years, and were illuminated by lanterns and candles. Rather, the sky turned a deep, complete and unrelenting black, erasing the sun. It was not an eclipse. It was not a thunderstorm. Imagine, in the middle of a day in May, every bit of light suddenly and inexplicably disappearing from your world. The citizens were terrified. They waited for the darkness to lift. It did not. Minutes began to feel like months. One contemporaneous observer in Massachusetts, Samuel Williams, a professor at Harvard -- the "University at Cambridge," as he identified it -- wrote: . "The birds having sung their evening song disappeared and became silent. . .The fowls retired to roost. ... Objects could not be distinguished but at a very little distance; and every thing bore the appearance and gloom of night." As the daytime hours of blackness wore on, some people, according to historical accounts, began to think that there might never be light again. There was widespread supposition that Judgment Day may have come. In the Connecticut legislature, Abraham Davenport rose to vigorously oppose his colleagues' wish to adjourn: . "I am against adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty." The blackness would last for the rest of the afternoon, past twilight and into full night. The next day, the sun would return. People hurried to churches to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Centuries later, scientists would surmise that the Day of Darkness -- widely known as New Engand's Dark Day --- was the result of massive wildfires burning in the forests of Canada. Researchers from the University of Missouri postulated that the smoke from the fires was so thick and so deep in hue, so voluminous, that when, agonizingly slowly, it drifted over New England, it gave the illusion that the sun had died. Today some people may scoff at what might seem like gullibility on the part of those early Americans. But bear in mind that there were no telephones; there was no radio or television; there was no telegraph. People often lived far away from their nearest neighbor. They knew little of what, at a given moment, was happening outside the patch of land where they resided. The one thing a person could always count on -- that the sun would come up in the morning and stay up until evening -- suddenly could not be counted on at all. The Revolutionary War was still being fought. Those 13 British colonies on a sliver of the East Coast were the forerunners of what would become the 50 United States. So the citizens, many feeling completely isolated on the eastern edge of a continent that remained largely unexplored, might be excused for fearing the worst. The poet John Greenleaf Whittier would write of that day: . "Over the fresh earth and the heaven of noon, . A horror of great darkness, like the night . In day of which the Norland sagas tell, . The Twilight of the Gods. The low-hung sky . Was black with ominous clouds, save where its rim . Was fringed with a dull glow, like that which climbs . The crater's sides from the red hell below. Birds ceased to sing, and all the barn-yard fowls . Roosted; the cattle at the pasture bars . Lowed, and looked homeward; bats on leathern wings . Flitted abroad; the sounds of labor died; . Men prayed, and women wept; all ears grew sharp . To hear the doom-blast of the trumpet shatter. . . ." So it was on May 19, 1780. On May 19, 2013, with all of our vaunted communication abilities -- 24-hour television news, universal cellphones, Twitter, Facebook, the all-but-countless ways to stay in touch -- would such an event merit merely a shrug? Would we figure out within minutes what was transpiring, and why, and would we wait patiently for the sun to reappear? Perhaps. But consider what happens when the power goes out -- when, without warning, we lose artificial light. Consider the confusion and anger and uncertainty that often commences. Would we really be calm and unconcerned if, just as suddenly, real light -- the sun's light -- without notice went away? Or would our cherished communications tools spread rumors of conspiracies and attacks and impending doom? Would those tools create panic instead of prevent it? Whittier, in his poem, wrote of the cessation of the day of darkness: . "And, shore-ward, o'er the waters gleamed, . From crest to crest, a line of light, . Such as of old, with solemn awe, . The fishers by Gennesaret saw. . . ." Fear of the dark; love of the light. Some things change as the years pass. Others, we are from time to time reminded, remain eternal. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bob Greene.
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On May 19, 1780, the skies over New England inexplicably turned black .
The day was pitch-black; people panicked, prayed, thought it was the Day of Judgment .
Researchers believe that massive forest fires in Canada contributed .
Bob Greene asks: Would people today, knowing the cause, be as frightened?
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By . Jonathan O'Callaghan . Turning bad parents into good parents is often the work of social workers, teachers or even a number of TV chat show hosts. But research from Harvard University suggests there might be an easier option. The scientists claim to have found a ‘switch’ in the brain of male mice that can turn troublesome fathers into doting dads. Research from Harvard University has shown that the level of aggressiveness shown by adult mice to pups can be altered by destroying groups of neurons in their brains. This suggests there is a switch that decides how nurturing mammals will be to younglings . The study, published in the journal Nature, was led by Catherine Dulac, a professor of molecular and cell biology at Harvard University. The research focuses on a group of neurons in the brains of mice that have been linked to paternal care. By shining a light to trigger specific brain cells, the scientists were able to change the approach to parenting of male mice. There are, of course, obvious difference between human parenting and mice parenting. Notably in the former there are a host of complexities involved including social and cultural experiences. Nonetheless, at a basic level the researchers say the study provides some key insight into how the brain works with regards to parenting. ‘The fact that we are mammals means we certainly have those neurons as well,’ Dulac told the Boston Globe. And she says while the study only focused on male mice it could just as easily be applied to females. Indeed, she says that the finding that males and females share this key brain circuit suggests dads have the same potential to be as nurturing as mums. True . monogamy is rare in the animal kingdom - even in species that appear to . mate for life, tests have revealed cheating is commonplace. However, . a new study by the University of Pennsylvania has found Azara's owl . monkeys buck this trend because they are ‘unusually faithful.’ The . investigation of 35 offspring born to 17 owl monkey pairs turned up no . evidence of cheating, and the male and female monkeys that cared for the . young were the infants' true biological parents. An . additional analysis of 15 pair-living mammals found a strong connection . between a species' faithfulness and how much of a role the males took . in caring for their young. Although the research was only carried out in mice, the scientists say the results could also be applied to humans and other mammals. However, as human brains are much more complex it would be much harder to replicate the results in people . In the research they focused on species of mice where the males were known to attack the children of others. But they would cease the aggressive behaviour when their own pups were due, three weeks after mating with a female. The researchers searched the brain for the neurons that might be responsible for this change in behaviour and focused on a region known for sensing pheromones. These scents influence the behaviour of other animals, and was thought to be important in mating. By destroying brain cells in that region, the aggressive nature of virgin male mice was found to drastically decrease. Instead of attacking young pups, they would nurture them and even build them nests. Conversely, when they destroyed nerve cells in the middle of the brain in female mice, they made the mothers act more aggressively.
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Study into mice brains reveals a group of neurons that control parenting .
Researchers at Harvard University could alter how aggressive they were .
By destroying some neurons they made angry males more nurturing .
Conversely they were able to make caring females more aggressive .
Suggests there is a 'switch' for parenting in the brain of all mammals .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 17:33 EST, 1 November 2011 . They're always said to be man's best friend, and judging by this Spaniel's reaction to seeing her master, the old adage still rings true. Jezebel the excited Spaniel couldn't wait to see owner Steve Morris after the Flight Lieutenant returned from his mission in the skies over Libya. Flight Lieutenant Morris was one of nine Squadron GR4 Tornados to return to RAF Marham, Norfolk, following a seven-month deployment supporting the rebels who overthrew Colonel Gaddafi. I've missed you! Jezebel the Spaniel can't hide her excitement after being reunited with her owner Steve Morris on his return from Libya . Man's best friend: Flight Lieutenant Morris piloted one of nine tornados which returned to RAF Marham, Norfolk, today, from Libya . All smiles: Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris was welcomed back by Jezebel and a woman believed to be his girlfriend . There were touching scenes too as Wing Commander Andy Turk, who navigated Tornado GR4 warplanes on missions against Colonel Gaddafi’s forces, lifted his three-year-old son above his head as they were reunited at the Norfolk airbase after the seven-month deployment. During the heartwarming scene another of his young children looked on proudly, dressed in a miniature RAF uniform. Wing Commander Turk flew scores of missions during the Libyan conflict, regularly dealing crushing blows to the dictator’s troops as they threatened to slaughter civilians. Yesterday, as he returned to wife Abi and his children, he said: 'It is fantastic to be back with the family and the little ones but more importantly it's fantastic to bring the squadron back. 'They did an amazing job over the skies of Libya as part of the wider RAF efforts. 'It has been inspirational to see the momentous events over the last month. I'm back: Wing Commander Andy Turk greets his elder son after his return from Libya . Family reunion: Wing Commander Andy Turk was one of many UK pilots who had a heartwarming reunion with their partners and children after their seven-month mission . 'Because there were no British troops, it was very important that the RAF maintained our intelligence and surveillance. 'We got a real sense of connection to what was going on on the ground. 'We . feel a real sense of achievement and it shows the flexibility of the . equipment we have in service to take these sorts of conflict head on.' Based at Gioia del Colle in Southern . Italy, the British pilots played a key role in the 3,000 UK sorties, in . Libya, more than 2,100 of which were strike attacks on around 640 . targets. The final seven GR4 Tornados landed at Marham this morning after the first nine arrived home on Friday. The . Tornado force, deployed under Operation Ellamy as part of the Nato . operation, was led by Marham-based IX Squadron with additional aircrew . and engineers from Lossiemouth. On home turf at last: Tornado GR4 jets from 9 Squadron return to RAF Marham after deployment in Libya . They . were deployed with Apache attack helicopters, airborne warning and . control systems aircraft, VC10 refuellers and airborne radar aircraft. The Tornados' role over Libya was reconnaissance and surveillance as well as air strikes. Although the RAF does not comment on specific sorties, one of the most used weapons was the Brimstone missile. The Brimstone has a hit rate of more . than 90 per cent and its precision allows the use of a small warhead with a low . risk of collateral damage. Marham . station commander, Group Captain Pete 'Rocky' Rochelle, said: 'This . operation has shown the versatility of the Tornado aircraft. 'While IX Squadron were deployed over Libya, 31 Squadron were fighting in a very different conflict in Afghanistan.' Dadd'y boys: Wing Commander Andy Turk from 9 Squadron is greeted by his two children on his return to RAF Marham, King's Lynn, after returning from service in Libya .
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UK pilots return to RAF base after seven-month deployment to Libya .
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A married Pennsylvania high school teacher has been arrested for having sexual relations with a male student. The arrest came after the alleged victim's parents found a sexually explicit conversation on a laptop between 31-year-old Lauren Harrington-Cooper and the boy. The parents went to Wyoming Valley West High School and informed the principal of the material Thursday and Harrington-Cooper, of Plymouth, was arraigned that night on a single count of institutional sexual assault. Court date: Harrington-Cooper was surrounded by reporters as she entered the court after her first arrest in December . According to the Times-Leader, Harrington-Cooper, a ninth-grade English teacher at the school, told the victim's sister she thought he was 'hot.' The boy obtained Harrington-Cooper's phone number from his sister and the pair exchanged text messages. They agreed to meet up and Harrington-Cooper picked the boy up near his home several times during which they had sex and Harrington-Cooper performed oral sex on the boy in the car. The alleged incidents occurred beginning December 13. Controversy: Lauren Harrington-Cooper (pictured with her husband) is a married high school teacher . Dancer: Harrington-Cooper's husband runs a dance academy and she would at times teach there (pictured) According to the Times-Leader, Harrington-Cooper admitted having sexual relations with the boy, whom she knew was a high school senior to investigators. Harrington-Cooper is married to Raphael Cooper, owner of Cooper Dance Academy. On December 19, he told the school's students and their parents that classes were cancelled due to 'a family emergency' via Facebook. Later that evening, he wrote: 'After the holiday, I , Raphael Cooper will address all of the members of our studio as to our future. Please keep everyone in our family in your prayers as we confront the days ahead.' Local high school: Harrington-Cooper teaches English at Wyoming Valley West High School . According to the Times-Leader, Harrington-Cooper has been placed under medical supervision after attempting to harm herself. She was released on $25,000 bail and advised by District Judge Martin Kane that if she does not attend her preliminary hearing on December 26, she will be incarcerated. According to the Citizen's Voice, Harrington-Cooper graduated from the University of Scranton in 2005. In addition to being a high school teacher, she teaches dance at Body Language Studios in Kingston. School officials have not yet commented on the scandal.
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Lauren Harrington-Cooper, 31, was arrested Thursday for having sex with a male student .
The alleged victim's parents discovered an inappropriate conversation between the pair on a laptop .
Investigators say Harrington-Cooper has admitted the offense .
Harrington-Cooper is a married high school English teacher .
She is reportedly under medical supervision after attempting to harm herself following the arrest .
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By . Graham Smith . UPDATED: . 13:17 EST, 14 February 2012 . The Mormon faith of presidential candidate Mitt Romney has been one of the hot topics throughout the Republican's campaign. But a recent photo posted on social network website Twitter took speculation about the strength of his religious beliefs to new heights. It shows the GOP nominee wearing an unbuttoned white shirt with his Mormon underwear clearly visible underneath. Temple garment: This recent Twitter photo shows Mitt Romney wearing an unbuttoned white shirt with his Mormon underwear clearly visible underneath . Also known as a . Temple garment, it typically covers the shoulders and extends to the . knees, in deference to rules surrounding the Church of the Latter Day . Saints' temples. The close-fitting and far-from-revealing underwear is not a requirement for Mormons. But the bulky cotton T-shirt and long shorts need to be hidden beneath clothes, even during the summer months. It is strictly not for public display. Those worshippers that do wear a Temple garment must keep it on day and night. It must also be worn when entering a temple, hence its name. The image showing Mr Romney wearing the underwear ties in with his campaign tales of life as a Mormon missionary in France in the 1960s. He has revealed, with little detail spared, how he defecated into a bucket while serving. His and hers: The Temple garment typically covers the shoulders and extends to the knees, in deference to rules surrounding the Church of the Latter Day Saints' temples . Mr Romney said he spent . two-and-a-half years knocking on doors as he was greeted by locals with . guns, or their barking dogs chasing at his heels. These claims of a hard life since have been disputed by other missionaries. What is clear is that Mr Romney’s . mission to France took him through Le Havre, Paris and Bordeaux, . promoting a church which now has 14million members globally. The Church of Jesus Christ of . Latter-Day Saints now has 36,000 members in France and many of them . found the faith thanks to missionaries. Missionary work is a central tenet of Mormonism that is required of . members and 52,000 missionaries currently serve in 350 missions . globally. Trailblazing: The former Massachusetts governor waves to the crowd during a campaign stop in Mesa, Arizona, last night . On the up: Mr Romney won 39 per cent of the vote in Maine, three points ahead of the maverick libertarian Ron Paul . Mr Romney enjoyed another surge in the Republican candidacy race at the weekend. He won both the Maine caucuses and a poll of conservative activists gathered in Washington - a double boost that could help steady his White House campaign after last week’s shock defeats. The former Massachusetts governor won 39 per cent of the vote in Maine, three points ahead of the maverick libertarian Ron Paul. Rick Santorum, who swept the board in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota last Tuesday secured 18 per cent with Newt Gingrich languishing in fourth on just 6 per cent. In a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, Mr Romney won 38 per cent of the 3,408 votes cast, ahead of Mr Santorum on 31 per cent, Mr Gingrich on 15 and Dr Paul on 12. Dr Paul had made a major play for Maine in the hope of chalking up his first victory of the 2012 campaign. Mr Romney’s victory will help change the narrative that he is in major trouble and could help arrest Mr Santorum’s surprise surge.
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The Temple garment typically covers the shoulders and extends to the knees .
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Ello is an invitation-only and recent reports suggest requests to join it have increased from 4,000 to 30,000 in just one week . Facebook has been criticised for suspending the accounts of drag artists and other performers who don't want to use their real names on their profiles. And now users fed up with this policy are flocking to a social networking site, dubbed ‘Hello Ello’, which allows anyone to sign using a fake name. The site is invitation-only and recent reports suggest requests to join have increased from 4,000 to 30,000 in just one week. Ello looks like a cross between Twitter and Tumblr, using the @handles more commonly associated with former. It was created by California-based designer Paul Bundnitz who came up with the design after feeling ‘fed up with other social networks.' To sign up, users are instructed to enter their email address, or an existing user has to invite them. The criteria for being accepted are unclear. The site itself has a black-and-white colour scheme and a clean, scroll-down layout that lets users post status updates, upload pictures and comment on each other’s posts. Those . invited into the network are only allowed to invite five to 10 new . people and the website's homepage states they will keep user data and . privacy safe. ‘Your . social network is owned by advertisers,’ the site reads. ‘Every post . you share, every friend you make and every link you follow is tracked, . recorded and converted into data. VIDEO Scroll down to see who else is annoyed with Facebook . Those . invited into the network are only allowed to invite five to 10 new . people and the website's homepage states they will keep user data and . privacy safe . ‘Advertisers buy your data so they can show you more ads. You are the product that’s bought and sold.’ Unusually for a social network, the site is ad-free in the hope of enticing users away from Twitter and Facebook. However, Jason Duaine at Complex points out that sites such as Diaspora and App.net built themselves around an add-free model, without much success. But Ello intends to make its money by offering users themes and services that can make the social networking site better. Drag . queens (from left) Lil Ms Hot Mess, Sister Roma and Heklina spoke of . their disappointment last month after Facebook executives met with them . and refused to change the policy banning stage names . Earlier this month, drag queens threatened to boycott Facebook for refusing to let them use stage names on the site. The world's largest social media network has been blocking hundreds of profiles that do not comply with the policy requiring users to operate under their legal names. But a group of transvestites in San Francisco claim it is their human right to identify as their alter-egos. The social media giant claims the policy 'helps create a safer and more accountable environment'. Jinkx Monsoon, star of RuPaul's Drag Race, condemned the policy as a distraction from other more important issues in the community, who told MailOnline: 'Can Facebook just get this figured out quickly please? Aliases have existed for ages, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.' While the increase in user requests is yet to be explained, many are claiming it is due to Facebook’s naming policy, which requires all users to go by their legal name. The policy was criticised, earlier this month, as several drag performers and activists said they had been locked out of their accounts for breaching the policy. After San Francisco city officials got involved, Facebook agreed to temporarily give individuals affected by the policy back their accounts, the social network has so far not changed their rules. Facebook has been blocking hundreds of profiles that do not comply with the policy requiring users to operate under their legal name . Ello intends to make its money by offering users themes and services that can make the social networking site better. It has already been making waves on other social networks such as Twitter . Unusually for a social network, the site is ad-free in the hope of enticing users away from Facebook .
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Ello was created by California-based designer Paul Bundnitz .
He came up with design after feeling ‘fed up with other social networks'
Social site is ad-free and looks like a cross between Twitter and Tumblr .
Requests to join it have increased from 4,000 to 30,000 in just one week .
Many of these are believed to be users who last month threatened to boycott Facebook for refusing to let them use fake names on the site .
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Buenos Aires, Argentina (CNN) -- Authorities in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province denied entry Monday to two cruise liners that were seeking to dock in the southern port of Ushuaia, in incidents linked to the political dispute over the Falkland Islands. The government was applying a provincial law barring ships traveling under British colony flags from docking at the port, said the state-run Telam news agency. Both ships were registered in Bermuda, a British territory. One of the ships -- the Star Princess -- departed Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 18 on a 14-night South America cruise. "Because the ship had previously called at Stanley, it was denied entry to Ushuaia," said Julie Benson, a spokeswoman for Carnival Corp. She was referring to the port city in the Falkland Islands, which are referred to in Argentina as Las Malvinas. "We are extremely disappointed about this alteration of the cruise itinerary, and are refunding the cost of shore excursions purchased by our passengers," she said in an e-mail. The ship is continuing to its next scheduled port of call, Punta Arenas, Chile. The 289-meter (nearly 950-foot) luxury liner, which has a capacity of 2,600 passengers, had docked in Ushuaia several times in recent years, she said. The P&O cruise liner Adonia, which is on a South American tour from Southampton, England, with an almost entirely British contingent of passengers, got a similar reception on Monday. The ship "was this morning refused permission for its scheduled docking in the Argentinian port of Ushuaia by the local mayor on the grounds that it had visited the Falklands Islands two days before," said CNN contributor Robin Oakley, who was aboard the Adonis as a lecturer. Both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises are Carnival Corporation cruise brands. The law cited was passed last August and refers to ships that carry out "work related to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources, or to military vessels, within the ambit of the basin of the Malvinas Islands on the Argentinean continental platform," Telam reported. The head of the province's port authority, Alejandro Berola, said that the decision to turn away the ships was made following "express instructions" from Gov. Fabiana Rios, the news agency said. Ship authorities were informed of the decision Monday morning as they sailed through the Beagle Canal in front of the Chilean city of Port Williams. Last month, the Star Princess was denied entry into the Port of Stanley when 74 passengers and crew out of a total of 3,652 had gotten sick after the liner stopped in Ushuaia. The Falklands' authorities cited the illnesses as the reason for the denial. The president of the tourism board of Usuaia, Marcelo Lieti, said Monday's incident "had nothing to do with the Malvinas subject," according to Telam. "It's necessary to treat the question with much care," he said. "We all defend Malvinas, but the tourist ships have nothing to do with the request for sovereignty," he told Radio Provincia of Ushuaia. In 1982, after Argentina invaded the islands, it fought -- and lost -- a two-month undeclared war with Britain. Still, Argentina continues to press its claim to the islands, which are home to more than 3,000 people, most of them of British descent. In Buenos Aires, a group of intellectuals expressed unhappiness with the way the Argentine government is handling the matter of the sovereignty of the Malvinas. "The policy that the government is carrying out, in reality, is distancing us from the Malvinas instead of getting us nearer," said Jorge Latana, a journalist who has proposed greater cultural integration with the islands' inhabitants. "Return to before 1982. In Argentina, it is very odd the way one thinks about Malvinas, because the public thinks of it as if no one lived there. It is like a thing of magical thought; that one day we take it and it will be ours. And that is not real." Santiago Kovadloff, a philosopher, said the incident has nothing to do with sweeping away the British culture that is pervasive in the Falklands. "They have the right to determine what they want to be. It's not for us to impose a culture they don't want." Latana said that Argentina was being inconsistent. The country contains "a mountain of English businesses" that are exploiting the country's natural resources. "And they are sending money out of the country. In that sense, the government is speaking out both sides of its mouth. On one hand it is attacking England through the Malvinas and on the other it is favoring some businesses to exploit minerals. It's a policy that is half schizophrenic." CNN's Tom Watkins and Jose Manuel Rodriguez contributed to this report.
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Incidents occurred Monday in Tierra del Fuego province .
Two ships were denied entry to the port of Ushuaia .
Report: Argentina cites law barring ships sailing under British colony flags .
A dispute between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falklands goes back decades .
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At first glance, it looks uncannily like a human brain. However, in fact this could be proof of the volcanoes that once flowed across the Marian surface. The huge circular area is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, and is described as a 'circular island' by Nasa. Scroll down for video . The huge circular area spotted by Nasa is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, and is in the Athabasca region of the red planet . The Athabasca Valles is an outflow channel on Mars, cut into its surface by catastrophic flooding. The very high spatial resolution images from the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed that all the flood features are draped by lava flows. This flow, near Athabasca Valles, could be the youngest lava flow on Mars. 'It looks like a circular island surrounded by a 'sea' of smooth-looking lava flows,' Nasa said. The Athabasca region where the unique shape was spotted contains some of the youngest lava flows on Mars. 'Therefore, it is highly possible that volcanism played a role in creating this feature,' Nasa's experts claim. 'Perhaps lava has intruded underneath this mound and pushed it up from beneath. 'It looks as if material is missing from the mound, so it is also possible that there was a significant amount of ice in the mound that was driven out by the heat of the lava. There are an array of features like this in the region that continue to puzzle scientists. 'We hope that close inspection of this HiRISE image, and others around it, will provide some clues regarding its formation,' they say. The Athabasca Valles is an outflow channel on Mars, cut into its surface by catastrophic flooding. The very high spatial resolution images from the HiRISE camera on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed that all the flood features are draped by lava flows. HiRISE is one of six instruments on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The 65 kg (143 lb), $40 million instrument was built under the direction of the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. It consists of a 0.5 m (19.7 in) aperture reflecting telescope, the largest so far of any deep space mission, which allows it to take pictures of Mars with resolutions of 0.3 m/pixel (about 1 foot), resolving objects below a meter across. Research published in January 2010, described the discovery of a vast single lava flow, the size of the state of Oregon, that 'was put in place turbulently over the span of several weeks at most.' The Athabasca region where the unique shape was spotted contains some of the youngest lava flows on Mars . This flow, near Athabasca Valles, is the youngest lava flow on Mars. It is thought to be of Late Amazonian Age. The floor of Athabasca Valles is peppered with thousands of small cones and rings formed as steam exploded through the lava flow. Because the flood-carved surface is now covered by lava, it is no longer easy to determine the age of the water floods that passed through Athabasca Valles. It is plausible that the flood was triggered by rising magma. Around 80% of the craters in Athabasca Valles are secondary craters from the impact that created Zunil crater.
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Circular feature is nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide on the Athabasca region of the red planet .
Experts say it is most likely to be a circular island surrounded by a 'sea' of smooth-looking lava flows .
The Athabasca region contains some of the youngest lava flows on the martian surface .
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:07 EST, 1 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:57 EST, 1 February 2013 . A Florida woman, who suspected her roommate of using her things, discovered him torturing her cat after hiding a secret camera in her bedroom, according to police . Alanna Jenkins bought a secret camera disguised as an alarm clock to try and catch her roommate, Jordan Scott Bean, 25, going into her room while she was working. But rather than just moving her belongings around or using them, she actually discovered something much worse - he was allegedly beating her 2-year-old cat. Scroll down for video . Tortured? Alanna Jenkins' cat Chompers, pictured with her owner, was violently abused by Jordan Scott Bean, according to the police. The pet owner took video footage she secretly took of Bean, her former roommate, to the police station . Bean was arrested yesterday after police were handed the footage from the Boca Raton shared home. According to the arrest report, officers claim the footage shows Bean wrapping the cat called Chompers in a towel, choking and shaking her. 'I thought he was just going through my stuff or doing something that he shouldn't be doing,' Ms Jenkins told Inside Edition. 'I saw him violently abusing my cat,' she claims. 'He would wrap her up in my blanket and cover her face and he would strangle her, get on top of her and choke her'. Cruelty? Jordan Bean claims he was playing with Chompers on the video, pictured, but the cat's owner and the police claim she was being violently beaten . Wrestling: Chompers is wrapped in a blanket and tries to escape. Police claim Jordan Bean knew he was hurting the cat rather than innocently playing . According to the police report he also slams the animal onto the bed. 'You can hear the cat hissing, moaning and wailing at him,' a Boca Raton officer wrote in the report. '[Bean] gets on his hands and knees while carrying a towel attempting to corner the cat." Police claim the cat tries to hide from Bean in a closet but he finds her and climbing into the closet too. Happier times: Chompers, pictured with her owner, was assessed by an animal clinic but had no injuries following the incident. She is now back home with Ms Jenkins who has thrown out her old roommate . Concerned: Alanna Jenkins, left, said she found her belongings had been moved when she was at work so she put in a secret camera to monitor her roommate Jordan Bean, right . 'I was able to hear Bean meowing while inside the closet mocking the cat,' an officer writes in the report. The pet tries to fight her alleged attacker but he smothers her with his hands and then allegedly sits on her head, according to officers . Bean told police he was just playing with the animal while police say he 'intentionally committed an act to Chompers which resulted in excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering'. He has been charged with animal cruelty and was released on bail. If convicted he could face a year in jail plus a $5,000 fine. Chompers was given a clean bill of health by a local animal clinic and was released to her owner.
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Jordan Scott Bean, 25, is accused of torturing Alanna Jenkins' cat Chompers in Boca Raton, Florida .
Jenkins set up a secret camera after being alarmed that her belongings had been moved around in her bedroom while she was at work .
Police claim the footage shows Bean abusing her two-year-old cat which wails for help - he claims he was just playing with the pet .
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While most head chefs take a decade refining their culinary skills, Andrew Duff has scaled the career ladder faster than most and become Scotland's youngest head chef - at the tender age of 16. Andrew, who has been cooking since he was 12, has wowed diners since taking over the kitchen at an Edinburgh gastropub earlier this month. The culinary whizzkid now has dreams of owning his own restaurant - and becoming the youngest person to be awarded a Michelin star. Sixteen-year-old Andrew Duff is now the youngest head chef in Britain, working at Mackenzie's Bar in the Davidson's Mains area of Edinburgh . Andrew has always enjoyed dabbling in the kitchen, first baking with his father as a child before making his first meal at the age of 12 . He said: 'I want to build up my experience and I want to be the youngest chef to get a Michelin star. 'It's a big task but once college is done I could get another job and work my way up. 'I've always wanted to own my own restaurant. I've always been a fan of Jamie Oliver. He has a restaurant in Edinburgh. Andrew now splits his time between college in the mornings and working at the restaurant from 3-9pm . 'After eating there I decided I wanted to be a chef and maybe be as big as him.' The teenager did a one-month trial at Mackenzie's Bar in Davidson's Mains, in the north west of Edinburgh, last August before starting a professional cookery course at Edinburgh College. When the former head chef quit earlier this month, Andrew's dad Darren suggested to owner Brian Haston and his manager wife Karen that they take the teenager on. They agreed - and have been 'delighted' with their decision ever since. Andrew's ambition is to own his own restaurant and be as sucessful as Jamie Oliver . Andrew has always enjoyed dabbling in the kitchen, first baking with his father as a child before making his first meal at the age of 12 - spaghetti bolognese. He said: 'I got the opportunity to be the head chef if I wanted. The other guy left and they were looking for a new one. 'It's quite a busy restaurant. I'm only in college from 8am until 2pm then work from 3pm until 9pm during the week. 'It's quite a lot of work but in the end I think it will be worth it. It's only a pub but we serve up to 200 people at the weekend. 'I've never had any complaints about my food and all my family love my cooking. 'My lecturers say I have great inspiration and I could do well if I knuckle down and carry on with it.' Andrew's signature dish is a chicken korma curry, which impressed his boss so much it was put on the pub's menu. Pub manager Karen Haston said: 'His curry is totally amazing. He's very keen so I think that helps. I think for his age his cooking is really good. 'He's so laid back. We had 158 customers at the weekend and he never blinked. 'In the future he's going to be up there with the best.' Andrew dethrones Welsh chef Luke Thomas, who emerged as Britain's youngest head chef at the age of 18 two years ago. Luke has since opened his own bistro in the Cotswolds and starred in a BBC documentary. Aiden Byrne, now 42, became the youngest chef to win a Michelin star when he was 22 and working at Adlards restaurant in Norwich.
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Andrew was inspired to become a chef by Jamie Oliver .
He has been cooking since age 12 .
Did a trial at Mackenzie's Bar in Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh, last August .
Left to begin professional cookery course at Edinburgh College .
When bar's head chef left, owners decided to hire Andrew .
Now goes to college each morning and works at the restaurant from 3-9pm .
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Top seed Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray's conqueror David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday. Djokovic, who extended his winning streak in China to 28 matches will face Roger Federer next in a rematch of their Wimbledon final. Federer beat Julien Benneteau, . Djokovic hasn’t lost in China since falling to Federer in the Shanghai semifinals in 2010. Since then, he’s captured the China Open three times, and the Shanghai Masters twice. Novak Djokovic beat David Ferrer in straight sets in their Shanghai Masters quarter-final on Friday . The top seed was too much for the Spaniard and will advance to the semi-finals to play Roger Federer . The other semi-final has been set, with Gilles Simon of France taking on Feliciano Lopez of Spain. Lopez, who knocked out an ailing Rafael Nadal in the second round, defeated Mikhail Youzhny 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, while Simon beat sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-0.
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Novak Djokovic beat David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2 at the Shanghai Masters .
Top seed extends winning streak in China to 28 games .
Serb will face Roger Federer in the semi-finals .
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Two teenagers have been arrested after a 12-year-old boy and woman were left with burns after marine flares were thrown in the middle of an A-league game in Melbourne. The incident happened during the second half of Melbourne Victory's clash with Brisbane Roar at Etihad stadium on Friday night. Victoria Police say five flares were let off during the second half of the game and they believe young fans are being led astray by older patrons. A 12-year-old boy and woman were burnt after flares were let off during an A-League game in Melbourne . The incident happened in the second half of Melbourne Victory's clash with Brisbane Roar at Etihad stadium . Carl Valeri of Melbourne Victory crosses the ball during the round seven A-League match between the Melbourne Victory and Brisbane Roar at Etihad Stadium on Friday night . The teenagers who have been arrested are assisting police with their inquiries. North West Metro Commander Rick Nugent said letting off flares was dangerous and illegal and that anti-social behaviour has increased at the soccer this season despite the game's governing body, the league and authorities working tirelessly to improve community safety. 'Flares are extremely dangerous. They can burn at more than 1000 degrees Celsius and are not designed to be released in highly populated areas. 'They are not easily extinguished, they are designed for marine distress. 'They are not designed for highly populated areas like you have at sporting arenas. 'The increased criminality we are seeing at the soccer this season is completely unacceptable.' North West Metro Commander Rick Nugent told media on Saturday that letting off flares was dangerous and illegal . Since the first match on October 10 this season, 38 flares have been let off and about 200 chairs broken, he said. Commander Nugent said most of the 22,000 people attending Friday night's match were well behaved, but a certain group of individuals had other motives. He said he believed older patrons could be leading younger supporters astray. 'Last year we had quite a successful season in terms of significantly reduced anti-social behaviour, violence and criminality at games. 'This year, I suspect part of it is that we have young people joining the active supporter areas that are being led astray by some older and more experienced people and are now embarking upon this sort of conduct.' The number of flares let off on Friday brings the season's total to 38 compared with eight last season, he said. Commander Nugent added letting off flares was dangerous and illegal but many people didn't seem to realise how risky it was. So far this season, about 30 people have been arrested at Victorian A-League soccer matches. The first match took place on October 10.
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Boy, 12, and woman burnt after flares were let off during an A-League game .
The incident happened at the Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar match .
Two teenagers were arrested at the Etihad stadium in Melbourne .
Police have warned letting off flares is 'dangerous and illegal'
They say more flares and illegal activity is going on at soccer games .
Five flares were let off in the second half of the match on Friday night .
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By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:12 EST, 27 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:12 EST, 27 October 2013 . No Macy's employees were involved in the detention or questioning of a black actor who claims he was stopped because of his race while shopping at the flagship Manhattan department store, Macy's officials said Sunday. Rob Brown, a black actor who works on the HBO series 'Treme,' has said he was detained nearly an hour by police on June 8 after employees contacted authorities about possible credit card fraud. The actor has filed a lawsuit. In a statement, Macy's said there was no record of any employee contacting authorities about Mr Brown's purchase. The store said police officers requested use of a room in the building and that request was granted. Racist row: Actor Rob Brown (right) has accused Macy's of racially profiling him in June at the 34th Street Manhattan location (left) The store said it was reaching out to Mr Brown, and continuing to investigate the situation. Mr Brown's account comes after claims from two black shoppers said they were racially profiled at Barneys New York. Trayon Christian sued Barneys, saying he was accused of fraud after using his debit card to buy a $349 Ferragamo belt in April. Kayla Philips filed a notice of claim saying she would sue after she was stopped by detectives outside the store when she bought a $2,500 Celine handbag in February. As the criticism grew, Barneys said it had retained a civil rights expert to help review its procedures. The CEO of Barneys, Mark Lee, offered his 'sincere regret and deepest apologies.' Kirsten John Foy, an official with the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network, said he would meet with Barneys officials on Tuesday to discuss the racial profiling allegations.
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Allegations against Macy's come as Barney's has been accused by multiple African-Americans of racial profiling .
Macy's denied racially profiling customers despite accusations by a black actor from the HBO series 'Treme'
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Bumper crop: Warm weather has led to a huge harvest of blackberries this year . Blackberry farmers are expecting a bumper crop of super-sweet fruits this year thanks to the warm weather. Growers have harvested 1,123 tonnes already compared to 808 this time last year and expect to net 2,000 tonnes by the end of the season, nearly double more than last autumn. Experts say the abundant harvest is due to ideal growing conditions during mild weather last winter and a long and settled summer. Industry body British Summer Fruits said blackberries emerged around a month earlier than expected with an abundance of large, succulent fruit still to be picked. Chairman Laurence Olins said growers are also using new technology to breed sweeter varieties. He said: ‘British consumers are some of the luckiest in the world when it comes to blackberries as the UK is at the forefront of new technologies and breeding methods, resulting in exceptional quality, flavourful fruit. ‘Our growers have seen the market grow substantially in recent years, by more than 70 per cent in the last decade.’ The remarkable autumn weather is set to run and run, with a glorious weekend in store. Temperatures in the south could hit 23C (73F) tomorrow (Sunday) with highs of 21C (70F) elsewhere, forecasters said. The temperatures are way above the 16C (61F) daytime average for September. There will be a misty start today and tomorrow - but the fogs will clear to leave a glorious, sunny and dry weekend for most parts of the country. High temperatures all around the country (pictured: Cambridge) have led to the high blackberry numbers . Warm weather is due to set in tomorrow, and should stay dry into October apart from a brief storm on Monday. Pictured here: Trebah Gardens near Falmouth, Cornwall, where the garden is still in wonderful bloom thanks to the warm weather . A storm will blow in on Monday in southern parts - the result of the warm weather on Sunday - but it will quickly clear. Matt Dobson, forecaster at MeteoGroup, said: ‘This is pretty amazing weather for September. ‘After a really warm weekend we will have some storms in the south on Monday - but once we get past that we will have a lot more fine and dry weather. ‘It is looking like it will last until the beginning of October, which is quite remarkable.’ Met Office spokeswoman Laura Young said: ‘Temperatures will be above average for the next week thanks to high pressure prevailing over the south. ‘There cold be some fog around on Saturday morning mainly in the south east and across the West Country sand maybe Wales.’ Leon Brown, forecaster for The Weather Channel UK, added: ‘There is a fine and mainly dry weekend ahead, away from the far north, and becoming quite warm in the south.’
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Warmer than average weather expected to lead to huge blackberry crop .
Growers have already harvested 1,123 tonnes, up from 808 this time in 2013 .
They expect to have netted 2,000 tonnes by the end of the season .
Temperatures could hit 23C tomorrow, with warm dry weather set to last .
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A drunken partygoer was captured on camera spitting out 165 swear words during a shocking 10-minute tirade against a bouncer who refused him entry to a bar. The disturbing footage shows the middle-aged man ferociously ranting at the doorman during the hate-filled harangue in Canterbury, Kent. Clips from the foul-mouthed episode, which took place on Christmas Eve, show the reveller telling the doorman he will 'slaughter his entire generation' and 'smash and batter him'. A drunken partygoer was captured on camera spitting out 165 swear words during a 10-minute hate-filled tirade against a bouncer who refused him entry to a bar in Canterbury, Kent . The shocking footage shows the middle-aged man ferociously ranting at the doorman, telling him he will 'slaughter his entire generation' and 'smash and batter him' His face contorted with fury, the man then insists that he has been 'police, considerate and everything' - before challenging the employee to a fight. He also says: 'I ain't no ordinary mortal', before the doorman attempts to move him away from the scene. The footage was released by the doorman's boss at The Cuban, to illustrate the sort of behaviour with which doormen are faced. It was filmed on a camera attached to the doorman's jacket at around 10.20pm on Christmas Eve. Other revellers passing the bar witness the abusive onslaught, with one heard saying 'what a lovely man'. At the end of the rant, another man appears at the front door, who appears to be waiting for a friend to emerge from bar. He also says: 'I ain't no ordinary mortal', before the doorman attempts to move him away from the scene . His face contorted with fury, the man then insists that he has been 'police, considerate and everything' - before challenging the employee to a fight . He is seen trying to reason with the drunk and asks him where he is from. The man replies: 'The local community. I’m going to a club. What you doing?' Oli Nonis, a director of Akon security, which runs the door at The Cuban, said: 'This is just an example of what we have to tolerate on a daily basis and are expected to just to put up with. 'It's not the norm for the average punter, but there are people who think it's okay to behave like this towards our staff. At the end of the onslaught, another man appears at the front door (blurred out left), who appears to be waiting for a friend to emerge from bar . The footage was released by the doorman's boss at The Cuban, to illustrate the sort of behaviour with which doormen are faced . 'But they're professionals and properly trained and know exactly how to deal with situations like this. 'It also means we are able to ensure well-managed venues like The Cuban are free of drunks and potential troublemakers so people can enjoy their nights out without hassle. 'This situation also shows the effectiveness of the body-worn cameras in recording instances of disorder or crime.'
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Shocking footage shows middle-aged man ferociously ranting at doorman .
Furious onslaught began after he was refused entry to a bar in Canterbury .
Tells doorman he will 'slaughter' him during episode on Christmas Eve .
Footage released by doorman's boss to illustrate the behaviour they face .
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From the outside it looks like it could still light up a city but the Frank R Phillips power station in South Heights, Pittsburgh was living on borrowed time. The World War Two era relic was just weeks from demolition. Photographer Matthew Christopher thought it was important that he documented the buildings which form part of America's growing rust belt. When it was commissioned in 1943, it produced enough power for the whole of the city of Pittsburgh and cope with the demands of war production from the heavy industrial plants. The coal-fired plant was wound down in the 1990s as demand for heavy industry declined and attempts to reopen it failed. Eventually it was earmarked for demolition. The Frank. R. Philips power station in South Heights Philidelphia looks like it is a ready to provide electricity for thousands of homes across the area . Inside however, the control room looks like something from a bygone era banks of analogue dials and switches, and a distinct lack of flat screens monitors . Deeper inside the aged building, which was demolished in 2011, are the engineering stations where dozens of people had to closely monitor the power station's output . Writing on his blog, Christopher explains: 'After a few years of trying, a good friend of mine was able to arrange a tour of the Frank R. Phillips Power Station less than a year before it was demolished. While the plant was a lot more modern and was much less decayed than some I have been to, the sheer scale of the plant was amazing. 'At over 11 stories, there was simply no way to see the whole plant in a day, but we did cover quite a bit of ground. The engineer who lead us through the plant knew every aspect of its operation and was nearly as interesting as the plant itself. It was an exhausting day in a string of long days out taking pictures, but it was still a disappointment when it ended and even moreso when the plant was demolished and the opportunity to return was gone forever.' As well as power plants, Christopher, 36, has also shot empty churches, hotels, hospitals and prisons. Christopher, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, revealed two of the sites he photographed - Westport Generating Station in Baltimore and Frank R. Phillips Power Station in South Heights - were demolished soon after. He estimates that he has photographed more than a dozen power plants all featured in his soon to be released book Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences. Christopher said: 'I do quite a bit of research to identify locations I'd like to photograph and I'm fortunate I have friends who have helped me out with connections or information.' He said: 'It's important to me to work with people who manage these sites to present the places in a way that doesn't cause them any problems. 'They can also be quite dangerous so you have to be very careful. But they are also my favorite type of places to photograph. 'People seem fascinated by these sorts of places too. 'Most of us will never get to see what the inside of a power plant looks like yet we're dependent on them to produce the electricity that powers everything in our homes.' More information on Christopher's photography tours to abandoned locations can be found on his Facebook page . The amazing images form part of photographer Matthew Christopher's Abandoned America series which documents the rusting hulks of the nation's industrial heritage . According to Christopher, he wanted to capture the building which was completed in the early 1940s for posterity before it was eventually demolished . Despite working in a power station, the operator of this antiquated phone had to spin the wheel to generate enough current to carry his phone call . This is the Turbine Hall of the Westport Generating Station in Baltimore, Maryland which was demolished in 2008, providing a view into the industrial past . These turbines used to spin furiously generating power for thousands of people and businesses across the east coast of the United States . But along with the demise of heavy industry in the area, the need for old fashioned, coal-fired power stations was lessened and they were eventually decommissioned . Matthew Christopher travelled across the east coast of the United States documenting the decline in the rust belt states as heavy industry moved on . The giant machines look like they have been created to last for eternity, but much of the metal on display has already been recycled into new goods . Christopher said he wanted to document the industrial past before it was demolished . Running a coal-fired power station was a massive logistical undertaking with large quantities of fuel needed every day from their own elevated railway . The rusting hulk of this turbine marks as a stark reminder of the decline in America's industrial strength as heavy industry has moved to the far east . These coal chutes fed the massive furnaces around the clock with a constant stream of railway carriages providing fuel for the insatiable beast .
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The Frank R Phillips power station in South Heights Pittsburgh first operated in 1943 providing war time energy .
Less than half-a-century later it was doomed with the collapse of heavy industry and concerns over coal power .
The eerie images form part of Matthew Christopher's photographic record of America's rust belt relics .
After the power station closed in the 1990s, metal thieves targeted it and it became a focus for anti-social behaviour .
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They may only have a brain the size of a thimble, but it appears pigeons can categorise and name objects in the same way a human children learn new words. A new study from the University of Iowa has shown that the birds are capable of learning to categorise 128 different photographs into 16 basic categories. Scientists taught three pigeons to attribute different breeds of dog or types of shoe, for example to a particular symbol in exchange for a reward. Pigeons, like the one above, can learn to categorise objects in a similar way to young children learn words . When they were shown black and white pictures of previously unseen dogs or shoes, the birds were able to correctly attribute these to the corresponding symbols. The scientists behind the project say this is a similar approach taken by young children when they are first learning words for objects. Crows are widely thought to be among the most intelligent of birds, but a recent study found they are even smarter than first thought, capable of solving complex tasks previously thought possible only by humans, apes and monkeys. Most impressively, they performed the tasks spontaneously - without any prior training. Two hooded crows were placed into a wire mesh cage into which a plastic tray containing three small cups was occasionally inserted. The sample cup in the middle was covered with a small card that had a colour, shape or number of items pictured on it. The other two cups were also covered with cards - one that matched the sample, and one that didn't. The cup under the matching card contained mealworms, which the crows were rewarded with if they chose the correct match. The crows were then required to conduct a similar task but with images on cards that did not precisely match. Researchers were surprised that the not only could the crows correctly perform these relational matches, with a success rate of 78 per cent - 50 per cent being regarded as chance - but that they did so spontaneously, without explicit training. However, the researchers said it took their birds around 40 days to perfect the task of learning just 16 categories. Professor Edward Wasserman, a psychologist at the University of Iowa who led the work, said: 'Our birds’ rate of learning appears to have been quite slow. Human adults regularly learn 16 categories in the space of an hour, yet, pigeons took 45,000 trials to reach their associative limits. 'Would children learn faster than pigeons? Almost certainly. However, our pigeons came to the experiment with literally no background knowledge. 'They did not understand the nature of the “task", they had not encountered these categories before, and they had empty lexicons. 'Children, on the other hand, bring all of these things to bear on the problem of learning words. 'Thus, the more relevant comparison group may be newborn infants, who indeed take 6–9 months to learn their first words.' On each training day, the researchers presented each of the pigeons with 128 randomly ordered images. Each image fitted into one of 16 categories - baby, bottle, cake, car, cracker, dog, duck, fish, flower, hat, key, pen, phone, plan, shoe, tree. The birds then had to peck on one of two different colour symbols presented to them on a touchscreen computer - one that was associated with the correct category and the other the wrong category. If the birds selected the correct symbol they were rewarded with a pellet of food. Incorrect choices plunged the birds into darkness foir a new seconds. After the training, the birds were then presented with images from the categories they had not seen before to see if they could correctly attribute them. The pigeons had to select coloured symbols as in the above example were taught to associate with objects . The pigeons had to select the symbols that correctly corresponded to images they were shown on a screen . Pigeons are known for their ability to find their way home, but the new study suggests they are even smarter . One of the birds reached an accuracy of 80 per cent, a second achieved 70 per cent accuracy and the third was 65 per cent accurate. Writing in the journal Cognition, the researchers said their experiment was a very simple mirror of the way children are taught words - by their parents pointing to pictures and asking them to name the object. They said: 'Our paradigm is not a direct analog of human word learning. 'Nevertheless, it does offer a unique biological model of a critical property of word learning - namely, the fact that a learner must map many exemplars to many categories.' Professor Wasserman added: 'Unlike prior attempts to teach words to primates, dogs, and parrots, we used neither elaborate shaping methods nor social cues. 'Our pigeons were trained on all 16 categories simultaneously, a much closer analog of how children learn words and categories. 'Differences between humans and animals must indeed exist - many are already known - but, they may be outnumbered by similarities. 'Our research on categorization in pigeons suggests that those similarities may even extend to how children learn words.' The scientists taught the pigeons to group images of real objects into the 16 distinct categories shown above . Pigeons are known to be smarter than many birds and their homing instinct allows them to memorise their location and find their way home from hundreds of miles away. Professor Bob McMurray, another psychologist who took part in the study, said the results showed that human learning is not as unique as was previously believed. He said: 'Children are confronted with an immense task of learning thousands of words without a lot of background knowledge to go on. 'For a long time, people thought that such learning is special to humans. 'What this research shows is that the mechanisms by which children solve this huge problem may be mechanisms that are shared with many species.' Researchers studying New Caledonian crows recently discovered the clever corvids display a preference for holding a stick tool on a certain side of their beaks - and this could be to make the most of their wide field of vision. The researchers believe the birds may be trying to keep the tip of the stick in view of the eye on the opposite side of their heads, so they can see clearly in order to use tools in the most dexterous way. Lead scientist Dr Alejandro Kacelnik, from Oxford University, said: ‘If you were holding a brush in your mouth and one of your eyes was better than the other at brush length, you would hold the brush so that its tip fell in view of the better eye. This is what the crows do.’ New Caledonian crows surprised experts with their ability to use sticks to extract larvae from burrows and, in captivity, retrieve food placed out of reach. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, also suggests that the birds' unusually wide field of vision actually helps them to see better with one eye.
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University of Iowa scientists taught pigeons to use touchscreen computers .
The birds learned to sort 128 different pictures into 16 basic categories .
The pigeons were rewarded with pellets of food with each correct answer .
They took 64 days to learn how different objects fitted into each category .
Scientists say this is similar to how parents begin teaching children words .
The birds, however, required 45,000 'lessons' to achieve their best scores while humans learn to group objects into 16 categories in under an hour .
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f5b705968febd085017cc23edf77c0e02df72971
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . A teenager who ballooned to 19st after eating two dinners every night shed 6st to take his dream girl to his school prom. At 15 years old, Waira Mungai, was obese as a result of eating fried chicken, steaks, mashed potato and gravy in double portions every night, along with half a bag of Doritos and two litres of fizzy pop. He rarely exercised, staying indoors for hours playing computer games, isolating himself from his peers. Waira Mungai, now 21, lost 6st to drop from 19st (left) to 13st (right). He achieved this by eating healthily . He decided to lose weight after ripping the last pair of jeans that still fitted him when bending to put his rucksack into the back of a car, meaning he was forced to go to school wearing shorts in the middle of winter. After months of eating only blueberry shakes, chicken or tuna breasts and occasionally brown rice or fruit and a strict exercise regime, he managed to lose 6st and pluck up the courage to ask the girl he’d been obsessed with throughout school to the prom. They have remained in a happy relationship since and he is now 21. He blames his weight gain on his family’s culture of eating unhealthily, combined with depression because his father left the family when he was very young. Waira, from Kansas, told the magazine Man V Fat: ‘My family always ate fried foods, heavily-processed foods, high-sugar foods and a lot of very big portions. 'Without a father figure in my life I possibly would have been overweight anyway but because he was gone there was a hole I was trying to fill. I was unhappy from a young age. As I grew up food numbed those feelings.’ Waira (pictured during his weight loss) put on weight because he ate two fast food dinners every night and drank litres of fizzy drinks every day . Waira (pictured as a child) decided to lose weight after he ripped the only pair of trousers that fitted him by bending over to put something in his car . Playing computer games became a way of escaping the reality of being fat and unpopular for Wiara. He said: ‘In video games I could escape, I didn't have to deal with the reality and I was in control. My avatar in the games was a lot thinner than I was - it was so clearly a wish-fulfilment thing.’ The tipping point came at the age of 15, when he was forced to wear shorts to school after ripping the last pair of jeans he could still fit into. He said: ‘I was getting into the car and I bent over to put my backpack in the car and my jeans just completely ripped. 'My mum was running late for work so she was shouting at me to get a move on. I had to run inside and in the middle of this snowy, frozen day I had to go to school in the only thing that would fit - a pair of shorts. Waira believes he gained weight because his family always ate junk food and he was given huge portions. He is pictured (left) before his weight loss and (right) now . Waira (pictured before his weight loss) started dating his childhood sweetheart after his weight loss . ‘Walking up to school there was a big glass window and I could see the reflection of my legs in the window. They were just huge and this feeling of sadness and disgust grew around me. That was the moment that I thought, you know what, I don't want to be like this anymore.’ He joined the local YMCA gym and began eating healthily, losing more than half a stone in a week. He said: ‘I restricted myself from eating any sugar - bananas even, processed foods - I went cold turkey. At the end of that first week I lost 9lb. And that was enough for me to believe that if I continued with this I really could change my life.’ After more than a year of dieting he came back to school after the summer holiday and his friends no longer recognised him. People he’d never met began to notice him for the first time. He describes how the attention was unwanted after years of isolating himself and fading into the background. ‘It was the most uncomfortable feeling I've ever had because I was a bigger person who didn't exist, I just wasn't used to being seen,’ he said. Waira has now set up his own fitness company to help other people lose weight. He is pictured (left) before his weight loss and (right) afterwards . ‘I remember people would look at me and smile and I'd turn around thinking someone was behind me, but it was me they were smiling at. To be completely honest the world is a different place when you're not obese.’ Now, he has set up his own fitness company, WairaFit, to inspire others to lose weight. He says the best advice for those wishing to shed the pounds is to visualise a goal: a new body or a confident future persona. ‘Every single day I was on that elliptical at the beginning I was sweating and panting away but in my head I had already become the thin and strong person I wanted to be. I had an image of what I looked like taking a girl to the junior prom,’ he said. ‘And you know what, I did take a girl to my junior prom. The girl I really, really liked all throughout middle school, all throughout high school. I was too afraid to ask her out when I was bigger, but I'm with that girl today – my story has a happy ending.’
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At 15 years old Waira Mungai weighed 19st and was depressed .
He ate two big dinners every night, along with half a bag of Doritos .
and two litres of fizzy drinks a day - he also stayed indoors playing computer games .
In seven months he lost 6st through eating well and exercising regularly .
Now muscular and weighing 13st he has found love with his childhood .
sweetheart and set up his own fitness company to help others .
Waira shared his story with magazine Man V Fat - which can be read here .
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Tony Pulis walked out on Crystal Palace on Thursday night, less than 48 hours before the start of the Premier League season. The 56-year-old manager spent hours in a crisis meeting with Palace chairman Steve Parish following a row over the club’s transfer policy, before it was revealed that he had left by mutual consent. However, it is understood that Pulis refused to carry on, in protest against the entire running of the club. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Arsene Wenger: Tony Pulis made a miracle at Palace . End of the Road: Tony Pulis has left Crystal Palace after a meeting with co-chairman Steve Parish . Award winner: Tony Pulis was named Barclays Premier League manager of the season . Malky Mackay - Evens . Tim Sherwood 6-1 . Neil Lennon 8-1 . Steve Clarke 10-1 . David Moyes 10-1 . Billy Davies 16-1 . Roberto Di Matteo 16-1 . Alex McLeish 20-1 . Gareth Southgate 20-1 . Odds supplied by Coral . Pulis, who remarkably kept Palace in the Barclays Premier League last season after taking over in November when they had only four points, is believed to be devastated by the collapse of what he felt was a long-term plan to establish the club in the top flight. Dave Kemp will take charge of the team at Arsenal on Saturday but will then also leave. Keith Millen will help him and stay on in a coaching role. Although former Stoke boss Pulis took training as usual on Thursday morning, Parish summoned him to their meeting at a central London location. The pair’s relationship deteriorated in the summer over a difference of opinion about the type of players they wanted. Plenty to shout about: Pulis was unhappy with the transfer policy at Crystal Palace . Talking tactics: Tony Pulis gives Marouane Chamakh some direction during the friendly against Augsburg . VIDEO Crystal Palace and Tony Pulis part company . The Premier League Manager of the Year wanted to be backed heavily in the transfer window, but Parish adopted a cautious approach because of the finance involved. Pulis believed he had put together deals for Steven Caulker, Michu and Gylfi Sigurdsson but these did not materialise. Palace went into administration twice because of a catastrophic transfer policy under former chairman Mark Goldberg and, more recently, Simon Jordan. Parish, who is one of four Palace fans with a 25 per cent share in the club, didn’t want to overstretch the budget. Missed out: Steven Caulker (left) was wanted by Palace but joined London rivals QPR . Moving back: Gylfi Sigurdsson (left) left Tottenham to resign for old club Swansea . Pulis took over from Ian Holloway at Selhurst Park last season when the club looked doomed to relegation, but they staged a remarkable recovery to finish in 11th place. Palace director of football Iain Moody is believed to want his former Cardiff boss Malky Mackay to take over from Pulis.
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Tony Pulis was annoyed club failed to sign Gylfi Sigurdsson, Steven Caulker and Michu .
Palace have bought in Fraizer Campbell, Brede Hangeland and Chris Kettings and Martin Kelly .
Pulis and co-chairman were locked in crisis talks on Thursday .
Neil Lennon and Malky Mackay early favourites for the job .
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