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Stalker : Kathy Rowe , pictured , posed as her rival house bidder online , asking for men to ` force his way in and on me , while I say no ' A San Diego woman who allegedly solicited rape and sodomy on a couple who outbid her for her dream home has pleaded guilty to stalking . Kathy Rowe , who won a local ` Mother of the Year ' award in 2007 , became so distraught after losing the property to the couple that she created fake sex-ads online pretending to be the wife , asking for strange men to break into her home and ` rape ' her . The 53-year-old entered a plea bargain over the stalking charges , in exchange for prosecutors to drop felony charges of soliciting rape and sodomy and misdemeanor charges of identity theft and harassment . Rowe and the couple had both had their eye on the property in Carmel Valley , San Diego , but when Rowe was outbid , she decided to make the new owners ' lives a living hell . The young husband and wife were initially subjected to bullying and stalking , which saw Rowe put a stop on their mail and sending religious missionaries to their doorstep . However , Rowe 's hate campaign soon took a sinister turn when she allegedly posed as the wife in online adult entertainment ads titled ` Carmel Valley Freak Show , ' inviting strange men over to the couple 's home for sex . The online ads used the wife 's picture and address , and described scenarios of a rape fantasy . ' I love to be surprised and have a man just show up at my door and force his way in the door and on me , totally taking me while I say no , ' Rowe wrote to a respondent , posing as the wife . One man decided to follow up on the offer , but he was thwarted once by a locked gate and a second time when the husband answered the door . Two men who responded to the sex ads said they understood they were for consensual sex . Dream home : Kathy Rowe was so furious over missing out on this property in San Diego , she launched a campaign of terror against the new owners including posting online adverts looking for sex in their names . Worth jail ? Kathy Rowe is facing three years in jail when she 's sentenced in January 9 after launching a horror campaign against couple who out-bid her on this Carmel Valley home . Conviction of soliciting rape would have required Rowe to register for life as a sex offender . Rowe could face up to three years in prison when she 's sentenced January 9 . Rowe 's lawyer C. Bradley Patton said he expects she will receive probation and possibly a period of home confinement . The probation would last three years , and the felony could eventually be reduced to a misdemeanor , Patton told the Los Angeles Times . Rowe has reached an out-of-court monetary settlement with the owners , the Times said . Desperate : A former mom-of-the-year was so desperate to buy this San Diego home she launched a campaign of harassment against the couple who beat her to it . Inciting : Kathy Rowe posted online adverts appealing for men to break into the home and rape the female owner in revenge after she missed out buying the property . | Woman ran hate campaign against couple who bought her dream home . Kathy Rowe , 53 , posed as the wife online , asking for men to ` rape ' her . Rowe asked for men to ` force his way in and on me , while I say no ' She also stopped their mail and sent religious groups to their door . Entered plea bargain in exchange for dropping soliciting rape charges . | [[1928, 2050], [2064, 2173], [2110, 2113], [2117, 2188], [2110, 2126], [2140, 2188], [2807, 2890], [141, 158], [163, 210], [412, 469], [278, 288], [472, 536], [1104, 1222], [1560, 1564], [1589, 1609], [1928, 2050], [2912, 2920], [2923, 2973], [0, 7], [75, 121], [278, 288], [472, 536], [1419, 1425], [1446, 1520], [1419, 1420], [1523, 1555], [2912, 2920], [2923, 2973], [2970, 3005], [975, 996], [1005, 1093], [920, 923], [1043, 1093], [620, 743]] |
With Princess Charlene days away from giving birth , Monaco 's Prince Albert was forced to draft in sister Stéphanie as his date last night . The Monégasque royal was at the Fight AIDS Monaco Auction Sale at the Hotel Meridien and looked in good spirits , cheerfully giving his sibling a smacking kiss on the cheek as she arrived to join him . For her part , Stéphanie , 49 , was chic in a tailored cream boucle jacket and neatly tailored trousers , and accessorised the look with a bright slick of red lipstick . Scroll down for video . Pucker up : Prince Albert plants a kiss on sister Stéphanie 's cheek as he arrives at the auction . No nerves : Despite the imminent birth of his twin heirs , Albert , 56 , looked happy and relaxed . She also joined auctioneers on the stage to help sell off some of the art , which was donated by painters such as Kenzo Takada , will all profits going to help AIDS victims . Fight AIDS Monaco is a personal project of Princess Stéphanie 's and was launched to help people with HIV and AIDS live normal lives , free from discrimination and stigma . Stéphanie is the youngest child of the late Prince Ranier and his wife Grace Kelly and has enjoyed a colourful career , that has included stints as a model , fashion designer and singer . Her love life has been equally colourful , with a first marriage to her bodyguard Daniel Ducruet , followed by a relationship with an elephant trainer . After that relationship ended in 2001 , she married Portuguese acrobat Adans Lopez Peres but the marriage ended in divorce less than a year later . Nice to see you : The royal siblings looked thrilled to see each other for the Hotel Meridien event . All smiles : The siblings sat together for the event , which was held to raise funds to help AIDS victims . Birth : Albert 's wife Charlene , who is almost nine months pregnant with twins , chose to stay at home . Auctioneer : Stéphanie helped auction off some of the artworks on behalf of her charity , Fight AIDS Monaco . While Prince Albert is no stranger to a complex love life , his romantic life has been transformed since meeting then Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock in 2000 . Now Princess Charlene , the sports star moved into the Palais Princier in 2006 and the couple married in 2011 . Although heavily pregnant Charlene , 36 , usually accompanies Albert to events in Monaco , she remained at home last night . Due to give birth to twin heirs within days , she last appeared in public with the Monégasque royal family on Monaco Day last month . Donation : Painter Kenzo Takada was among the artists to donate work to be sold at the auction . Last appearance : Princess Charlene was last seen on Monaco National Day last month . Imminent : The heavily pregnant princess joined the rest of the Monégasque royals on the balcony . Kiss : She treated husband Albert to a kiss on the balcony of the Palais Princier in central Monaco . Speaking in a rare interview days after the balcony appearance , Albert told local paper Monaco Matin that the birth is imminent . ` As it is a twin pregnancy the birth will surely take place a dozen days early , ' he told the French language title . Princess Charlene , 36 , who has chosen to find out the babies ' genders , is , he revealed , under strict instructions not to tell him . ` The princess probably knows but she is playing the game , ' said the expectant father . ` She is keeping the secret as I asked her to . ' ` You know , one does n't often have the opportunity to have such pleasant surprises in life . That is why I prefer not to know the babies ' gender before the birth . ' With an average of 3.5 sets of twins born per 1,000 pregnancies , an instant family of two babies - even royal ones - is n't unusual . Georg Friedrich , Prince of Prussia is one royal parent of twins , who with wife Princess Sophie of Isenberg welcomed Carl Friedrich and Louis Ferdinand in 2013 . Another is Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his wife Mary , who became parents to Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine in 2011 . Prince Louis Alphonse , Duke of Anjou is yet another royal father of twins , following the birth of Prince Louis , Duke of Burgundy and Prince Alphonse , Duke of Berry , to his wife María Margarita Vargas Santaella in 2010 . But although royal twins are fairly frequent among European dynasties , among them the Monégasque couple , British royals are an entirely different story with just one set born in the last 2,000 years . Born to King James I of Scotland and his wife Joan Beaufort in 1430 , Alexander and James were the first and only twins born to British royal parents . Tragically though , Alexander , the eldest of the two , died before reaching one - with his younger brother later taking the throne of Scotland as James II . During his marriage to Mary of Guelders , James sired no fewer than seven children , all of them in separate pregnancies . Despite the lack of British royal twins , odds have shortened on another double birth - for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - taking place . While the Monégasque rules of succession are clear , the British rules are n't set in stone , although as the new baby - or babies - will be spares , the question of who inherits what is less vexed . In theory , with Prince George already in the royal nursery , the new babies would come behind him with the elder becoming the spare while the younger would have no real role . As for which parent is responsible for the Monégasque royal twins - or the British ones , should they come to pass , Consultant Gynaecologist Dr Andrew Paterson says both could be behind a multiple birth , although the mother is the more likely candidate . ` Twins are not genetically based , ' he explains . ` Monozygotic twins are more rare and when a single fertilised egg divides in two , creating identical twins . ` Another way is when a mother release two eggs at ovulation and both are fertilised , creating non identical twins . ` If either the mother or the father have twins in their family , the chances of them having twins is higher . ' | Prince Albert was joined by sister Princess Stéphanie for charity auction . Money was raised for Fight AIDS Monaco - Stéphanie 's foundation . Princess Charlene , who is due to give birth in days , stayed at home . The South African born royal is expecting a set of twin heirs for Monaco . | [[53, 141], [1904, 1978], [1716, 1731], [1738, 1784], [0, 50], [1785, 1790], [1867, 1890], [2367, 2400], [2401, 2444], [2401, 2444]] |
Blue can not become red , white can not become black , and stripes can not become hoops . The sacred law of football kits will be broken by Barcelona next summer when they play in hoops instead of stripes for the first time in their 115-year history . Barcelona 's first ever kit in 1899 was red and blue halves but by 1910 the halves had become stripes and for the most part that is the way things have stayed . When the team won their first European Cup in 1992 at Wembley the players went up the old stadium 's famous 39 steps in orange shorts and red and blue striped shirts . Barcelona are reverting to hooped home shirts for the first time in their 115-year history , revealed by Sport . Barcelona celebrate winning the Champions League against Manchester United back in 2009 . Lionel Messi wears the traditional striped jersey during a triumphant season three years ago . Michael Laudrup and Ronald Koeman -LRB- pictured in 1992 -RRB- alongside Johan Cruyff back in 1974 . Brazilian striker Ronaldo celebrating scoring against Atletico Madrid for Barca during the 1996-97 season . They had worn their orange second kit in the win over Sampdoria but to a man they had changed back into the classic number for one of the most famous photos in the club 's history as they collected and posed with the trophy . The stripes have become wider and narrower as time has past . From 1929 to 1940 only two blue stripes were visible on the front of the shirts . In 1949 a third blue stripe can be seen running down the middle and that is the way things stayed until 1999 when the centenary was marked by a return to the halves they had worn when they were founded . Halves were also used in 2008-09 when the club won its third European Cup . Henrik Larsson , Giovanni Van Bronckhorst , Carles Puyol , Ronaldinho and Xavi celebrating eight years ago . Samuel Eto'o alongside coach Pep Guardiola in 2009 -LRB- with Yaya Toure and Messi watching on -RRB- . There have been some major deviations from the traditional in the form of second and third strips over the years . In the 2002-03 season the second kit was golden with a red and blue line down the middle and the third kit had a Crystal Palace sash . Pistachio green and luminous yellow have featured and the kids were really let loose in the crayon factory two seasons ago when the famous lollipop kit was presented . Its orange fading into yellow reminded supporters of a popsicle and was binned after one season . But messing about with the second and third strips has always been seen as fair game for shirt manufacturers who have to come up with new ideas every season . Romario scores the second goal in a 4-0 win against Manchester United at the Nou Camp in 1994-95 . Hristo Stoichkov celebrates scoring in the same game against United in Barcelona 's famed stripes . Portuguese Luis Figo -LRB- left -RRB- and Brazilian Rivaldo celebrate after the former scored against Zaragoza in 1999 . But touching the home shirt still ranks as blasphemy . You might expect from an eccentric foreign owner with little sense of a club 's roots . But when the idea has come from , or been accepted by the club 's board , questions will be asked . Early indications are that fans are 70-30 against the innovation , there is still time for a rethink . | Barcelona will wear hooped shirts from the start of next season . The Catalans have worn striped shirts for the majority of their history . Giants have also opted for halved home jerseys on occasion . | [[90, 251], [581, 671]] |
An eco-friendly ` hobbit house ' made entirely from natural materials faces being bulldozed after planning chiefs ruled it was a blot on the landscape . Nature-lovers Charlie Hague and Megan Williams spent # 15,000 building their unique roundhouse at a secluded location near Fishguard , Pembrokeshire using all natural materials . However , the couple , who built their dream without obtaining planning permission , now face having to tear it down after council officers recommended their retrospective planning application was refused . Scroll down for video . Nature-lovers Charlie Hague and Megan Williams spent # 15,000 building their unique roundhouse at a secluded location near Fishguard , Pembrokeshire using all natural material including wood and rendered straw bales . The couple built their dream eco-home without obtaining planning permission and now face having to tear it down after council officers recommended their retrospective planning application was refused . The home looks like something Bilbo Baggins would be proud of . Pictured : Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins in JRR Tolkein 's The Hobbit : An Unexpected Journey . The pair , both 26 , spent four years living in a damp caravan before starting work on their home last summer . Made from straw bales rendered in lime and situated on land owned by Mr Hague 's parents , it took less than 12 months to build and is now said to be worth between # 15,000 and # 20,000 . The couple said it was the only way they could afford a home of their own after prices of conventional houses in the area increased because of it being popular with tourists . Using local wood and all natural materials , they completed the house just weeks before their son Eli was born and now claim to live a self-sufficient lifestyle at the property - growing their own fruit and vegetables and rearing their own animals . However , they now face having to bulldoze their unique home -- which looks like something Bilbo Baggins would be proud of -- following an ongoing planning dispute with Pembrokeshire County Council . The authority told the couple that without planning permission they would have to tear it down , so the pair applied retrospectively a year ago hoping the Welsh Government 's ` One Planet Development Policy ' - which encourages sustainable development - would persuade planners to let them keep their home . Charlie Hague and Megan Williams , both 26 , spent # 15,000 building the roundhouse and completed it just weeks before their son Eli was born . They said it was the only way they could get on the property ladder . Made from straw bales rendered in lime and situated on land owned by Mr Hague 's parents , it took less than 12 months to build and is now said to be worth between # 15,000 and # 20,000 . But planning officers have now recommended the couple 's application is refused and that their eco-friendly house is razed to the ground . Planning officials said : ` The proposal represents an unjustified residential development in countryside . ` Despite its relatively low visual impact it erodes the rural character of its surroundings and represents an unsustainable form of development . ' The couple , who launched an online campaign to keep their home which has been backed by 90,000 people from all over the world , have vowed to carry on fighting . Miss Williams said : ` We are confident Pembrokeshire County Council will view our retrospective application fairly in line with One Planet Development guidelines . Using local wood and all natural materials , they completed the house in under 12 months and now claim to live a self-sufficient lifestyle at the property - growing their own fruit and vegetables and rearing their own animals . Planning officers have recommended the couple 's retrospective application is refused and that their eco-friendly house is razed to the ground . An official said it was an ` unjustified residential development ' ` We admit the house was built without planning consent but said there was no other way for them to afford their own home . ` We have made the best of the space available to us and there 's no way we intended to flout planning laws . ` I know it 's not a possibility for everyone , and our situation here is unique - but if young people are to live and work in the area they need somewhere to live . ' Mr Hague added : ` We built this house to provide our son with a healthy environment to grow up in . ` We were born in the area , went to school here , and have lived here all our lives . We would n't want to be anywhere else . ' The couple said building the eco-home was the only way they could afford a property of their own after prices of conventional houses in the area increased because of it being a popular tourist destination . The couple , who launched an online campaign to keep their home which has been backed by 90,000 people from all over the world , have vowed to carry on fighting the dispute in an attempt to keep the eco-property . A friend of the couple described the pair as ` heartbroken ' and said : ` The roundhouse is a thing of great beauty which they put their hearts and souls into . ` They are a young couple who should be applauded for solving their own housing issues by creating a sustainable home out of local materials . ` Instead they are now facing the prospect of watching it being razed to the ground . ' Pembrokeshire County Council is due to decide the fate of the property next week . | Charlie Hague and Megan Williams spent # 15,000 building unique eco-home . The pair , both 26 , used only natural materials and built it within 12 months . They said it was the only way they could afford to build or buy a family home . However , they failed to obtain planning permission before building property . Pair submitted retrospective application but officials recommended refusal . They have launched an online campaign which has been backed by 90,000 . | [[153, 285], [563, 695], [781, 818], [2379, 2411], [2424, 2462], [2379, 2411], [2467, 2507], [0, 30], [33, 75], [288, 331], [698, 780], [1348, 1384], [1621, 1663], [2684, 2720], [3505, 3547], [3550, 3593], [1445, 1480], [1461, 1566], [2523, 2552], [2533, 2592], [4602, 4721], [342, 352], [484, 538], [3947, 4000], [455, 524], [342, 352], [484, 538], [899, 968], [928, 982], [2171, 2214], [3768, 3818], [3177, 3187], [3194, 3240], [3177, 3187], [3203, 3212], [3222, 3303], [3177, 3221], [3298, 3339], [4784, 4794], [4801, 4847], [4832, 4910], [4784, 4828], [4905, 4970]] |
A senior Obama administration official told reporters on Monday that American citizens who have fought alongside the ISIS terror army have managed to come back into the country and are under active surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation . The stunning revelation came ten days after a Democratic New York congressman spilled the beans with a public but little-noticed claim that there were 40 such ` foreign fighter ' jihadis back on U.S. soil . In a gathering with selected journalists , the administration official acknowledged that it 's true . The National Counterterrorism Center 's latest determination , the official said , ` includes those who 've gone , those who 've tried to go , some who 've come back and are under active -- the FBI is looking at them . ' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest declined to discuss specifics on Monday but would n't dispute what another senior Obama administration official said hours earlier -- that ISIS jihadis are among us . New York Democratic Rep. Tim Bishop told the Long Island Metro Business Action group on Sept. 12 that 40 Americans have returned to the U.S. after going overseas to fight for ISIS , and that the FBI has all of them under surveillance . The Pentagon said initially only about a dozen Americans have gone overseas to join up with ISIS , but now the administration concedes that some of them have returned successfully and are currently in the US . ` These are FBI matters , ' added the official , whose name reporters were expected not to report as a condition of attending the briefing . ' I refer you to them on specifics . ' The revelation marks the Obama administration 's first confirmation of what Rep. Tim Bishop said Sept. 12 when he described to a Long Island audience how as many as 40 Americans have returned to the U.S. after fighting for the ISIS terror army overseas . He said also that the FBI already has all of them all under surveillance . ` One of the concerns is the number of U.S. citizens who have left our country to go join up with ISIS , ' he told the Long Island Metro Business Action , a regional economic development organization . ` It is believed there have been some number up to 100 that have done that . ' ` It is also believed that some 40 of those who left this country to join up with ISIS have now returned to our country . Those 40 are under FBI attention and surveillance . So they are known and they are being tracked by the FBI . ' ` ISIS ' refers to the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham , a murderous terror army that has left a wake of death , destruction , kidnapping and rape as it conquered more than one-third of Iraq and Syria . Josh Earnest , the White House Press Secretary , said Monday during his regular press briefing that he could n't comment on what would by definition be ` relatively sensitive intelligence information . ' But he did say that the U.S. is ` working very closely with our international partners to try to mitigate this threat , to keep eyes on these individuals and to monitor their movements . ' ` We 've also been working closely with Interpol ... to track the movements of these individuals , ' Earnest said . ` So this is an inter-agency response to a significant threat that we 're watching closely . ' The official who spoke Monday said the National Counterterrorism Center now estimates that 15,000 militants from 80 countries have at least made attempts to fight for Islamist groups in Iraq and Syria . That number includes 100 Americans and another 2,000 from Europe . Rogues ' gallery ; Salah Osman Ahmed -LRB- left -RRB- traveled to Somalia in December 2007 to train with al-Shabaab . Zachary Chesser -LRB- center -RRB- , a 30-year-old Virginia man , drew a 25-year prison sentence for helping the same group . Ahmed Mohamed Isse -LRB- right -RRB- is listed among the September 2013 attackers on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi , Kenya . Americans : Jamal Bana -LRB- left -RRB- was killed in Mogadishu , the capital of Somalia , in July 2009 while fighting with an Islamist group . when he was 19 years old . Farah Mohamad Beledi -LRB- center -RRB- carried out a suicide bombing on May 30 , 2011 , targeting a military base and killing three . Jehad Serwan Mostafa -LRB- right -RRB- remains at large after being indicted for aiding a terrorist group in 2010 . An ISIS leader told followers on Monday that they should execute lone - wolf attacks in the United States and France because those two nations are the ones that have been flying bombing sorties against the group in Iraq . CNN reported that an ISIS spokesman issued a call to ` hinder those who want to harm your brothers . The best thing you can do is to strive to your best and kill any disbeliever , whether he be French , American or from any of their allies . ' ` Civilians should not be exempt from brutality , ' he said . ` Do not ask for anyone 's advice and do not seek anyone 's verdict . Kill the disbeliever whether he is civilian or military , for they have the same ruling . Both of them are disbelievers . Both of them are considered to be waging war . ' ISIS can now muster 31,000 troops overall , the CIA reported on Sept. 17 . That number has grown dramatically since June 29 , when ISIS declared itself a ` caliphate ' -- an Islamic nation led by a supreme religious authority . American jihadis , part of a swelling ` foreign fighter ' contingent aiding ISIS and other terror networks , could put their ideologies and experience to work in the United States , a fact that has some in Congress clamoring for easier ways to revoke their citizenship . The Pentagon said two weeks ago that only about a dozen Americans had left the country to join up with ISIS , while as many as 100 are suspected of taking up arms with a wider range of Islamist extremist groups in the Middle East and Africa . Foreign fighters : As many as 12,000 soldiers in the 31,000-man ISIS terror army have traveled into Syria or Iraq to join the Islamist group in battle . Bishop , the member of Congress who first discussed the size of the U.S > foreign-fighter problem publicly , insisted that they do n't pose a serious threat . ` At the present time , ' he told his Sept. 12 audience , ` the intelligence is ISIS does not present a threat to the homeland , although that is not something that will remain static going out into the future . ' ` But there is a concern , ' Bishop allowed , ` that it could metastasize in such a way that it could become a threat to the homeland . ' Bishop backed President Barack Obama 's approach to defeating the terrorist would-be country , which he said ` is a very , very complex and very , very dangerous threat . ' Referring to remarks Obama delivered on Sept , 10 , he said , ' I think the plan that the president outlined the other night -LSB- in his national speech -RSB- is a good plan . ' The president ` is correct to recognize the threat , and it clearly is a threat to the stability of the Middle East , a region that is already remarkably unstable . ' On Thursday , Senate Democrats thwarted legislation that would have revoked the citizenship of Americans who swear allegiance to terror groups that threaten the U.S. | Obama administration official concedes that ISIS fighters from America have returned to US soil . Admission comes ten days after congressman said would-be terrorists in the US ` are known and are being tracked ' As many as 100 Americans are feared to have gone overseas to join ISIS and its murderous jihad . Feds fear the impact of veteran terror warriors moving freely throughout the country . ISIS called Monday for attacks on the US and France , which are dropping bombs on them in Iraq : ` Civilians should not be exempt from brutality ' | [[0, 86], [69, 176], [459, 499], [502, 560], [806, 846], [891, 1013], [1353, 1459], [2253, 2362], [252, 329], [64, 86], [91, 133], [2006, 2022], [2027, 2072], [2174, 2226], [2220, 2226], [2232, 2248], [3511, 3577], [5755, 5878], [5879, 5886], [5993, 6031], [69, 176], [4368, 4484], [4493, 4589], [4590, 4657], [4836, 4881]] |
Iran paraded its military might today in a show of force which came as Isis continued making gains in neighbouring Iraq and Syria which have taken it to within 15 miles of the border with Turkey . The Islamic Republic marked the 34th anniversary of Iraq 's invasion of the country on September 22 , 1980 and led to an eight-year war . Thousands of soldiers and members of the guard marched in front of the country 's president , Hassan Rouhani , who gave a speech at the ceremony in Tehran . Iranian Naval commandos march during the annual military parade in Tehran , marking the anniversary of Iran 's war with Iraq which started on this day in 1980 . Iranian Revolutionary Guards attended the ceremony to mark the eight-year war , showing off Iran 's military might . Iranian Naval troops came out in force , while terrorist group Isis continued to make gains in neighbouring Iraq and Syria and moved towards the Turkish border . Iran 's President Hassan Rouhani -LRB- centre -RRB- , prepares to give a speech as Army Commander Ataollah Salehi -LRB- far right -RRB- , Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari -LRB- far left -RRB- and Chief of the General Staff of Iran 's Armed Forces , Hasan Firouzabadi -LRB- second left -RRB- , salute . Iranian soldiers wearing ghillie suits , a type of camouflage designed to resemble heavy foliage , stand in the baking heat in Tehran . Every unit of the Iranian Army was present at the parade , as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , pictured . He called the country a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East in the face of the ` terrorists ' rocking the region . Army Commander Ataollah Salehi , Revolutionary Guard Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari and Chief of the General Staff of Iran 's Armed Forces , Hasan Firouzabadi were other notable commanders in attendance . Every unit of the Iranian Army , as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps joined in the parade , remembering the war in which around half a million soldiers died . The war is known as the ` Sacred Defence ' , and the parade was the opening ceremony of ` Sacred Defence Week ' , starting at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini , the founder of the Islamic Republic . A group of the Iranian Kurds , members of the Basij paramilitary force , march through the Iranian capital with guns in hand . Iranian Arabs joined the Kurds , as Iran showed the unity within the country 34 years to the day after it was invaded by Iraqi soldiers . A group of Iranian top officials wave while President Hassan Rouhani 's plane taxis before take-off from Mehrabad airport during an official departure ceremony as he leaves for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly . A military truck carries a Sejil medium-range missile past portraits of the Islamic republic 's supreme leader , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . Groups from the Iranian Kurds and the Iranian Arabs walked side-by-side during the ceremony - a display of the country 's unity . President Rouhani jetted off to New York and the United Nations General Assembly immediately afterwards , and was seen off by a group of top Iranian officials . The Iranian army is made up of around 815,000 people - it has two parallel land forces - the regular army and the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution . Iran dramatically reduced its reliance on training and equipment from abroad after the war with Iraq in 1988 , and the army underwent a huge restructure . Before the war it had been armed with the latest equipment from the West , including the USA , Britain and France , but during the war , as supplies ran out , they were also forced to Russia , China and North Korea . It now boasts more than 2,400 tanks , including the likes of T-72s , more than 1,500 armoured fighting vehicles , almost 900 multiple-launch rocket systems , nearly 500 aircraft and around 400 ships . Iranian soldiers salute from a T-72 tank during the huge parade , showing off Iran 's army which boasts more than 800,000 soldiers . Soldiers march past President Rouhani , who made a speech calling Iran a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East in the face of the ` terrorists ' rocking the region . A map showing Isis presence within the Middle East - the terrorist group are now within just 15 miles of the Turkish border after further advances . The Iran-Iraq was lasted from September 22 , 1980 to August 20 , 1988 and came after years of disputes over borders and fears that the 1979 Iranian revolution would inspire a similar rebellion among Iraq 's Shi'ites and that Iran may replace Iraq as the dominant country in the region . It was known as the Gulf War up until the Persian Gulf War in 1990 , and is now sometimes still referred to as the First Persian Gulf War . It started with the Iraqi air force , under the orders of President Saddam Hussein , launching surprise attacks on the Iranians with formal warning , and also attacked on the ground , but they did not make much progress before being repelled by the Iranians until they had been basically banished from the country by the summer of 1982 . Iran was the aggressor for the remaining six years , until the war finally ended thanks to UN-brokered ceasefire Resolution 598 , which saw borders restored to exactly how they had been before the war . The final prisoners of war were exchanged in 2003 . There were Iranians who fought for Iraq , and vice versa - including Iraqi Kurdish Democratic Party fighters siding with Iran . Around half a million soldiers died in total , and the war has been compared to World War I because of the brutal nature of the trench warfare , machine gun posts and forays into no-man 's land . Chemical weapon use was prevalent from the Iraqi side - most famously mustard gas , which causes blisters on the skin and lungs . The war caused huge financial losses for both the Iranian and Iraqi governments - believed to be more than $ 500billion each , while it also significantly set back Iraq 's scientific advancements . | Iranian soldiers paraded through Tehran to mark 34th anniversary of start of eight-year war with Iraq . President Rouhani gave a speech at the ceremony , calling Iran a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East . He then jetted immediately off to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly . Groups from the Iranian Kurds and the Iranian Arabs walked side-by-side during the ceremony . Show of military might comes as terrorist group Isis continue to make significant advances in the region . | [[0, 25], [197, 303], [197, 217], [308, 334], [429, 443], [450, 491], [1508, 1617], [4022, 4039], [4046, 4173], [2632, 2702], [2971, 3051], [3075, 3131], [2331, 2361], [2364, 2427], [2841, 2970], [0, 25], [51, 56], [63, 129], [653, 674], [733, 761], [817, 892], [817, 837], [897, 931], [4174, 4322]] |
Rory McIlroy has announced he will play for Ireland rather than Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro . Golf makes its return to the Games in Rio for the first time since 1904 and McIlroy , who hails from Holywood in Northern Ireland , would be eligible to play for either team . McIlroy has long faced a difficult and highly political decicion over his allegiance . He grew up playing golf for Ireland but admitted to Sportsmail in September 2012 - shortly after the London Olympics - that he has ` always felt more British than Irish . ' Tough choice : Rory McIlroy at the press conference at Fota Island where he announced his decision . All smiles : McIlroy on the putting green during the pro-am on Wednesday prior to the The Irish Open . But the 25-year-old two-time major champion admitted he has already made his choice during a press conference ahead of this week 's Irish Open at Fota Island . CLICK HERE to read Derek Lawrenson 's exclusive interview with Rory McIlroy from Spetember 2012 . ' I see this as a continuation of what I have always done , ' said McIlroy , who has represented Ireland at golf 's World Cup in the past but admitted the football World Cup in Brazil had influenced his decision . ` The World Cup is on in Brazil and it sort of gets you thinking , ' said the former world No 1 and current No 6 . ` I 've been thinking about it for a while but in saying that , -LRB- there 's -RRB- no time like the present - the Irish Open , something big is happening in Brazil - and I thought , `` why not ? '' ' I just thought it was the right thing to do and the right time to let everyone know , and now I 'm really looking forward to Rio . ' VIDEO Rory McIlroy wins the BMW PGA Championship . In the swing : McIlroy in action during the US Open at Pinehurst last week , where he finished 23rd . Big hitter : The Northern Irishman has won two major championships and is a former world No 1 . ` Reunited with my clubs ! ' : McIlroy tweeted this picture after his golf equipment finally made it to Ireland following his flight from the US Open . McIlroy faced a backlash from some corners following his interview with Sportsmail , in which he hinted he had made up his mind to play for Britain . He said at the time : ` Maybe it was the way I was brought up , I do n't know , but I have always felt more of a connection with the UK than with Ireland . And so I have to weigh that up against the fact that I 've always played for Ireland and so it is tough . Whatever I do , I know my decision is going to upset some people but I just hope the vast majority will understand . ' But McIroy said on Wednesday that his sense of allegiance to the Golfing Union of Ireland , the amateur body which runs golf in Ireland , influenced his decision . ` When I actually sat down and thought about it , had a little time to myself , it was n't because as a boy , as an amateur , my ambition was always to play for Ireland . Whether to play on the six-man team for the European Championships or the Home Internationals 11-man team , that was always my goal . ` I played boy junior and boys golf for Ireland , I played my amateur golf for Ireland - just because I 'm getting paid that does n't mean I should change that . ' McIlroy , who recently split from his fiancee , Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki , drew parallels with the Irish rugby team which draws players from the island of Ireland . ` If you look at most of the other sports in this country - rugby being the main example - they see Ireland as one . ` And I have a lot of friends who play for Ulster who would say they 're Northern Irish but are very proud to pull on the green jersey , as I will be in a couple of years ' time . ' McIlroy also insisted the final decision was his . ` I was always just worried about what other people would think when actually it 's your decision at the end of the day and you have to take ownership of it and be comfortable with it . McIlroy was born in Holywood , Northern Ireland , which means he is a UK citizen and so eligible for Team GB . But McIlroy is also an Irish citizen and played amateur golf for Ireland on an all-island team , so he is also eligible to play for that nation at the Olympics . ` That was the decision I was most comfortable with and the decision that I wanted to make . ` I 'm very happy with my decision and I 'm looking forward now to the Olympics in a couple of years ' time - if I qualify , obviously , for the team , ' he added with a grin . Asked if he had been ` torn ' on the issue , the former world No 1 added : ` More worried about what other people would think , rather than me . But you 've got to do what 's right for yourself and what you feel most comfortable with , and ultimately that was the decision that I made . ' McIlroy 's golf clubs arrived safely in time for today 's Pro-Am but their delay from the United States after the US Open meant he could n't play a round with JP McManus on Tuesday at the Old Head of Kinsale . | McIlroy had choice over whether to represent Ireland or Team GB at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 . Northern Irishman had played for Ireland at golf 's World Cup in past , but has hinted he wanted to play for Britain . McIlroy told Sportsmail in 2012 that he ` felt more British than Irish ' But two-time major champion now says that playing for Ireland as a boy has influenced his decision . McIlroy also says World Cup in Brazil helped him decide . World No 6 plays in Irish Open at Fota Island this week . | [[0, 118], [1019, 1020], [1079, 1154], [2154, 2164], [2176, 2231], [382, 384], [422, 505], [515, 552], [2316, 2329], [2335, 2387], [2316, 2317], [2323, 2387], [1845, 1900], [2617, 2702], [1084, 1091], [1159, 1200], [1168, 1230], [763, 918]] |
An oil tycoon who was recently ordered to pay nearly $ 1billion in a divorce settlement to his wife , has seen his fortune cut in half due to a plunge in oil prices . Harold Hamm , 68 , was , until recently , a man worth more than $ 20billion , but a drop in price of crude oil has seen has seen the value of his shares in his company fall by more than $ 12 billion since August . This comes after the Continental Resources CEO was ordered by an Oklahoma County judge to hand over close to $ 1 billion to his ex-wife Sue Ann Hamm last month . Harold Hamm was ordered by an Oklahoma County judge to hand over close to $ 1 billion to his ex-wife Sue Ann Hamm -LRB- pictured -RRB- , according to court filings released on Monday . Special Judge Howard Haralson found that Hamm , 68 , should pay Mrs Hamm a total of $ 995.5 million , with about a third of the funds , or $ 322.7 million , to be paid by the end of the year , the filing revealed . Hamm will then be required to pay the rest of the judgment , some $ 650million , in installments worth at least $ 7million per month . Sue Ann Hamm has already been awarded around $ 25million since the case was filed in 2012 . To secure the judgment , Judge Haralson has placed a lien on 20 million shares of Continental stock . The ruling , which is subject to appeal , comes after a ten-week divorce trial which ended last month . Hamm started Continental in 1967 , and about 68 per cent of the firm 's shares are in his name . Forbes named the oil tycoon the 30th richest person in the U.S. in 2012 and 76th richest person in the world . His fortune is estimated at $ 14billion today . Since the couple wed in 1988 , Continental has grown from a small-time driller worth less than $ 50million into a $ 20 billion behemoth and one of Oklahoma 's largest companies . Because Harold owned his shares before he and Sue Ann were married , they belong to him . But under Oklahoma law , their ` active ' appreciation since 1988 is subject to ` equitable distribution ' with Sue Ann , a former executive at Continental who filed for divorce from Harold in 2012 . Her legal team contends that the amount of marital wealth the court should divide is more than $ 17 billion , a sum that included most of Harold 's stake in Continental a few months before the trial began . In a court filing from 2013 , Mrs Hamm alleged that her husband was having an affair , which prompted her to file for divorce . Mrs Hamm , 56 , has held key posts at Continental , but she no longer works for the company . Court filings showed that his attorneys argued that the couple 's shared wealth is a tiny fraction of that amount . The couple never signed a prenuptial agreement . High-life : Sue Ann Hamm and the couple 's daughter Jane are pictured at a lunch for the Wall Street Journal Innovator of Year award . The Hamms own four houses together including this vast property in an exclusive enclave of Nichols Hills , Oklahoma . Harold Hamm 's leadership at Continental is central to the case . In court , his lawyers attributed most of Continental 's success not to Hamm 's business savvy but to factors beyond his control - that market factors such as rising oil prices , or decisions made prior to marriage caused Continental 's growth . The trial ended on October 9 . This is the second divorce for Hamm after he divorced his first wife , Judith Ann , in 1987 . They have three children together . In 1988 , Hamm married Sue Ann , an economist and lawyer . The couple had two daughters , Jane and Hillary . The oil magnate lives in Oklahoma City and owns homes in Enid , Oklahoma and Nichols Hills , Oklahoma . The vast Nichols Hills property is believed to be worth in the region of $ 3million . Harold Hamm pictured with Mitt Romney during his run for the White House . The oil tycoon donated close to $ 1million to the Republican candidate 's campaign . Forbes named him the 30th richest person in the U.S. in 2012 and 76th richest person in the world . He had humble beginnings , growing up in rural Oklahoma where he was the 13th child of Oklahoma cotton sharecroppers . Mr Hamm spent his youth picking cotton , before starting his career at 20 by scrubbing the scum out of oil barrels . He worked his way up and was eventually able to drill his own wells . Fond of eating at burger bars , Mr Hamm has a reputation for being down-to-earth and drives his own truck . His big breakthrough came in the Nineties , when he helped discover the Bakken field of North Dakota , the largest new US oil prospect since the Sixties . Mr Hamm is a staunch Republican and donated close to a million dollars to Mitt Romney 's presidential bid in 2012 . | Harold Hamm sees value of shares in his oil company drop by $ 12bn . The Continental Resources CEO , 68 , now worth ` less than $ 10bn ' Drop of value of his shares is due to a plunge in price of crude oil . He was recently ordered to pay $ 1bn to his ex-wife in a settlement . Couple , who married in 1988 , never signed a prenuptial agreement . | [[245, 334], [323, 380], [0, 166], [245, 334], [0, 13], [18, 30], [39, 99], [0, 13], [31, 99], [0, 166], [398, 516], [543, 643], [1638, 1660], [2646, 2694]] |
Five students have been charged with sexually assaulting a woman and keeping her captive in a darkened dorm room at a New Jersey University . The female student reported last week that she was attacked at accommodation at the William Paterson University and then held against her will . According to the criminal complaint , the five men turned out the lights and used ` physical force or coercion ' to attack the victim at the Overlook South residence hall . Jahmel Latimer , one of the five men arrested and charged after a female student at William Paterson University claimed she was held captive in a darkened room and the sexually assaulted . They then forced her to perform multiple sex acts before they stopped her from leaving the room . Now five men , who all lived in university residences , have been arrested and are scheduled to appear at Superior Court in Paterson today . Court documents show that the five men arrested were Noah Williams , Garrett Collick , Termaine Scott , Jahmel Latimer and Darius Singleton , who all studied at the University . The men , who are all 18 , are facing a range of charges from kidnapping to aggravated criminal sexual contact , and bail has been set at $ 200,000 for each suspect . Garrett Collick , left , and Termaine Scott , right , who are facing a range of charges from kidnapping to aggravated criminal sexual contact . Darius Singleton , left , and Noah Wiliams , right , who have also been charged . All the men lived on campus and bail has been set at $ 200,000 for each suspect . According to the Record , who obtained the complaint to police , Latimer is accused of pulling the woman by the hair and forcing her to perform sex acts . The other four men are alleged to have conspired to commit sexual assault , restrained another person unlawfully and exposed them to risk of serious bodily injury . The school 's president Kathleen Waldron confirmed that all five of the accused lived at the university and have been ` barred from campus ' . In a statement she added : ` My deepest concern is for the victim of this criminal act who has courageously stepped forward to take legal action and seek justice . ` No expression of anger or sadness on my part can alleviate the harm done to the victim and my heart goes out to her and her family . ' The case comes just weeks after an article in Rolling Stone magazine described an alleged gang rape on campus at a fraternity house at the University of Virginia . The president of William Paterson University , pictured , confirmed that the men lived at the university but had now been barred from campus . The article detailed the alleged sexual assault of a freshman woman by seven men at Phi Kappa Psi fraternity in 2012 . The university , in Charlottesville , has suspended all activities of its fraternities , sororities and related groups until January 9 to address sexual violence and assault . Police are investigating and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said he would be appointing an independent counsel to review the school 's sexual violence policies . | Female student reported she was attacked at William Paterson University . Said she was made to perform sex acts and was then held against her will . Five men now facing charges including sexual assault and kidnapping . School confirmed the five who lived at university have all been ` barred from campus ' | [[142, 253], [460, 474], [484, 496], [510, 571], [142, 145], [185, 188], [258, 279], [460, 474], [572, 648], [649, 698], [666, 746], [1606, 1613], [1662, 1695], [0, 141], [747, 759], [803, 821], [747, 759], [826, 887], [1066, 1090], [1093, 1176], [1262, 1276], [1279, 1286], [1291, 1376], [747, 759], [770, 800], [1861, 1999], [1929, 1964], [1917, 1940], [1969, 1999], [2469, 2513], [2527, 2611]] |
Steven Gerrard 's Liverpool future is up in the air and the midfielder has a big decision to make regarding his future with the only club he 's ever played for . Having made his Reds debut 16 years ago , Gerrard came on for the final 15 minutes of Liverpool 's 1-0 victory over Stoke having been rested by manager Brendan Rodgers , who confirmed after the game that the club have offered their captain a new contract with his current 120,000-a-week deal ending next year . Here , Sportsmail 's experts give their verdicts on whether the Anfield legend , who turns 35 in May , should stay on Merseyside or go in search of pastures new . Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard turns 35 in May and has a big decision to make regarding his Anfield future . Gerrard has spent his entire career with Liverpool having made his debut for the club 16 years ago . The midfielder was rested and benched for Liverpool 's Premier League clash against Stoke on Saturday . Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers brought Gerrard on for the final fifteen minutes as the Reds won late on . Gerrard was in relaxed mood while watching the Premier League action at his home on Sunday . LEE CLAYTON - GO . Go . Go and get some sunshine and few bucks in the MLS . Gerrard has been an ambassador , a tremendous footballer and a terrific professional . He is also someone who wo n't be fully appreciated by all until he has gone . He did n't win the medals like Scholes and Giggs and he has n't scored as many goals as Lampard , but he 's my No. 1 and he should go out while he 's still remembered -LRB- by some -RRB- in that way . I get the ` one club man ' desire , but Arsenal fans do n't think any less of Thierry Henry , do they ? MATT LAWTON - STAY . He should stay and Liverpool simply ca n't afford to let him leave . Even if his powers are diminishing , his presence remains vitally important . If that means gently moving him into a player-coach role , so be it . He 's too important a figure to lose . Gerrard has always been an important figure at Anfield and has scored a number of vital goals for the club . Gerrard netted a late leveller against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final as Liverpool lifted the famous trophy . ROB DRAPER - GO . He should go , not because he is n't needed and not because he 's not good enough , but because he has done enough at Liverpool . He does n't have to prove himself as a one-club man . He 'll always be revered at Anfield no matter what happens now . It 's clear Liverpool wo n't be winning the league this season and it would be extraordinary if that moment came again in his playing life , so now is a great time to seek new challenges and fresh stimuli . It 's regenerated Frank Lampard and he only went to Manchester . But preferably , go abroad , learn a language , enjoy a new culture and the last two years of your career with a fresh challenge . Gerrard , pictured celebrating against local rivals Everton , will always be revered at Anfield no matter what . Gerrard made his senior Liverpool debut in November 1998 , coming on as a substitute against Blackburn . 1980 : Born May 30 , in Huyton . 1988 : Joins Liverpool academy . 1998 : November - Makes senior Liverpool debut as substitute against Blackburn . 1999 : September - One of three players sent off in bad-tempered Merseyside derby as Everton win 1-0 at Anfield . December - Scores first Liverpool goal in 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday . 2003 : September - Appointed Liverpool captain . 2004 : March - Named England captain for friendly in Sweden in the absence of David Beckham and Michael Owen . 2005 : May - Lifts Champions League trophy , scoring the first goal as Rafael Benitez 's team fight back from 3-0 down to win on penalties against AC Milan in Istanbul . 2006 : April - Named PFA player of the year . May - Nets twice as Liverpool win FA Cup with defeat of West Ham . 2008 : October - Scores his 100th goal for Liverpool against PSV Eindhoven . 2009 : March - Makes his 100th European appearance for Liverpool in 4-0 win over Real Madrid , scoring twice . May - Voted the Football Writers ' Player of the Year . December - Makes 500th Liverpool appearance against Blackburn . 2010 : November - Comes off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick in a 3-1 Europa League win against Napoli . 2011 : July - Ruled out of the start of the new season after suffering an infection related to his groin problem . October - Scores on his return in 1-1 draw against Manchester United . 2012 : February - Liverpool defeat Cardiff on penalties in Carling Cup final at Wembley . March - Hits hat-trick for Liverpool in 3-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton . August - celebrates 250th game as Liverpool captain . 2013 : July 15 - Signs contract extension with Liverpool . 2014 : April 6 - Scores twice as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1 to move top of the Premier League . April 27 - Liverpool lose 2-0 to Chelsea that effectively ends their Premier League challenge . Gerrard celebrates winning the 2005 Champions League with Liverpool - one of many trophies he has won . DOMINIC KING - STAY . Stay . This is heading towards being the hardest decision Gerrard has had to make . In his mind , the biggest point that needs answering is whether he will still be able to make a contribution next season . If he can answer it positively , then he has to stay . If he wants to try a new challenge and sample life in a different part of the world , not one person could begrudge him . There are still things for him to achieve and he is the iconic figure at the club . Liverpool would not be the same if he left . Whatever he decides , he will be given full support . What Liverpool must ensure , though , is to remind him of exactly how valuable he is to them . MIKE ANSTEAD - GO . Steven Gerrard has been a phenomenal player for Liverpool since his debut 16 years ago , but my fear is his legs do n't have enough battery left in them . If Luis Suarez was still there , they would be title contenders -- but now they look a few years off challenging again . Gerrard does n't have the luxury of time for another slow , rebuilding project . Gerrard has captained Liverpool for a number of years and the club must show how valuable he is to them . Liverpool featured Gerrard on the front of their programme against Stoke to celebrate his 16 years at the club . SAMI MOKBEL - GO . It sounds unthinkable , but it 's time for Gerrard to leave Liverpool . I saw him at West Ham earlier in the season and he looked a shadow of the player he was . It might be too far fetched to say his legs have gone , but he can no longer produce those rampaging displays that made him one of Europe 's best players in the Premier League . He should go to a league where the pace of the game is much slower ; Italy perhaps . He 'll be able to prolong his playing career by doing that . MATT BARLOW - GO . STEVIE GO : For his own sake . His Liverpool career has been magnificent but a couple of years playing in the States , or Down Under will clear his head and give him the space to think and recharge after a career under scrutiny from start to finish . He can consider his future and if that is to be in coaching , he can get his qualifications and return to English football ready for that . CRAIG HOPE - STAY . Stay , for now . The MLS , however , is where he should ultimately head . Steven Gerrard has not become a bad player , he just is n't the brilliant force of old , and probably has n't been for a few years . Only now is this being highlighted - on and off the pitch - in light of Liverpool 's struggle . Were he not ` Steven Gerrard ' , his performance would not merit the scrutiny it is currently receiving . I saw him play at Newcastle this season , and he was Liverpool 's best player . Rather , he was let down by team-mates . But Gerrard should try something new , for him and his family . The MLS is an exciting place to be right now and New York Red Bulls need a marquee player . The only question is , could one city accommodate Gerrard and Frank Lampard ... Gerrard , pictured celebrating against Man United last term , may follow in the footsteps of former England team-mate Frank Lampard and try his luck in the MLS . STAY 4-7 GO . LAURIE WHITWELL - GO . Why not go abroad for his final few years and experience a different scene ? Some of Italy 's giants are crying out for a midfielder of his stature -- the recent Milan derby attested to that -- and his playing days would extend further than with Liverpool . Would be a fresh challenge in the twilight of his career and he could still return to Anfield a legend in whatever capacity befits . JACK GAUGHAN - GO . It 'd be a crying shame if Gerrard 's career merely petered out at Anfield over the next year or two . He owes it to himself to go and play abroad , trying to win a league title somewhere ; that could rejuvenate him . La Liga is a division which is beginning to operate at a faster pace but it 'd suit the 34-year-old . It 's not as if he 's never going to enjoy a role at Liverpool when retirement does come . RIATH AL-SAMARRAI - STAY . He should stay . Not that his legacy at Liverpool needs enhancing , but there is something endearing about a one-club player . Besides , even if his form were awful , which it is n't , the club still owe him playing time for sticking around at his best . | Steven Gerrard is a ` one club man ' having spent sixteen years at Liverpool . Gerrard turns 35 in May and has a big decision to make about his future . Brendan Rodgers is keen to keep Gerrard at Anfield . Gerrard 's Liverpool future remains increasingly uncertain however . Sportsmail 's experts give their verdict on whether Gerrard should stay at Liverpool or go in search of a new challenge . | [[124, 161], [747, 797], [788, 847], [5762, 5848], [0, 51], [56, 137], [533, 551], [558, 573], [636, 684], [636, 668], [689, 746], [0, 51], [636, 668], [689, 746], [473, 477], [480, 551], [533, 551], [605, 635]] |
Nicholas Whittaker , 43 , -LRB- pictured outside an earlier court hearing -RRB- has been warned he could face jail after cracking the window of a Thomson Dreamliner . A passenger who punched and smashed an airliner window during a row with his partner admitted in court he deserves ` no sympathy ' after being warned he faces jail for his actions . Nicholas Whittaker , 43 , sparked panic among passengers on the Thomson Dreamliner after he cracked the inner window of the jet with a single punch while it was 35,000 ft in the air . The father of two , from Ashton-under-Lyne , Greater Manchester , pleaded guilty to recklessly acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or anyone on it when he appeared at Manchester 's Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday . The court heard how he lashed out on the Boeing 787 following a row with his partner Clare Houston as they returned from a holiday in Florida on May 25 . The incident occurred at about 5.30 am as the Dreamliner was coming to the end of its flight from Florida 's Sanford Airport and was packed with families returning from their holidays , with many having enjoyed trips to Disney World in Orlando . The plane was approximately six miles above Ireland when the row broke out and the pilot considered diverting to the country 's airport before ultimately deciding to continue to Manchester . The court heard how cabin crew asked Whittaker to calm down but he responded by telling them to ` f *** off ' before punching the window and shouting : ` I 'm not a f ****** terrorist . ' The force of his fist caused a crack in the glass of the interior widow , causing passengers aboard flight Tom145 to scramble to their feet in a bid to move to another part of the jet for fear it would shatter completely . Upon arrival at Manchester Airport , former bus driver Whittaker - who was not thought to have been drinking - was arrested by officers who were waiting for him at the gate . Police confirmed afterwards that no one was injured in the incident . After being released on bail , Whittaker said he was sorry for his actions but claimed to have no memory of the incident . He said ` it 's not something I chose to do ' and claimed to be seeking treatment for mental health problems . Becoming tearful , he added : ` I 've only got one feeling about all this and that 's for all those people that were frightened to death up there . I do n't deserve sympathy . ' Asked if he wanted to say anything to the other passengers on board the jet , he said : ` Sorry , but it 's not a big enough word . Of course , they were frightened . ` There 's some guy going nuts . To this day I ca n't fix that for them . ' Whittaker said he had ` lost some hours of my life ' , adding : ' I do n't know if I can get them back . ' Scroll down for video . Whittaker -LRB- left -RRB- lashed out on the Boeing 787 as it travelled from Florida to Manchester following a row with his girlfriend Clare Houston -LRB- right -RRB- . He admitted the offence at Manchester 's Minshull Street Crown Court . He went on : ` For me to try to justify it is impossible . There 's no justification . ` All I can do is offer the reasons and offer the apologies . ' At yesterday 's hearing , Judge Adrian Smith adjourned the case for sentence on January 6 and told the court ` all options remain open ' including a jail sentence . Following the incident , aviation experts said passengers are only at risk if both the inner and outer pane of an aircraft window are breached . In Whittaker 's case , it is understood only the inner pane was cracked . At an earlier hearing , Whittaker turned up to court with Miss Houston and listened as prosecutors outlined the offence . Prosecutor Miss Lauren Costello told Trafford magistrates : ` He became engaged in a domestic with Claire Houston with finger pointing to raised voices and in some instances pushing her head and swinging headphones which struck her in the face . ` Crew were aware his actions were causing concern and upset as there were passengers who were moving their children away . The 43-year-old father of two was travelling on a Boeing 787 Thomson Dreamliner -LRB- similar to the one pictured above -RRB- when the incident occurred on May 25 . He was arrested at the gate upon arrival at Manchester Airport . ` He was advised regarding his behaviour but it did n't faze him . He was swearing at crew and passengers telling them to `` f *** off '' . ` There was then a loud bang and raised voices . An attendant saw an internal window had been cracked due to a punch by the defendant . ` Passengers were distressed by the window and took to their feet and he then began shouting `` I 'm not a f ****** terrorist '' and required calming down . ` While it was taking place the captain was made aware and informed of the damage . ` The captain had to make a decision whether to divert or continue as it was an internal window made the decision to continue and police were called so he could be arrested . ' Whittaker 's lawyers initially argued that he was not guilty of endangering life as the damage he caused was internal window and ` just cosmetic . ' A Thomson Airways spokesman said : ` We do have a zero-tolerance approach on all our aircraft . ` Passenger safety is our paramount priority . ' | Nicholas Whittaker smashed inner window of Thomson Dreamliner in row . Father of two , 43 , lashed out during argument with partner Clare Houston . Boeing 787 was travelling to Manchester Airport from Florida on May 25 . Whittaker admitted incident in court as judge warned him he could face jail . | [[66, 166], [167, 178], [195, 251], [349, 367], [375, 496], [1547, 1618], [4487, 4573], [4500, 4573], [167, 178], [195, 251], [768, 866], [805, 852], [867, 921], [2801, 2935], [3735, 3755], [3758, 3823], [4068, 4172], [805, 852], [867, 921], [66, 166], [167, 190], [298, 348], [2970, 3040], [3192, 3215], [3218, 3236], [3286, 3356]] |
` There was no holy war ' : A picture purporting to show Indian jihadist Areeb Majeed fled his home to join ISIS in Iraq , only to return because the terror group forced him to clean toilets instead of fighting . Disgruntled jihadists who travelled to Iraq and Syria to join the Islamic State are begging to be allowed back home after complaining they were forced to do menial tasks and had to suffer without their creature comforts . Foreign recruits have been writing to their parents with feeble excuses that range from having to clean toilets and doing the washing up to the fact their iPod was no longer working or that it was getting too cold . One Indian jihadist , Areeb Majeed , 23 , left for Iraq with three friends in late May amid fears by authorities that ISIS militants were attempting to recruit from India 's large pool of young Muslim men . But the engineering student flew home on Friday to Mumbai after whingeing to his mother and father that he was made to carry out lowly tasks rather than fighting on the front line . A number young French Muslim converts are also having second thoughts about signing up to ISIS as revealed in a series of weepy messages home that were leaked to newspaper Le Figaro . One said : ` I 'm fed up to the back teeth . My iPod no longer works out here . I have got to come home . ' Another wrote : ` I 've done hardly anything but hand out clothes and food , ' he said . ` Winter is beginning . It 's starting to get tough . ' A third fighter said he was ` sick ' of his time with the militant group , adding : ` They make me do the washing up ' . They and dozens of other recruits are reportedly now working with French lawyers who have collected texts and messages that suggest the jihadists felt ` cheated ' into joining ISIS . They have appealed for clemency from the authorities , with one lawyer saying that the longer they remain in Iraq and Syria the more chance they have of becoming ` time bombs ' when they return . It came as Majeed was arrested and charged by India 's elite National Investigation Agency -LRB- NIA -RRB- with terror-related offences when he arrived back home . The engineering student flew home on Friday to Mumbai where he was arrested and charged by India 's elite National Investigation Agency -LRB- NIA -RRB- with terror-related offences . Creeping influence : Radicalised foreigners have been drawn to ISIS -LRB- above -RRB- , which has conducted a series of mass executions and other atrocities since launching its offensive in Iraq and Syria in June . Majeed told NIA officers he was sidelined by the jihadists for whom he fetched water and performed other lowly tasks such as cleaning toilets , instead of taking part in the deadly offensive like he wanted , the Press Trust of India news agency reported . He phoned his family to say he wanted to come home after suffering an unexplained bullet wound for which he did not get proper medical attention , the agency said late Sunday . ` Only after I begged them , I was taken to a hospital , ' he was quoted as saying by NIA officers . ` There was neither a holy war nor any of the preachings in the holy book were followed . ' India 's moderate population of 150 million Muslims have traditionally not been drawn into sectarian conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere , but the case of the four raised concerns about online recruitment . Al Qaeda announced in September a new chapter of its extremist movement charged with waging jihad in South Asia , prompting several Indian states to be placed on high alert . Tanvir Sheikh , the father of one of Majeed 's friends who was still missing in Iraq , said he felt betrayed by his son . Mohommod Nawaz -LRB- left -RRB- and his brother Hamza Nawaz -LRB- right -RRB- became the first Britons jailed for attending a jihadist training camp in Syria . Mohommod had complained to his girlfriend about his treatment abroad . The brothers had photos of the terror camp training schedule and pictures of the camp on their phones . Sheikh said his son Fahad was offered a job in Kuwait but instead decided to travel to Iraq to join the extremists . ` He had got a job offer from Kuwait with a salary of three lakh rupees -LRB- # 3,000 -RRB- but he ignored that and instead took up arms . ` Now what happens to his future ? ' Sheikh told the Indian Express newspaper on Monday . ' I feel let down by my son . He had a bright career ahead of him but he took advantage of our love and betrayed us . ' It comes days after a court heard how a British man jailed for conspiring to attend a terror training camp in Syria had returned home after whingeing to his girlfriend about his treatment abroad . Mohommod Nawaz , 30 , was jailed for four-and-a-half years along with his younger brother Hamza Nawaz , 24 , who was given three years at the Old Bailey . The brothers brought back bullets and took the pictures on their mobile phones to remember their time in the jihadist camp - which were later found by police and used to prove their guilt . Photos from the brother 's phones showed the strict daily schedule at the camp included two sessions of ` military training ' , two sessions of ` Islamic lessons ' and ` lights out ' at 10pm . The day began at 4.30 am with prayers , followed by physical training from 6am to 8am . There would be ` military training ' twice a day and further Islamic lessons before bed . Creeping influence : Two extremist groups have pledged allegiance to ISIS in the Libyan town of Darna and the Sinai Peninsula in recent weeks raising fears they could be expanding their caliphate in North Africa . Messages Mohommod sent to his girlfriend reveal he was far from happy in Syria . He moaned about not being able to use his mobile phone while training and feared being caught charging it by other wannabe jihadis . He wrote : ` Aint allowed to have a phone when training ... cos I do n't have it on me and I ca n't charge it without someone grassing me up . ' He also admitted crying to himself at night over worries he might not see his girlfriend in London again . He wrote : ' I fear we may never see each other again . I was crying bares -LSB- lots -RSB- last night . ' He later added : ` I 'm in danger , you 'll lose me if you do n't marry me . ' Radicalised foreigners have been drawn to ISIS , which has conducted a series of mass executions and other atrocities since launching its offensive in Iraq and Syria in June . Last week , U.S. security analysts warned that Islamic State 's uprising in Iraq and Syria was gaining influence in North Africa where extremists are now ` mimicking its rhetoric and brutality ' . They revealed how rebel networks in Libya and Egypt have been pledging allegiance to ISIS in recent weeks and are even being helped to set up new terror cells . The opening of a new front is concerning officials in Washington because the expansion is taking hold in two countries which have struggled to quash extremism in recent years . In Darna , north-eastern Libya , a group of young militants reportedly from the Islamic Youth Shura Council who claim to control the town , declared its allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi earlier this month . The terror chief , who has long tried to recruit militants from Al Qaeda , responded by dispatching one of his henchmen to the town to become the group 's 'em ir ' or commander . Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi , the group 's reclusive leader , made his first video appearance in Mosul in July to announce his vision for a self-styled caliphate , a form of Islamic state . | Foreign recruits write home to mum and dad with feeble list of excuses . Range from having to clean toilets and do washing up to weather too cold . Areeb Majeed , 23 , left for Iraq in May to join terror group 's brutal uprising . But he was sidelined by militants who forced him to carry water and clean . Slunk back home after calling his parents to say there was ` no holy war ' Charged by India 's National Investigation Agency with terror offences . | [[435, 506], [862, 945], [862, 885], [916, 956], [28, 48], [128, 212], [213, 234], [329, 382], [492, 506], [512, 568], [625, 650], [1477, 1492], [1552, 1558], [1561, 1593], [2607, 2609], [2628, 2680], [28, 120], [651, 670], [693, 748], [4069, 4127], [28, 48], [128, 212], [957, 1039], [1477, 1492], [1552, 1558], [1561, 1593], [2539, 2597], [2607, 2623], [862, 945], [862, 885], [916, 956], [2795, 2889], [4497, 4610], [1977, 2083], [1988, 1994], [2012, 2083], [2113, 2140], [2089, 2095], [2096, 2140], [2188, 2194], [2201, 2203], [2221, 2323]] |
A Venezuelan neurosurgeon has learned a costly lesson after making a joke about a bomb at one of the busiest airports in the US . Dr Manuel Alvarado has agreed to pay $ 89,000 -LRB- approximately # 56,500 -RRB- in compensation after his wisecrack shut part of Miami International Airport , created chaos for thousands of travellers and sparked a massive police response . By agreeing to pay the five-figure penalty , Dr Alvarado has escaped criminal charges of making a false bomb threat and criminal mischief , which carried a potential prison sentence if convicted . ` Ashamed ' : Dr Manuel Alvarado sparked chaos at Miami 's airport after he made a joke about a bomb . The doctor wrote in a confession : ` I feel very ashamed and sorry for that stupid thing I said . I am very , very sorry . ' Nearly $ 84,000 -LRB- approximately # 53,500 -RRB- will be given to five airlines that had to delay flights after the neurosurgeon told a gate agent that he had explosives in his luggage , the Miami Herald reported . Other funds will be given to the Miami-Dade Police Department , which deployed bomb squad to search Dr Alvarado 's luggage during last October 's bomb scare . Dr Manuel Alvarado said he was carrying ` C-4 ' when a gate agent asked if he had explosives . The 60-year-old made the joke to an Avianca ticket agent when he was boarding a flight to Bogota , Colombia . After the agent asked if he had any explosives in his luggage , he replied : ` C-4 . ' The agent asked if that was a gun , but he explained that it was an explosive . Police were called in and part of the airport was evacuated until investigators determined there was no threat . Dr Alvarado 's attorney , Brian Bieber , said the surgeon was ` sleep deprived ' when he made the remark . | Dr Manuel Alvarado said he is ` ashamed and sorry ' for his ill-advised joke . He said he was carrying ` C-4 ' when asked if he had explosives . By agreeing to pay for his mistake he has avoided criminal charges . Most of the money will be given to five airlines which had to delay flights . Miami-Dade Police bomb squad was called in to search his luggage . | [[709, 738], [770, 794], [911, 983], [1173, 1232], [1197, 1218], [1221, 1267], [1378, 1439], [1442, 1452], [797, 878], [865, 878], [888, 945], [1043, 1075], [1084, 1172]] |
Paris Hilton has become the target of anti-Semitic taunts and death threats from a crazed stalker who seems to believe the hotel heiress and her family are Jewish . The 33-year-old - who was raised a Roman Catholic - and her father Rick Hilton have both been targeted on Instagram and Facebook by a man who has posted several abusive messages to the pair . According to TMZ , one of the posts he allegedly wrote read : ' I know ur Jew family gives nothing , ' and another stated : ` KILL JEWS FOR FUN -LRB- sic -RRB- ' Paris Hilton -LRB- left -RRB- - who was raised a Roman Catholic - and her father Rick Hilton -LRB- right -RRB- have both been targeted by a guy on Instagram and Facebook who has posted several abusive messages to the pair . A post to Rick said : ` one month and she 's dead , she 's never coming home . -LRB- sic -RRB- ' Another message to Rick read : ` I 'll beat u and that bitch to unconscious . -LRB- sic -RRB- ' The man is also alleged to have threatened to sexually assault the 33-year-old star . The Los Angeles Police Department has obtained a warrant to try to track down the man on the social media sites and believe they know who he is . This is not the first time Paris has been hit with death threats . In May 2007 , the hotel heiress was sentenced to a 45-day jail term and before the stretch was due to start in June that year she was said to be inundated with threats from inmates . An insider said at the time : ` These maniacs have been writing , `` We 're going to get you , '' and , `` I 'm going to kill you . '' It 's horrifying . ` One person wrote that she 's going to steal Paris ' shoes when she gets to jail -- and if Paris argues , she 'll be beaten to a pulp . ' Paris said : ` I 'm very scared right now . ' | The hotel heiress and her father were targeted on Facebook and Instagram . Paris , who was raised Roman Catholic , received several abusive messages . LAPD have warrant to track the man down and believe they know who he is . | [[165, 182], [244, 302], [519, 599], [630, 688], [663, 688], [693, 742], [165, 182], [187, 231], [294, 302], [307, 356], [519, 599], [1356, 1417], [1022, 1155], [1022, 1055], [1138, 1167]] |
French researchers claim to have found indisputable evidence that Coco Chanel worked as a spy for the Nazis during the Second World War . A written record made public for the first time in a documentary broadcast on French television last night is said to prove that the late fashion designer was a member of Abwehr - Adolf Hitler 's secret military intelligence agency . The documentary also raised questions about the role played by other French celebrities during the Second World War , including singers Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier and dramatist Sacha Guitry . Claim : A document made public for the first time in a documentary broadcast on French television last night is said to prove that Coco Chanel was a member of Abwehr - Adolf Hitler 's secret military intelligence agency . The newly revealed document suggests that while working for the Nazis , Coco Chanel -LRB- pictured left and right -RRB- went by the codename ` Westminster ' - a reference to her affair with the Duke of Westminster in the 1920s . L'Ombre d'un Doute -LSB- The Shadow of a Doubt -RSB- , broadcast on the state-owned France 3 channel yesterday evening , countered the French government 's official claim that almost every well-known figure from the time either joined the Resistance movement or simply boycotted the Nazis . Although the claim has long been considered spurious by French historians , the issue of doubt has largely been ignored by mainstream French broadcasters . Links : Coco Chanel is pictured with Winston Churchill 's son Randolph at Ascot in the mid-1930s . According to the documentary , Chanel 's involvement with the Nazis began around the time of the collapse of the French army in 1940 . She returned to Paris shortly after and moved in to the Ritz Hotel , which was doubling as the Luftwaffe 's French headquarters at the time . She soon began an affair with a senior Gestapo officer by the name of Baron Hans Gunther von Dincklage and became so closely acquainted with the Nazi upper echelons that she was sent to Madrid in 1943 where she exploited her past acquaintance with Winston Churchill to try and strike a truce with British officers stationed there . Churchill allegedly ignored the offer , with historian Henry Gidel saying Chanel ` displayed incredible megalomania and naivety in imagining that she could change Churchill 's mind . ' The newly revealed document suggests that while working for the Nazis , Chanel went by the codename ` Westminster ' - a reference to her affair with the Duke of Westminster in the 1920s . Her official Abwehr number was F-7124 according to official Nazi record - which has been secretly held in the French Ministry of Defence archives for the past seven decades . The host of the documentary , historian Franck Ferrand , went on to claim that Chanel used her Nazi influence to try and reclaim the perfume business she sold to a Jewish family in 1924 . The documentary claims Edith Piaf -LRB- pictured -RRB- accepted two invitations to perform at private Nazi functions . Ties : The documentary 's claims that singer Maurice Chevalier -LRB- left -RRB- and dramatist Sacha Guitry -LRB- right -RRB- were linked to the Nazis largely centred on the idea that the stars ' careers flourished in occupied France . To buy the book click here . Ferrand said the fashion designer had hoped that Nazi rules banning Jews owning businesses may lead to the company being confiscated and given back to her , but it later merged that the Wertheimer family had already sold their stake in Chanel perfume to a German businessman . The documentary 's claims that Piaf , Chevalier and Guitry were linked to the Nazis were less fleshed-out and largely centred on the idea that the stars ' careers flourished in occupied France - with Piaf also accepting two invitations to perform at private Nazi functions . The documentary claimed that officials in post-War France scrubbed the celebrities ' records of Nazi links and invented ties to the Resistance movement in order to help rebuild the country 's reputation . | French documentary claims late fashion designer worked for the Nazis . Had relationship with senior Gestapo officers during Second World War . Code-named ` Westminster ' - referring to her affair with Duke of Westminster . Exploited friendship with Winston Churchill to try and strike truce in 1943 . Other French stars ' relationships with the Nazis also called into question . Edith Piaf , Maurice Chevalier and Sacha Guitry all said to have had links . | [[0, 137], [66, 137], [138, 371], [138, 244], [253, 371], [578, 791], [1844, 1946], [1844, 1847], [1951, 2008], [792, 1020], [900, 1020], [2361, 2548], [2403, 2430], [2433, 2548], [2040, 2044], [2051, 2157], [3038, 3099], [3115, 3180], [3038, 3099], [3115, 3180]] |
New York LaGuardia has been named as the most frustrating airport in the US and Canada . Taking into account the time it takes to get there , the security processes , the quality of the terminals and facilities , and how many flights get delayed , LaGuardia takes the crown it does n't want . Around 3,000 frequent flyers gave their opinions on 36 airports in the US and Canada ; the 25 busiest US airports are listed as well as six of the seven busiest in Canada . LaGuardia Airport topped the pile of the US and Canada 's most frustrating airports -LRB- File Photo -RRB- . The research , conducted by businessweek.com , used data from a user survey , airports ' on-time performance , and information on the ease of getting to and from the airports . There was n't much separating the top two overall most frustrating airports ; New York LaGuardia scored a whopping 91 out of 100 on the scoring , while in second place came Newark Liberty International with 90.1 . Newark Liberty International scored 90.1 to finish a close second in the list of frustrating airports . Vancounver International was the least frustrating airport to travel from in the research conducted . BloombergBusinessweek report that LaGuardia has ` crowded gate areas with miniature , foul restrooms and a lack of convenient transportation access . No subway gets near it , leaving taxis , buses and pricey private car services as the main public options to get there . ` Arriving at LaGuardia at certain times of the day means taxi lines a mile long . ' Customers have also taken to Twitter to voice their own discontent with LaGuardia . Kirs wrote : ` LaGuardia Airport should literally be embarrassed that they still exist , ' while Sarah Rem added : ` What bad karma wound me up in the only concourse in LaGuardia airport without a bar ... ' Meanwhile at the other end of the scale , Vancouver International took the title of the least frustrating airport , scoring only 17.6 . In second spot at the right end of the listings was Portland Oregon International with 18.4 . No. 36 New York Laguardia - 91.0 . No. 35 - Newark Liberty International - 90.1 . No. 34 Washington Dulles - 87.5 . No. 33 Chicago O'hare - 84.9 . No. 32 New York John F. Kennedy - 83.0 . No. 31 Los Angeles International - 71.5 . No. 30 Toronto Pearson - 67.7 . No. 29 Dallas-Ft . Worth International - 67.0 . No. 28 Miami International - 66.2 . No. 27 Philadelphia International - 65.6 . No. 26 Chicago Midway - 65.4 . No. 25 Orlando International - 63.8 . No. 24 Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood - 62.1 . No. 23 George Bush Intercontinental - 59.4 . No. 22 Kansas City International - 54.0 . No. 21 Las Vegas Mccarran - 53.6 . No. 20 Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau - 53.3 . No. 19 Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall - 52.2 . No. 18 Lambert-St . Louis International - 51.6 . No. 17 San Francisco International - 50.9 . No. 16 Denver International - 50.2 . No. 15 Charlotte Douglas International - 50.0 . No. 14 Boston Logan - 46.4 . No. 13 Ronald Reagan Washington National - 45.6 . No. 12 Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson - 44.8 . No. 11 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County - 43.9 . No. 10 San Diego International - 38.1 . No. 09 Minneapolis-St . Paul International - 36.2 . No. 08 Ottawa International - 35.0 . No. 07 Seattle-Tacoma International - 31.7 . No. 06 Tampa International - 29.5 . No. 05 Phoenix Sky Harbor - 28.3 . No. 04 Calgary International - 27.7 . No. 03 Austin-Bergstrom - 23.1 . No. 02 Portland Oregon International - 18.4 . No. 01 Vancouver International - 17.6 . Steve Dailisan wrote on Twitter : ` Nice to see you again @Vancounver Airport , ' while Mike Walsh added : ` Vancouver always treats me well - never enough time @Vancounver International Airport . ' America 's busiest Airport , Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International came in 12th spot overall with 44.8 out of 100 . The commute to the airport is often where the stresses begin . And in this section of the survey , New York JFK topped the pile with taking 111 minutes on average from the city centre . This was well ahead of Chicago O'Hare in second with an average time of 78 minutes . The best airport for getting there the quickest in rush hour was Boston Logan , which only takes on average 18 minutes from the centre . Next best was Hartdfield_Jackson Atlanta which only took 22 minutes . You better give yourself enough time to get to New York JFK as it topped the list of longest time to travel to in rush hour from the centre . Ottawa International will be many people 's favourite with the highest number of on-time flights . LaGuardia and Newark International scored highest , one and two respectively , on the overall pleasantness at airport category , which took into account security , the restrooms and shopping . The best was Vancouver International . Everyone wants to leave on time - so the biggest frustrations with regard to this could be found at Chicago Midway who scored 68 per cent of flights on time . The best for on-schedule flights was Ottawa International who scored an impressive 88 per cent of to plan flight times . | LaGuardia scored 91 out of 100 on the overall frustration scale . Newark Liberty International not far behind on 90.1 . Vancouver International provides least frustrations , scoring only 17.6 . | [[830, 895], [904, 965], [966, 1069], [1002, 1069], [1070, 1171], [1819, 1848], [1861, 1932], [1861, 1884], [1935, 1954]] |
Two Indian women have designed a line of ` anti-rape ' jeans that send a distress signal to local police who then can locate and help the victim . It comes after a string of brutal attacks in the country which have horrified the world . Diksha Pathak , 21 , and Anjali Srivastava , 23 , from India 's northern Varanasi city , said they have installed a small electronic device in the jeans which - when pressed - will send a call to the nearest police station . Diksha Pathak , 21 , and Anjali Srivastava , 23 , have designed a line of ` anti-rape ' jeans that send a distress signal to local police who then can locate and help the victim . Officers can them locate the woman who had been wearing thanks to a specially installed tracker . Almost 200 police stations in the area have been equipped with the technology to receive the alarm from the jeans when activated . If tests to be carried out next month are successful , lawmakers will press for the system to be expanded nationwide . The women said they came up with the idea after a string of brutal attacks against women in India . Public outrage was reignited last . month by the deaths of two girls , aged 12 and 14 , who were gang-raped . and lynched in their impoverished village in the northern state of Uttar . Pradesh . A rape occurs every 22 minutes in India , according to government figures . They have installed a small electronic device in the jeans which - when pressed - will send a call to the nearest police station . Officers can them locate the woman who had been wearing thanks to a specially installed tracker . ` We have been thinking of making this device for a long time , ' said Pathak , a science student and daughter of a cab driver . ` My father is often making himself ill with worry each time I am coming home late . ` These terrible gang rapes of women that we have heard so much about recently shocked me and my colleague to the very core . Hopefully no other women will have to suffer if they are wearing our clothing . ' Pathak said she was assisted by her friend , a student in electronics communication . A pair of the anti-rape jeans cost less than 25p in India , and can be worn for three months before the batteries need replacing . Indian law enforcement and justice authorities have shirked their responsibility to fight sex attacks , a UN child rights watchdog said last week amid uproar over the horrific gang-rape and lynching of two girls . ` There has been a dereliction of duty in relation to rape cases , '' said Benyam Mezmur , deputy chairman of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child . India has been struggling to overcome its reputation for sexual violence since the fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in December 2012 , which sparked mass protests and drew international condemnation of India 's treatment of women . | Diksha Pathak and Anjali Srivastava designed jeans - which cost just 25p . Came up with idea after string of brutal attacks against women in India . If the trial is successful it will be expanded nationwide , lawmakers say . A rape occurs every 22 minutes in India , according to government figures . | [[0, 60], [462, 504], [507, 555], [2098, 2155], [147, 203], [990, 1089], [1005, 1089], [951, 989], [1285, 1324], [1285, 1291], [1327, 1360]] |
One couple knows all too well the pain suffered by the parents of James Foley , the American photojournalist executed on camera last month by the Islamic State . Billy and Karen Vaughn also lost their son Aaron Carson Vaughn in 2011 , when the SEAL Team Six soldier 's Chinook helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan . Now the couple are calling on President Barack Obama to step down , citing his reaction to the Foley video and ` lack of leadership ' in confronting ISIS . Scroll down for video . Time to resign : Karen and Billy Vaughn -LRB- pictured above -RRB- wrote a letter this week , condemning President Obama 's actions following the release of the video depicting the execution of American journalist James Foley by ISIS . The couple lost their own son , soldier Aaron Carson Vaughn , in a 2011 helicopter crash in Afghanistan . Killed in action : SEAL Team Six soldier Aaron Carson Vaughn was one of seven commandos killed in the 2011 chopper crash , in addition to an Afghan translator and military dog . They were shot down by enemy combatants . On Monday , the Vaughns wrote a letter , calling out Mr Obama 's decision to go golfing after holding an important press conference on the Foley video . ` As Commander-in-Chief , your actions - or lack thereof - Mr President , cost lives . ` As you bumble about in your golf cart , slapping on a happy face and fist-pounding your buddies , your cowardly lack of leadership has left a gaping hole -- not only in America 's security -- but the security of the entire globe . ` Your message has come across loud and clear , sir : You are not up to this job . You know it . We know it . The world knows it , ' the Vaughns wrote in the letter published on World Tribune . The couple go on to directly ask Mr Obama to resign so that a man or woman ` of courage and substance ' can take over and address the ` out-of-control thug fest ' happening in Syria and Iraq , where ISIS is attempting to establish a caliphate . ` As you bumble about in your golf cart , slapping on a happy face and fist-pounding your buddies , your cowardly lack of leadership has left a gaping hole , ' the Vaughns said of President Obama 's decision to play a round after holding a press conference on the Foley tragedy . Vacation mode : President Obama was vacationing on Martha 's Vineyard when the video was released by ISIS . He was photographed on the golf course at least two times after the video 's release . ` It 's time for you to step down and allow a true leader to restore our honor and protect our sons and daughters ... ` America has always been exceptional . And she will be again . You , Mr President , are a bump in the road , ' they wrote . Billy Vaughn told MailOnline that he has been displeased with the way President Obama has been acting at press conferences . ` I 'd like to see him have some passion about anything going on in the world instead of just speaking in a monotone voice like he has a script that has been made up , ' Mr Vaughn told MailOnline . Their only-son Aaron Carson Vaughn was killed in August 2011 when a Chinook helicopter was shot down in eastern Afghanistan . All 33 on board died in the crash , including Vaughn and several SEAL Team Six members . Vaughn and his fellow commandos were attempting to reinforce a group of Army Rangers after they ran into trouble during a raid to capture a senior Taliban leader . SEAL Team Six is best known as the group which carried out the execution of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011 . After finally choosing to view the barbaric , on-camera beheading by ISIS of freelance war correspondent James Foley , I have been left with a level of rage known only to those of us who have sacrificed unspeakable offerings on the altar of world peace . My offering was my only son -- Aaron Carson Vaughn . Aaron was a member of SEAL Team VI . He was killed in action when a CH47D Chinook , carrying thirty Americans and eight Afghans was shot down in the Tangi River Valley of Afghanistan on Aug. 6 , 2011 . Many times over the past three years , I have been asked what drove my son to choose his particular career . What made him want to be a Navy SEAL ? My answer is simple . Aaron Vaughn was a man who possessed the courage to acknowledge evil . And evil , once truly acknowledged , demands response . Perhaps this is why so few are willing to look it in the eye . It is much simpler -- much safer -- to look the other way . That is , unless you are the leader of the Free World . As Commander-in-Chief , your actions -- or lack thereof -- Mr. President , cost lives . As you bumble about in your golf cart , slapping on a happy face and fist-pounding your buddies , your cowardly lack of leadership has left a gaping hole -- not only in America 's security -- but the security of the entire globe . Your message has come across loud and clear , sir : You are not up to this job . You know it . We know it . The world knows it . Please vacate the people 's house and allow a man or woman of courage and substance to seize the reigns of this out-of-control thug-fest and regain the balance we , America , have provided throughout our great history . Thanks to your `` leadership '' from whatever multi-million dollar vacation you happen to be on at any given moment , the world is in chaos . What 's been gained , you 've lost . What 's been lost , you 've decimated . You 've demolished our ability to hold the trust of allies . You 've made a mockery of the title `` President . '' And you 've betrayed the nation for which my son and over 1.3 million others have sacrificed their very lives . But this should come as no surprise , since your wife uttered a vile statement on Feb. 18 , 2008 , during the primary campaign -- one that speaks volumes of your true convictions . `` For the first time in my adult life , I am really proud of my country , '' she said . I am sure my deceased son thanks you for that , Mrs. Obama . Oh , and you 're welcome . Never in my lifetime have I witnessed such despair and such growing fear that the world 's last best hope , America , has finally been dismantled . Perhaps the better word is transformed -- fundamentally transformed . Come to think of it , it 's become difficult -- if not impossible -- to believe things have n't gone exactly as you planned , Mr. President . Amazingly , in five short years , your administration has lurched from one disaster to another . You spearheaded the ambitious rush to end the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan -- with no plan on how to do so effectively . Also , the release of `` the Taliban five '' in exchange for one American -- without consulting Congress -- is also on your shoulders . You have been at the helm during unprecedented national security leaks -- including , but not limited to the outing of SEAL Team VI on the Bin laden raid , the outing of the Pakistani doctor who provided the intelligence for that raid , the outing of Afghanistan 's CIA station chief , and the outing of your personal `` kill list '' to make you look tough . In addition , 75 percent of American deaths in Afghanistan and 83 percent of Americans-wounded-in-action have occurred on your watch , according to icasualties.org . And now , we have this recent , heinous event : the beheading of an American citizen by a barbaric organization you foolishly referred to as `` the JV team '' in your statements to the New Yorker magazine in January . You , sir , are the JV team . It 's time for you to step down and allow a true leader to restore our honor and protect our sons and daughters . America has always been exceptional . And she will be again . You , Mr. President , are a bump in our road . Reprinted with family 's permission . | Billy and Karen Vaughn lost their only-son Aaron Carson Vaughn in 2011 . The SEAL Team Six member was one of 33 killed when a Chinook helicopter was gunned down in Afghanistan . On Monday , the Vaughns wrote a letter condemning President Barack Obama 's actions following the release of the video depicting the execution of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State radicals . Mr and Mrs Vaughn criticized the president 's decision to go golfing after he held a press conference on the Foley beheading . | [[162, 184], [190, 204], [225, 232], [737, 766], [799, 842], [3016, 3030], [3037, 3141], [240, 320], [3016, 3030], [3037, 3141], [3142, 3230], [3875, 3890], [3893, 4010], [80, 161], [321, 386], [518, 592], [518, 546], [595, 667], [658, 736], [1063, 1072], [1075, 1101], [1075, 1086], [1104, 1136], [3501, 3617], [518, 546], [595, 667], [1075, 1086], [1104, 1136], [1116, 1215], [2135, 2182], [2155, 2254]] |
An advertising campaign showing a woman 's breasts has been blamed for more than 500 traffic accidents in one day . The massive adverts placed on the side of 30 trucks driving around Moscow showed a woman 's breasts cupped in her hands with the slogan ` They Attract ' across her nipples . As the trucks trundled around the streets of the Russian capital , they left a trail of carnage as male drivers became so distracted they ploughed straight into each other . A total of 517 accidents were reported . Distracting : This is the advert pu on the side of 30 trucks and said to have caused 500 car crashes in Moscow . The stunt , by an advertising agency specialising in mobile adverts , backfired after police sent out patrols to round up all the vehicles and impound them until the risque images could be removed . Motorist Ildar Yuriev , 35 , said : ' I was on my way to a business meeting when I saw this truck with a huge photo of breasts on its side go by . ` Then I was hit by the car behind who said he had been distracted by the truck . It made me late and left my car in the garage , and although I am insured I am still out of pocket . ' Furious drivers across Moscow have reportedly bombarded the agency with compensation claims . A spokesman for AdvTruck.ru , which ran the promotion said : ` We are planning to bring a new advertising format onto the market , encouraging companies to place their ads on the sides of trucks , as we thought this would be a good alternative to putting them on the sides of public transport . ` We wanted to draw attention to this new format with this campaign ' he explained . And he added : ` In all cases of accidents , the car owners will receive compensation costs from us that are n't covered by their insurance . ' | Campaign was intended to show off the visibility of mobile ad hoardings . But as trucks trundled around the capital they left trail of carnage . Stunt backfired when Moscow police impounded all the risque trucks . | [[1540, 1605], [293, 354], [357, 427], [618, 685], [688, 773], [618, 627], [704, 710], [761, 816]] |
Suing : Christopher Dietz says his construction business has lost $ 300,000 over the negative review on Yelp . Better think twice before you slam a business with a bad review on Yelp - one Virginia woman is being sued for it . Jane Perez was slapped with a $ 750,000 lawsuit by Dietz Development after she publicly logged complaints about construction work the building contractor performed on her home . In her write-ups on the popular business review sites Yelp and Angie 's List , Perez accused the company of damaging her house , trespassing and stealing jewelry . ` Bottom line , ' she wrote on Angie 's List . ` Do not put yourself through this nightmare of a contractor . ' Perez is only the latest online critic to find herself in court over negative comments post online . In . 2009 , a San Francisco man was sued by a chiropractor after he posted a . Yelp review accusing the business of over-charging him . That suit was settled out of court . A . Chicago plastic surgeon sued three women in 2010 after they wrote online accusations that he gave them disfigured and misshapen breasts after surgery . In September , a Pilates studio in . Virginia sued two Yelp reviewers who complained that the business . smelled like mildew and that the staff was unfriendly . Free . speech advocates say businesses are increasingly resorting to legal . action to retaliate against negative reviews of their businesses . Christopher Dietz , the owner of Dietz . Development , said he had no choice but to file the lawsuit after he lost . $ 300,00 when customers fled his business over the review , reports The Washington Post . ` The impact has been awful , ' Dietz said . ` There is no one to protect businesses when people slam their name . ' He said he is not suing because of the negative review per se - he 's suing because the allegations Perez made are false . Review : Perez posted a negative review on the popular site Yelp , as well as Angie 's List , another business review site . Allegations : Perez claims her townhouse in Falls Church , Virginia , -LRB- pictured -RRB- was damaged by the work Dietz did . Jane Perez is n't the only Yelp reviewer to be sued after writing bad things about a business online . Free speech advocates say such cases are on the rise . ` If it 's negative and true , that 's fair . If it 's negative and not true , that 's unfair , ' he told WJLA-TV in Washington , DC . Perez , a retired captain in the military , said she never thought she could be sued over something as common as a Yelp review . ' I do n't want to see what happened to me happen to anyone else , ' Perez said . She stands by her reviews , The Post says , and maintains that what she posted was truthful . A judge in Fairfax partially sided . with Dietz this week - allowing the lawsuit to proceed and ordering . Perez to remove the parts of her Angie 's List review that alleged Dietz . Development employees stole jewelry . Her lawyer says Perez 's right to free speech and her right to express her opinion should trump Dietz 's business interests . ` You should always have a right to . free speech . She should be able to describe her experience with the . contractor ... she definitely told the truth , ' her attorney said . The stakes in the world of online reviews are increasingly high . Yelp . is primarily known for restaurant reviews , but it has branched out to . include listings and customer evaluations for businesses of all kinds . It has become a review powerhouse , with 84million visitors a month and 33million reviews . A . 2011 Harvard University study suggested that for each star a restaurant . received on from reviewers on the site , the restaurant owners could . expect a 5 to 7percent jump in revenue . This is the text of Perez 's original review posted on Angie 's List in August 2012 . Overall : F . Price : F . Quality : F . Responsiveness : F . Punctuality : F . Professionalism : F . Description Of Work : Dietz Development was to perform : painting , refinish floors , electrical , plumbing and handyman work . I was instead left with damage to my home and work that had to be reaccomplished for thousands more than originally estimated . Member comments : My home was damaged ' the `` work '' had to be re-accomplished ; and Dietz tried to sue me for `` monies due for his `` work . '' I won in summary judgement -LRB- meaning that his case had no merit -RRB- . Despite his claims , Dietz was/is not licensed to perform work in the state of VA. . Further , he invoiced me for work not even performed and also sued me for work not even performed . Today -LRB- six months later -RRB- he just showed up at my door and ' `` wanted to talk to me . '' I said that I `` did n't want to talk to him , '' closed the door , and called the police . -LRB- The police said his reason was that he had a `` lien on my house '' ; however this `` lien '' was made null and void the day I won the case according to the court . -RRB- This is after filing my first ever police report when I found my jewelry missing and Dietz was the only one with a key . Bottom line do not put yourself through this nightmare of a contractor . | Jane Perez accused Dietz Development of damaging her home , stealing jewelry and trespassing after she hired the company to work on her house . Dietz Development owner Christopher Dietz says he lost $ 300,000 over because customers fled after the review . Judge preliminarily sided with Dietz and ordered Perez to remove some parts of her review . | [[315, 404], [405, 481], [484, 568], [2895, 2932], [4052, 4102], [4198, 4260], [5011, 5037], [8, 110], [1533, 1590], [1593, 1622], [2713, 2749], [2820, 2873]] |
Air New Zealand has been named the best airline in the world by a website that rates carriers on safety and in-flight experience . The Auckland-based airline has received AirlineRatings.com 's top gong for the second consecutive year , beating larger companies and carriers that are synonymous with luxury . Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways came in second , while Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific rounded out the top three . Scroll down for video . On top : Air New Zealand has been voted best airline in the world for the second consecutive year . Etihad was voted best first class thanks to its # 12,500 ` apartment in the sky ' , known as The Residence . Source : AirlineRatings.com . Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways was named the fourth best airline , followed by Dubai-based Emirates in fifth and Singapore Airlines in sixth . Taiwan 's EVA Air , Cologne-based Lufthansa , Japan 's All Nippon Airways and British Airways rounded out the top ten . The website said it chose Air New Zealand because of its in-flight innovations , record financial performance , operational safety , motivated staff and its focus on the environment . The airline also won best premium economy class . Christopher Luxon , chief executive of Air New Zealand , which is entering its 75th anniversary year , said : ` It 's been an incredibly exciting year for Air New Zealand and this award recognises the outstanding efforts of our 11,000 employees globally . Welcome : The award for best economy class went to Thai Airways . What to watch ? Emirates has the best in-flight entertainment , according to the rankings . Qantas scooped up three awards -- best lounges , best domestic service and best catering . Budget carrier -LRB- Europe -RRB- : Norwegian Air . Budget carrier -LRB- Americas -RRB- : JetBlue . Long-haul airline -LRB- Europe -RRB- : Lufthansa . First class : Etihad . Business class : Cathay Pacific . Premium economy class : Air New Zealand . Best catering : Qantas . Airlineratings.com editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas added : ` Quite simply Air New Zealand is an airline of first choice . And given the airline 's location and the country 's size its performance is even more remarkable . ' Endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organization , AirlineRatings.com rates the safety and in-flight product of 450 airlines using a seven-star rating system . For value and safety in the budget airline sector , the website picked Norwegian Air as Europe 's best , JetBlue for the Americas , Kulala.com for the Middle East/Africa and newcomer Scott for Asia/Pacific . Comfort : Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways finished second in AirlineRatings.com 's top ten list . For value and safety , the website picked Norwegian Air as the best budget carrier in Europe . Economy class : Thai Airways . Domestic service : Qantas . Lounges : Qantas . In-flight entertainment : Emirates . Cabin crew : Virgin Australia . Lufthansa was named Europe 's best long-haul airline . Qantas scooped up three awards -- best domestic service , best catering and best lounges -- while Etihad was voted best first class thanks to its # 12,500 ` apartment in the sky ' , known as The Residence , and redesigned first class cabins on its new fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft . Other winners included Cathay Pacific -LRB- best business class -RRB- , Thai Airways -LRB- best economy class -RRB- , Emirates -LRB- best in-flight entertainment -RRB- and Virgin Australia -LRB- best new world carrier , best cabin crew -RRB- . | Etihad Airways was named second best , while British Airways ranked tenth . Norwegian Air voted Europe 's best budget carrier for value , safety . Luxurious ` apartment in the sky ' earns Etihad gong for best first class . Qantas scooped up three awards , including best catering and best lounges . AirlineRatings.com picks Lufthansa as Europe 's best long-haul airline . | [[308, 353], [835, 954], [2580, 2666], [2414, 2464], [2690, 2761], [545, 624], [1603, 1693], [2964, 3052], [2909, 2963]] |
Education Secretary Nick Morgan said there is good evidence that having classes full of children from different backgrounds thanks to immigration ` can drive up standards . Britain 's first new grammar school in fifty years is likely to be approved next month . Nicky Morgan is ` open to being convinced ' of the case for the controversial expansion of an existing school in Kent . Tory MPs are putting pressure on the Education Secretary to give the go-ahead for a grammar school annexe in Sevenoaks . Previous proposals were rejected by Mrs Morgan 's predecessor , Michael Gove , because they failed to clear red tape put in place by the Labour government . But Mrs Morgan is now said to believe the new application is ` much stronger ' after Kent County Council insisted its updated plan was ` compliant with the regulations ' . Meanwhile , the Education Secretary has insisted that a ` rich ethnic mix ' can improve Britain 's schools . She said there was good evidence that classes full of children from different backgrounds thanks to immigration ` can drive up standards ' . Her comments directly contradict warnings from Sir Michael Wilshaw , the head of Ofsted , who said schools were struggling to cope with an ` influx ' of migrant pupils . And Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith last month said new arrivals were changing the ` character ' of schools . In parts of London , children with English as a second language now make up as much as three-quarters of the school roll . Speaking to the Observer newspaper , Mrs Morgan said : ` I 'm not one of those people who thinks that immigration is always a bad thing . ` The evidence from London suggests that a rich ethnic mix can help to drive up standards . ` It 's clear that many migrant families really support their children and appreciate the transforming power of education . ' She also said she disagreed with Mr Gove 's use of the term ` the blob ' -- describing an obstructive Left-wing education establishment resistant to reform -- saying that it ` did n't help ' . Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged # 67million to boost school standards in maths , science and computer skills . About 15,000 teachers will be sent for retraining under the plans , while school-leavers embarking on maths or physics degrees will be offered cash in return for going into teaching once they graduate . Pupils will also be taught to program computers , or ` code ' , as part of a new GCSE . Last month a study by Bristol University found that schools with large numbers of migrants and pupils from ethnic minorities gain the best GCSE results because they have a stronger work ethic . Mrs Morgan 's controversial comments come two weeks after one of her education ministers also claimed the influx of foreign students was changing the culture of schools for the better . Mrs Morgan again went to war with her predecessor Michael Gove , rejecting his portrayal of the education establishment as a left-wing ` blob ' Nick Gibb , also a Conservative , said the fact that pupils who spoke English as a second language tended to be academically more able , because they had learned to speak two languages . But critics warn there is a serious shortage of places at primaries - at which one in five pupils now speak English as a second language . In some parts of London , children with English as a second language now make up as much as three-quarters of the school roll . The figure is around half in places including Slough , Luton and Leicester . Even David Cameron has said that immigration from Europe was putting ` pressure ' on public services such as schools and hospitals . In her interview , Mrs Morgan said : ` There 's no doubt immigration can put pressure on public services , especially in places like Slough , but I 'm not one of those people who think that immigration is always a bad thing . Sir Michael Wilshaw , the head of Ofsted , who said schools were struggling to cope with an ` influx ' of migrant pupils . ` The evidence from London suggests that a rich ethnic mix can help to drive up standards . It 's clear that many migrant families really support their children and appreciate the transforming power of education . ' Mrs Morgan said she wants a greater focus on ` character education ' in schools . ` What I mean is a focus on things like the additional character skills we all need to get on in life -- resilience , grit , self-esteem , self-confidence . ' The Education Secretary also clashed with her predecessor Mr Gove , who would often use the word ` blob ' as shorthand for an obstructive teaching establishment that was resistant to reform . Asked about the term , Morgan says it was unhelpful and created a false impression of ministers ' real attitude to teachers . ` It captures the imagination and then it 's used for ever after , ' she said . ` I do n't actually know who did it and I do n't know in what context ... But it does n't help in terms of people then using that quote . ' One senior Tory at the heart of policymaking said : ` Nicky is having a very difficult time of it , ' and that Gove ` ca n't let go ' . A close ally of Mrs Morgan , who is also the minister for women , insisted that she was determined to make her own mark and that , ` if they thought she would just be a Stepford minister ' without her own ideas and views , they had seriously misjudged her . She added : ` Sometimes some of the language or the tone that was used , like `` we 're going to take people on '' and `` we 're going to change things and challenge '' was counter-productive ; as I say , what gets lost are the people at the centre of the system . And most particularly the students . That 's who we 're doing it all for . ` I would like the teachers to say she listened and parents to say she was on our side in getting the best education for our children . ` My task is about listening to what teachers are saying , and saying to them , `` What can we do ? Take some burdens away , give you more freedoms ? '' . ' | Tory MPs are urging Nicky Morgan to approve school in Sevenoaks . Previous proposals rejected by Michael Gove over red tape restrictions . Mrs Morgan thought to believe new application is ` much stronger ' Comes after minister said ` rich ethnic mix ' in pupils can improve schools . Morgan says children from different backgrounds ` can drive up standards ' | [[382, 502], [503, 564], [582, 619], [664, 674], [678, 717], [664, 674], [687, 738], [10, 172], [832, 841], [844, 940], [941, 1077], [950, 1077], [1637, 1728], [1673, 1728], [3996, 4087], [4032, 4087], [10, 172], [832, 841], [844, 940], [941, 1077], [950, 1077], [1637, 1728], [1673, 1728], [3996, 4087], [4032, 4087]] |
An Ohio family are in shock after their pet pit bull mauled a 59-year-old grandmother to death in front of her two-year-old grandson Marcus on Monday afternoon . Butler County Sheriff 's discovered Cindy Whisman in her daughter 's backyard just after 1.10 pm after responding to a neighbor 's 911 call . Daughter Julie Whisman said that her mother was watching her son when the family dog Polo attacked her . Scroll Down for Video . Mauled : Cindy Whisman was attacked in her daughter 's backyard while she was watching her two-year-old grandson Marcus . Vicious : Cindy Whisman was killed by her daughter 's pit bull Polo on Monday in front of her two-year-old grandson Marcus . Interned : Polo the pit bull is with the Butler County Animal Friends Humane Society and a decision has yet to be made on his future . Witness : Julie Whisman said that her two-year-old son Marcus has not exhibited any worrying signs of trauma after witnessing his grandmother 's mauling by the family pit bull . ` As far as I know my neighbor told me she saw her and the dog outside , ' said Julie Whisman to WCPO . ` She thought they were playing back and forth like this , then all of a sudden she saw her on the ground and kept saying ` Polo , Polo , ' because that was the dog 's name , and she was rolling over , so the neighbor called 911 and then she did n't see her no more . ' Neighbor , Wayne Walker tried to save Cindy Whisman from the dog , but told WCPO that he failed to get to her in time . ` Whenever I hit him he yelped and took off running straight into their house , ' Walker said . ' I looked at Cindy Whisman ... she 's gone . ' Scene : This is Julie Whisman 's backyard where Polo attacked Cindy Whisman and killed her on Monday . Distraught : Julie Whisman said that she could n't believe her family pet , Polo , would turn on her mother with fatal results . According to the sheriff 's office Cindy Whisman was mauled across her face , neck and abdomen and they confirmed her grandson was in the backyard when the vicious attack occurred . Julie Whisman said that she could not believe that Polo attacked her mother and said she has owned him since he was a puppy . ` It just does n't add up to me , ' she said to WCPO . ` My son could sit on him , lay on him . ' Devastated , Julie said her mother 's loss has hit her hard . ` She was my best friend , she was the greatest person to me , ' Julie said of Cindy . Cindy said that her son did not seem to be too affected by the attack , but that time will tell . Polo the Pit Bull has been taken to the Butler County Animal Friends Humane Society . It is not clear whether the dog will be destroyed and that will not become an option until the sheriff 's investigation is complete . | Cindy Whisman was attacked by the pit bull in her daughter 's backyard . Her grandson was in garden at the time but was not hurt . Daughter , Julie , said she was working when her mother was attacked . Dog has been taken to the humane society but will likely be destroyed . | [[0, 59], [34, 85], [337, 408], [440, 545], [563, 632], [440, 545], [1977, 2044], [1962, 2009], [2516, 2601]] |
Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes the loan signing of Chelsea forward Christian Atsu will add another dimension to his attacking options . The Spaniard is hopeful the deal to bring the 22-year-old to Goodison Park will be concluded by Thursday . Atsu 's arrival would supplement the resources Martinez already has at his disposal , led by marquee summer signing Romelu Lukaku - also from Chelsea . On the move : Chelsea and Ghana winger Christian Atsu is set to join Everton on a season-long loan deal . Busy : Everton boss Roberto Martinez is still keen to sign another striker before the transfer window closes . Striker Arouna Kone is still at least a month away from fully recovering from a knee injury which kept him out for most of last season while Kevin Mirallas , like his Belgium team-mate Lukaku , is still getting up to speed having returned to training later than many of his team-mates due to his World Cup commitments . Steven Naismith is another alternative up front or off the right but Ghana international Atsu will give Everton something extra in the same way Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu did in his loan spell last season . ` We are hoping that the deal can be formalised and finalised by Thursday , ' Martinez told evertontv . ` That would be a really good positive move to boost the squad . How ready he will be to have him in the team , it 's too early to tell but we want Christian to be part of the squad as soon as we can . ` We are really excited and are desperate to welcome him to Finch Farm -LRB- training ground -RRB- to allow him to feel the Everton way quickly . ` Christian is a experienced young man and to be that experienced at a young age is incredible . ` He had a really good spell in Portugal then a big move and has played a lot of games in Holland . Playing in a World Cup with Ghana will give him a lot too . ` He can play on both wings , play through the middle and has appreciation of space . ` Technically he is very gifted and will fit extremely well . He has the hunger and desire to want to show what he can do in the Premier League and we feel we are ready to give him that opportunity . ' New boy : Atsu will join midfielder Muhamed Besic among the new recruits at Goodison Park this summer . VIDEO European experience vital for Everton - Martinez . | Atsu is set to spend next season on loan at Everton . The winger must receive a work permit before his move can be completed . Martinez believes Atsu will add another dimension to his side 's attack . The Spaniard hopes to sign another striker before the transfer window shuts . | [[406, 417], [420, 511], [0, 92], [42, 146], [519, 613], [594, 622]] |
San Francisco drag queens are sparring with Facebook over its policy requiring people to use their real names , rather than drag names such as Pollo Del Mar and Heklina . But the world 's biggest social network is not budging from its rules . In recent weeks , Facebook has been deleting the profiles of self-described drag queens and other performers who use stage names because they did not comply with the social networking site 's requirement that users go by their ` real names ' on the site . On Wednesday , Facebook declined to change its policy after meeting with drag queens and a member of the San Francisco board of supervisors . The company said is usually deletes accounts with fake names after investigating user complaints . Drag queens from left , Lil Ms. Hot Mess , Sister Roma and Heklina take turns speaking about their battle with Facebook during a news conference at City Hall in San Francisco on Wednesday . ` This policy is wrong and misguided , ' said Supervisor David Campos , who was flanked by seven drag queens during a press conference at San Francisco City Hall . The drag queens and others in the lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender community say many Facebook account holders fear using their real names for a variety of reasons , including threats to their safety and employment . ` I have crazy family members who I do n't want contacting me through Facebook , ' said a self-described drag queen who calls herself Heklina . Facebook said it temporarily restored hundreds of deleted accounts for two weeks . After that they 'll have to either change their name to their real name , or convert their profile to a fan page . San Francisco city supervisor David Campos , right , walks with drag queen Sister Roma to a news conference : Drag queens are sparring with Facebook over its policy requiring people to use their real names , rather than drag names . ' -LRB- There are -RRB- a million different people with a million different reasons to use fake names , ' said Sister Roma , a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence . Campos and the drag queens , led by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence - a San Francisco group of drag performers and activists that 's been around since 1979 - say they plan another meeting with Facebook and are hopeful that the company will ultimately alter its policy . If Facebook does n't change its policy , the drag queens at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday said they would organize protests and boycotts . ` Abused women , bullied teens , transgender people ... -LRB- there are -RRB- a million different people with a million different reasons to use fake names , ' said Sister Roma , a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence . Facebook says it policy ` helps prevent bad behavior , while creating a safer and more accountable environment . ' The company says performers and others have other ways of keeping their stage identities on the site , including creating pages that are meant for businesses and public figures . If Facebook does n't change its policy , the drag queens at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday said they would organize protests and boycotts . Many in the drag queen community are professional performers who rely on Facebook to publicize gigs . Many in the drag queen community are professional performers who rely on Facebook to publicize gigs . They said a fan page is n't the same as a regular Facebook page . ` Your reach is limited , ' said Rosa Sifuentes , a San Francisco-based burlesque performer who goes by the name Bunny Pistol . The company 's policy has been around just about as long as Facebook itself . This is n't the first time users have criticized Facebook 's policy . Political activists have complained , especially those living in countries where they could face danger if their real identities are revealed . In 2011 , Chinese blogger and activist Michael Anti , whose legal name is Zhao Jing , had his profile deleted because he was not using his given name - even though his professional identity has been established for more than a decade and is better known . Lady Gaga , whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta , has ` merged ' her stage name with her birth name on Facebook in an apparent compromise . It 's not always easy to determine which names are inauthentic . Some people whose real names sound fake have had their accounts deleted , too . For Facebook , the real names policy is not just meant to keep people accountable . The company and other website operators argue that requiring people to use true identities can reduce online vitriol and bullying . Real names also help Facebook target advertisements to its 1.32 billion users . Facebook estimates that 6 to 11 percent of its monthly user accounts were duplicate or fake in 2013 . ` We believe the percentage of accounts that are duplicate or false is meaningfully lower in developed markets such as the United States or United Kingdom and higher in developing markets such as India and Turkey , ' Facebook wrote in a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission . ` However , these estimates are based on an internal review of a limited sample of accounts and we apply significant judgment in making this determination , such as identifying names that appear to be fake or other behavior that appears inauthentic to the reviewers . ' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article . | Facebook has declined to change its policy requiring people to use their real names after meeting with drag queens in San Francisco on Wednesday . Many in the drag queen community are professional performers who say they rely on Facebook to publicize gigs . The drag queens plan another meeting with Facebook and are hopeful that the company will ultimately alter its policy . If Facebook does n't change its policy , the drag queens say they will organize protests and boycotts . | [[58, 170], [175, 242], [452, 498], [499, 511], [514, 640], [1815, 1893], [2346, 2381], [3015, 3050], [4537, 4581], [3158, 3259], [3195, 3218], [3223, 3259], [3260, 3361], [3297, 3320], [3325, 3361], [2224, 2228], [2231, 2274], [2069, 2095], [2279, 2342], [2384, 2488], [3053, 3157]] |
You better not change a lightbulb in Victoria , Australia , unless you are a qualified electrician . When travelling around the world , it 's not always a bad idea to do your research on local laws and traditions . Not only could this keep you out of trouble , but it can also help you get the most out of your holiday . However , there are some weird and wonderful rules that surely nobody is expected to follow . But whether you are akin to having a sleeping donkey in your bathtub to enjoying eating somewhere that 's on fire , it pays to be clued up . Erica Chang , regional director of HomeAway UK who conducted the research , said : ` Travel really does open the mind so it 's curious to see what odd rules and regulations can be found on the law books around the world . ` Some might be seen as health and safety gone mad , but others are just funny -- I 'm sure most Brits abroad would never think they could be breaking the law if they changed a light bulb in Victoria or flushed the toilet at night while in Geneva so it 's always best to know before you go ! ' 1 . Only a qualified electrician is allowed to change a light bulb in Victoria , Australia . How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb ? None , in Victoria . Australia 's second most populated state says it 's illegal to change a light bulb unless you 're a licensed electrician . Apparently , rebels who defy this law could receive a fine of up to AU$ 10 -LRB- # 5.50 -RRB- . This man could help you not break the law in Milan , Italy , as you are required to smile . 2 . Milan requires that citizens must smile at all times , or face a fine . Milan in Italy states that it is a legal requirement to smile at all times , except during funerals or hospital visits . Frowners could face a hefty fine . 3 . In Florida , it is illegal to pass wind in a public place after 6pm on Thursdays . 5.59 pm is fine . You would be deemed to have been causing a public nuisance , so you best run home first to do it in a little bit of privacy . 4 . In England , it is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament . This was voted the most ludicrous law in the UK in 2007 . A spokesman for the House of Commons said : ` The people who know about these things here say there is no basis for such a law , not to say it does not exist somewhere in writing . ' It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament in the UK . 5 . In Oklahoma , it is against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7pm . Great if your donkey is awake and just enjoying a bit of relaxation time . Not so good if it has snoozed off in a lava of bubbles . 6 . In Canada , by law , one out of every five songs on the radio must be sung by a Canadian . Great for Justin Bieber fans , not so great for the sane . Part of the CRTC -LRB- Canadian Radio and Television Commission -RRB- that for both types of programming there has to be at least a fifth by Caadian performers . 7 . It is forbidden to be fat in Japan In the country that brought us sumo wrestling . It is illegal to be fat . In 2009 , lawmakers set a maximum waistline , meaning every man aged over 40 must not have a waistline measuring over 31ins , and every woman can not measure over 35ins . From the country who brought us sumo wrestling , it is illegal to be ` overweight ' in Japan . 8 . Flushing the toilet after 10pm is illegal in Switzerland . Flushing the loo after 10pm in an apartment building is illegal in the country of Switzerland . The Government consider it noise pollution . 9 . In Chicago , it is against the law to eat in a place that 's on fire . No matter how good the pizza tastes , if the restaurant sets on fire -- you ca n't stick around ! 10 . Running out of petrol is illegal on Germany 's autobahn , and so is walking along it . So those who do break down must pull over and use their horn to attraction attention . The penalty is $ 80 -LRB- # 65 -RRB- for endangering other drivers . | No sleeping donkeys in the bath after 7pm in Oklahoma . Illegal to be overweight in Japan , the country who brought us sumo . Turn that frown upside down if you 're in Milan , Italy . | [[2419, 2480], [2933, 2982], [2971, 2982], [2988, 3015], [3016, 3041], [3218, 3229], [3234, 3259], [3213, 3229], [3262, 3307]] |
A Florida state trooper has offered roadside assistance of a different kind - saving a mother who was choking on a seatbelt that was placed around her neck by her 3-year-old daughter . Trooper Brad Wagner was flagged down on the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County and asked to help the 37-year-old who was choking after the safety device locked around her neck . It was the second life threatening situation Wagner was called to in the past three months . The woman , her husband and their daughter were returning home after having Thanksgiving dinner with their family on Thursday when the incident happened . Scroll down for video . Florida state trooper Brad Wagner saved the life of a 37-year-old woman who was choking after her three-year-old daughter wrapped a seat belt around her neck during an argument over using a child seat . According to the New York Daily News the couple 's daughter refused to sit in the child seat and placed the seat belt around her mother . The seatbelt then became entangled around her throat and she began to choke . Police said when her husband tried to remove it , the device became tighter again . The woman , who declined to give her name , told local media : ` He 's pulling on it , but this thing would not give . I was panicking , and it kept getting tighter . Then , that was it . At that point , it just got so bad . I blacked out at that point . ' The woman was nearly unconscious when Wagner used his knife to free her from the seat belt . Wagner was flagged down on the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County where he was asked to help the woman . The seat belt rescue was the second life threatening call out Wagner had responded to in the past three months ; on September 18 , he responded to a car accident and administered CPR to an unconscious driver who had ejected onto the road . He also recovered thanks to the trooper -LRB- file picture -RRB- . After being evaluated by a paramedic , she was allowed to continue on her trip . Authorities said this was the second motorist Wagner saved in the past three months . On September 18 , he responded to a car accident and administered CPR to an unconscious driver who had ejected onto the road . He also recovered thanks to Wagner 's actions . For more on this story click here . | A Florida mother ` blacked out ' after the seatbelt tightened around her neck . Her husband tried to free her , but the safety device only got tighter . Trooper Brad Wagner came to her rescue freeing her with his knife . It was the second life Wagner had been called to save in three months . | [[110, 123], [129, 184], [318, 360], [974, 1026], [1393, 1485], [318, 360], [1102, 1135], [1277, 1302], [633, 704], [1393, 1485], [1431, 1485], [361, 453], [368, 453], [633, 704], [1589, 1686], [1614, 1699], [1977, 2029], [1994, 2062]] |
One of Nevada 's largest and most elaborate brothels is now offering ` legal , safe and STD-free ' package deals for those keen to indulge in ' a pay-for-play erotic vacation ' . For $ 2,100 , visitors to Sheri 's Ranch just outside Pahrump can enjoy a two-night stay that includes transportation from Las Vegas , dinner with the ` Sheri 's lady of your choice ' , a souvenir from the gift shop , and a $ 2,000 voucher for the hotel 's other ` services ' . The upgraded $ 3,200 package includes all of the above plus an extra night at the hotel , an dinner of steak and lobster inside a themed bungalow , champagne and an open bar , and a ` guaranteed sex ticket ' worth $ 3,000 . For $ 2,100 , visitors to Sheri 's Ranch can enjoy a two-night stay that includes dinner with the ` Sheri 's lady of your choice ' , a souvenir from the gift shop , and a $ 2,000 voucher for the hotel 's other ` services ' George Flint , a longtime lobbyist for the Nevada Brothel Owners Association , told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the latest move by Sheri 's could be a make-or-break moment for the business . He explained that Nevada 's licensed brothels are struggling against a background of recession , the rise of the Internet and high gas prices . They also face tough competition from an unchecked illegal sex trade in Clark County , which is one of five Nevada counties where brothels are outlawed . ` The brothel industry is about as badly bent as I 've ever seen it , ' Mr Flint added . ' I do n't know that the industry as we know it is going to survive . ' According to the newspaper , since Chuck Lee bought Sheri 's and the 310 acres surrounding it in 2001 , he has poured an estimated $ 20 million into the property , adding seven standard hotel rooms and three themed suites , a swimming pool , sports bar and a restaurant . Since Chuck Lee bought Sheri 's in 2001 , he has poured an estimated $ 20 million into the property , adding seven standard hotel rooms and three themed suites , a swimming pool , sports bar and a restaurant . Then in 2012 , the legal brothel opened six fantasy bungalows called ` Sheri 's Playland ' ` to provide highly detailed and immersive erotic role play scenarios ' . Mr Flint said he is impressed by Sheri 's and believes it has developed into a place capable of attracting sex tourists from across the country and around the world . ' I think you 're going to see more of this sort of thing , ' he added . | Sheri 's Ranch near Pahrump offers ` legal , safe and STD-free ' package deals . Package includes dinner , souvenir and $ 2,000 voucher for hotel 's ` services ' Extras include steak , champagne and ` guaranteed sex ticket ' worth $ 3,000 . | [[0, 122], [179, 190], [193, 441], [681, 692], [695, 901], [457, 544]] |
It attracts one million visitors every year and counts itself among Britain 's most popular tourist sites . So it is perhaps surprising that Stonehenge has been featured in a list of the world 's most disappointing destinations . The prehistoric monument , located in Wiltshire , joined a host of the planet 's most visited destinations and attractions including the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and Paris as places that left visitors most unimpressed . Scroll down for video . Stonehenge is the UK 's most famous prehistoric monument but has been branded a disappointment . Despite being located next to the busy A303 , Stonehenge welcomes more visitors than any other English Heritage site in the country . Voters on social networking site Reddit.com , criticised Stonehenge because it was ` small , you ca n't get very close to it , and it 's really not worth the rather long journey from London ' . It is also just yards away from the busy A303 main road . One student pointed out that nearby Avebury Henge was much better , claiming it was ` bigger and you can walk right up to it ' . The monument was built about 5,000 years ago , and is believed to have been used as a site where prehistoric people buried the dead . It welcomes more visitors than any other English Heritage site in the country , and the organisation reported an 18.9 per cent rise is visitors last year and with up to 5,000 people a day flocking to the site in July and August . It was n't just Stonehenge that suffered the ire of disappointed tourists - Los Angeles was also listed as a let-down for visitors . Despite being home to some of the world 's most glamorous celebrities , some travellers were left shocked by what they labelled ` a run-down , dangerous and dirty urban sprawl ' Despite being home to some of the world 's most glamorous celebrities , some travellers were left shocked by what they labelled ` a run-down , dangerous and dirty urban sprawl ' . Many said it was ` uninteresting ' , claiming there was little to entertain visitors outside the well-known Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard . Another gripe was that great distances make it impossible to walk around , and that the public transport is poor , making much of the city inaccessible to non-drivers . Another surprise addition to the list was The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt , long considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World . Travellers bemoaned that the Pyramids of Giza site ` can be seen from Pizza Hut ' , and are so close to the noise and chaos of the city . For over 3800 years , the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man made structure in the world . Built between 2560 -- 2540 BC , the monument is the oldest and largest of three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis . Also known as the Pyramid of Khufu , it is the oldest of the Ancient Wonders of the World and the last one still largely intact . For more than 3,800 years , the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man made structure in the world . However , travellers bemoaned the fact that the ancient site ` can be seen from Pizza Hut ' , and are so close to the noise and chaos of the city . Many said they were constantly harassed by locals trying to sell them things , while another said it the inside of the central chamber ` looked like a cow shed ' . Paris was branded the ` worst city on Earth ' in the survey , with many criticising the rudeness of locals towards tourists . Earlier this year Paris was named as the world 's most visited city attracting some 32.3 million people last year , with the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre , and Notre-Dame Cathedral all huge draws . Earlier this year the destination was named as the world 's most visited city attracting some 32.3 million people last year , with the Eiffel Tower , the Louvre , and Notre-Dame Cathedral all huge draws . ` I could n't order a f *** ing coffee , in English or in French , without a disdainful look from any cafe employee , ' said one vsiitor . Other accusations levelled at the city were that it was overpriced and dirty . Meanwhile , Venice was labelled as a ` gigantic tourist trap ' , by voters . The floating city welcomes around 60,000 visitors each day , leading to crowded streets and overpriced food and drink . Venice welcomes around 60,000 visitors each day , leading to crowded streets and overpriced food and drink . ` The famed canals are horribly polluted and filled with garbage , ' said one visitor . Others said it was crowded and full of scammers , and worth a weekend visit at most . ` Disneyland for middle-aged American yuppies , ' said another . Dubai also featured on the list , with travellers seemingly unhappy by the ` overpriced , superficial , fake and unfriendly ' destination . The giant malls and towering skyscrapers left many visitors complaining of a lack of culture , while the heat was also a major concern . The giant malls and towering skyscrapers of Dubai left many visitors complaining of a lack of culture . Jamaica was also unpopular , with holidaymakers claiming that the island 's most renowned beauty spots had been turned into tourist traps . Many said they were bombarded by local vendors who were aggressive or hostile , and even said they felt physically threatened by opportunistic sellers . Despite its reputation as a paradise destination , many travellers said that Bali had left them unimpressed . Jamaica was also unpopular , with holidaymakers claiming that the island 's most renowned beauty spots had been turned into tourist traps . The most frequent complaints were that the famed beaches were filthy , overcrowded and overrun with scammers . Other destinations that featured on the list included Niagara Falls in New York , Times Square in New York City and the Taj Mahal in India . However , many travellers took to the site to recommend the best way to enjoy all of the sites listed , with many claiming to have enjoyed the historic locations . | Stonehenge criticised because it is ` small and you ca n't get very close ' Los Angeles , Venice and Dubai also made the list compiled by Reddit.com . Paris branded ` worst city on Earth ' despite attracted 32.3 m people last year . Overcrowding and aggressive local vendors was a common gripe . | [[706, 738], [752, 830], [4577, 4582], [4588, 4608], [3288, 3347], [3414, 3527], [3609, 3732], [3134, 3173], [5098, 5144], [5131, 5144], [5149, 5175]] |
Tiger Woods insists he ` feels great ' ahead of his return to competitive golf this week after nearly four months out following back surgery . With his 39th birthday approaching later this month , the 14-time major champion faces serious questions over his future in the game . He has endured a year beset by back problems and a catalogue of injuries that date back to when he won his last major , the US Open in 2008 , with a broken leg and torn ACL . Woods has watched Rory McIlroy usurp him as the brightest star in the game but returns to action at his own tournament , the Hero World Challenge in Florida , promising that he is ` healed ' , ` stronger ' and finally able to put in enough practice to hone his game to the highest standards . Tiger Woods returns to golf this week after four months out following back surgery . Woods was last seen in action during a sorry , injury-plagued performance at the US PGA Championship . ' I feel great , ' Woods told SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio on Monday . ' I feel really , really good . It 's great to be back out here competing again . I 've missed it quite a bit . ' Woods 's last appearance before undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back was a sad sight , with the former world No 1 grimacing his way round Valhalla at the US PGA Championship . He has since fired swing coach Sean Foley and hired Chris Como to take his place . The early results of their work were put on show in a video released online on Monday -LRB- watch below -RRB- . Their progress will come under further scrutiny at Isleworth during the annual event to raise money for the Tiger Woods Foundation , but the American is happy with the results so far . ` I 'm excited that I have this much time off to obviously heal and get stronger and get my game in order for next year , ' said Woods . ' I went through a period there for the last year , year and a half , where I did n't really practice that much . ' ' I can finally log in the time , log in the minutes , and really delve into a good practice session and really get a lot out of it , ' he said . ` And that 's something that I had n't been able to do in quite some time . ' The 2008 US Open remains the last major of 14 won by Woods with injuries having beset his career since . | Tiger Woods will make his latest comeback in Isleworth , Florida this week . Woods plays in his own tournament , the Hero World Challenge . The 38-year-old has been usurped as world No 1 by Rory McIlroy . But Woods insists he is now healed four months after surgery on his back . | [[0, 142], [20, 88], [453, 458], [532, 571], [746, 830], [453, 458], [532, 571], [0, 142], [95, 142], [746, 830], [790, 830]] |
Brendan Rodgers said this week that Steven Gerrard is ` arguably the best player who 's ever played in the Premier League ' , but the Liverpool captain did n't make his manager 's all-time XI in 2012 . Rodgers , who dropped Gerrard for Saturday 's 1-0 win over Stoke , confirmed that the veteran midfielder has been offered a new contract at Liverpool and told reporters : ' I love working with Steven Gerrard , he 's arguably the best player who 's ever played in the Premier League . ' In April 2012 though , appearing as a guest on Match of the Day 3 , Rodgers picked Paul Scholes and Roy Keane as his midfield duo in his all-time Premier League XI , with Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola playing slightly in front of the Manchester United pair . Steven Gerrard prepares to come off the bench against Stoke City on Saturday . Gerrard replaced Lucas Leiva with Liverpool going on to score a late winner through Glen Johnson . Rodgers appears on BBC Match of the Day 3 while Swansea manager back in April 2012 . Brendan Rodgers ' all-time Premier League XI . Clarifying his selection , the then-Swansea manager said : ' I went for a sort of triangle in midfield with Scholes , who is one of the best passers of the ball in the duration of the Premier League . ' A wee bit of bite in there with Roy Keane : win it , give it . ` And I guy who invented for me what I call the Zola zone - that space in between the midfield and the front line . -LRB- It was a -RRB- tough choice between him and Bergkamp . ' Gerrard did n't get a mention . Two weeks later , Rodgers brought the subject up again in an interview , heaping more praise on Scholes . He told the Daily Star : ` I 've loved watching him -LRB- Scholes -RRB- . I 've got such admiration for his game . He is a wonderful example of a British player . ' I was asked to pick my best Premier League team and he was the first player I picked -- I ca n't compliment him any higher than that . ' Less than a month after that interview Rodgers had left Swansea to take the job on offer at Liverpool . Liverpool finished seventh in his first season in charge and second in May , coming agonisingly close to winning the title before Gerrard 's unfortunate slip gifted Chelsea victory in a crucial game at the end of the season . Clearly , Gerrard has done enough in the last two-and-a-half years to convince his manager that he should have been in that original XI . Rodgers was full of praise for former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes . | Liverpool have offered Steven Gerrard a new contract . Gerrard was dropped from starting XI for Saturday 's 1-0 win over Stoke . Brendan Rodgers says Gerrard arguably best ever Premier League player . But Gerrard did not make Rodgers ' all-time Premier League XI in 2012 . | [[202, 209], [269, 374], [202, 209], [216, 266], [748, 826], [0, 80], [65, 80], [88, 121], [427, 442], [447, 449], [462, 485], [427, 442], [450, 485], [130, 201]] |
Seated Man With a Cane : Amedeo Modigliani 's 1918 painting is at the centre of a court battle after a claim it was stolen from a Jewish dealer by the Nazis during World War Two . A billionaire New York City art dealer is refusing to return a famous $ 25 million painting that was stolen from a renowned Jewish art dealer by the Nazis during World War II , a sensational lawsuit charges . In court papers , Philippe Maestracci alleges that the Helly Nahmad Gallery -- located in Manhattan 's posh Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue -- is wrongly in possession of the 1918 painting , ` Seated Man With a Cane , ' by Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani . The canvas was owned by Maestracci 's grandfather Oscar Stettiner , a prominent Jewish gallery owner in Paris . But Stettiner was forced to flee with . his wife and two children months before the German troops stormed into . Paris and the north and west of France became occupied Nazi territory . ` Adolf Hitler , a failed artist . himself , then began the most notorious art looting raid in the history . of the world ' , Raymond Dowd , the lawyer for Maestracci , told MailOnline . ` The Nazis feverishly . pursued an agenda of destroying , confiscating or selling abroad art they . considered ` Jewish , ' ` degenerate ' or ` modern ' . In 1944 , the Nazis sold the . Modigliani painting at an auction , with Stettiner , now living in the . unoccupied French region of Dordogne , powerless to stop it . When the war ended , all sales of art stolen by the Nazis were declared null and void ' under international law . But the Stettiners found it . impossible to track and recover the pilfered art because it had been . inaccurately labelled , according to the law suit filed in U.S. District . Court in Manhattan . As family members died out , Maestracci - the son of Stettiner 's daughter Maud Stettiner - became the sole . heir to his grandfather 's estate . In 2008 , he learned that art dealer . Helly Nahmad , son of art czar David Nahmad whose family is worth an . estimated $ 3 billion , was in possession of the painting and planned to . sell it through Sotheby 's auction house , the lawsuit says . Helly Nahmad and David Nahmad pose in front of a Picasso painting at the Helly Nahmed Gallery , in New York -LRB- left -RRB- . The painting at the centre of the legal dispute was created by Amedeo Modigliani -LRB- right -RRB- . The Helly Nahmad Gallery in Manhatten is wrongly holding the Modigliani painting according to Philippe Maestracci . Mr Dowd of the law firm Dunnington , . Bartholow and Miller said Maestracci made repeated requests to Nahmad to . return the painting , but received no replies . ` They did n't answer despite us writing to them repeatedly ' , he said . ` The artwork , valued between $ 18 million and $ 25 million , apparently failed to sell in 2008 . ` Seated Man With a Cane , ' by Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani was painted in 1918The canvas was originally owned by Philippe Maestracci 's grandfather , Oscar Stettiner.In 1944 , the Nazis sold the Modigliani painting at an auctionIn 2008 , Philippe Maestracci discovered that art dealer Helly Nahmad son of art czar David Nahmad had the painting and planned to sell it through Sotheby 's auction house . Maestracci made repeated requests to HellyvNahmad to return the painting , but claims he received no replies.The artwork , which is valued between $ 18 million and $ 25 million , apparently failed to sell in 2008 . The lawsuit alleges that the 1944 sale by the Nazis is ` void since it occurred without the owner 's consent . The sale has been deemed in violation of international law and New York 's law and public policy , which does not recognise forced sales under the Nazi regime ' . A receptionist at Nahmad 's gallery she had ` no information ' about the lawsuit and referred inquiries to the gallery lawyer Richard Golub who did not respond . ` At this point , Philippe just wants to get this painting back into the family ' . The lawsuit alleges that the 1944 sale as . orchestrated by the Nazis is ` void since it occurred without the owner 's . consent in violation of international law and New York 's law and public . policy not to recognise forced sales under the Nazi regime ' . It asks for the return of the painting or its ` fair market value ' . Modigliani , an Italian-born Jew who worked mainly in France , was known for his unique portraits and nudes . In 1920 , he died nearly penniless at the age of 35 , a victim of tuberculosis complicated by excessive drinking and drug use . A . receptionist at Nahmad 's gallery she had ` no information ' about the . lawsuit and referred inquiries to gallery lawyer Richard Golub who did . not respond . The Helly Nahmad Gallery is no stranger to headlines . It made news last June when police say a thief swiped a 1917 . ink-on-linen drawing by noted Cubism-movement artist Fernand Leger . It . was reportedly worth $ 350,000 . Police later arrested ' a habitual thief ' . And last year , Helly Nahmad . himself caused a stir when he was photographed at the Vogue 90th anniversary . party in Paris kissing supermodel Gisele Bundchen . He explained that he and the model who is married to New . England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady were longtime friends . ` Gosh , . it was a kiss on the cheek ' , the gallery owner who once dated . supermodel Ana Beatriz Barros , told Brazilian newspaper O Dia . He claimed that the photographer had snapped the pair at a misleading angle . | Famous 1918 painting stolen by Nazis during World War II . Nazis sold the art work by Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani at auction in 1944 . Grandson of Jewish art dealer alleges the painting is in the Helly Nahmad Gallery . | [[95, 179], [180, 218], [231, 354], [1287, 1294], [1297, 1317], [2284, 2384], [389, 404], [407, 577], [2385, 2500]] |
They sound like horrific chemicals you 'd find in processed food . But aspartic acid , isoleucine and ethyl butanoate are in fact found in a banana . Likewise - did you know that when you eat an egg , you 're eating glutamic acid , E160e and even formaldehyde ? Chemical world : One of the posters made by chemistry teachers James Kennedy to dispel the fear that has become associated with the word ` chemicals ' Mr Kennedy said : ' I wanted to show that chemistry is n't artificial and dangerous ; but that chemistry is natural and everywhere ' The images below and their list of ingredients were made by James Kennedy , a high school chemistry teacher from Melbourne , Australia . He says the aim of the project was to dispel the fear that has become associated with the word ` chemicals ' . He told MailOnline : ` As a high-school chemistry teacher , I made these posters for my students . as a visual introduction to our Organic Chemistry course . ' I wanted to erode the fear that many people have of ` chemicals ' , and demonstrate that nature evolves compounds , mechanisms and structures far more complicated and unpredictable than anything we can produce in the lab . ` These posters aim to show that . chemistry is n't artificial and dangerous ; but that chemistry is natural . and everywhere . Lack of knowledge : Mr Kennedy and his students trawled medical literature to compile the lists of ingredients . ` The chemistry of fun , friendly , everyday objects like . bananas is more complicated and more fascinating than that of , say , a . bomb . ' He added that chemistry has suffered in recent . years from a negative image . ` Pesticides , poisons , drugs and explosives . seem to dominate the public 's perceptions of Chemistry while the other . sciences bask in a much more positive light . Mr Kennedy added : ` These posters prove that nature evolves compounds , mechanisms and structures far more complicated and unpredictable than anything we can produce in the lab ' ` Mostly , this is because chemistry lacks a charismatic , public teacher . like David Attenborough or Brian Cox , who currently inspire students . into Biology and Physics , respectively . Chemistry only has Walter White . from Breaking Bad , and he 's done the industry a great disservice '' . He added that all of the information was from reputable sources . ` The constituent ingredients were found on a nutritional analysis website ; the color and preservative components were from old botany books ; and the flavor compounds were found in published , peer-reviewed gas spectroscopy analyses of the volatile aromatic compounds in each fruit . | Posters were made by Australian chemistry teacher James Kennedy . He wanted to erode the fear that many people have of ` chemicals ' He said : ` These posters aim to show that . chemistry is n't artificial and dangerous ; but that chemistry is natural . and everywhere ' | [[286, 357], [546, 619], [325, 398], [691, 736], [691, 713], [718, 777], [954, 1019], [1179, 1211], [413, 428], [433, 496], [503, 543], [1212, 1253], [1260, 1287]] |
Arsene Wenger believes Thierry Henry is destined to return to Arsenal . Henry left New York Red Bulls at the end of their MLS season and is not expected to play on at the age of 37 . ` One day he will come back , ' said Wenger . ` In what role , I do n't know . He has to think about what direction he wants to go in . ` I do n't think he wants to carry on -LRB- playing -RRB- . He has given a lot . ' Thierry Henry , pictured celebrating scoring in January 2012 , admitted he would love to return to Arsenal . Henry has announced his departure from Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls . Henry changed his cover photo on Facebook to an image of the Emirates following his announcement . Wenger believes Henry will ` certainly ' return to the Emirates one day but he is unsure in what capacity . Wenger has sent a text message to congratulate Henry on closing a glittering career . He also urged the French FA to turn a proposed friendly , against Brazil in March , into a farewell game in honour of the striker . ` That is the minimum the French Federation can do , they owe him that , ' said Wenger , but his career advice for Henry was not to make a hasty decision . ` I made him start at the age of 17 in Monaco , ' said Wenger . ` So he had 20 years of competitive football and that deserves high respect and congratulations -- not only for what he achieved but also for his focus on football . Henry acknowledges fans after New York Red Bulls 4-3 aggregate defeat in the last game of the MLS season . Henry spreads his arms wide and celebrates to the Arsenal fans after scoring against Inter Milan . 1994-1999 : Monaco -LRB- 105 lg apps , 20 gls -RRB- . 1999-1999 : Juventus -LRB- 16 , 3 -RRB- . 1999-2007 : Arsenal -LRB- 254 , 174 -RRB- . 2007-2010 : Barcelona -LRB- 80 , 35 -RRB- . 2010-2014 : New York Red Bulls -LRB- 122 , 51 -RRB- . 2012-2012 : Arsenal -LRB- loan -RRB- -LRB- 4 , 1 -RRB- . 1997-2010 : France -LRB- 123 , 51 -RRB- . Monaco : Ligue 1 , Trophee des champions . Arsenal : Premier League -LRB- 2 -RRB- , FA Cup -LRB- 3 -RRB- , Community Shield -LRB- 2 -RRB- . Barcelona : La Liga -LRB- 2 -RRB- , Copa del Rey , Supercopa de Espana , Champions League , Super Cup , Club World Cup . New York Red Bulls : MLS Eastern Conference -LRB- 2 -RRB- , Supporters ' Shield . France : 1998 World Cup , Euro 2000 , Confederations Cup 2003 . ` He has the right to reflect and think of what he wants to do now . He is an Arsenal man . The best moments of his life and of his career have been here . ' Henry spent eight years at Arsenal after signing from Juventus in 1999 . He returned on loan from NYRB for a short spell in 2012 and is the club 's record goalscorer with 228 . It is quite rare for Wenger to invite former players into his backroom team . Steve Bould is assistant manager after working his way up through the academy . ` There 's a right number to have but I 'm not against it , ' said Wenger . Henry has spoken of his desire to coach . ` He is intelligent , committed , he loves the game , ' said Wenger . ` He has to think : Do I want to sacrifice the rest of my life to be involved in that job ? You have to realise there is nothing else . ` If you look around me , people who have worked without interruption for 30 years in this job , you will not find many . ' | Arsenal host Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday . Saints are third in the Premier League , six points ahead of Gunners . Arsene Wenger believes Thierry Henry will ` certainly ' return to club . But he says it is understandable he is considering his options right now . Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal both injury doubts at left back . | [[0, 71], [695, 766], [262, 318], [2359, 2425]] |
It 's an opportunity Harry Potter fans have been dreaming of - to act out the roles of their favourite characters from the blockbuster movie series . Polish company Liveform and Rollespilsfabrikken have taken over a stunning castle in Czocha , Poland for a Live Action Role Playing festival -LRB- LARP -RRB- taking place next year . So if you have n't received your letter to sign up at Hogwarts , you could still be one of 180 students , staff , ghosts and creatures that come together to celebrate JK Rowling 's other world . Harry Potter fans can act out their fantasies by attending Poland 's version of Hogwarts . A castle in Czocha , Poland , is transformed for a special role-playing festival for Harry Potter . Students will get to test out some potions , under the watchful eye of their professors . And in this special video produced by Cosmic Joke , we get a chance to see the role-playing in action . Enrollment at the College of Wizardry opened today -LRB- December 1 -RRB- , with sessions running from April 9-12 , and then a re-run on April 16-19 . Mixing potions , discovering the woodland and even broomstick practice -LRB- though that wo n't involve going airborne -RRB- are all part of the mystical stayover . The cost ` per player ' is around # 140 which as well as including a roof over your head , you will be fed all your meals . A number of roles are filled at the role-playing festival , including the important role of the professors . It 's hard work reaching the levels expected as a student at Hogwarts . The role-playing festival will attract a wide age-range of ` players ' in April 2015 . You will also be given a school robe and a book . The rules are fairly simple - the majority of LARP players are students , and so are expected to behave appropriately as you would at any school . There are also a number of staff roles up for grabs - including the professors , the groundskeeper and the janitors . The professors will be expected to lecture , the groundskeeper is responsible for the woods around the castle and the janitors run the school , they are the law and their word is final . Broomstick training , plus a bit of game playing , will take place in the playground . Be careful when you trek into the woods , as there are a number of monsters lurking . Students will be expected to behave appropriately during the special few days . There are expected to be players from all over Europe , with Scandinavian fans historically making up a large number . But obviously the main attraction is the playground - hidden passageways , a room of mirrors , a tower , dungeons and cellars , great halls and dark hallways ensure , just like the young wizard does at Hogwarts . Just be careful you do n't bump into He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named . | Harry Potter role-playing event takes place in castle in Czocha , Poland . Players take on role of students , professors , janitors and groundskeeper . Castle transformed into Hogwarts - full of secrets and mystery . | [[619, 637], [640, 718], [1353, 1461], [1353, 1370], [1413, 1461], [1818, 1935], [1864, 1869], [1872, 1896], [1899, 1916]] |
The age of austerity is not just a passing phase and Britain should get used to having a ` permanently ' smaller state , David Cameron said last night . The Prime Minister used one of his most significant speeches of the year to say that low public spending and a ` leaner , more efficient state ' would have to be maintained permanently in order for the UK to succeed . He said the country would have to rediscover its traditional ` buccaneering ' spirit for private enterprise in order to generate wealth instead of relying on the state . Pro austerity : Prime Minister David Cameron made his comments at the annual Lord Mayor 's Banquet at Guildhall in London alongside other ministers and lords . Keynote speech : The dinner is a chance for the Prime Minister to make a major announcement . He said the country has to rediscover its ` buccaneering spirit ' His remarks are a significant shift . for a leader who said in 2010 that he ` did n't come into politics to make . cuts ' , insisting : ` We 're tackling the deficit because we have to -- not . out of some ideological zeal . ' In . his annual address to the Lord Mayor 's Banquet at London 's Guildhall , . Mr Cameron said only a smaller state and a ` bigger and more prosperous . private sector ' could heal the economy . He . called for a ` fundamental culture change in our country ' to champion . ` that typically British , entrepreneurial , buccaneering spirit , and that . rewards people with the ambition to make things , sell things and create . jobs for others up and down the country ' . Address : Mr Cameron was sat with the past and present Lord Mayors and spoke to a room of dignitaries , including the Archbishop of Canterbury . Applause : The room welcomes the head table before sitting down to dinner . Later Cameron would extoll the virtues of tightening belts . Impassioned speech : Cameron warned against an Ed Miliband-led government that would set the budget deficit and debts ` out of control again ' Mention : Cameron said to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby : ' I hope you will forgive me for saying it 's not robbing but to pay Paul , rather robbing Peter to pay Peter ' Incoming : Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf is the 686th to take office . She spoke at the banquet , days after the inauguration parade . In an attempt to counter Labour 's . pledge to freeze energy bills , Mr Cameron insisted the single biggest . threat to the cost of living is the budget deficit and debts getting . ` out of control again ' under a government led by Ed Miliband . ` There . are some people who seem to think that the way you reduce the cost of . living in this country is for the state to spend more and more . taxpayers ' money , ' Mr Cameron said . ` It 's as if somehow you measure the . compassion of the government by the amount of other people 's money it . can spend . At a time when family budgets are tight , it is really worth . remembering that this spending comes out of the pockets of the same . taxpayers whose living standards we want to see improve . ' Opulent : Around 900 guests attend the event hosted in the hall 's grandest room , which has hosted royalty numerous times since 1411 . ` More with less ' : The speech was a shift from David Cameron 's claim in 2010 that he ` did n't come into politics to make cuts ' Inauguration : Lady Judge Lord Mayor Alderman Fiona Woolf with Prime Minister David Cameron exchanging words after his speech promoting welfare cuts . Toast : Home Secretary Theresa May drinks a toast to Cameron 's speech , dressed up in a tight , strapless dress and glittery eye make up , seated on the head table . In agreement : May smiled and nodded throughout Cameron 's speech sitting along from him on the top table . The top table : -LRB- From left to right -RRB- Sheriff Alderman Sir Paul Judge ; Lady Judge ; Lord Mayor of London Fiona Woolf ; Prime Minister David Cameron ; Nicholas Woolf , the Lord Mayor 's husband ; Angela Waddingham ; Sheriff Adrian Waddingham . In a reference to the leader of the Church of England , who has protested about some of the Government 's welfare cuts , Mr Cameron added : ` I hope the Archbishop of Canterbury will forgive me for saying -- it 's not robbing Peter to pay Paul , but rather robbing Peter to pay Peter . ' He said that if interest and mortgage rates started to soar because the deficit was allowed to rise again , an ` increase in cost of living will far outweigh the impact of any increase in government spending or indeed reduction in taxation ' . ` This Government is not prepared to let that happen . Already we have cut the deficit by a third and we are sticking to the task . But that does n't just mean making difficult decisions on public spending . Procession : Cameron walks through the Guildhall with Lord Mayor of London Fiona Woolf and Nicholas Woolf , the Lord Mayor 's husband , before the banquet . Sea of red : Dignitaries wait in the Guildhall before the arrival of the Prime Minster ahead of The Lord Mayor 's Banquet on November 11 , 2013 . ` It also means something more profound . It means building a leaner , more efficient state . We need to do more with less . Not just now , but permanently . ' Mr Cameron said there was growing evidence that public services could be maintained or improved as budgets are reduced . ` There are 40 per cent fewer people working in the Department for Education - but over 3,000 more free schools and academies , with more children doing tougher subjects than ever before , ' he added . ` There are 23,000 fewer administrative roles in the NHS -- but 5,000 more doctors , with shorter waiting times . ' He claimed the reductions were proof that a leaner state could deliver better results . | The Prime Minister urged against welfare cuts in speech at Lord Mayor 's Banquet in London 's Guildhall . It is a shift from his claim during the 2010 election that he and Nick Clegg ` did n't come into politics to make cuts ' He warned against an Ed Miliband-led government which would push the budget deficit and debts ` out of control ' | [[557, 700], [861, 898], [903, 911], [916, 975], [3198, 3256], [3262, 3306], [1862, 1914], [1885, 1899], [1900, 1975], [1877, 1914], [1920, 1958], [2400, 2470], [2502, 2535]] |
A faithful German shepherd who defended his family by chasing away a bear risked being euthanized after his owners gave him up because of allergies and issues with their landlord . Luckily , activists took up Duke 's case shortly after he was surrendered to New York City Animal Care and Control . The four-year-old pup 's incredible story inspired a rescue organization adopt him and save him from the risk of being put down . Duke 's owners admitted when he surrendered the dog that he had been a faithful companion . Duke was surrendered by his family after four years - even after he saved them from a bear . ` Duke is very protective of his family and will growl at strangers if they get close to them , ' according to a report from Animal Care and Control . When asked about how Duke interacts with other animals , the owner responded : ` He chases deer and has chased a bear away from the family . ' Pet Rescue Examiner , which champions pets that are in danger of being killed in shelters , picked up on Duke 's incredible story . ` What a way to repay a loyal four-year-old German shepherd who protected his family by chasing a bear away ; his reward - the family surrenders the dog to New York City Animal Care and Control citing allergies as the reason they are signing Duke 's death sentence , ' Examiner writer Cheryl Hanna says . Despite being fearsome enough to chase away a bear more than three times his size , his owners described Duke as ' a big puppy . ' ` He likes to sneak under owners ' arms while they 're sitting and rest his head on their laps , giving them `` hugs . '' He loves to be cuddled , kissed , and hugged , ' an Animal Care and Control report says . Records show that Duke was given up for adoption on July 30 in the Bronx , New York . The Examiner reports that he could have been euthanized at any time after being dropped off at the shelter . Complicating his adoption process , Duke snapped at shelter staff as he was being handed over and he was listed as a ` New Hope ' case - meaning only specially-trained foster homes could adopt him . On Tuesday , a rescue organization came to Duke 's aid and retrieved him from Animal Care and Control . No word yet on whether he has found permanent owners . | Duke 's owners game him up to the New York City Animal Care and Control last month . They said he is very protective and had saved the family from a bear . | [[191, 297], [1149, 1232], [0, 26], [31, 73], [520, 612], [585, 612], [615, 652]] |
These pictures show more than 1,000 cyclists laying across a central London road in protest at dangerous traffic conditions . Dubbed a ` die-in ' , protesters blocked roads outside the Transport for London headquarters in Southwark as part of a vigil for six cyclists killed in the capital this month . The demonstration saw riders spread across Blackfriars Road with their bikes strewn around them , while others held candles in tribute to the latest spate of casualties . Scroll down for video . Protest : Cyclists lay across a central London road as part of a mass ` die-in ' outside Transport for London . ` Die-in ' : Thousands attended the Stop Killing Cyclists protest - held as part of a vigil for six riders who have died in the city this month . Donnachadh McCarthy , 54 , one of the organisers of the Stop Killing Cyclists protest , said the plan was inspired by riders in Holland , who used similar tactics to push for investment in safe transport infrastructure . Beginning the 15-minute die-in , he said : ` We Londoners are going to join the Dutch , and follow them until we get our roads safe . ` So I respectfully ask you now , London cyclists and pedestrians and drivers who have come to join us today , to lie on the pavement with your bicycles , turn on your lights and let them flash in the memories of people killed and injured in the last eight years . He added : ` We are here because Londoners are fed up of being killed . We need to have modern , European , safe cycling network . We believe it 's a human right for children and pensioners to cycle around our city safely , and at the moment they ca n't . Action : The protestors , inspired by riders in Holland who used similar tactics to call for investment in transport , were calling for better safety measures on the roads . Calls : Participants were calling for # 600million to be spent on safer cycling in London following scores of deaths on the roads . ` We have brought the battle to TfL 's headquarters because these are the people making the decisions . We want representations and we want real funding . We want # 600 million a year spent on safer cycling in London . ` We believe that we need a separate , segregated modern cycle network that is at least two metres wide . We can do that in London , there is plenty of space to do it . ' Six cyclists have been killed on the capital 's roads in the past month . Brian Holt , 62 ; Francis Golding , 69 , Roger William De Klerk , 43 , Venera Minakhmetova , 24 , a 21-year-old man from St John 's Wood and a man believed to be in his 60s all died between November 5 and 18 . Dramatic : One protestor covers herself in fake blood for the protest , while others lay on the road . Scale : Protestors laid in the road with their cycles for around 15 minutes for the ` die-in ' The number of cyclists killed in London so far this year , 14 , now stands equal to those who died in 2012 . Scene : A cyclist his 30s died in Gateshead . A cyclist died after colliding with a double-decker bus . The incident happened in Shipcote Lane , Gateshead , Tyne and Wear at 4.08 am this morning . The cyclist , a man in his 30 's , was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he was later pronounced dead . Police and paramedics attended the scene and the A167 Durham Road is closed between Shipcote Lane and the Five Bridges roundabout while enquiries are carried out . Leon Daniels , managing director of TfL Surface Transport , said one of the protesters ' key demands - segregated cycle routes - were to be introduced in the next 10 years . He said : ` We are all shaken by the recent spate of deaths on the roads , and our sympathies are with all the friends and families of those affected . The protesters are rightly demanding safety should be at the top of our priorities . It is . ` That 's why we are investing nearly # 1 billion in upgrading the existing superhighways with greater segregation , introducing major new segregated routes and backstreet quiet routes , and overhauling dozens of junctions to give more protection to cyclists . He added : ` Delivering such major improvements will take time , but we are working flat-out to do so . We and the mayor have set out our plans and the first major improvements , such as the segregated extension of the Superhighway to Stratford , are now being seen . ` Over the forthcoming weeks and months Londoners will see many more improvements as the investment we are making bears fruit . ' The protest , organised in part by cycle activist group Critical Mass , follows a police operation that stationed hundreds of officers at busy junctions around central London . Vigil : 14 cyclists have been killed on the London roads this year - equaling the number who died in 2012 . Investment : TfL have said they are working flat-out to make improvements . Operation Safeway deployed 650 officers to 60 junctions during evening and morning rush hours on Monday , primarily targeting cyclists who breach the highway code . London Mayor Boris Johnson said : ` This targeted operation has been hugely effective at raising awareness of road safety among motorists and cyclists . ` This is a balanced operation reminding everyone of their duty to take care of each other while out on the roads , and I hope the figures put to rest concerns by some groups that they are being singled out . ' On November 5 , hospital porter Brian Holt , 62 , died on Mile End Road in east London as he cycled along Cycle Superhighway 2 . He was crushed by a tipper lorry as it moved off from stationary during the evening rush hour . Architect Francis Golding , 69 , crashed with a coach in Holborn , central London also on November 5 . He died on November 8 . The following Tuesday , November 12 , Roger de Klerk , 43 , died after he was crushed by a single-decker bus outside East Croydon station in south London . Cyclist : Venera Minakhmetova with her bicycle . She died on Wednesday November 13 . Latest victim : Richard Muzira who died after being knocked from his bicycle by a lorry in Camberwell . The next day Venera Minakhmetova , a Russian entrepreneur died after being hit by a lorry at the notorious Bow roundabout on the Cycle Superhighway at rush hour . That evening a 21-year-old man from St John 's Wood was hit by a bus at 11.30 pm in Aldgate , near the Cycle Superhighway 2 . He died the following morning . A cyclist in his early 60s died on November 18 after a collision with a lorry on Camberwell Road in South London . He was named the next day as Richard Muzira . | Thousands took part in the 15-minute ` die-in ' in Southwark , central London . Protestors lay across road outside Transport for London 's headquarters . Part of a vigil for six cyclists killed in the city this month . | [[30, 125], [508, 609], [2723, 2790], [148, 218], [232, 250], [508, 609], [2690, 2714], [148, 218], [232, 250], [255, 302], [407, 473], [642, 675], [678, 716], [702, 716], [721, 755], [2328, 2401]] |
Astronomers have revealed hypnotic images of swirls , loops and arches that trace the remarkable structure of our Milky Way 's magnetic field . In what could rival works by Van Gogh , Esa claims that these remarkable images are some of the first to reveal the shape of the our galaxy magnetic barrier . Scientists hope its patterns could someday help them gaze back in time to get a clearer picture of what the universe looked like just after the Big Bang . Astronomers have revealed hypnotic images of swirls , loops and arches that trace the remarkable structure of our Milky Way 's magnetic field . In what could rival works by Van Gogh , Esa claims that these remarkable images are some of the first to reveal the shape of the Milky Way 's magnetic field . Blue shows colder areas of the magnetic field , while red shows the hotter parts . To create the images , the Planck spacecraft tracked the sky for more than 1,500 days , mapping the direction of light in the galaxy . While scientists ca n't see the magnetic fields directly , they can see how they affect light that gets sent out by tiny dust grains that sits in the magnetic field . One of these -- polarisation -- carries a wealth of information about what happened along a light ray 's path , and can be exploited by astronomers . Usually , these fields can vibrate at all orientations . However , if they happen to vibrate in certain directions , astronomers say the light is ` polarised ' . Scientists hope its patterns could someday help them gaze back in time to get a clearer picture of what the universe looked like just after the Big Bang . To create the images , the Planck spacecraft looked at the entire sky for over 1,500 days , mapping the direction of light in the galaxy . Planck was launched on 14 May 2009 on an Ariane 5 along with Esa 's Herschel infrared observatory . The mission is designed to study the Cosmic Microwave Background -LRB- CMB -RRB- , the relic radiation from the Big Bang . The project , initially called Cobras/Samba , is named in honour of the German physicist Max Planck -LRB- 1858 -- 1947 -RRB- , who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918 . Bby February 2010 had successfully started a second all-sky survey . On 21 March 2013 , the mission 's all-sky map of the cosmic microwave background was released . At the end of its mission Planck was put into a heliocentric orbit and passivated to prevent it from endangering any future missions . The final deactivation command was sent to Planck in October 2013 . By measuring the amount of polarisation in this light , astronomers can study the physical processes that caused the polarisation , including magnetism . If the dust grains are not symmetrical , more of that light comes out vibrating parallel to the longest axis of the grain , making the light polarised . The fingerprint-like swirls are echoed in a separate image , released earlier this year , which shows the first all-sky observations of ` polarised ' light emitted by interstellar dust in the Milky Way . Even though the tiny dust grains are very cold , they do emit light but at very long wavelengths -- from the infrared to the microwave end of the spectrum . If the grains are not symmetrical , more of that light comes out vibrating parallel to the longest axis of the grain , making the light polarised . If the orientations of a whole cloud of dust grains were random , no net polarisation would be seen . However , cosmic dust grains are almost always spinning rapidly , tens of millions of times per second , due to collisions with photons and rapidly moving atoms . Then , because interstellar clouds in the Milky Way are threaded by magnetic fields , the spinning dust grains become aligned in the direction of the magnetic field . ` There are still huge questions about what our galaxy 's magnetic field is , ' said Professor Joanna Dunkley from Oxford University 's Department of Physics . ` The problem is that we are sitting in our galaxy , and have to try and construct a three-dimensional view of the field , but we can only look from here on Earth . ` Much of it is messy and tangled , and the information in the orientation of the light coming from the dust grains , or the electrons , gets very hard to interpret . ' The fingerprint-like swirls are echoed in this separate image , released earlier this year , which shows the first all-sky observations of ` polarised ' light emitted by interstellar dust in the Milky Way . By measuring the amount of polarisation in this light , astronomers can study the physical processes that caused the polarisation , including magnetism . Planck was launched on 14 May 2009 on an Ariane 5 along with Esa 's Herschel infrared observatory . The mission is designed to study the Cosmic Microwave Background -LRB- CMB -RRB- , the relic radiation from the Big Bang . | The images were created using light polarisation data from the Planck spacecraft taken over 1,500 days . Esa claims that these images are some of the first to reveal the shape of the Milky Way 's magnetic field . Scientists says there are still ` huge questions ' about the purpose of the magnetic field and how it behaves . Its patterns could help them gaze back in time to see what the universe looked like just after the Big Bang . | [[867, 929], [1636, 1702], [45, 70], [76, 143], [144, 181], [184, 292], [236, 239], [246, 302], [503, 528], [534, 601], [602, 639], [642, 743], [694, 697], [704, 760], [3763, 3838], [303, 365], [303, 313], [319, 373], [374, 457], [1458, 1520], [1458, 1468], [1474, 1528], [1529, 1612]] |
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary is adamant that he 's a changed man . And as the airline continues its charm offensive to win over customers , it has revealed a raft of new developments to be rolled out over the next three years . As part of its ongoing ` Always Getting Better ' transformation , the carrier is set to make some huge changes , including the introduction of ` smiley face ' interiors in planes , free Wi-Fi for customers and even transatlantic flights . Scroll down for video . Developments : The no-frills airline plans to introduce free Wi-Fi , transatlantic flights and package holidays . In an interview with the Irish Independent , the airline 's chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs , revealed that the budget carrier has its sights set on offering flights to the US as well as well as Ryanair package holidays . He told The Independent : ` The party line is that we still need those wide-body long-haul aircraft and we do n't expect we 'll get those any time soon . If someone cancels an order and some become available , however , then it 's possible that we could be doing transatlantic in about three years . ' The carrier plans to launch the global flights under a separate brand , but with the same low prices and basic service of its European flights . There would however , be a business class section with more leg room . Vertical ` seating ' - In July 2010 , Ryanair introduced plans to charge passengers # 4 -LRB- about $ 6 -RRB- for standing-room-only seats . Fat tax - In 2009 , Ryanair proposed a fat tax for overweight passengers after a third of travelers voted in favor of the extra charge in an online poll conducted by the Irish carrier . Spending a penny , literally - Also in 2009 , Michael O'Leary mooted the idea of putting a coin slot on the toilet door . ` If someone wanted to pay # 5 to go to the toilet , I 'd carry them myself . I would wipe their bums for a fiver , ' he said . Carry the burden - Ryanair once thought of asking passengers to roll their own luggage across the runway and onto the aircraft themselves . Charging passengers # 40 if they forget to print out their boarding passes . ` We think they should pay $ 60 for being so stupid , ' said O'Leary . Could it be the end of the garish yellow ? Airline bosses revealed that there are plans to revamp the interiors . Mr Jacobs has previously spoken about the airline 's plans to offer package holidays , saying they could be a reality within 18 months . Speaking to MailOnline Travel , Mr Jacobs confirmed last month that Ryanair was planning to ` tone down ' the decor on board flights - taking away the yellow colour and adding in more blue . At the front of the planes , the airline is planning pictures of destinations , smiling customers and happy staff . He explained : ` We 're looking at the permanent kind of overlay decals which go in the aircraft , we 're looking at a refresh of the interiors which would take away the quite strong yellow and present different images - some of our customers , some of our staff or destinations . ' He confirmed the airline would be ` showing happy customers and attractive destinations ' to make the aircraft feel ' a little bit fresher on the inside ' . Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary and Head of Marketing Kenny Jacobs -LRB- right -RRB- revealed changes for the airline . Video courtesy of Shannon Airport . The airline plans to finalise the new designs in a matter of weeks . There will are also hints at launching free Wi-Fi within the next two years . ` We 've started to talk to some of the more well-established Wi-Fi providers with a view to having a service up and running not in the next 12 months , but hopefully soon after , ' said Mr Jacobs . Despite these changes , the budget carrier will remain low-cost and has recently added flights to Warsaw , Athens , Lisbon , Glasgow international , Cologne/Bonn and Copenhagen . The low-cost carrier has also just completed the purchase of 100 Boeing 737 Max 200s , which are valued at around # 7billion . The 737 Max 200 is considered more fuel-efficient than most other current single-aisle airplanes and can accommodate up to 200 seats . Ryanair said that the order will increase its fleet to about 520 aircraft by 2024 . The company runs more than 1,600 flights daily and now operates the biggest fleet of Boeing airplanes in Europe . | The airline has big plans for the next three years , including free Wi-Fi . Package holidays and transatlantic flights are also in the pipeline . There are also plans to overhaul plane interior , ditching the famous yellow . | [[162, 226], [293, 465], [505, 603], [3434, 3511], [3434, 3439], [3460, 3511], [293, 465], [505, 603], [604, 646], [649, 693], [703, 830], [2366, 2412], [2257, 2327], [2286, 2327], [2497, 2597], [2533, 2655], [2871, 2915], [2899, 2915], [2922, 3014]] |
Controversial : Tory councillor Danny Mayzes , 25 , was suspended from his post after suggesting a violent film featiuring an electric border fence offered good ideas for dealing with immigration . A Conservative Party councillor who said a film featuring gun-toting border vigilantes offered a good way of dealing with immigrants has been allowed to keep his post after issuing an apology . Danny Mayzes , 25 , of Clacton , Essex , was watching Machete , in which vigilantes patrol an electric security fence on the Mexican border , when he took to Twitter , saying : ` Am watching Machete - now that 's how you DEAL with immigration . ' He added : ' #turn_on_your _ tv_Theresa ' in what is believed to have been a reference to Home Secretary , Theresa May . Mr Mayzes has been on Tendring District Council since he was 19 and was the youngest ever chairman of the council until he stepped down last May . After posting his tweet last October , he was suspended from both the council and the Conservative Association in Clacton for ` breaching sufficient group rules ' . Labour councillors criticised Mr Mayzes for his ` totally unacceptable ' suggestion , but Essex Police later said no action would be taken against him . Yesterday the former Tendring council chairman , who quit both Twitter and Facebook after the incident , was reinstated . He apologised and said he intended to go on a social media training course . Mr Mayzes told fellow councillors he : ` Completely accepted the decision of the Conservative group ' and backed a report which concluded that he had breached the members ' code of conduct . He went on : ' I have voluntarily suggested undertaking media training . -LRB- including social media -RRB- and hope to complete this training as soon as . the council can facilitate it . ' In . a separate statement , he said : ` The message that was sent on Twitter was extremely far from the character in which people know me by . Scroll down for video . Inflammatory tweet : The Tory councillor took to Twitter to discuss ways of handling illegal immigrants . Violence : The gory 2010 film Machete stars Robert De Niro as a senator campaigning to incite racial hatred . ` We all make silly mistakes and hopefully lightning wo n't strike twice . ' I . hope that the council can now move on from such a lengthy investigation . and that we , as councillors , can concentrate on doing the things that . matter to our residents ; electing a leader , strengthening stability and . carrying on with the successful work that this council has been . delivering for the people of Tendring including free parking , low . council tax and excellent frontline services . ` That is the kind of work that I want to feel proud of being part of . ' Machete was made in 2010 and stars Robert De Niro , Don Johnson , Lindsay Lohan and Steven Seagal , and shows violent scenes between police , border guards and illegal immigrants on the Mexican border . | Danny Mayzes , 25 , was youngest chairman of Tendring District Council . He posted controversial tweet while watching film about violent vigilantes . Mr Mayzes , from Clacton , Essex , added ` turn_on_your_tv_Theresa ' Critics suggested this was a message to Home Secretary , Theresa May . He was suspended from council and Clacton Conservative Association . Essex Police said they would not be taking action against the councillor . Now reinstated , he has apologised and plans to go on social media course . | [[814, 816], [828, 906], [392, 422], [433, 453], [639, 647], [652, 743], [639, 647], [652, 743], [907, 1034], [1162, 1224], [198, 229], [320, 391], [1225, 1271], [1330, 1346], [1347, 1360], [1347, 1349], [1365, 1423], [1615, 1687], [1688, 1770]] |
The last time I found myself in such close proximity to a handsome continental chap , I was 16 , and my parents had packed me off to Brittany for the summer to improve my French . Once there , of course , I immediately began a summer romance with the son of the local boulanger . While the garcon and I got into some merry old scrapes together , I certainly do n't remember Pierre , Gustav , Jerome , or whatever his name was , hanging me upside down , twisting me into yoga positions and dangling me from his feet . Today , 25 years later , it 's a different story . I 'm trying out Tulayoga -LRB- ` Tula ' means balance and ` yoga ' is union -RRB- , the hottest treatment currently sweeping Europe . Scroll down for video . Alice Smellie gets an aerial yoga session from Geneva-based Louka Leppard who has celebrities and business tycoons across Europe are flocking to pay # 350 for one of his incredible healing sessions . Devised by Devon-born but Geneva-based Louka Leppard , celebrities and business tycoons across Europe are flocking to pay # 350 for one of his incredible healing sessions . At first glance it all looks slightly bizarre and far too intimate for a happily married woman such as myself : a massage followed by a combination of acrobatics , meditation and yoga moves , this second part practised while balanced on top of Louka 's hands and feet as he holds your weight . I have little truck with websites that insinuate the healing power of the foetal position -LRB- it 's curling into a ball , for goodness sake -RRB- , and I am also suspicious of anything claiming to unite mind and body -LRB- hard to separate them in the first place without removing your brain , surely ? -RRB- . Also , Louka has little formal training . He went to art college , where he studied life drawing , and then became a graphic designer before devising this practice 14 years ago . The process begins with a massage before moving on to the acrobatics . Alice says the yoga is a completely unerotic experience . But once I log on to his website , I start to get it . Louka is quite devastating looking : dark-haired , with a chiselled jaw and the body of an athlete . Never have I studied a website so closely -- for research purposes , you understand . From next month , we are informed , he is seeing clients in London . Will British women be queuing up for one-to-ones with the 43-year-old , like their French and Swiss counterparts ? I suspect they will . To the envy of -- and not a little teasing from -- my friends , I decide to book an appointment . But on the day we meet at his West London clinic , I 'm not feeling open-minded about upside-down yoga as the panacea to all life 's tensions . It 's the middle of a hectic week , juggling a back-to-school timetable of extra-curricular activities for my three children and I 'm feeling fraught and decidedly grumpy . Complaints that I have bought the ` wrong sort of sugar ' for their morning porridge consolidates my irritation . So I 'm in a rotten mood and with very low expectations . I find it impossible to imagine I will ever be capable of curving gracefully in an airborne crab position -LRB- as photos of his clients on Louka 's website depict -RRB- , no matter how good-looking the supporting act . Thankfully , although Louka is actually even more handsome than his photos , he is extremely matter of fact and reassuring . ` There is no point in having expectations about the treatment , ' he says . ` Everybody reacts differently : some people laugh and some cry . ' I lie face down on sheets in a bright white room and Louka begins the hour-and-a half-long massage around my whole body . While he makes no medical claims , his belly massage is deeply relaxing and clients say it has helped with digestive , menstrual and fertility problems . As yet I am not feeling any union of mind and body , just a bit stressed and very exposed , lying on my front in my knickers , covered by a thin sheet . But there is nothing like an amazing massage . My eyes close and I start to feel relaxed . Louka has little formal training . He went to art college , where he studied life drawing , and then became a graphic designer before devising this practice 14 years ago . Occasionally , Louka 's voice interrupts my stasis . ` Breathe deeply , ' he says . ` Release the tension through your stomach and into the ground . ' When he starts to massage up my back , he says thoughtfully : ` There is a lot of tension here , ' as he pushes into my right hip . ` It as though there is intense irritation that ca n't be expressed . ' To my astonishment my eyes well up with tears . I think back to that morning , when trying very hard not to shout at my children as they moaned about their breakfast , then feeling bereft when they were cross with me . ` It 's natural to feel emotional , ' soothes Louka as I brush the tears away , mortified . A few minutes later he smiles . ` I can feel the tension radiating away from your heart . ' Alice says the bizarre form of yoga has emotional as well as physical benefits , making her feel more relaxed . This is the sort of comment that would normally have me snorting into my kale juice , but do you know what ? Whether it 's the release of the stress knots across my whole back or the fact that he 's truly struck a nerve , I believe him . I feel lighter , as though a huge weight has been lifted from me . I can also assure anyone gaping over pictures of Louka , that it is a completely unerotic experience . Truly , it 's more like spending time with a really good friend . Alice says Tulayoga is life-changing . When we get to the upside‑down acrobatics , I am gently swayed up into the air where I am rocked gently to and fro . I feel no fear , just a strange floating , flying feeling . Beneath me are the firm and capable hands of Louka , moving my body into the unfeasible-looking stretches I saw on his website . Although I am upside down , his legs are restricting -LRB- not uncomfortably -RRB- the blood flow in my legs , so that it does n't rush to my head . At no point do I get that dizzy feeling you usually have when you hang , head down . The floating feeling is because my entire weight is being taken by Louka -LRB- ` I do have a weight limit , ' he says . ` More than 80kg is a bit much . ' -RRB- . I feel very safe , and in contrast to my earlier tears , I ca n't stop grinning -- partly at the release of a great deal of pent-up tension . My body arches and twists so that my back feels wonderfully stretched out . Louka 's hands push on release points down my back and shoulders as I relax . He explains that the stretches in Tulayoga elongate and realign the spine . Finally I am lowered into the foetal position , which signifies the end of our session . Here , you are held in a firm hug and by this point my cynicism has vanished . It feels incredibly protective and comforting , like being held by an old friend . After leaving , I sleep a full night without waking , and in the morning I still feel happy and light . I do n't shout at the children , even when I find myself locked in the daily Battle Of The Lost Games Kit . A week on , and I am still relaxed and calm . It may sound extraordinary and mad , but Tulayoga is life-changing stuff . I even try telling the children that we ought to hug each other more , but they flinch slightly and I realise I 'm pushing it . | Tulayoga has been life-changing for ALICE SMELLIE . Louka Leppard has celebrities flocking to pay for his healing sessions . The process begins with a massage before moving on to the acrobatics . Alice says the yoga is a completely unerotic experience . Louka has little formal training and devised the practice . The bizarre form of yoga has emotional as well as physical benefits . Visit tulayoga.com for bookings , from # 350 . | [[5575, 5613], [5586, 5613], [7239, 7272], [773, 799], [804, 854], [773, 791], [855, 925], [926, 1013], [952, 1098], [1211, 1288], [1885, 1955], [1909, 1955], [1956, 2013], [1967, 2013], [5468, 5508], [1713, 1747], [1779, 1781], [1809, 1884], [4059, 4093], [4125, 4127], [4155, 4230], [4989, 5067]] |
Three Australian venues and two American hotels have rejected appearances by controversial pick-up artist Julien Blanc as a social media campaign to end his world tour gathers pace . Blanc , a ` dating coach ' whose techniques include choking women and then hushing them , planned to hold seminars in Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane over the first fortnight of November . But he is quickly finding himself without a place to host his events after outraged activists took to the phones and social media to #TakeDownJulienBlanc . Scroll down for video . ' #ChokeOpen ' : One of Julien Blanc 's techniques to seduce women involves grasping them in a chokehold . 1 . Yelling ` Pikachu ! ' and placing their heads on his crotch . ` At least in Tokyo , if you 're a white male , you can do what you want , ' Blanc says , in a seminar recorded on video . ` I 'm just romping through the streets , just grabbing girls heads , just like , `` head , on d *** '' , `` head , on d *** '' , yelling `` Pikachu ! '' with a Pikachu shirt . ' 2 . ` Deadly ' jokes . A blog post on Blanc 's ` Real Social Dynamics Nation ' website appears to suggest using cruel jokes as a way of picking up women . The post is titled ' `` My Girlfriend Passed Away '' - The Twisted Humor That Inevitably Knifes Through To Her Panties . Explanatory YouTube videos placed in the article have been taken down . A Tinder exchange also published on Blanc 's website shows a person , who is chatting up a woman on the dating app , suggesting that the person 's father had died . ' I just buried my father today . . Who would lie about something like that , ' the person writes . 3 . The ` choke opener ' Blanc is pictured choking women and hushing them in multiple Instagram posts . In one caption , written on October 10 , he dubs this his ` choke opener ' , a means of starting a seductive conversation with women . 4 . Use ` pull talk ' In a video on the RSD Nation website , Blanc encourages his fans to use ` pull talk ' - or , ` spewing bulls *** ' - while physically leading women to the ` sex location ' . ` Your words ? Spewing bulls *** , ' he explains . ' -LRB- They are -RRB- wizard stories , pull talk ! ' ` It 's very light hearted , it 's very fun , it 's kind of like : `` Oh yeah so when this , oh yeah and what about this . ` Just any f *** ing thing you want to say and again , your actions are making it happen . ' ` Your actions are taking the responsibility off of her , they 're leading , it 's not permission seeking , and that is how you move closer to the sex location ' . 5 . ` Deconstruct her self-esteem ' Another blog post provides tips about how to ` manipulate ' a woman 's self esteem . ` Click on this video right now that -LRB- sic -RRB- reveals how to deconstruct any girl 's self-esteem , ' the post says . But the clip has since been removed from YouTube . ` Diss fatties bang hotties ' : Julien Blanc 's controversial techniques have been deemed ` sexist ' and ` racist ' Blanc has been pictured taking women into a chokehold at venues around the world . The Como Melbourne have ditched his Thursday seminar after the petition attracted more than 11,000 signatures . The Como Hotel Melbourne , St Kilda West Best Beach Bather 's Pavilion and Brisbane 's Mercure hotel have rejected seminars that were to be held by Blanc 's company , Real Social Dynamics -LRB- RSD -RRB- . Blanc calls himself the ` executive coach ' at RSD , which he has said is an ` international leader in dating advice ' . Blanc has not responded to requests for comment despite numerous interview requests from Daily Mail Australia via email , voice message and social media . Protesters are planning to hold a demonstration against Blanc in St Kilda on Thursday evening , with more than 700 people attending the event on Facebook . ` Julien Blanc is the sad act who thinks sexual harassment and assault = picking up , ' the protest page reads . ` Australia has appalling levels of sexual assault and other violence against women , the last thing we need is someone coming to run workshops on how to do it better . ' Blanc 's forthcoming tour to the United States likewise appears in jeopardy . Touched down : Blanc wEarlier this year in June , the ` dating coach ' charged men $ 3,000 each to attend a seminar in Miami . The Courtyard Marriott in Seattle tweeted : ` This event will no longer be taking place in our hotel . ' Staff at another venue , the Hilton Garden Hotel in Austin , Texas , wrote on Facebook : ` We will not be having this seminar in our hotel in support of the values we believe in ' . In an interview with SBS 's The Feed program last night , campaign organiser Jennifer Li , from Washington DC , said : ' I did n't know this was going to actually take off , I just knew I had to try in order to tell myself , `` you know , I did something '' ' . In a Change.org petition , initially addressed to Melbourne 's Como Hotel , Ms Li labelled Blanc 's pick-up techniques ` sexist ' and ` racist ' . ` Julien Blanc ... has made a living by teaching men how to violate women through physical and emotional abuse , ' she wrote on the petition . Ms Li went on to say the hotel should not soil its good name by associating with ' a man who chokes women around the world as part of his pick up game ' . She asked the hotel to stand up for the women of Australia and around the world and not to host the event which would teach other men ` how to violate and harass women ' . When the hotel announced its decision , it was bombarded with thanks on social media . Sian Mann thanked The Como Melbourne for making the move to scrap the seminar . ` Good for you ... u may just have indirectly saved someone from horror ordeal , ' BFavell wrote . The Como even won over some customers by making the decision to cancel the event . Mr Blanc said he started in the pick up game when he read the novel The Game written by Neil Strauss . It 's understood the 25-year-old gave a talk in Sydney earlier this week and he is scheduled to head to Japan shortly . In June , the ` dating coach ' charged men $ 3,000 each to attend a seminar in Miami . On his website , Mr Blanc said his interest in picking up girls started when he read The Game - a novel written by Neil Strauss . In the book , Strauss documents his time learning about picking up women with a secret society of people led by a man only known as ` Mystery ' . ' I was n't a popular kid , and it sucked . But it did n't `` really '' bother me , until one day I. . . found a link to The Game , ' Mr Blanc wrote on his website , Pimp . ' I read a few pages of it and I was HOOKED . I had to try this whole `` walking up and talking to girls I 've never met before and make them want to sleep with me '' thing out ... I was so off at first . '' ' | Julien Blanc is a self-described American ` pick-up artist ' One of his techniques is to choke women and silence them . He is currently on a world tour and arrived in Australia recently . Five venues - three in Australia , two in the U.S. - have cancelled on him . In the past , Blanc has charged men $ 3,000 for a spot at his seminars . | [[191, 209], [227, 270], [569, 602], [613, 658], [1665, 1743], [5216, 5221], [5226, 5275], [0, 118], [4089, 4166], [4217, 4262], [4217, 4222], [4238, 4257], [4263, 4293], [6032, 6039], [6042, 6118]] |
Al-Shabaab rebels have murdered at least 36 Kenyan quarry workers near the country 's northern border with Somalia , police have confirmed . The gunmen crossed over the border and divided the Muslim and non-Muslim workers into two groups before opening fire . Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo confirmed the massacre took place early on Tuesday in Mandera County . Scroll down for video . Kenyan soldiers gather around the bodies of victims at the quarry near Mandera . Kenya police say that at least 36 quarry workers were killed in the attack . Al-Shabaab lined up the non-Muslim workers , pictured , and shot them dead during this morning 's massacre . The gunmen crossed over the border and divided the Muslim and non-Muslim workers into two groups before opening fire . Al-Shabaab have been raiding Mandera County on the Somali-Kenyan border killing non-Muslims . He has now been removed from his post , along with the Kenyan interior minister . President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a televised address to the nation that he had replaced interior minister Joseph Ole Lenku , and accepted a ` retirement request ' from Kimaiyo . Kenyatta named opposition politician and retired army general Joseph Nkaissery to be the new Interior Minister . Police sources said the workers were ambushed as they slept in the camp at the Korome quarry . The non-Muslim workers were singled-out and killed . Eyewitnesses claimed that 32 of the victims had been shot while the final four had been decapitated . Mandera county governor Ali Roba said : ` It is sad that we have another 36 people who were attacked and killed late last night in the same manner it happened on a bus recently . It happened at a quarry about 10 miles from Mandera town . ' Some 28 people were killed in the area last month when al . Shabaab militants hijacked a Nairobi-bound bus , causing . widespread anger . Kenya has suffered a string of gun and grenade . attacks since it sent troops into Somalia to fight al Shabaab in . late 2011 . Eyewitnesses claimed that 32 of the victims had been shot while the final four had been decapitated . Members of the military gather near the bodies of some of the victims . Quarry workers who were absent at the time of the attack sit at their camp after coming back to work in the morning and finding their colleagues murdered . Security officers talk as they stand next to a mosquito net used by a worker who slept at the quarry that was attacked . A local peace activist -LRB- right -RRB- talks with a police officer -LRB- centre -RRB- and a Kenya Red Cross worker -LRB- left -RRB- at the quarry . Kenyan mortuary attendants carry in the bodies of the massacre victims . Grief-stricken : Waithera Nderitu , who lost her brother at the quarry . Rescue workers walk near a Nairobi-bound bus that was ambushed outside Mandera town , near Kenya 's border with Somalia and Ethiopia , November 22 , 2014 . Somalia 's al Shabaab insurgents said they staged the bus attack in northeast Kenya on Saturday that killed 28 people , all non-Muslims led out to be shot while passengers identified as Muslims were spared.Three in the group trooped out to be killed saved their lives by reciting Koran verses for the Islamist militants , a local security official said . REUTERS/Stringer -LRB- KENYA - Tags : SOCIETY CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW RELIGION -RRB- . The 28 non-Muslims were lined up by alShabaab and shot dead before the terrorists returned to Somalia . | Al-Shabaab suspected of carrying out today 's latest massacre in Kenya . Terrorists shot dead 32 men before decapitating the final four victims . The quarry is only a few miles from where al-Shabaab killed 28 last week . WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT . | [[0, 114], [0, 114], [470, 546], [492, 546], [547, 557], [607, 655], [1390, 1491], [1416, 1491], [1998, 2099], [2024, 2099], [3342, 3360], [3392, 3445], [0, 114], [1671, 1729], [1732, 1791], [2988, 2996], [3002, 3018]] |
More than 6,000 people have died from Ebola , not 7,000 as was reported by the World Health Organisation , it has emerged . ` An error ' in the number of deaths attributed to the disease in Liberia has been blamed for the error . According to the revised data , published yesterday by the WHO , the worst Ebola epidemic since the virus was first discovered in 1976 , has now claimed 5,987 lives . All but around 15 of those deaths have hit the three countries at the heart of the crisis in West Africa - Guinea , where the outbreak began last December , Sierra Leone and Liberia . Scroll down for video . The World Health Organisation has confirmed that nearly 6,000 people have lost their lives to Ebola , not nearly 7,000 as was previously reported . The UN health agency said in a statement : ` An error on reported total number of deaths in Liberia was published on November 28 . ` This number has been corrected . ' ` The cumulative total number of deaths in Liberia is 3,145 , ' it said , down from Friday 's figure of 4,181 . No further explanation was given for the revision . When the agency gave its previous toll of 6,928 deaths on Friday , up from 5,674 two days earlier , it put the steep hike in Liberia fatalities down to ' a reconciliation of historical numbers ' and not to new deaths in recent days . It came as Spain was declared free from Ebola , according to the WHO . No new cases have been reported since nurse Teresa Romero Ramos , tested negative and was released from hospital . Since then , 42 days have passed - double the incubation period for the virus - without another case , allowing officials to declare the country Ebola-free . Spanish authorities had been monitoring 87 people who came into contact with healthcare worker Teresa Romero Ramos , 15 of whom were considered high-risk and were quarantined at a Madrid hospital , WHO said . ` An error ' in the number of deaths attributed to the virus in Liberia was blamed for the miscalculation . It came as the WHO declared Spain free of Ebola , it having been 42 days since nursing assistant Teresa Romero Ramos tested negative for the virus having overcome the disease . In addition 145 hospital employees who helped care for Ms Romero during her stay at the Carlos III Hospital , were monitored . The WHO statement said it ` commends Spain for the measures put in place to identify potential cases and prevent further transmission of the Ebola virus . ' Ms Romero contracted the disease while helping care for a missionary who was brought back from West Africa but died . Following Monday 's correction , the WHO said that as of November 28 , Guinea had recorded 2,155 cases and 1,312 deaths , Liberia saw 7,635 cases and 3,145 deaths while Sierra Leone reported 7,109 cases and 1,530 deaths . There have also been 15 fatalities in other countries , bringing the total to 6,002 . Also on Monday , the WHO said ` meaningful progress ' had been made towards reducing the spread of Ebola by isolating patients and burying bodies safely . But Assistant Director-General Bruce Aylward said that a target for 100 percent isolation of patients and 100 percent safe burials by January 1 will be ` challenging ' to meet . He warned that in Liberia there were signs of ' a sense of complacency setting in ' . | On November 28 WHO reported death toll had nearly reached 7,000 . But yesterday the UN agency revealed ` an error ' had occurred in Liberia . The worst Ebola epidemic on record has claimed 5,987 lives . All but 15 of the deaths have hit Guinea , Sierra Leone and Liberia . Cumulative deaths in Liberia is 3,145 down from 4,181 on Friday . WHO today declared Spain free from Ebola after nurse tested negative . Teresa Romero Ramos tested negative 42 days ago and has left hospital . 42 days is double the known incubation period for the virus . | [[50, 104], [711, 723], [731, 752], [798, 883], [295, 319], [367, 374], [383, 396], [295, 319], [371, 396], [649, 704], [397, 510], [921, 980], [985, 992], [995, 1032], [1319, 1364], [1319, 1321], [1330, 1335], [1367, 1389], [1428, 1433], [1456, 1471], [1428, 1453], [1463, 1504], [1505, 1515], [1518, 1525], [1608, 1662], [1980, 2027], [2059, 2126], [1428, 1433], [1456, 1471], [1428, 1453], [1463, 1504], [1505, 1515], [1518, 1605], [1505, 1515], [1518, 1525], [1608, 1662], [2059, 2126], [1505, 1515], [1518, 1605]] |
The controversial ` Pick Up Artist ' Julien Blanc who has sparked worldwide outrage after a video emerged of him strangling a woman was mentored by a fellow ` dating guru ' who apparently bragged about raping a stripper . Blanc . from Los Angeles , now faces a ban from entering the UK to hold a series of workshops after Liberal Democrat Lynne Featherstone , said she was lobbying Home Secretary Theresa May to refuse him a visa . But Blanc is not alone in advocating his aggressive approaches to meet women . He was taught by the founders of Real Social Dynamics , Nick Kho and Owen Cook . Scroll down for video . Outrage : Julien Blanc was thrown out of Australia and faces a ban on entering the UK after video footage shows the 25-year-old ` dating guru ' using racist language and grabbing women by the throat . Predator : One comment posted on his Twitter feed stated : ` Dear girls , could you please save me the effort and roofie -LRB- spike -RRB- your own drink ? #JustKidding ' Cook -- who also goes by the alias Tyler Durden , after Brad Pitt 's character in the movie Fight Club -- appears in a video from one seminar telling of his pride at forcing a stripper into having sex with him . In an expletive filled tirade - recorded on video - he tells his crowd : ` She was a stripper ... I f ***** g hated that f ***** g b *** h. ` The last way I f **** d her too ... I just threw her on the bed and I put it in her , and I could barely even get it in because she was just totally not in the mood . ` And I was like , `` F**k it , I 'm never seeing this b *** h again . I do n't care . ' ` So I just like , jam it in , and it 's all tight and dry and I f**k her . ' Jennifer Li , a woman from Washington , D.C. who has launched a campaign against RSD , tweeted the video on November 7 . She added : ` It looks like RSD 's founder Owen Cook admitted to rape in this clip . ' The video has since disappeared from YouTube . While Blanc is listed as an Executive Coach on RSD 's website , Cook is his superior , a co-founder of the company with the title of Executive Producer . The Canadian , who now lives in California , was one of the first to comment on Blanc 's now notorious video , made in Japan , where he encourages men to grab hold of random women by the neck and push them toward their crotches . Blanc said that : ` At least in Tokyo , if you 're a white male , you can do what you want . ' Shockingly , Cook said he felt the video was ` pretty tame by Julien 's standards ' . Aka Tyler Durden : As Executive Producer of RSD , Owen Cook is Blanc 's boss . He said that the shocking video of Blanc in Japan was ` tame ' ' I hated that b *** h ' : Cook , originally from Canada , was recorded on video recounting how he forced himself on a stripper . Critics of RSD said it amounted to an admission of rape . Girlfriend : Cook has been dating Roxanna , above , for four years and has a son with her - who he told an audience was a ` mistake ' . Roxanna also works with RSD advising men how to pick up women . Surprisingly for a pick up artist , Cook is father to a four-year-old son , Vincent , who he had with his long-term girlfriend Roxanna , who also works for RSD . The company offers young men coaching seminars around the world , charging around # 1,200 for tips on how to date women . Cook appeared in one video with his son . He introduces Vincent to the crowd , pats him on the head , before saying : ` You were an accident . You were an accident . ' Alongside Cook , co-owner Nick Kho -- known in the pickup artist community as ` Papa ' -- appears to take more of a backseat in the operations . He married documentary-maker Amber Holmes , who claims to run a female equivalent company to RSD called Lovelogica , in 2012 . A dating website review website says his claim to fame is having taken the phone number of Paris Hilton twice - but never dated her . He declined to defend his company 's practices when contacted by MailOnline for this article . RSD 's cadre also includes Executive Coach , Jeff Allen , who is notorious around San Francisco 's Mission District for driving his brightly decorated vehicle , which he refers to as his ` rape van ' , from which he hurls abuse at women who reject him during dates . Big daddy : Nick Cho is also the co-founder of RSD . He is married to a documentary maker , Amber -LRB- left -RRB- and dating review websites say he is proud of getting Paris Hilton 's number twice - but did n't date her . Too late : Blanc appeared on CNN to apologise for the video in a desperate attempt to dampen global anger . One woman who met with Allen at a tapas bar he frequents has described how things took a turn for the worse when she refused his advances . Jolene Parton wrote on her blog that after she had left his company he texted her almost immediately saying : ` Kill yourself n **** r. You 're pathetic . The cognitive dissonance must be killing you . ' The spotlight was thrown on Blanc and RSD last week when the video in Japan went viral on the internet . Footage shows the 25-year-old Mr Blanc using the racist language and apparently grabbing women by the throat . His other proposed methods include threatening to commit suicide and isolating women from their friends . One comment posted on his Twitter feed stated : ` Dear girls , could you please save me the effort and roofie -LRB- spike -RRB- your own drink ? #JustKidding ' . A blog post describes how to use ` use coercion and threats ' and ` emotional abuse ' to control women . A blog post by Blanc explains how to use ` use coercion and threats ' and ` emotional abuse ' to control women . It states : ` Makes threats to hurt her ; make her drop charges ; make her do illegal things ; threaten to report her to welfare ; prevent her from taking a job ; take her money and humiliate her . ' In the wake of the media storm around RSD , the company has remained silent , although Blanc has appeared on news network CNN , where he apologised for the content of his past seminars . He said : ' I am extremely sorry . I feel horrible . Those pictures that you 're referring to , like choking women , I just want to make that clear , that is not what I teach . Those pictures are a horrible attempt at humour . ' Whether it does anything to quell the outrage over Blanc and RSD remains to be seen . He was forced to leave Australia last week when his visa was cancelled . A similar campaign was mounted to bar him from Canada . A petition calling for him to be refused entry to the UK has received more than 136,000 signatures . The woman behind the petition , who goes by the pseudonym of Caroline Charles said : ` Julien Blanc dresses up his seminars as dating advice , which at best is disingenuous - he focuses on tricking women into having sex in order to make money . ` It is wrong on every level - it is promoting violence against women and girls , it takes advantage of men and it sends a message to survivors of sexual assault that they will not be listened to . To allow someone into the UK who is explicitly promoting these things is abysmal . ' Other commentators have suggested that the campaign against Mr Blanc merely generates him unwarranted publicity . Money maker : RSD rakes in # 1,200 a person at seminars around the world attended by young men desperate to be successful at the dating game . Blanc 's company , Real Social Dynamics , runs three day courses costing around # 1,200 . His company is due to host a two day course starting on 27th November and another from December 19 . Eleven more events are scheduled for next year . Mrs May can use discretionary powers to ban anyone for reasons of ` unacceptable behaviour ' . The Home Office refused to comment on the specific case for legal reasons . A Home Office spokesman said : ` The Home Secretary has the power to exclude an individual if she considers that his or her presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good . ' Mr Blanc 's representatives did not respond to requests for comment . | WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT . Dating coach Julien Blanc sparked worldwide outrage after video of him choking women in Tokyo went viral . He was thrown out of Australia and now faces ban from entering UK after 136,000 signed petition against his entry . But his boss said the video was ` tame ' and he himself has been accused of admitting he ` raped ' a stripper at one of his seminars . Their firm Real Social Dynamics charges # 1,200 to teach men how to date . | [[20, 49], [54, 123], [4978, 5025], [5026, 5033], [5095, 5136], [249, 285], [624, 666], [626, 638], [671, 721], [6325, 6327], [6339, 6397], [6454, 6510], [6454, 6554], [148, 170], [177, 221], [1797, 1806], [1811, 1881], [2423, 2491], [2575, 2635], [2588, 2635], [7340, 7356], [7382, 7429]] |
A series of signalling problems has led to rush-hour travel misery for rail commuters across the UK . The early winter period has seen a string of morning disruptions , with travellers in the Midlands experiencing particularly bad delays . Passengers on London Midland services have had to contend with long-running signalling problems in the Snow Hill area of Birmingham . And today , London Midland and Chiltern Railways trains were affected by a signalling problem between Hatton and Stratford-upon-Avon . Chiltern Railways trains were affected by signalling problems between Hatton and Stratford-upon-Avon -LRB- file picture -RRB- . This caused disruption to services to and from Stratford-upon-Avon , with passengers being warned that disruption would continue throughout the day . Chiltern Railways services were replaced by buses between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa , while London Midland was also running buses between Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Parkway . Trains which operate between Stratford-upon-Avon and Stourbridge Junction via Dorridge were not running between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Moor Street . Another signalling problem , at Bowes Park in north London , led to 60-minute delays between Alexandra Palace and Hertford North during the rush-hour , while signalling problems near Barassie in Scotland meant no trains were able to run between Ayr and Glasgow Central . Signal problems at Filton Abbey Wood led to delays between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway . Abellio Greater Anglia passengers were held up by poor rail conditions between Shenfield in Essex and Liverpoool Street station in London , while another problem with signals , at Filton Abbey Wood near Bristol , led to delays to trains between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway . Tube passengers were also affected by signal difficulties , with a signal problem at East Putney leading to severe delays on the District line between Parsons Green and Wimbledon . Yet another signal fault , at King 's Cross St Pancras , caused delays on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines . Mick Cash , general secretary of the RMT transport union , said : ` We have warned repeatedly that under-investment in infrastructure and maintenance leaves Britain 's railways on the constant brink of a series of breakdowns and failures , and that is exactly what has happened this morning on both the surface rail and the London Underground . ` Any turn in the weather tends to expose the weaknesses and today we re-issued the demand to both the Government and the London Mayor to reverse the cuts programmes . ` Yesterday the Transport Secretary , Patrick McLouhglin , was talking big about our railways . Today the travelling public are confronted with the harsh realities of a network operating on the edge . ' | Signalling problems in Snow Hill area , Birmingham affected many journeys . London Midland and Chiltern Railways affected by signalling problem . Severe delays on the District line between Parsons Green and Wimbledon . | [[174, 239], [240, 373], [240, 277], [287, 373], [1802, 1859], [1983, 2007], [2040, 2098], [240, 373], [240, 277], [287, 373], [374, 383], [386, 508], [509, 636], [509, 533], [548, 636], [1412, 1513], [1660, 1688], [1727, 1801], [1802, 1859], [1983, 2007], [2040, 2098], [174, 239], [1887, 1982]] |
Love them or hate them , emoticons are creeping into more and more apps , social networks and websites . But , rather than being a new trend , it appears the expressive characters first appeared in print more than a century ago . On 30 March 1881 , four emoticons , described as typographical art , were published in American satirical magazine Puck . On 30 March 1881 , four emoticons , described as typographical art , were published in satirical magazine Puck -LRB- pictured -RRB- . They were dubbed ` vertical emoticons ' because they are viewed vertically , rather than horizontally . They have been dubbed ` vertical emoticons ' because they are viewed vertically , rather than horizontally . In the tongue-in-cheek article , Puck wrote : ` We mean to let the public see what we can lay out , in our own typographical line , all the cartoonists that ever walked . ` For fear of startling the public we will only give a small specimen of the artistic achievements within our grasp , by way of a first installment . ' Computer scientist Scott Fahlman was the first documented person to use typed characters as a way of expressing emotion . In a message to the board at Carnegie Mellon University in 1982 , Mr Fahlman suggested :--RRB- and :--LRB- should be used to distinguish between jokes and serious posts . But , there is some suggestion that emoticons were used much earlier , even before the 1881 issue of Puck . Reports claim Abraham Lincoln used a ` winky face ' in a 1862 speech . The transcript records the audience 's response to Mr Lincoln 's introduction as : ` applause and laughter ;-RRB- . ' But this is generally considered to be a typo . Similarly , a Robert Herrick poem from 1648 appears to feature a smiley face after the words ` smiling yet ' . In the second line of To Fortune , published in Hesperides , the poem reads : Tumble me down , and I will sit , Upon my ruins , -LRB- smiling yet :-RRB- , Tear me to tatters , yet I 'll be patient in my necessity . ' This is also considered to be a typo , and its connection to the word ` smiling ' is a coincidence . Below this text are four ` faces ' drawn to show joy , melancholy , indifference and astonishment . Computer scientist Scott Fahlman was the first documented person to use typed characters as a way of expressing emotion , however . In a message to the board at Carnegie Mellon University in 1982 , Mr Fahlman suggested :--RRB- and :--LRB- should be used to distinguish between jokes and serious posts . But , there is some suggestion that emoticons were used much earlier , even before the 1881 issue of Puck . Reports claim Abraham Lincoln used a ` winky face ' in a 1862 speech . The transcript records the audience 's response to Mr Lincoln 's introduction as : ` applause and laughter ;-RRB- . ' But this is generally considered to be a typo . Similarly , a Robert Herrick poem from 1648 appears to feature a smiley face after the words ` smiling yet ' . In the second line of To Fortune , published in Hesperides , the poem reads : Tumble me down , and I will sit , Upon my ruins , -LRB- smiling yet :-RRB- , Tear me to tatters , yet I 'll be patient in my necessity . ' This is also considered to be a typo , and its connection to the word ` smiling ' is said to be a coincidence . Emoticons were the successor to emojis . The word emoji literally means ` picture ' -LRB- e -RRB- + ` letter ' -LRB- moji -RRB- . A study in April last year found that the top trending word , at that time , was emoji . In addition to being used on mobiles , the pictographs have since been added to websites including Twitter and Facebook . But , they are tightly controlled by the Unicode Consortium . Since 2010 a basic list has been developed and maintained by this consortium - a Silicon Valley-based non-profit organisation made up of major computer firms , software producers , user groups and others . Emoji -LRB- selection pictured -RRB- were originally popular in Japan , and widely used online , however , in recent years they have become hugely popular elsewhere . The word emoji literally means ` picture ' -LRB- e -RRB- + ` letter ' -LRB- moji -RRB- . Emoji were originally popular in Japan , and widely used online . However , in recent years they have become hugely popular elsewhere . Originally meaning pictograph , the word emoji literally means ` picture ' -LRB- e -RRB- + ` letter ' -LRB- moji -RRB- . Icons . are standardised and include some specific to Japanese culture , such as . a bowing -LRB- apologising -RRB- businessman , a face wearing a face mask , a white . flower used to denote ` brilliant homework ' or a group of emoji . representing popular foods : ramen noodles , dango , onigiri , Japanese . curry , and sushi . Some . emoji character sets have been incorporated into Unicode , allowing them . to be used elsewhere in the world - and more could now be added . Twitter allowed emoji to be used on its web version , as well across its apps , last month . And last year , Apple was said to be working to expand the diversity of the hugely popular characters for the iPhone . Following complaints the current character set was not diverse enough , the firm said it was working with the standards body that controls them . Icons are standardised and include some specific to Japanese culture , such as a bowing -LRB- apologising -RRB- businessman , a face wearing a face mask , a whiteflower used to denote ` brilliant homework ' or a group of emoji representing popular foods : ramen noodles , dango , onigiri , Japanesecurry , and sushi . And there are now apps dedicated purely to the small images . Emojli , for example , only lets users communicate using the popular miniature images - and even usernames have to be comprised of a selection of emoticons . A study in April last year found that the top trending word , at that time , was emoji . There are now apps dedicated to the small images . Emojli , for example , -LRB- pictured -RRB- only lets users communicate using the popular pictures , and even usernames have to be comprised of a selection of emoticons . | The four ` emoticons ' were published in Puck magazine on 30 March 1881 . American satirical magazine described them as ` typographical art ' The ` faces ' show joy , melancholy , indifference and astonishment . Scott Fahlman was the first documented person to use emoticons in 1982 . He suggested :--RRB- and :--LRB- be used to distinguish between jokes and facts . Reports claim Abraham Lincoln used a ` winky face ' in a 1862 speech - but this is considered to be a typo . Similarly , a 1648 poem appears to show a smiley after the word ` smiling ' | [[230, 246], [249, 263], [266, 296], [230, 246], [249, 265], [293, 351], [352, 368], [371, 385], [388, 418], [352, 368], [371, 387], [415, 468], [230, 246], [249, 263], [266, 296], [352, 368], [371, 385], [388, 418], [2089, 2188], [2109, 2121], [2124, 2188], [1022, 1143], [2189, 2320], [1144, 1207], [1210, 1230], [1232, 1242], [2321, 2384], [2387, 2407], [2409, 2419], [1423, 1467], [1437, 1493], [1616, 1659], [1988, 1992], [2012, 2024], [2600, 2644], [2614, 2670], [2793, 2836], [1672, 1752], [2849, 2929], [3226, 3234], [3237, 3244]] |
One of the most important tools an actor has is their face . From expressing grief and torture to joy and love the face is one of the most powerful ways to convey emotions . But in a video shot by Pedestrian TV , Australian actor Guy Pearce was asked to use his expressions a little differently , by recreating popular emoticons known as Emoji . Scroll down for video . In a new video released by Pedestrian TV Australian actor Guy Pearce recreated Emoji emoticons . The Hollywood actor nailed many of the hilarious expressions such as this sunglasses shot . While Pearce - who started his career in soap Neighbours - hits the nail on the head with some of the impressions , other attempts fall a little short . In a game called Emoji Me the 47-year-old was shown the team 's favourite symbols one-by-one which he then attempted to reenact . The first challenge is relatively simple , and as the Emoji ` face screaming in fear ' pops up on the screen Pearce imitates the image perfectly . Others Pearce struggled with , like this smirking Emoji . The wink was one of the actor 's best attempts at recreating the expressive emoticons . Next on the list is a classic winking face , which the Australian actor also recreates with ease . However Pearce struggled with the smirking emoticon , contorting his face before saying ` Oh it 's actually going up is n't it ... I 'm not sure what that one is . ' The acclaimed actor then manages to pull an exceptional surprised face , before presenting arguably the most impressive of the lot . The acclaimed actor then manages to pull an exceptional surprised face . At the end of the video Pearce quips ` Do i get the job ? ' Closing one eye and sticking his tongue out in the style of Miley Cyrus , Pearce mimics the animated emoticon in spectacular fashion . The information desk Emoji , sunglasses emoticon , kissing face and a big grin are all added to his repertoire by the end of the video , where Pearce quips ` Do i get the job ? ' . Late last year the actor released the video for his his new single Fly All The Way , which featured Annie Jones , Pearce 's Neighbours character Mike Young 's on-screen love interest . | Australian actor Guy Pearce was asked to imitate a range of emoticons . In a video by Pedestrian TV he attempts nine popular Emojis . Pearce nails some of the expressions while struggling with others . | [[178, 188], [213, 328], [213, 229], [297, 345], [181, 210], [178, 188], [213, 328], [213, 229], [297, 345], [373, 427], [370, 384], [428, 466], [559, 672], [675, 711]] |
Mario Balotelli 's continued slump is nothing a touch of tender loving care ca n't solve , says Andrea Pirlo . The Liverpool striker has struggled severely in front of goal since joining for # 16million in the summer . His attitude has also come into question , with critics aiming pot-shots at the Italian 's work ethic and general demeanour . VIDEOS Scroll down to watch . Mario Balotelli has struggled to find his feet after signing for Liverpool for # 16million in the summer . The Italian striker -LRB- pictured reacting against Hull City -RRB- is yet to score a Premier League goal for the Reds . But Pirlo - who played alongside Balotelli at AC Milan and for Italy - believes the 24-year-old merely needs an arm around the shoulder from his manager Brendan Rodgers . ` The difference between other players and Mario is that every action he takes is going to be scrutinised , ' Pirlo said . ` The media is interested in him , and things he does are going to be highlighted - where perhaps with other players they would not get such a reaction - or maybe even no reaction at all . ` There is no question over his talent - I have played with him and I know how good he is and how good he can be . It is the job of the Liverpool coach to manage him in the right way . ' Juventus ' Andrea Pirlo said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers needs to show some love to Balotelli . Rodgers has so far persevered with Balotelli up front in the league but faces some difficult decisions . Liverpool fans will be left wondering why Balotelli has still failed to score in the Premier League , but Pirlo is left in no doubt that his former team-mate will become a star on Merseyside . ` He needs to be loved , he needs direction , but most importantly he needs to know that the coach believes in him , ' the midfielder added . ` If he spends time with Mario - I know he can still go on and be a great player for Liverpool . ' | Mario Balotelli is yet to score a Premier League goal for Liverpool . Italian striker has been criticised much recently for his performances . The Reds signed the Italian from AC Milan for # 16million . Andrea Pirlo believes Balotelli needs some TLC to realise his potential . | [[482, 507], [539, 602], [1480, 1579], [111, 218], [111, 132], [173, 218], [375, 481], [413, 481], [607, 671], [674, 755], [1273, 1374]] |
Ray Rice called his sickening attack on his wife Janay ` one bad night ' that ` just happened to be on video ' as he spoke out in his first interview since being reinstated by the NFL . The former Ravens running back told the Today show on Tuesday how a counselor ` ripped him apart ' and put him back together after he punched his then-girlfriend in Atlantic City in February . He claimed that while he and his wife have argued , he has never laid hands on her apart from that one incident . The couple do not believe Janay is a domestic violence victim . ` You know , domestic violence is a real issue in society , ' Rice told host Matt Lauer . ` We could take our one bad night , it just happened to be on video , but we are truly sorry to the people that are really going through it . You know , it 's a real problem . ' Scroll down for videos . Apologetic : With his wife Janay at his side , Ray Rice said in an interview that aired on Tuesday that he made a terrible ` uncharacteristic ' mistake when he knocked her out with a single punch in February . Fears : As the family spoke with Matt Lauer , Rice said he worries about the day his daughter Rayven , pictured , searches for his name online and finds out that he punched her mother in the face . He also admitted to making a ` horrendous mistake ' for not publicly apologizing to his wife at a May press conference . Instead , in a move that only served to stoke the controversy , it was Janay who apologized for her ` part ' in the attack . ` It was n't truly coming from us , ' he said , explaining that the Baltimore Ravens told them what to say . ' I was nervous ... I made a horrendous mistake not apologizing to my wife . ' He went on : ` My wife is an angel - she can do no wrong . I take full responsibility for what I did . I 'm horribly sorry for everything I 've put my family through . ' Rice , 27 , said he now lives in fear that one day their daughter Rayven , who is now two , will search for him on Google and find out what happened . ` We know what 's going to come up , ' he said . ` That 's what I 'm worried about fixing . ' Rice , who is allowed to sign with any NFL team after winning his appeal last week , added that if he never played football again , he knows that his wife would be happier . ' I knew my wife before I had anything , ' he said . ` We both know where we came from . And just to be honest with you , she 's very independent . My wife can survive in this world without me . She could survive in this world in society without me . She could 've done it on her own . ' Shocking : Rice was suspended by the NFL for only two games following the one-punch knockout of his then-fiancée in an elevator at the New Jersey-based casino in February . CCTV captured the attack . Mistakes : The couple appeared at a press conference in May -LRB- pictured -RRB- but Ray Rice did not publicly apologize to his wife Janay . Instead , she apologized for her part in the night - which caused public uproar . He went on : ` If I never play football again , I 'll be honest with you , I would adapt into life and I would sacrifice more so she can have a better future . ' Janay , who appeared beside him and her parents for the interview , added : ' I know he 'll support me in anything I want to do . ' Still , he is hopeful that an owner will welcome him to his team this season or next . ' I think that they would have to be willing to look deeper into who I am and realized that me and my wife had one bad night and I took full responsible for it , ' he said . ' I accepted it ... I took full responsibility . And the only thing I can hope for and wish for is a second chance . ' The couple also agreed that ` when the time is right ' , they would speak out and try to help others who have been affected by domestic abuse . His interview , which aired on Tuesday , came a day after his wife Janay spoke out in a lengthy interview of her own . She revealed that she has still not seen the surveillance footage showing her husband knocking her out after a night of drinking in February . Painful : Janay Rice wipes away a tear on the Today show as she recounts how angry she was after a video emerged showing her now-husband Ray Rice knocking her out cold in an elevator in February . After the incident , she initially thought she was ` done ' with the running back - but her ` heart ' told her to stay with him because it was not like him . The pair reconciled and married a month after his arrest for aggravated assault . She also slammed the Ravens for failing to support her family in the aftermath and revealed that she only issued a public apology for her part in the incident after the team suggested it . Initially , Rice was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for only two games . But after security video of the altercation surfaced on TMZ in September , the Ravens released the three-time Pro Bowler , and his $ 35 million contract , and the NFL suspended him indefinitely . The day after Rice was released from his contract , Janay took to her Instagram to describe the ` horrible nightmare ' she found herself in . ' I ca n't say he 's telling the truth , ' Janey Rice told NBC 's Today show about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in footage due to air in the next couple of days . Criticism over the two-day action led the NFL to toughen its penalties on domestic violence , with Mr Goodell admitting in a letter to team owners that he ` did n't get it right ' . Rice is now eligible to sign with any NFL team after his indefinite suspension from the NFL was dropped on appeal by a U.S. District Judge on Friday . During the appeal , Rice 's lawyers and the union argued the league had overstepped its authority in modifying former running back 's two-game suspension , saying he was being ` sentenced ' twice . Ray Rice told NBC that he has not himself been in touch with any teams and that he 's leaving it up to his agent . He added that he is working on staying in shape . See below for video . Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy . | The former Ravens player spoke out on the Today show on Tuesday - in his first interview since he was reinstated by the NFL last week . He said that a counselor had ` ripped him apart ' and put him back together . But he said he lives in fear of the day his daughter will google his name and find out what happened . He said that if he never plays football again , he will ` sacrifice more and give Janay a better future ' He was dropped by the Ravens after footage emerged in September showing him knocking out his wife Janay in an elevator in Atlantic City . | [[94, 108], [111, 149], [114, 185], [186, 247], [897, 926], [914, 926], [932, 1001], [3810, 3823], [3832, 3848], [5165, 5193], [252, 282], [1106, 1202], [1862, 1866], [1874, 1927], [1905, 1908], [1913, 1927], [1954, 1983], [1913, 1927], [1988, 2012], [2107, 2111], [2192, 2280], [2992, 3037], [3091, 3151], [2578, 2741], [4132, 4268], [4812, 4856], [4788, 4827], [4859, 4906]] |
On the front lines of the battle for Kobane , Kurdish female fighters have been playing a major role in helping defend the Syrian town from an onslaught by the Islamic State . Pervin Kobani , the 19-year-old daughter of a farmer , is one of them . She is part of a team holding an eastern front-line position that comes under regular attack from the extremist fighters , who have been trying to seize the town since mid-September . Three weeks ago , Pervin bumped into her father on a street corner . Scroll down for video . Fighting family : Pervin Kobane -LRB- right -RRB- , who 's fighting Isis in Kobane , hugs her father , who 's doing the same . Determined : Pervin is part of a team holding an eastern front-line position that comes under regular attack from the extremist fighters . She was surprised to see him holding a gun . She did n't know that he too had decided to fight . Her mother is a refugee in Turkey , her only brother studying in Algeria . ` Honestly when I heard my father is fighting on the western front with the YPG I was so proud of him , and it made me want to fight more , ' she said . Her father , Farouk Kobane , joined the town 's defenders in mid-September , when IS , also known as Isis , launched their attack . He was delighted to see his daughter that day three weeks ago , after months without news . Last week , videojournalist Jake Simkin traveled with Pervin to the western front , to see her father once again . She says he is now her comrade first - but she hugs him like a father anyway . The Islamic State group has declared a self-styled caliphate in areas under its control in Iraq and Syria , governing it according to its violent interpretation of Shariah law . The Kurdish men and women fighting in Kobane are determined not to lose the town to the extremists . Devastation : Large parts of Kobane have been left in ruins by the fighting . The Kurds ' defence of Kobane -LRB- pictured -RRB- has been aided by Coalition air strikes . Simkin 's report , shot by inside Kobane late last month , offered a rare , in-depth glimpse of the destruction that more than two months of fighting has inflicted on the Kurdish town in northern Syria by the Turkish border . It also illustrated what life is like for fighters like Pervin , who says she does n't really have dreams beyond the present . ` We must save our love for Apo , and Kurdistan and our martyrs , ' she said , referring to Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan , whose group has been fighting Turkey for Kurdish autonomy . Nearby , one of Pervin 's comrades saw something moving amid the destroyed remains of central Kobane and opened fire . Pervin left home and took up arms two years ago as the overstretched forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad withdrew from Kurdish areas in northern Syria . She joined the Syrian Kurdish women 's self-defense force , known by its Kurdish acronym YPJ . The female YPJ fighters are now integrated with the men 's units , the YPG . ' I did n't really have any other ambitions . I just wanted to live a free life , as a woman , -LRB- to -RRB- be able to see our reality , and have our rights and just live , ' she said . Aided by a small Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga force and Syrian rebels , they have been stubbornly defending the town since mid-September and have been aided by over 280 airstrikes by the U.S.-led coalition . After half a year serving away from her hometown , she returned with Kurdish forces two months ago to Kobane . Most fighting happens at night . The fighters can only sleep during the day , with a rotating two-hour sentry watch . ` We wo n't allow the terrorist groups in until the last drop of our blood , ' Pervin said . | Pervin Kobani , 19 , has been fighting Isis in Kobane for several weeks . Her father , Farouk , has also taken up arms against the terrorist group . At first the two had no idea that the other was battling the extremists . They bumped into each other on a Kobane street corner three weeks ago . | [[569, 574], [584, 607], [836, 887], [432, 447], [450, 500]] |
A Ryanair passenger got a surprise when he became the budget airline 's 13 millionth customer to pass through Shannon Airport yesterday . Piotr Rachuta received a personal visit from the Dublin-based carrier 's controversial chief executive , Michael O'Leary , who is making strides to tone down his abrasive persona and improve his reputation in the public eye . Mr O'Leary congratulated Mr Rachuta and his wife , Marta , and their four-year-old daughter , Amelia , and informed all passengers that they would be given a free flight . Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary , left , poses with Piotr Rachuta , his wife , Marta , and daughter , Amelia . The family , from Poland , was travelling from Shannon to Wroclaw when they were surprised by Mr O'Leary , who made the announcement as passengers waited at the gate . Mr Rachuta told the Irish Independent : ` I did n't expect this today when I came to Shannon Airport for sure . I am very surprised and very happy . ' The Rachuta family was given a free flight and hotel accommodation , in addition to duty free vouchers and executive lounge passes . Mr O'Leary said : ` This is such an important flight for us because on today 's flight to Wroclaw , we have our 13th millionth passenger that Ryanair has carried through Shannon Airport . ' Mr O'Leary informs Piotr Rachuta that he is the airline 's 13 millionth passenger to travel through Shannon . Mr Nice Guy : Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has admitted that he should have been ` nicer ' sooner . The publicity stunt was part of the airline 's charm offensive to win over customers and , ultimately , boost its traffic . Mr O'Leary has admitted in interviews that the airline , notorious for its surcharges and customer service , should have been ` nicer ' to passengers sooner . The executive , who once called his customers ` stupid ' and told refund-hunters to ` f *** off ' , has admitted his loose-lipped and coarse persona is perhaps bad for the airline 's brand . He is trying to position himself as a warmer and friendlier executive as Ryanair looks to expand . | Piotr Rachuta was feted after he became the airline 's milestone customer . All passengers on the Shannon-Wroclaw journey were given free flights . Ryanair CEO has admitted that he should have been ` nicer ' to customers . | [[364, 374], [471, 535], [1407, 1493], [1618, 1776], [1661, 1674], [1727, 1767]] |
Stretching into the distance under grey skies , the only signs of life on this deserted Spanish highway are the occasional lone cyclist or pack of stray dogs . The MP-203 in Madrid has remained unfinished for six years - despite initial investment of 70 million euro in the shelved project in recession-hit Spain . Weeds can be seen growing on the surface of the abandoned route today , as it emerged the Eurozone has slumped into its longest recession ever . Weeds : An unused toll plaza on the unfinished Spanish highway is seen today , as it emerged the Eurozone has slumped into its longest recession ever . Construction workers downed tools six years ago when the 12.5 km route was 70 per cent complete , due to issues with the Madrid-Barcelona high speed railway and the connection to Spain 's R-3 highway . These images reveal how the project - intended to relieve congestion on the Barcelona highway -LRB- A-2 -RRB- - has fallen into decline , on a day of further economic blows to the beleaguered Eurozone . Figures showed economic activity . across the region has fallen for the sixth quarter in a row - longer . than the calamitous slump that hit the region in the financial crisis of . 2008-9 . Deserted : A bush grows in the middle of the surface of the unfinished highway in Madrid . Road to nowhere : Dogs wander along the MP-203 highway , which has remained unfinished for the past six years despite an initial investment of 70 million euro . Incomplete : The unfinished highway , which was devised to decongest the Barcelona highway , is cut into a cliff near Mejorada del Campo . Haunting : People ride their bikes along a road that crosses underneath the unfinished MP-203 highway . Decline : Goats are shepherded across a side road of the MP-203 near Mejorada del Campo , Spain . Shelved : Graffiti decorates a tunnel underneath the highway , which was abandoned six years ago while only 70 per cent complete . Eurostat , the EU 's statistics office , . said today that nine of the 17 eurozone countries are in recession , . with France a notable addition to the list . Overall , the euro region 's economy contracted 0.2 percent in the January-March period from the previous three months . Though it represents an improvement . on the previous quarter 's 0.6 percent decline , it 's another unwelcome . landmark for the single currency bloc as it grapples with a debt crisis . which has forced governments to slash spending and raise taxes . These austerity measures have inflicted severe economic pain and social unrest . Unemployment across the eurozone is . currently at a record of 12.1 percent - in some countries , such as . Greece , it 's as high as 27.2 percent . Though this recession is not nearly . as deep as the one in 2008-9 , it is the longest in the history of the . euro , which was launched in 1999 . A recession is officially defined as . two straight quarters of negative growth . Deserted : A bush grows in the middle of the surface of the unfinished highway in Madrid . Barren : The multi-million euro highway was intended to provide a new route for thousands of Spanish motorists . Ghost road : Instead of cars and trucks , the highway is used by wandering sheep , dogs and goats who feed along the roadside . Sign of the times : A lone cyclist rides his bike along the MP-203 in Madrid on the same day it was confirmed that economic activity across the Eurozone has fallen for the sixth consecutive quarter . Strays : Goats stand along the roadside on the abandoned MP-203 near Mejorada del Campo , Spain . Graffiti : Unused construction materials have been painted over with graffiti in Madrid . Empty : An toll plaza stands empty of vehicles along the incomplete 12.5 km route . | MP-203 highway project in Madrid has remained unfinished for six years . 70 million euro was ploughed into the project between 2005 and 2007 . Shelved due to issues over Madrid 's high-speed railway . Deserted road used only by stray dogs , goats and sheep . Images capture ghost road as Eurozone slumps into longest ever recession . | [[160, 314], [1328, 1354], [1361, 1407], [1838, 1862], [1869, 1910], [160, 314], [48, 159], [1316, 1352], [3168, 3223], [3209, 3223], [3228, 3253], [3463, 3541], [390, 452], [401, 459], [542, 604], [553, 611], [814, 1016], [886, 949], [952, 986], [2762, 2803]] |
It may look like an iPhone 4 but this gadget is in fact a stun gun which has landed a 21-year-old man three years in prison . Marcel Cross was found with the concealed weapon after police were called following reports of a man with a stun gun in Bicester , Oxfordshire . Officers who attended the scene on January 6 discovered Cross with the gun and despite his claims to have purchased it as a novelty item , he was charged with possession of a firearm . This is the stun gun belonging to Marcel Cross , pictured beside a real iPhone 4 . The only noticeable difference between the two is the buttons are slightly more prominent on the stun gun version . The real McCoy : The stun gun was made to look like this Apple iPhone 4 -LRB- filed photo -RRB- . The disguised stun guns are sold cheaply on the internet , often under the pretense of self protection . PC Joe Stafford , of Banbury CID , said it had been ` cleverly disguised ' to look like a mobile phone and said the prison sentence reflected how serious an offence carrying the disguised weapons were . ` The stun gun had been cleverly disguised as an iPhone 4 mobile phone . Marcel Cross was given a three year prison sentence for possession of the stun gun . There can only be one reason for disguising an item like this and that is to allow a person to carry it without detection . ` The . seriousness of this was reflected in the sentence passed at court . The . sentence should act as a deterrent to others who may consider possessing . a similar item . ` The . defendant claimed to have purchased the weapon from a local market as a . novelty item , but the judge stated that the defendant needed to . recognise the seriousness of the offence . Cross was jailed at . Oxford Crown Court on Monday for three years , for possession of a Section . 5 firearm . Cheap stun guns disguised as the ubiquitous iPhone are becoming steadily more common in the UK . Earlier this year a 14-year-old boy was found to be carrying one of the concealed stun guns and a confused police officer was zapped by it . The dangerous device was found when the schoolboy , who was not identified , was arrested alongside three other teenagers after a bus driver complained he was subjected to vile racist taunts . The guns are mostly manufactured in China and can be bought online for as little as # 15 , but can be deadly - they are capable of discharging blasts of up to 50,000 volts of electricity . Another variation now on the market includes a stun gun which doubles as an iPhone jacket - meaning it can be used to stun people , or charge your phone . | Marcel Cross found with stun gun ` cleverly disguised ' as iPhone 4 . 21-year-old from Oxfordshire jailed for three years for possessing firearm . Claimed he had purchased weapon from a local market as a novelty item . | [[464, 502], [655, 732], [1061, 1133], [1820, 1870], [51, 66], [73, 125], [408, 455], [1134, 1218], [350, 407], [1525, 1598]] |
A family were alarmed when what started as a normal morning drive became a frightening encounter with three enormous white rhinos . Mother-of-one Holly Powers , originally from Oregon , lives in Pretoria , in the Gauteng Province of South Africa with her husband and their 20-month-old son , Thomas . The incident occurred when the family went for a morning drive around the Rietvlei Nature Reserve just ten minutes from their home . Scroll down for video . One of the rhinos started to walk towards the family 's car , but soon picked up its pace to running at full speed . Mr Powers warned his wife that rhinos have been known to occasionally attack cars in Kruger National Park . The third rhino to emerge started to charge the car carrying Mrs Powers ' 20-month-old son Thomas in the back seat . Mrs Powers recalled : ` We have a 20-month-old little boy who wakes up at 5:30 am every day , so on this morning we decided to get up and take a drive . ' A short time after entering the reserve we encountered two white rhinos about a 100 metres down the road . ` They both slowly sauntered toward our car and got very close but were not aggressive in any way . ` While watching the two that were right near our car we noticed a third step out of the bushes , 100 metres away , where we had first seen the original two . Against the advice of her husband who told her to wind up her window , Mrs Powers kept it down to take photos of the charge . ` Fortunate ' : Mrs Powers said the experience was incredible and felt fortunate to be present to witness such a special event . ` This rhino headed in our direction starting out at a slow walk but then suddenly started to run toward us at full speed . ' With adrenalin pumping and against the advice of her husband , who warned she should wind the window up , Mrs Summer managed to capture the third rhino as it hurtled full-pelt towards the family car . She continued : ' I was in awe of the first two rhinos that were so close to our car and when the third stepped out of the bushes I was shocked that there was a third . ` When it started to run at full speed my thoughts went to my camera that was already in my hand and ready to go . ' I could n't believe how fast such a large creature could run - I caught almost its entire approach on my camera all while my head was out the window and my husband was yelling at me again and again to roll up the window . ' Up close : Mother-of-one Holly Powers captured what it 's like to be charged by a one-and-a-half tonne rhino . Soon after entering the reserve the family encountered two white rhinos about a 100 metres down the road . She added : ` My adrenaline was running and I was so excited that I was catching this whole thing with my camera that I really did n't think about the danger . ` My husband was stressed and knew we were at some risk because rhinos have been known to occasionally attack cars in Kruger National Park and other places around South Africa . ' I suppose as long as we were in the car we were n't at any real risk of physical injury , just damage to our car . In addition , these rhinos had been de-horned for anti-poaching purposes , so this inherently lowered the potential damage risk as well . ' Thankfully there was nothing to worry about and despite charging towards them the rhino slowed as quick as it had started and joined its companions just feet from the car . It started as a normal family drive : Mrs Powers , left , and her twenty-month-old son Thomas , right . Footage taken by Holly 's husband Christopher , 37 , shows just how close the animals were . Holly said : ` All three hung out around our car for a while and then continued on down the road . ` We turned the car around and followed them for a bit . I 'm glad that we did because just a little down the road we came to a small mud pit where we then witnessed each of them take turns rolling around in the mud . ` The whole experience was incredible and we could n't believe how close we were the whole time . We felt fortunate to be the only people present to witness all of this . ' | Holly Powers , 35 , originally from Oregon , lives in Pretoria , South Africa . She encountered three white rhinos during a morning drive with her family . Rhinos approached and one began to speed up and run towards their car . | [[132, 158], [186, 203], [0, 131], [43, 131], [301, 433], [328, 433], [458, 475], [524, 574], [683, 773], [1578, 1588], [1645, 1649], [1659, 1699], [1808, 1902], [2072, 2140]] |
With 100,178 passengers expected to fly on Christmas Day , London 's Heathrow Airport is making an effort to ensure that no one misses out on their festive holiday feast . Travellers will be treated to turkey , sage and onion stuffing , and Christmas pudding in the form of three specially created boiled sweets . Aptly named Boarding Bon Bons , the treats have been designed to perfectly recreate traditional Christmas dinner flavours . London 's Heathrow Airport will provide holiday travellers with Christmas dinner-inspired boiled sweets . Called Boarding Bon Bons , the festive treats will be handed out from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day . Just before the Queen takes to the nation 's TV screens there will be an estimated 16,677 Heathrow passengers in the air during the traditional Christmas lunch time between 1pm and 3pm . This year , Heathrow will become the first airport in the world to offer its passengers a festive twist on this tradition with Christmas dinner sweets that can be enjoyed at 30,000 ft. The treats were developed alongside one of the UK 's leading independent confectionary creators . The Christmas pudding has hints of brandy butter , raisin and Christmas spices , while the turkey and sage and onion stuffing sweets taste surprisingly like a real Christmas meal . The sweets were developed with a leading UK confectionary company to truly capture the turkey flavour . The sage and onion stuffing sweet tastes remarkably like the real thing . The Christmas pudding flavour has hints of brandy butter , raisin and Christmas spices . Normand Boivin , Chief Operating Officer at Heathrow said : ` With a huge number of passengers set to fly from Heathrow this Christmas , we are giving merry travellers a festive send off as they embark on their holidays . ` We wanted to bring to life the warm and exciting feeling everyone gets on December 25th and what better way to make sure flyers do n't miss out on the most exciting moment of the day than by recreating the quintessential Christmas dinner . ` We tried a number of different flavour combinations , including cranberry sauce , mince pies and honey glazed carrots , but found that turkey , sage and onion stuffing and Christmas pudding really evoked the taste and sentiment of Christmas . ' Heathrow 's Boarding Bon Bons will be handed out by the airport 's passenger ambassadors across all five terminals from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day . | 100,178 passengers expected to travel from Heathrow on Christmas Day . Airport to hand out ` Boarding Bon Bons ' as a festive treat . Sweets flavours include sage and onion stuffing and Christmas pudding . | [[0, 56], [1562, 1576], [1579, 1619], [1622, 1696], [438, 543], [569, 643], [843, 851], [895, 981], [2273, 2422], [172, 279], [953, 1015], [1114, 1230], [2028, 2030], [2152, 2270]] |
Criticism : Education Secretary Michael Gove said some families make the wrong decisions and get into financial trouble . Families become so poor they are forced to turn to food banks because of their own ` decisions ' , Michael Gove has claimed . The Education Secretary argued that people who find themselves unable to buy essentials , including food and school uniforms have themselves to blame for being unable ` to manage their finances ' . The remarks were condemned by Labour and ` insulting and out of touch ' . More than half a million people across Britain have turned to food banks to stave off hunger , according to charities . Ministers have previously argued that a surge in demand has in part been fuelled by jobcentre staff being allowed to refer the unemployed to food banks for help . Cuts to benefits , frozen or falling wages and rising living costs have been blamed in part for some people struggling to make ends meet . Mr Gove was challenged over reports that one in four parents are having to borrow to pay for school uniforms and some food banks were distributing uniforms to struggling parents . He said he had recently visited a food bank in his Surrey Health constituency . But he suggested that many cash-strapped families have brought their problems on themselves . He added : ` I appreciate that there are families who face considerable pressures . ` Those pressures are often the result of decisions that they have taken which mean they are not best able to manage their finances . ` We need to ensure that support is not just financial , and that the right decisions are made . ' Mr Gove was responding to a question from Labour frontbencher Luciana Berger who demanded to know ` what more can he and his Government do to ensure that no students turn up to school embarrassed because they do not have the right clothes ' . Demand : Charities say there has been a sharp increase in people turning to food banks , including this one in Southwark run by Felicia Boshorin . Labour seized on the response with Miss Berger saying she was ' appalled ' by Mr Gove 's comments . The Labour Liverpool MP said : ' People I have met are ashamed to have to turn to food banks . ' I vehemently disagree it is because they have mismanaged their finances . ' This Government has got no answer to the millions of parents that are really struggling to get by . ' Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said : ' It is appalling to suggest the rise of food banks is due to poor financial management . Labour frontbencher Luciana Berger . ' It 's a smack in the face to families who are working hard but ca n't make ends meet , leaving them with no other option but to turn to food banks to feed their families . ' These comments are completely misjudged . ' Chris Johnes , director of Oxfam 's UK Poverty Programme , said : ` Thousands are now turning to food banks , but they do not so out of choice , they do so when they have nowhere else to turn . ` The staggering rise in the numbers of people using food banks is down to failings in the benefit system , too many low paid jobs and rising prices that are dragging huge numbers into poverty . ' In May a report by Church Action On Poverty and Oxfam suggested up to half of those seeking help were doing so as a direct result of having benefit payments delayed , reduced or withdrawn . Other factors behind the increase on those using emergency help - the ` hidden hungry ' - include rising food prices , unemployment and energy costs . But Energy Secretary Ed Davey told MPs that it was ` completely wrong to suggest that there is some sort of statistical link between the benefit reforms we 're making and the provision of food banks ' . | Education Secretary says families are ` unable to manage their finances ' More than half a million people have turned to food banks , charities say . Labour condemn minister 's remarks as ` insulting and out of touch ' | [[12, 121], [398, 441], [899, 941], [1447, 1452], [1459, 1513], [2329, 2336], [2342, 2375], [2558, 2595], [2621, 2642], [520, 612], [520, 566], [615, 639], [1865, 1976], [2776, 2788], [2835, 2839], [2842, 2883], [3167, 3250], [446, 515]] |
For years , English wine has been dismissed as being no match for more sophisticated vintages from across the Channel . But brilliant weather and clever grape choices mean that , this year , experts believe wines from England and Wales -- where there are now 432 vineyards -- may be as good as , if not even superior to , their Gallic rivals . So we asked wine expert Jilly Goolden to take a ` blind ' taste test to see if this can really be true . We chose eight popular wines with similar blends , vintages and prices . Could Jilly tell the difference between the English crop and French versions -- and which did she prefer ? For years , English wine has been dismissed as being no match for more sophisticated vintages from across the Channel . So we asked wine expert Jilly Goolden to take a ` blind ' taste test to see if this can really be true . WHITE . BOLNEY ESTATE PINOT GRIS , 2013 , SUSSEX . # 16.99 , Wine Pantry , winepantry.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : Wow . This is sensational . It 's as silky and smooth as a baby 's bottom , with a little talcum powder sweetness . I love the gentle perfume and the hint of sweetness . It 's head and shoulders above its Italian rival . It 's hard to believe our favourite tipple , Italian pinot grigio , is made from the same grape . This is light-years better and worth the extra bucks . It 's so deliciously different -- I 'm plumping for an exciting English wine producer . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . Bolney Estate Pinot Gris and Kulmann Pinot Gris . CORRECT . KUHLMANN PLATZ PINOT GRIS , 2013 , ALSACE . # 8.99 , Majestic , majestic.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : Very ` so what ? ' . It tastes a lot rougher -- like biting into a conker . You 'd need some food to mop up the rather harsh flavour . It 's a bog-standard French wine -- I suspect from Alsace . Very traditional with no crowd appeal . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . CORRECT . JILLY 'S FAVOURITE : English . CHAPEL DOWN FLINT DRY CHARDONNAY MIX , 2013 , KENT . # 9.99 , Waitrose , waitrose.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : A reasonable white -- I think a mix of chardonnay and other grapes . The slightly unpleasant fizziness reminds me of drinking liver salts for a hangover . The grapes taste very fresh , which I put down to young vines and not enough sun . That means it 's English . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . CORRECT . MACON VILLAGES CHARDONNAY , 2013 , BURGUNDY . # 9.49 , M&S , marksandspencer.com . JILLY SAYS : The rich , straw colour suggests a grape from mature vines ripened under a hot Mediterranean sun . It 's a very acceptable chardonnay with a satisfying peachy and slightly nutty flavour -- and no fizziness . Delicious and unquestionably French . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . CORRECT . JILLY 'S FAVOURITE : French . ROSÉ . Somborne Valley Estate Rosé . CAMEL VALLEY ROSÉ , 2013 , BODMIN , CORNWALL . # 16 , Wine Pantry , winepantry.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : Rosé used to be dismissed as a girlie drink -- cheap , cheerful and a bit too sweet . But it 's grown up massively , as this lovely bottle proves . The great thing about a good rosé like this is it has enough dryness and depth of flavour to complement every style of food . I doubt it 's English because I do n't believe any producer has cracked rosé yet . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . WRONG . CALVET ROSÉ , 2013 , SANCERRE . # 14,99 , Waitrose , waitrose.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : They 're so alike , they could be twins . This has the same streamlined quality and depth . It 's a tough call , but I 'm going for English . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . WRONG . JILLY 'S FAVOURITE : Even . SOMBORNE VALLEY ESTATE ROSÉ , 2013 , HAMPSHIRE . # 9.49 , Waitrose , waitrose.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : Just one sniff and my teeth are on edge . It smells sickly sweet and tastes horribly sugary . It 's like eating a three-year-old 's mashed-up sweetie collection . I 'm getting everything from Slush Puppies to bubblegum . It 's a disaster . I reckon it 's English . They 've jumped on the rosé bandwagon and tried too hard . Yuck . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . CORRECT . LA GRILLE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ , 2013 , MASSIF CENTRAL . # 8.99 , Majestic , majestic.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : This is a gorgeous pinot noir . It 's a coral colour and smells of strawberries and cream . It tastes deliciously clean , dry and not too sweet . It 's everything I want from a producer who knows his stuff , so I believe it 's an experienced French grower . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . CORRECT . JILLY 'S FAVOURITE : French . RED . Gusborne Estate Pinot Noir and Red Burgundy Pinot Noir . GUSBOURNE ESTATE PINOT NOIR , 2011 , KENT . # 17.45 , Berry Bros , bbr.com . JILLY SAYS : Divine . This can not possibly be English because we struggle to make good red . Pinot noir 's a tricksy little grape . Like a flirty girl , she 's incredibly fussy and demanding and will storm out unless the conditions are perfect . I reckon this is from Burgundy -- home of the pinot noir . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . WRONG . NICOLAS POTEL BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR , 2013 , BURGUNDY . # 12.99 , Majestic , majestic.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : A really mediocre burgundy -- definitely English . We may have come on by leaps and bounds with sparkling and white wine , but our temperature makes it really hard to ripen grapes enough to produce a smooth red . This is like drinking red wine and soda . Definitely not for me . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . WRONG . MY FAVOURITE : English . BOLNEY ESTATE PINOT NOIR , 2013 , SUSSEX . # 15.99 , Wine Pantry , winepantry.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : It 's a little acidic , which makes me think the grapes are under-ripe . A good burgundy should be smoother and more rounded . It 's a good effort but I reckon it 's from a new English producer . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . CORRECT . RED BURGUNDY PINOT NOIR , 2012 , BOURGOGNE . # 8.69 , Tesco , tesco.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : This is n't a great burgundy . There 's a rather unpleasant lingering aftertaste of compost . And it 's rough around the edges . But I still reckon it 's French . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . CORRECT . JILLY 'S FAVOURITE : French . Chapel Down Kent Sparkling rosé and Alexandre Bonnet Rosé . SPARKLING . NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVEE , 2009 , SUSSEX , . # 31.99 , Waitrose , waitrose.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : This is English -- and all the better for it . It manages to do everything a good champagne should . It 's soft , delicate , subtle and incredibly moreish . I 'm convinced it 's from the South Downs , where the best English fizz is from . Believe it or not , the average temperature is marginally warmer than in Champagne itself . Making champagne this good is like climbing Everest -- and they 've done it . Hooray ! JILLY 'S GUESS : English . CORRECT . NICOLAS FEUILLATE , NV , CHAMPAGNE . # 31.99 , Tesco , tesco.co.uk . JILLY SAYS : It 's hard to credit this bog-standard champagne is made from the same grape following the same method . Unlike the delicious English fizz , it tastes as if it has been thrown together on a production line . It 's coarse . The producers are resting on their laurels and it shows . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . CORRECT . MY FAVOURITE : English . CHAPEL DOWN SPARKLING ROSÉ , NV , KENT . # 22 , M&S , marksandspencer.com . JILLY SAYS : Delicately fizzy -- just how rosé champagne should be . Rosé used to be a smoke screen for inferior quality because you can hide shortcomings with a boost of sugar . But pink fizz has pulled its socks up . This is utterly delicious . I think it 's French because -- while we 've mastered champagne -- we still have n't cracked sparkling rosé . JILLY 'S GUESS : French . WRONG . ALEXANDRE BONNET ROSÉ , NV , CHAMPAGNE . # 21.59 -LRB- normally # 26.99 -RRB- , Waitrose , waitrose.co.uk . Jilly says she 's thrilled she got some wrong and that she preferred some English wines . JILLY SAYS : This is lovely , but not quite as good . I like the rounded , gentle taste but it needs more body . Unlike any other rosé , champagne rosé is made by adding red wine to white wine , blending and then making it fizzy . Normally you would ferment with red skins to give the body . I think it 's English because the other is undoubtedly French . JILLY 'S GUESS : English . WRONG . MY FAVOURITE : English . JILLY 'S OVERALL VERDICT : I 'm actually thrilled I got some wrong and that I preferred some English . It proves how far our wines have come . We have been creeping up to challenge France for the past few years . And now , as this shows , we 've done it ! OVERALL SCORE : English wine : 4 French wine : 3 . | English wine has been seen as no match for wines from across the Channel . Brilliant weather means this year wines from England may be superior . We chose eight popular wines with similar blends . Jilly Goolden takes a ` blind ' taste test to see if this can really be true . | [[0, 9], [12, 119], [629, 638], [641, 748], [124, 235], [449, 521], [347, 412], [356, 419], [390, 448], [752, 817], [761, 824], [795, 853]] |
It seems phone batteries always die at the same moment you need to make an important call . But while shouting at your mobile in frustration might seem pointless , a new gadget could soon mean your screams wo n't be in vain . Researchers in London have created a new technology that uses sound , such as chants at a football ground or chatter in a coffee shop , to charge up mobile phones . Scroll down for video . While shouting at your mobile in frustration might seem pointless , a new gadget could soon mean your screams wo n't be in vain . Researchers in London have created a new technology that uses sound , such as chants at a football ground or chatter in a coffee shop , to charge up mobile phones . Their prototype device , which is about the size of a mobile phone , uses zinc oxide to convert vibrations caused by sound into electricity . The invention was inspired by previous research at Queen Mary University of London -LRB- QMUL -RRB- , which found playing pop and rock music improved the performance of solar cells . This was because the sound vibrations triggered the movement of material in the solar cell that caused it to improve efficiency by up to 40 per cent . Developing this research further , Nokia worked with the QMUL team to create an energy-harvesting prototype that could be used to charge a mobile phone using everyday background noise . Nokia worked with the QMUL team to create an energy-harvesting prototype that could be used to charge a mobile phone using everyday background noise . Pictured here is the zinc oxide used in the device . The team used the key properties of zinc oxide , a material that when squashed or stretched creates a voltage by converting energy from motion into electrical energy , in the form of nanorods . The nanorods can be coated onto various surfaces in different locations making the energy harvesting versatile . When this surface is squashed or stretched , the nanorods then generate a high voltage . The latest research was inspired by a study last year that found playing pop and rock music improves the performance of solar cells . Scientists at QMUL and Imperial College London found sound vibrations triggered the movement of material in the solar cell causing it to improve efficiency by up to 40 per cent . This discovery could make it possible to power a wider range of devices with solar energy than at present , as scientists can improve the efficiency of solar cells using the ambient , or background , noise present in many environments . Practical uses for this discovery could include solar powered air conditioning units , laptop computers or electronic components on buses , trains and other vehicles . The nanorods respond to vibration and movement created by everyday sound , such as our voices . Electrical contacts on both sides of the rods are then used to harvest the voltage to charge a phone . In order to make it possible to produce these nanogenerators at scale , the scientists found innovative ways to cut costs in the production process . Firstly , they developed a process whereby they could spray on the nanorod chemicals - almost like nanorod graffiti - to cover a plastic sheet in a layer of zinc oxide . When put into a mixture of chemicals and heated to just 90 °C , the nanorods grew all over the surface of the sheet . Secondly , gold is traditionally used as an electrical contact , but the team were able to produce a method of using cheap and cheerful aluminium foil instead . The final device is the same size as a Nokia Lumia 925 and generates five volts , which is enough to charge a phone . ` Being able to keep mobile devices working for longer , or do away with batteries completely by tapping into the stray energy that is all around us is an exciting concept , ' said Dr Joe Briscoe from QMUL . ` We hope that we have brought this technology closer to viability . ' The device is the same size as a Nokia Lumia 925 -LRB- pictured -RRB- and generates 5 volts - enough to charge a phone . ` Being able to keep mobile devices working for longer , or do away with batteries completely by tapping into the stray energy that is all around us is an exciting concept , ' said Dr Joe Briscoe from QMUL . Pictured is the voltage test to see how much energy the device could harvest . | Prototype created by Queen Mary University of London and Nokia . The device , which is about the size of a mobile phone , uses zinc oxide . Zinc oxide produces electricity when subjected to mechanical stress . Stress could come from vibrations in sound that move tiny rods . Invention was inspired by research which found playing pop and rock music improves the performance of solar cells . | [[1221, 1293], [1372, 1444], [710, 732], [741, 776], [710, 732], [779, 816], [1523, 1575], [1540, 1575], [2106, 2228], [2714, 2785], [928, 951], [960, 992], [993, 1034], [2008, 2025], [2031, 2063], [2053, 2105]] |
Charges ? Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson has said that his department is pursuing an investigation into whether or not to charge Louis Head for inciting the Ferguson riots . Michael Brown 's step father Louis Head could face charges for inciting the mob violence that left parts of Ferguson a smouldering wreck this time last week , claims the city 's police chief . According to Thomas Jackson , the Ferguson Police department is ` pursuing ' an investigation into whether Brown was in part responsible for starting last weeks fiery riot by screaming ` Burn this motherf **** r down ! Burn this bi ** h down ! ' on discovering the grand jury 's decision . Speaking on Monday night 's Fox News , Jackson was asked by host Sean Hannity whether he believed charges should be pressed against Head for his role in the disturbances that evening , posing the question , ` Is that inciting a riot ? ' In reply , Jackson said , ` We are pursuing those comments . And there is a lot of discussion going on about that right now . But I really ca n't get into that right now . ' An indignant Hannity questioned Jackson about whether political pressure may make it expedient for any investigation against Head to be quietly dropped . ` Is there an atmosphere where maybe there is a group in law enforcement , maybe in the prosecutors office arguing , ` Oh we should just let it die ? ' . But , would n't that just encourage people to act the same way and feel they can get away with it ? ' said Hannity . In response , Jackson appeared unequivocal , saying , ` No , we ca n't let all that happened in the community die . Scroll Down for Video . The victim 's stepfather -LRB- center -RRB- screamed ` Burn this b **** down ' as he stood next to Brown 's mother in the seconds after he learned of the grand jury 's decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson . Lesley Michael Brown 's mother Lesley McSpadden hugs Brown 's stepfather who wore a ' I am Mike Brown shirt ' ` Everyone who is responsible for taking away other people 's property , their livelihoods , their jobs , their businesses , every single one of them needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law . ' It was last Monday , after spending months appealing for calm that Michael Brown 's family exploded into rage when it was announced that the grand jury had decided not to charge Officer Darren Wilson . Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden , stood sobbing and screaming on top of a car with her husband and friends outside Ferguson police department . She wore a button pinned to her chest that read ` Indict Now and a white hat with a photo of her son which called for ` Justice for Mike Brown . ' ` They wrong ! ' she yelled , pointing toward the police station . ` You all know , you 're all wrong ! ' Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden , stood sobbing and screaming on top of a car with her husband and friends outside Ferguson police department after the grand jury decision . Although she wore sunglasses , her anger and devastation were clear as tears ran down her face . ` Everybody wants me to be calm . You know what them bullets did to my son ! ' ` They still do n't care ! ' she screamed as she threw her arms in frustration . ` They never going to care ! ' She then buried her face in her the chest of the victim 's stepfather , Louis Head , who wore a t-shirt reading : ' I am Mike Brown . ' He turned around to the incensed crowd and screamed : ` Burn this b **** down ' . He did this at least ten times and called for a microphone at one point to spread his message to more people . At that , some of the crowd did become agitated toward the police . Wearing a t-shirt with the words ' I Am Mike Brown ' while was expressing his rage toward the crowd and cameras , Head also had a beanie on that had a photograph of Michael Brown . As the roaring crowd began to surge forward , the pair were both whisked away by supporters . Protestors in the parking lot of a burning auto parts store in Ferguson following the grand jury decision . Ferguson has been struggling to return to normal after Brown , an 18-year-old black man , was killed by Darren Wilson , a white Ferguson police officer . Head has a long rap sheet which includes two felony narcotics convictions and he pleaded guilty in 1997 to marijuana distribution and was put on probation for five years . In mid-2003 , he pleaded guilty to a felony count of narcotics trafficking and he was sentenced to seven years in prison . He was released in 2008 after five years behind bars . The family released a statement immediately after the grand jury decision via their lawyers which read : ` We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions . ` While we understand that many others share our pain , we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change . Rampage : Demonstrators brazenly loot a local store in Ferguson following the grand jury decision with armfuls of goods being carried off . Fearsome : A demonstrator flashes a peace sign before a burning police car during clashes between police and protesters over the decision in the shooting death of 18-year-old Brown . Disruption : Police confront protestors in Ferguson using armored vehicles and riot shields . ` We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen . ` Join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera . ` We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful . Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction . ` Let 's not just make noise , let 's make a difference . ' Ahead of the grand jury decision , Michael Brown 's father released a statement Monday afternoon , which read : ` After the grand jury 's decision , we are asking for 4 1/2 minutes of silence to remember why we lift our voices . Raid : Looters smashed their way into a local Ferguson business and helped themselves to products that it sold . ` We are not here to be violent . We are here in memory of our son . ` We are here for protection of all children . We are here to support justice and equality for all people . ` We lift our voices to ensure black and brown men , women , and children can live in this country without being devalued because of the color of our skin . ' And over the weekened , Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder spoke to conservative radio host Laura Ingraham and said that Head should be arrested for inciting the riots . ` When you heard that sound-bite from the stepfather of Michael Brown , ' said Ingraham , ` what was your reaction ? ' ` That he should be arrested and charged with inciting to riot , ' Kinder replied . | Police Chief Thomas Jackson says Louis Head being investigated for role . Louis Head was caught on camera screaming obscenities last Monday . Head was videoed screaming : ` Burn this b **** down ' Was expressing frustration at decision not to indict Officer Wilson . Ferguson quickly descended into fiery chaos after the announcement . | [[10, 179], [61, 179], [180, 208], [339, 372], [373, 400], [592, 609], [1639, 1663], [1694, 1710], [1718, 1768], [3374, 3376], [3413, 3425], [3430, 3446], [1775, 1853], [2238, 2372], [4600, 4613], [4620, 4624], [4627, 4735], [180, 208], [239, 331], [252, 268], [274, 336], [2238, 2372]] |
A stunning timelapse video has showcased the beauty of Tower Bridge by day and night including the impressive glass bottomed walkway . Chad Gordon Higgins , who is originally from the West Midlands but now lives in London , took 12,076 pictures in and around the capital 's landmark , and then spent seven-and-a-half hours condensing these into 3,878 to make the video . The 37-year-old spent over 18 hours in London shooting the footage . Videographer Chad Gordon Higgins captured some spectacular scenes in his timelapse of London Bridge . Mr Higgins took 12,076 pictures in and around the capital 's landmark and then condensed them into 3,878 to make the video . Speaking to MailOnline Travel , Mr Higgins said : - ` I 've filmed a couple of times in the underbelly of Tower Bridge for various programmes , but I 've never actually been up to the walkways . ` The exposed ironwork , girders , suspension and the sheer amount of rivets put in to hold it altogether is mind-blowing considering it 's 120 years old . ` During one of the shots I rested against one of the top suspension cables taking in the views and you could feel the feint vibrations of the traffic below , the cables that have resonated the crossing of probably , billions of people over years gone past and now with the addition of the glass floors , it 's a great sight to behold . ` Everyone is on a journey somewhere . ' Before the stampede : The inside the bridge before tourists from all over the world ascend on London 's most famous bridge . The glass walkway , which opened last month , where tourists can pay # 9 to walk through and view the hustle and bustle on the roads below . Impressive : Mr Higgins described Tower Bridge as structurally ` mind blowing , considering it is 120 years old ' Tower Bridge last month unveiled its # 1m glass walkway 140ft above River Thames , costing just # 9 to visit . It has been designed to give tourists , sightseers and thrill-seekers a unique view from a bridge that bills itself as the most famous in the world , not forgetting a peek at the workings of a legendary feat of engineering when the bridge below opens . For the faint of heart or weak of knee , it may be reassuring to learn that each glass panel along the 36ft walkway is getting on for three inches thick and weighs nearly 1,200 lb . The iconic Tower Bridge is a magnificent sight to behold , and even better when contrasted at various points throughout the day . The brand new glass walkway , which is designed to enthrall the general public , rather than instill fear . The view from the # 1million glass walkway ; each glass panel along the 36ft walkway is around three inches thick and weighs nearly 1,200 lb . Tower Bridge Exhibition executives insist the idea is to enthral rather that scare people . Higgins added : ` Shooting timelapse for a living means that I get to spend a lot of time on rooftops for sunrise and sunsets for various TV companies . ` I 've recently filmed from the Shard but the vintage view from Tower Bridge is certainly unique . ' Higgins is doing a free talk about timelapse this Saturday -LRB- December 6 -RRB- in Kings Cross , London and he will be attempting to create the biggest crowd-sourced timelapse of London . Visit http://triggertrap.com/lapselondon/ for more details about the event , and chadchud.co.uk for more on Higgins ' work . . | Chad Gordon Higgins took 12,076 pictures in and around the capital 's landmark , taking over 18 hours . Videographer describes the structure of Tower Bridge as being a ` great sight to behold ' Timelapse video delivers stunning scenes of sunset and sunrise and everyday life at the bridge . | [[135, 154], [224, 282], [371, 425], [440, 541], [542, 611], [440, 541], [1323, 1354], [2322, 2378], [0, 134], [440, 541]] |
The revelations undermine the Trussell Trust 's claims last week about how many people are using food banks . Volunteers for a charity that blames welfare cuts for the soaring use of its food banks have admitted that fraudsters routinely ` take advantage ' of the handouts . The Trussell Trust , the UK 's biggest provider of food banks -- which highlighted a ` shocking ' rise in demand for emergency food packages last week -- last night pledged to investigate after volunteers were filmed admitting that people could take free food without checks , and that many visitors were asylum-seekers . One worker at a bank run by the trust said that people regularly ` bounce around ' locations to receive more vouchers than they are entitled to . A Mail on Sunday investigation has also found inadequate checks on who claims the vouchers , after a reporter obtained three days ' worth of food simply by telling staff at a Citizen 's Advice Bureau -- without any proof -- that he was unemployed . Undercover reporters posing as volunteers at food banks in London and Nottinghamshire also found : . According to the Trussell Trust 's statistics , more than 913,000 people received three days ' emergency food from its banks in 2013-14 compared with 347,000 in 2012-13 . The charity , which runs more than 400 of Britain 's 1,000 food banks , acknowledged that a third of the food was given to repeat visitors , but insisted the rise was based on genuine need for emergency food . Individuals experiencing severe financial hardship are able to claim food vouchers but there are no clear criteria on who should be eligible . Once received , the vouchers can be exchanged for three days ' worth of food at an allotted centre . The Trussell Trust has a policy that an individual can claim no more than nine handouts in a year , but undercover reporters found this limit varied in different branches . One volunteer at Trussell Trust-run food bank in Waterloo , who had been helping the charity for more than a year , said that he regularly saw the same people claiming more food parcels than they were in entitled to . Lax system : Limits on how many food parcels people are allowed to claim vary across the UK . Volunteer filmed by MoS at Trussell Trust 's London Waterloo food bank : ` People take advantage ... they bounce around different locations to get the vouchers ' Staff at Nottingham 's Citizens ' Advice Bureau handed out a food bank voucher to an undercover Mail on Sunday reporter entitling him to a generous three days ' worth of shopping -- without even asking for any identification . Our reporter Ross Slater , pictured , arrived at the CAB office near the city 's railway station to enquire about food vouchers . After filling out a form giving his name , address , date of birth , phone number and the reason for the visit , the reporter was told to wait for an assessor to interview him . The woman , called Katherine , who was in her 60s , asked our reporter a series of questions about why the food bank vouchers were needed . He explained he had been unemployed for a few months and had been caught out by higher than expected winter fuel bills and was strapped for cash and food . He added that his wife had left her job and was not earning and that they had two children to care for . After asking for details of how much Jobseekers ' Allowance was received , the assessor 's questions turned to the dietary requirements of the reporter and his family . Katherine asked our man to wait while she found out which food bank would be able to help him and then returned with an official voucher signed by the centre 's manager Sarah Webber . From there the reporter was sent to the Trussell Trust-run food bank at St Philip 's Church in Bulwell , Nottingham , where he presented the voucher to one of several helpers . Within minutes he was given with four shopping bags bursting with essentials -- about # 40 worth of groceries . These included basics such as bread , sugar and pasta , as well as less essential items such chocolate pudding . After inviting the reporter to help himself to the soap , toothpaste and hot dog rolls they had spare , the volunteers wished him a Happy Easter and he staggered out of the church with his bags . He later returned the goods . Last night the Trussell Trust said any distributor found to be providing vouchers to people not in genuine need would receive extra training . WHAT OUR REPORTER WAS GIVEN . Our basket included : Warburton 's bread # 1.45 ; apple juice # 1 ; Fray Bentos steak & ale pie # 2.49 ; Heinz tomato soup 89p ; Loyd Grossman pasta sauce # 1 ; Dolmio sauce # 1.80 ; instant mashed potato 28p ; creamed rice pudding 15p ; long-life milk 56p ; Irish stew # 1.49 ; spaghetti rings 34p ; sliced peaches in juice 35p ; custard 17p ; new potatoes in water 15p ; plum tomatoes 34p ; Silver Spoon sugar # 1 ; tea bags # 2 ; processed peas 21p ; kidney beans 25p ; tuna steaks # 1.39 ; sardines 60p ; spaghetti 16p ; meatballs 45p ; chocolate pudding 65p ; strawberry jam 29p ; bran flakes 88p ; bread sauce 70p ; risotto rice 99p ; granola # 3.75 ; baked beans 35p ; sticky toffee pudding 65p . TOTAL : # 38.35 . He said one woman who attended Friday 's session had visited at least nine times in just four months , receiving food each time . He added : ` It 's got to the point where I recognised names because you see them so frequently . ' The volunteer also said he suspected that several people , possibly other family members , had been collecting vouchers under the woman 's name . The Trussell Trust , which was set up in 1997 , oversees more than 400 of Britain 's estimated 1,000 food banks . It works with local churches to run many of them . The charity was set up by former Army serviceman Paddy Henderson and his wife . A female volunteer showed a reporter a list of people who had claimed more than three food parcels , but she said that they would be unlikely to be refused items if they visited again . In another case , a man was given a food parcel after turning up without a voucher -- only a form the Jobcentre . He was handed the food despite a female volunteer earlier saying : ` We 're not supposed to give it out . ' Nigel Baxter , lead organiser at Bestwood and Bulwell food bank in Deep Valley , Nottinghamshire , said : ` Sometimes you get professional people on # 60,000 salaries dropping in . ` They have just been made redundant and feel embarrassed to be here . They still have the trappings of a good job , like Sky TV and iPhones , which are under contract , but they ca n't afford to eat . ' Another volunteer revealed : ` Some people just hoover up everything and even complain that the product is a cheap one and not the brand they want . ' Senior Tory MP Brian Binley welcomed this paper 's investigation , saying he had ` always been very suspicious ' of the level of abuse in some food banks . He said : ` There are also a lot of dishonest people who will cadge their way into situations . ` Food banks are run by very kind people . They do not understand that there are some people who will take advantage . ' Last night Tory MP Nigel Mills , a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee , said : ` If somebody is playing the system that 's clearly an abuse of what that charity is trying to do . ' Last night the Trussell Trust said it would investigate allegations of abuse , adding : ` There is no evidence to suggest that awareness of the food banks is driving an increase in visitors , rather that food bank use is meeting a real and growing need . ' Additional reporting : Amanda Perthen and Tracy Kandohla . | Mail on Sunday undercover film exposes abuse of charity . Scroungers flout Trussell Trust 's ' 9 visits ' rule to stock up . Repeat visits undermine the Trust 's claim of 913,000 users . After the investigation , the food was returned to the charity . Staff at one centre gave food parcels to a woman who had visited nine times in just four months , despite that particular centre 's own rules stipulating that individuals should claim no more than three parcels a year . Volunteers revealed that increased awareness of food banks is driving a rise in their use . Staff at a supermarket , where shoppers are encouraged to buy extra food and donate it to a local food bank , were alleged to be later turning up to claim the food themselves . | [[597, 719], [1718, 1815], [0, 109], [4252, 4281], [2365, 2484], [5177, 5277], [5842, 5851], [5856, 5896], [75, 109], [164, 197], [326, 336], [346, 425], [7421, 7557], [275, 293], [429, 549], [597, 719], [1891, 1948], [2007, 2076]] |
These neon waves lapping gently at the shore may look supernatural , but they are created by one of nature 's tinniest creatures . Millions of plankton glowed to light up a beach on the tiny island of Mjorn in Sweden last Wednesday . Scientists believe the bioluminescent phenomenon is the result of plankton being disturbed , causing them to emit light though a complex chemical reaction . Scroll down for video . An eerie glow : Millions of plankton glowed to light up a beach on the tiny island of Mjorn in Sweden last Wednesday.Scientists believe the bioluminescent phenomenon is the result of plankton being disturbed , causing them to emit light though a complex chemical reaction . Organisms such as plankton , fireflies and anglerfish are able to glow by releasing the chemical luciferin , which reacts with oxygen to create light . Lukasz Warzecha , who lives in High Peak , Derbyshire , photographed the stunning sight while on a trip with to Sweden . ` After a good half an hour of shooting in the area I was cold and ready to leave but Ulrika -LSB- a friend who appears in the photographs -RSB- decided to have a look for some bioluminescence , ' he said . Hands on : Organisms such as plankton , fireflies and anglerfish are able to glow by releasing the chemical luciferin , which reacts with oxygen to create light . Here , Lukasz Warzecha puts his hands into the water to disturb the tiny creatures , causing them to give off light . A haunting spectacle : The amateur photographer from Derbyshire had never seen the natural phenomenon before and would have missed it if his friend Ulrika -LRB- pictured -RRB- had n't thrown some small stones in the water , which came to life and glowed . Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism . It occurs widely in marine vertebrates and invertebrates , as well as in some fungi and microorganisms such as phytoplankton . The word comes from the Greek ` bios ' for living and the Latin ` lumen ' for light . Bioluminescence is a type of light energy produced by a chemical reaction . Different types of animals use bioluminescence in different ways . Deep sea squid use it for counter illumination camouflage so they match their environmental light , but Anglefish use it to lure prey with a light-up dangling appendage from their head that draws in smaller fish , which they can eat . Fireflies use bioluminescence to attract mates by flashing their abdomens , while their larvae use it to repel predators . ` I 'd never seen it before , but she threw some small stones close to the shore and the ocean came alive - I could n't believe my eyes . ` We went around the corner to an even smaller bay and as we were walking along the beach our feet were leaving shining footprints . ` The concentration of plankton in that small area was so big it looked at times like the water was on fire and was certainly mirroring the sky . ' Dr Andy Davies , a marine biologist at Bangor University 's School of Ocean Sciences , explained : ` The light is created by small organisms called plankton , which are producing this light through a complex chemical reaction . ` It 's an example of how organisms have evolved complex responses to external stimulus . ' He said that late spring and early summer are the best times to see the phenomenon , so it seems that Mr Warzecha was lucky to witness the eerie spectacle . Bioluminescence occurs widely among some groups of animals , especially in the open sea and in insects . ` Most marine light-emission is in the blue and green light spectrum - the wavelengths that pass furthest through seawater , ' he said . ` However , some loose-jawed fish emit red and infrared light , and the genus Tomopteris emits yellow light . ` Sometimes thousands of square miles of the ocean shine with the light of bioluminescent bacteria in the milky seas , ' he said . Millions of plankton glowed to light up a beach on the tiny island of Mjorn in Sweden -LRB- marked on the map -RRB- last Wednesday . Spectacular : ` The concentration of plankton in that small area was so big it looked at times like the water was on fire and was certainly mirroring the sky , ' Mr Warzecha -LRB- pictured -RRB- said . | Millions of plankton glowed to light up a beach on the tiny island of Mjorn in Sweden last Wednesday . Spectacular natural spectacle was captured by an amateur photographer from Derbyshire who was on holiday . He said the eerie glowing sight looked like the ` water was on fire and was certainly mirroring the sky ' Scientists believe bioluminescent phenomenon is due to plankton being disturbed , causing them to emit light . | [[131, 233], [131, 216], [415, 428], [452, 516], [1662, 1671], [1680, 1705], [3878, 3987], [841, 856], [897, 961], [415, 428], [452, 516], [1662, 1671], [1680, 1705], [2882, 2915], [2828, 2865], [4011, 4022], [4137, 4168], [4083, 4120], [234, 324], [532, 622], [689, 795], [1180, 1286], [1339, 1354], [1417, 1449], [1706, 1784]] |
It is 72 days since Steven Gerrard looked to the future and took the emotional decision to end his 114-cap England career . He came to the conclusion that the time was right to make a clean break , having given his country 14 years ' loyal service , so he could maximise his prospects of being Liverpool 's dominant midfield influence for the next ` two , three or four ' seasons . After making public his plans , the 72 hours that followed were difficult and raw for Gerrard . England 's performance at the World Cup had been scarring but the promise of helping Liverpool move forward provided ample solace . He wanted to give his boyhood club his undivided attention . Steven Gerrard 's sole focus is on Liverpool , having retired from international football over the summer . England 's disappointing performance at the World Cup will have been difficult for Gerrard to take . There were also reassuring words from Brendan Rodgers . ` A lot has gone on over the summer , ' said Rodgers , during Liverpool 's tour of the United States . ` I am very happy that Steven is going to commit to Liverpool and I am sure that -LRB- his contract -RRB- is something we will look at . I know he can continue to play beyond this season . ` I have always said that . Now he does n't have international football , he will have that freshness . Listen , for his own mind , I am sure he will want it sorted out , absolutely . You never want to leave players with not too long to go on their contracts . It is something I am sure will get sorted . ' Speaking over the summer , Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted Gerrard 's contract would get sorted . Gerrard trains alongside Mario Balotelli on Tuesday ahead of Liverpool 's Champions League clash with Basle . It was intimated in the same conversation that Gerrard signing a new deal was a formality but , two and a half months on , there is an element of uncertainty starting to swirl around . Discussions have yet to begin about extending the captain 's present deal , which expires next June . ` It -LRB- the contract -RRB- is something we are looking at as a club and with him and how he feels , ' Rodgers said ahead of Wednesday night 's crucial Champions League showdown with Basle . ` He is still in a real good physical condition . He 's 34 years old , never needs a day 's rest . ` This is genuine superstar , a world class player who has performed consistently for so many years . This country has not produced too many of them . He will play and prepare himself right the way through to the very end -LRB- and when that is we shall see -RRB- . ` When he still strikes a ball there are not many like him , both his passing and his shooting ; I am certainly enjoying working with him and anyone who works closely with him should . Every football person will know the qualities and influence he still has . ' So here are the questions : What is the delay ? Gerrard curls the ball over the Everton wall to give Liverpool the lead in last week 's Merseyside derby . Gerrard gestures seemingly in response to recent criticism of his form being below its usual lofty standard . Why have Liverpool not removed from the equation the possibility that , on January 1 , Gerrard would be allowed to start speaking to clubs abroad about moving when his deal expires ? Never before has he been so close to being a free agent . There will , ultimately , come a point in the future when Gerrard is no longer the fulcrum of Liverpool 's team but that moment is not at as imminent as some of his critics have suggested during his side 's fragmented start to the campaign . Yes , there have been some games in which Gerrard has not reached the levels he would expect of himself but he , remember , is the reason Liverpool face Basle with three points rather than one , thanks to his coolly-dispatched last-gasp penalty against Ludogorets . When Gerrard was last in Liverpool with Basle , in November 2002 , he was unceremoniously hauled off at half-time by Gerard Houllier and subjected to caustic criticism from his then manager , who implored that he did not waste his potential . Gerrard keeps his cool to slot home an injury-time penalty to give the Reds victory against Ludogorets . The last time Liverpool faced Basle , back in 2002 , Gerrard was hauled off at half-time with the Reds 3-0 down . Gerrard , of course , emerged from the salutatory lesson to become the finest player in Liverpool 's history , a man whose fingerprints are all over the trophies they have won during this century . His influence will always be there -- and it needs to be for some time longer . Rodgers has appreciated everything Gerrard has done for him since he arrived , from the moment he cut short a family holiday to welcome the new manager into his office at Melwood -LRB- ` He told me he would give me 100 per cent . He lied . He 's given me 200 per cent ' -RRB- to driving last season 's title charge . The manager knows Gerrard 's importance , as do the supporters . The next move is in the hands of Liverpool 's hierarchy . Gerrard is an influential player for the Reds and has been an integral part of all the club 's wins this century . | Steven Gerrard yet to be offered a new contract by Liverpool . Brendan Rodgers insisted he was sure a deal would be sorted for Gerrard . Reds captain will be free to talk to clubs from abroad in January . Gerrard has been influential in many of the club 's victories this century . | [[1939, 2012], [1489, 1532], [1495, 1532], [1535, 1559], [1562, 1643], [3135, 3308], [5055, 5062], [5096, 5169]] |
A father who battled cancer and later suffered a heart attack claims his life was saved by years of bodybuilding . David Prescott had tumours in his liver and intestine as well as suffering a massive heart attack . But rather than letting his body get the better of him , he used bodybuilding to save his life - by building back his strength using weights to get back to full health . David Prescott says after becoming a bodybuilder when he was young , he felt he was ` invincible ' After battling tumours in his liver and intestine - and then a heart attack - the 50-year-old said : ` For me , bodybuilding has given me the fight , discipline , determination and the character to come out of that four year spell of major health issues wanting to be fit and healthy again ' Mr Prescott , 50 , said : ` Bodybuilding always gets a pretty raw deal and a lot of negative things follow the sport around . ` For me , it has given me the fight , discipline , determination and the character to come out of that four year spell of major health issues wanting to be fit and healthy again . ` Never be surprised with how much your body can soak up , and with a strong frame of mind what it can physically and mentally overcome . ' After becoming a bodybuilder when he was young , Mr Prescott , from Standish , Lancashire , began to feel he was invincible . But in 2010 , his life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with liver cancer . ` The diagnosis initially floored me , it was like a steamroller crushing me , ' he said . ` Yes I had various symptoms but I was just under 16 stone and felt quite literally invincible . ` My wife Trish and I sat in a side room , and the results were given . In the next 30 minutes I laughed , cried and felt like I had died . ' Mr Prescott underwent a 10-hour operation which took away half of his liver . He left hospital with 57 staples holding his abdomen together and was 27lb lighter . Mr Prescott -LRB- pictured right , today -RRB- underwent a 10-hour operation which took away half of his liver . He left hospital with 57 staples holding his abdomen together and lost 27lb . He said : ` Never be surprised with how much your body can soak up , and with a strong frame of mind what it can physically and mentally overcome ' Mr Prescott has inspired his 26-year-old son David Jnr -LRB- pictured -RRB- to follow in his footsteps.The young engineer competes as a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . He said : ` Everything I had worked so hard to achieve had been taken off me . Mentally and emotionally I was battered . ` Virtually from the time I got home my recovery was being mapped out in my mind and it was the ultimate challenge . ` The first week , I could barely shuffle from my front gate to the nearest lamp post . The following week I persuaded Trish to take me to the gym . ` She did n't try to talk me out of it , she knew by hook or by crook I 'd have got there anyway . ` The steps up to the gym were a challenge on their own . ' I picked up the weights and proceeded to curl them , my arms started to shake uncontrollably , I dropped the weight and struggled on . He said : ` Nobody knows my body better than me and that 's the knowledge bodybuilding gave me . I just wanted my life back ' ` This was the start of my recovery I now had something to build on . ` Day after day , week after week , I chipped away at it , getting fitter and stronger . I was in control again . ' But just a year later Mr Prescott was left devastated once again after he suffered from a heart attack . He was told he would be on medication for life after having to have a stent fitted and he was advised to exercise less . He said : ` In some respects this affected me more mentally . To me , it sounded like my life as I knew it was finished . ` But after a few days I decided to return to the gym and see for myself and I started off very sensibly . ` However , after a few weeks I became fitter and stronger , I was confident in my ability and never felt afraid to push myself a little further . ` Nobody knows my body better than me and that 's the knowledge bodybuilding gave me . I just wanted my life back . ' He has also inspired his 26-year-old son David Jnr to follow in his footsteps . The young engineer competes as a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has won the British Open twice alongside many other major competitions . Mr Prescott added : ` People say if their story could inspire one person they would be happy . I could n't think of anybody better to inspire than my own son . ` He has that steely drive and determination and a positive outlook on life which he gained having to live through those tough uncertain years not knowing if his dad was going to pull through or fully recover . ' | David Prescott , 50 , began bodybuilding when he was a young man . Made him feel ` invincible ' - but was diagnosed with liver cancer 4 years ago . Doctors discovered he had tumours in his liver and intestines . Left hospital with 57 staples holding abdomen together and 27lb lighter . Credits bodybuilding with giving him the ` fight ' discipline , determination and the character ' to recover and become fit and healthy again . He has also inspired his 26-year-old son to follow in his footsteps . | [[385, 451], [1223, 1269], [1272, 1299], [1315, 1348], [454, 481], [1223, 1269], [1272, 1299], [1315, 1348], [1353, 1360], [1363, 1436], [1561, 1562], [1591, 1624], [3439, 3524], [115, 168], [484, 582], [484, 577], [594, 678], [1353, 1360], [1363, 1436], [1845, 1877], [1867, 1897], [1845, 1847], [1911, 1929], [2043, 2075], [2065, 2095], [2043, 2045], [2109, 2120], [0, 8], [32, 114], [0, 114], [272, 341], [484, 577], [594, 678], [718, 773], [911, 985], [4542, 4615], [4554, 4615], [4683, 4750], [2269, 2313], [4155, 4195], [4206, 4234]] |
She wore a bright smile on her face as she arrived at LAX airport on Monday , but Paris Hilton seems to be going through a trying time . The 33-year-old heiress - who was raised a Roman Catholic - and her father Rick Hilton have both been targeted on Instagram and Facebook by a man who has posted several abusive anti-Semitic messages to the pair . According to TMZ , police are now investigating after the Hiltons allegedly received such posts as : ' I know ur Jew family gives nothing , ' and another stated : ` KILL JEWS FOR FUN -LRB- sic -RRB- ' Scroll down for video . Trying time : Paris Hilton looks happy despite police reportedly investigating the anti-Semitic messages she has received online by a stalker . A post to Rick said : ` one month and she 's dead , she 's never coming home . -LRB- sic -RRB- ' , while another message read : ` I 'll beat u and that bitch to unconscious . -LRB- sic -RRB- ' The man is also alleged to have threatened to sexually assault the 33-year-old star . The Los Angeles Police Department has obtained a warrant to try to track down the man on the social media sites and believe they know who he is . This is not the first time Paris has been hit with death threats . In May 2007 , the hotel heiress was sentenced to a 45-day jail term and before the stretch was due to start in June that year she was said to be inundated with threats from inmates . Investigate : The Los Angeles Police Department has obtained a warrant to try to track down the man on the social media sites and believe they know who he is , according to TMZ . Dad : Rick Hilton -LRB- right -RRB- has also been targeted by a guy on Instagram and Facebook who has posted several abusive messages to the pair . An insider said at the time : ` These maniacs have been writing , `` We 're going to get you , '' and , `` I 'm going to kill you . '' It 's horrifying . ` One person wrote that she 's going to steal Paris ' shoes when she gets to jail -- and if Paris argues , she 'll be beaten to a pulp . ' Paris said : ` I 'm very scared right now . ' She was spotted with her Chihuahua Peter Pan at LAX airport after arriving on a flight . Chin up ! Paris did n't show any signs of being harrassed as she made her way out of the airport . | The hotel heiress and her father were targeted on Facebook and Instagram . Paris , who was raised Roman Catholic , received several abusive messages . LAPD have warrant to track the man down and believe they know who he is . | [[137, 162], [167, 211], [137, 162], [224, 282], [1573, 1576], [1579, 1666], [1641, 1666], [1671, 1720], [137, 162], [167, 211], [274, 282], [287, 349], [1332, 1393], [998, 1131], [998, 1031], [1114, 1143], [1406, 1541], [1408, 1441], [1524, 1572]] |
Kris Jenner 's ex-husband Bruce Jenner was a world famous athlete who found fame representing his country . He was younger than Kris - by four years . Now MailOnline can disclose that the new man in her life is also a sports hero , albeit at a lower level . Handsome Corey Gamble was a standout star for his high school football team and was known by friends as ` Mr Dependable , ' MailOnline can reveal exclusively . it can also be disclosed that Gamble , who vacationed with Jenner in Mexico , is not 41 , as had previously been reported , but 33 . The age gap makes him 26 years her junior - and younger than her two eldest children , Kim and Kourtney Kardashian who are 34 and 35 respetively . Scroll down for video . New squeeze : Kris Jenner could n't get close enough to boyfriend Corey Gamble after they returned from their romantic Mexican getaway . She 's 59 , he 's 33 . Football hero : Corey , top row far right , is aged 16 and member of the Junior Varsity Football Team at Westlake High School in Atlanta , where he grew up . High school hero : Corey was 15 -LRB- left -RRB- and 17 when he posed for these Westlake high school class shots . Shake it up : Corey calls Justin Bieber his ` nephew ' as they chug Oreo milkshakes . Corey , who was spotted yesterday having lunch with momager Kris and daughters Khloe and Kourtney , was known for his cool and calm leadership in the field during his teen years . Friends interviewed by MailOnline revealed that Gamble was one of the top players during his time at Westlake High School in Atlanta , Georgia . Such was his leadership prowess he was one of the three captains chosen to lead the team . The high school is famous in football circles for having five players on the NFL roster in one year - more than any other school in the country . Former players include quarterback Cam Newton , Adam ` Pac man ' Jones who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Keyaron Fox who won a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers . Another former alumni is Kasim Reed , the current Mayor of Atlanta . Former classmates remember Gamble as a hard-working student who was able to combine the punishing schedule of high school sports activities for the ` Lions ' football team with his studies . After graduating from Westlake in 1999 he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta , where he obtained a degree in Business Management . Gamble left Atlanta for Los Angeles soon after college to make his name in the music business and while mixing in the show business world met 59-year-old Jenner . Take off : Kris and Corey prepare for their Mexican vacay and guess who 's tagging along ? Kim and Kanye . He is younger than Kim by a year . World traveler : Corey is proud of his travels , here at the Great Wall of China . Despite the 26-year age gap , the couple seem set for a long relationship with members of Jenner 's family giving their approval to Gamble . He is currently part of the management team of Justin Bieber and has posted numerous photos of himself with the singer on his various social media accounts . Private jets and luxury hotels feature prominently on his Instagram account - although he has been uncharacteristically silent since he began dating Jenner . The relationship with Jenner has thrust him into the spotlight and that is something friends from his days at Westlake said would make him uncomfortable . ` The Corey I knew would not want to be the center of attention , ' said a former school mate Sean Powell . ` He was really dependable and people could count on him to do the right thing . ` Corey was never in any trouble and just got on with his business . He loved to play football and was a key member of the Westlake team . ' Gamble , who now lives in Beverly Hills and travels the world as part of Bieber 's entourage , enrolled at Westlake High School in 1996 . It is one of the top magnet schools Georgia with a strong academic and sports record . Black and white photos from the school 's year books show a studious looking Gamble . Corey at aged 18 . Photo taken from Westlake school yearbook . On Thursday , Kris took Corey to lunch with daughters Kourtney - who at 35 is two years older then her mother 's new partner - and Khloe . Lap of luxury : Corey stretches out on the bed of a private plane . By his junior year at the school he matured somewhat and sported a faint moustache . As one of the ` jocks ' at the school and with his good looks he had his fair share of female attention . ` Corey was considered quite a catch and there were plenty of girls from the cheerleading squad who fancied him , ' said one former friend . ` The Westlake Football team were known throughout the state because of players who had gone on to the NFL . ` Anyone who made the team was considered something of a hero . Corey was a captain so that made him even more special . ' While others in his graduating year of 1999 posed up for photographs in evening dress and black tie Gamble 's photo is noticeably absent . He does appear in several photographs , including one where he is smiling as he walks with another student . Like many yearbooks parents sent in gushing words of love and praise about their son or daughter to be included in the final year book of their high school careers . Others sent in cute baby photos . There is no mention of Gamble in the 1999 book . Athlete Corey , aged 18 , is in third row far left . He has the no. 64 on his shirt . Staff at the school said it was likely he chose not to have his photograph featured in the year book . One friend said Gamble was always very focused on what he wanted to do after school and set his heart on college . He won a place at Morehouse College in Atlanta where former alumni include Martin Luther King , director Spike Lee and actor Samuel Jackson . A former college friend , who did not want to be named , said : ` Corey was very proud to be at Morehouse . ` He loved the tradition of the college and all that it stood for . ' Friends say he left for Los Angeles soon after graduating in 2003 . While Gamble has an online presence on the LinkedIn site , his work career remains something of a mystery . He is reported to be part of the management team of Scooter Braun , Justine Bieber 's manager , but does not appear on their website . Gamble clearly knows Bieber as there are numerous photographs of the pair together on his Facebook and Instagram pages . Attempts by MailOnline to speak with Gamble were met with silence - not surprising now that he is under the spell of Jenner who is known for her control of the Kardashian sisters and their multimillion dollar empire . The relationship became public knowledge last month when they shared a romantic dinner at Casa Vega . Hands on : The couple looked quite loved up when they returned to Los Angeles . Cheeky : At one point , Corey got up close and personal as he clasped Kris ' hand near the reality star 's rear . A report by an Atlanta blogger that the couple met in Spain appears to have been false with an ` imposter ' posing as Gamble giving the interview to Sandra Brown . Other reports that he was aged 41 were also false , with Gamble maintaining a discreet silence about his life and his relationship with Jenner , who divorced her husband Bruce after 22 years of marriage earlier this year . Jenner felt comfortable enough about her new man to include him at daughter Kim Kardashian 's 34th birthday party in Las Vegas . Happy : Kris was smiling broadly as she arrived to the Keeping Up With The Kardashians shoot in Beverly Hills on Thursday . They then set off to Mexico and stayed at Joe Francis ' home Casa Aramara in Punta Mita . Gamble was also photographed at Van Nuys airport early Saturday with Jenner and her daughters after a night at Tao Las Vegas . ` Kris and Corey were cuddling , ' a source told Us Weekly , and added Gamble was ` quite the gentleman ' that evening . ` He walked her to the restroom , ' the source said , and ` walked her out of Tao . ' ` He seems very nice , ' a source told People magazine . After Kim posted a photo of her mom and Gamble on her Instagram account it received more than 560,000 likes . Fans of the Kardashians wanted to know who ` guy next to Kris ' was . Papa : Corey , who went to Morehouse College in Atlanta , poses with his dad . Jenner has made no secret of her desire to move on from her second failed marriage , her first to Robert Kardashian also ending in divorce . During an interview with Giuliana Ranic she said : ' I want to definitely be in love . ' I like being in love . I think there 's no better feeling in the world . So yeah , I mean , that would be amazing . ' Gamble has said nothing yet about being linked with the most famous reality TV family in the world . He has yet to share any photos or thoughts on his social media accounts . Former classmates are delighted that he appears to have found love - although one questioned why he would date a woman so much older . ` Good luck to him , but it is not something that is going to last forever , ' said the former classmate . ' I am sure he is enjoying being in the spotlight and he must be having fun . ' | She 's 59 , he 's 33 , but age does n't factor in for Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble . Looked loved-up after returning from a Mexican getaway with Kim and Kanye . Corey is an Atlanta native who graduated from Westlake High School in 1999 and MailOnline has exclusive photos from his high school years . He was known by friends as ` Mr Dependable ' , a hard working student and star of the Lions football team . ` Plenty of girls from the cheerleading squad fancied him , ' one former friend told MailOnline . Corey now lives in Los Angeles and is part of Justin Bieber 's management team . | [[859, 868], [871, 881], [736, 858], [6738, 6806], [1011, 1018], [1027, 1039], [258, 333], [258, 279], [329, 377], [1421, 1553], [2054, 2113], [2091, 2097], [2098, 2244], [2091, 2113], [2118, 2244], [4437, 4480], [4528, 4576], [4554, 4576], [4581, 4592], [4554, 4576], [4597, 4621], [9038, 9065], [2908, 2968]] |
An actress who has had minor roles in The Sopranos and Law & Order is suing her former lover , an older , married multimillionaire for trying to evict her from a luxury Manhattan apartment . Ayelet Argaman , an Israeli singer , songwriter and actress , says her former boyfriend Robert Rothenberg is a vindictive ` scorned lover who has taken the break up badly , ' according to papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court . The 35-year-old says the 55-year-old real estate investor began wooing her in September 2013 and they started to date . Scroll down for video . Tension : Ayelet Argaman , -LRB- left -RRB- an actress who has had minor roles in The Sopranos and Law & Order is suing her former lover , Robert Rothenberg , -LRB- right -RRB- an older , married multimillionaire for trying to evict her . She claims he attempted to impress her this spring by buying a $ 1.3 million one-bedroom apartment in Trump Palace for her to live in on the Upper East Side , reports the New York Post . According to court papers he also furnished her with $ 1.3 million in other gifts , including $ 100,000 a month for expenses . In April , Rothenberg signed an agreement giving her a 60 percent share of the holding company that owns the apartment , and the right to buy out his 40 percent share if their relationship did not last until May 2015 . Famous friends : Argaman in a photo on Facebook with former president Bill Clinton in 2008 . Strike a pose : Ayelet Argaman with lawyer Andrew Barroway at the 2009 Angel Ball Benefit for Gabrielle ` s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research in New York . But in June she broke up with him because of ` irreconcilable differences , ' the filing says . Following their break-up , the Harvard MBA graduate threatened to sue her , claiming New York 's ` heart-balm statute ' requires her to return the gifts he gave her because they were made in contemplation of marriage , her suit says . Luxury : She claims he attempted to woo her by buying a $ 1.3 million one-bedroom apartment for her to live in Trump Palace -LRB- pictured -RRB- in NYC . But Argaman argues the law doe not apply in this case because Rothenberg was and still is married . ` An adulterer like Rothenberg can not invoke an exception to the heart-balm statue -- which is intended for single people actually engaged to be married -- which was never the case here , ' her suit says . The New York Daily News reports that Rothenberg , contends he was used . His planned suit claims he only bought the apartment and signed the deal after she duped him into thinking she would marry him . It also accuses her and her parents of trying to shake him down . Rothenberg 's lawyer , Larry Hutcher , told The Post that many of the allegations in Argaman 's suit are not true . He added that his client has a temporary order of protection from Nassau County Family Court that prevents Argaman from contacting Rothenberg or his family . Rothenberg is a 50 per cent partner and a managing member of Beachwold Residential . His company owns more than 8,000 apartment units in New York , Connecticut , Ohio , Florida , Louisiana and Texas . | Ayelet Argaman , 35 , is an Israeli singer , songwriter and actress . Has had minor roles in Law & Order and The Sopranos . Argaman says real estate investor Robert Rothenberg , 55 , wooed her by buying a $ 1.3 million Upper East Side apartment for her to live in . She broke up with him in June because of ` irreconcilable differences ' His planned suit charges he only bought the apartment and signed the deal after she duped him into thinking she would marry him . He also showered Argaman with $ 1.3 million in other gifts . | [[0, 92], [592, 701], [421, 513], [804, 960], [1929, 2019], [1593, 1662], [804, 960], [1929, 2019], [2454, 2542], [2454, 2457], [2478, 2480], [2511, 2560], [2552, 2582], [1017, 1019], [1025, 1057]] |
Matt Tribe had just purchased his Never Ending Pasta Pass from Olive Garden when a wave of regret washed over him like Alfredo sauce drowning a bowl of fettuccine . ' I started wondering if I had made a mistake because I did n't know how I was going to eat enough pasta to justify buying the $ 100 pass , ' according to the Ogden man . That 's when he hit upon the idea for seven weeks of Random Acts of Pasta , where he would use his unlimited supply of Olive Garden to give away free dinners throughout Salt Lake City . Scroll down for video . Delivery : Matt Tribe of Ogden hit upon the idea to give away dinners when he realized he could n't eat enough pasta by himself to justify the cost of his Never Ending Pasta Pass . A video of the stunt , in which Tribe hands out pasta dinners to homeless residents of Salt Lake City , has gone viral , leading some to believe it was a cynical marketing ploy by the restaurant chain . Olive Garden tweeted Saturday , denying any involvement with Tribe 's video . ` To set things straight -- our only role was selling Matt a Pasta Pass & fulfilling his orders , ' the company stated to several users from its Twitter account . According to the site documenting Tribe 's efforts , the first recipient was his sister , Mandy , who was gifted a fettuccine Alfredo with salad and breadsticks . From there , he says he dropped off dinners to friends , chased down his mailman and two UPS men with pasta , and treated a couple named Ben and Jessica to a meal . When he showed up to his niece 's first birthday pasta in hand , Tribe says his sister ` decided that it was tacky that I brought Olive Garden to the party and so she hid it under the table . ' Guardian angel -LRB- hair -RRB- : Tribe dropped off dinners to friends , chased down his mailman and two UPS men with pasta , and treated a couple named Ben and Jessica to a meal . Unlimited pasta : Tribe unwrapped his pasta pass and waited for the opportunity to start surprising people with free meals . Denial : Olive Garden tried to come to the defense of a disheartened Tribe , who had been accused on sites like Reddit of being a corporate carbo shill . Tribe - who admits he ate 14 meals himself , sometimes after not finding anyone to deliver them to - says he delivered ten of the 100 meals from Random Acts of Pasta to homeless residents in Salt Lake City . He said he was touched when one woman said she was planning on sharing her meal with friends and went on a pasta run to bring them more meals . On his last day , Tribe committed to seeing how many Olive Gardens he could visit in a single night , which brought him to five locations for seven meals . After that , he passed off the responsibility of the Pasta Pass to his sister , who gave out an extra 25 meals during the last two weeks . In the end , Tribe says , the best Olive Garden was in Riverdale , while the worst was a location in downtown Salt Lake City , where he was IDed for his meal and watched a manager yell at the staff . Still he calls his act of carbo benevolence ` one of the most fun and fulfilling things I 've ever done . ' ` Perhaps it 's because I live a very boring and uneventful life and doing anything is be better than the alternative , or perhaps it 's because that during the time I was doing Random Acts of Pasta , the only thing on my mind was who I was going to take pasta to . ' | Matt Tribe of Ogden , Utah , purchased one of Olive Garden 's 1000 Never Ending Pasta Passes in September . The pass entitles the cardholder to unlimited pasta when dining at a restaurant or one free ToGo meal . Tribe got 100 meals from Olive Garden , distributing most to family , friends , mailmen and homeless residents of Salt Lake City . On Twitter , Olive Garden denied involvement with the stunt , beyond providing the pasta , but has tweeted in support of Tribe . | [[0, 164], [412, 521], [1334, 1344], [1347, 1441], [1727, 1763], [930, 959], [962, 1007], [1108, 1170], [2008, 2073]] |
A woman was left feeling ` hideous ' after an allergic reaction to hair dye triggered severe rosacea and her skin erupted in furious spots . Deborah Duffie , 33 , had her hair dyed blonde at a salon after getting engaged to her fiancé , Chris . But hours later , she was rushed to A&E because her face and lips had swollen to twice their size . Doctors gave her steroid creams and antibiotics and said the redness would be temporary , but weeks later her skin was still stinging and covered in spots . She was diagnosed with rosacea , a skin condition which usually affects older women , as a result of an allergic reaction to the hair dye . Scroll down for video . Deborah Duffie , 33 , suffered an allergic reaction to hair dye which triggered severe rosacea , a condition which left her skin red , sore and blotchy . Just months before her wedding and after becoming distressed over her skin , she was recommended a cream containing capers which cleared her skin within weeks . Mrs Duffie experienced soreness and redness at the slightest trigger for months . Having a glass of red wine , or going out in the cold could trigger a flare up , as could wearing make up or using products . Finally she found a cream which worked after tweeting a beauty blog . Here she is pictured , left and right , with clear skin . After using the caper-containing cream Mrs Duffie 's skin cleared for her wedding day . Being able to look ` radiant ' as she walked down the aisle was the ` best wedding present she could have asked for ' , she says . For months , her skin would burn hot and red after a glass of wine or going out into the cold and she thought about cancelling her upcoming wedding . Desperate for clear skin on her big day , she tweeted beauty blogs for advice . She eventually stumbled across a skin cream that contains an extract of capers , the salty green buds found in tartare sauce . The caper extract in the cream is said to have anti-inflammatory properties , and within three weeks the spots had subsided and her skin was less sensitive and red . Miraculously , by her wedding day just weeks later , her skin was ` radiantly clear ' - something she described as the ` best wedding present ever ' . Mrs Duffie , from Glasgow , said she was eventually told is was her hair dye that triggered the rosacea in the first place . She told MailOnline : ` I had just got engaged and fancied a change so decided to get my hair highlighted . Naturally I am brunette . ` I was delighted with my new blonde hair until I got home and my face started swelling up . ` Within a few hours I could barely see . My eyes were like two swollen eggs , my lips had swollen to almost double the size and I had red blotches all over my face and my skin was red hot . ' Rosacea is a common but poorly understood long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face . Symptoms often begin with episodes of flushing -LRB- where the skin turns red for a short period -RRB- , but other symptoms can develop as the condition progresses , such as : . Rosacea is a relapsing condition , which means there are periods when symptoms are particularly bad , followed by periods when the condition is less severe . Many of the symptoms of rosacea can be controlled to a degree with treatment . But the changes to physical appearance that may occur as a result of the condition can still have a significant psychological and social impact . It affects how a person feels about themselves and how they interact with others . ` In panic , we rushed into A&E as I was worried the swelling was n't going to stop and that maybe my skin would split as my face was stinging like crazy . ' Mrs Duffie was told she had suffered a severe reaction to the hair dye . Doctors gave her steroid injections to try and calm the swelling and she was eventually sent home with a course of antibiotics and tablets to take for two weeks . Although the doctors said the reaction was bad , they added it would be temporary . But after a week , while the swelling had subsided , her face was still red , blotchy and very sore . She said : ` My skin kept flaring up red and I had developed small furious spots all over my cheeks , nose and chin . ` Before the hair dye reaction I 'd always had lovely skin , I was devastated ' For months the symptoms persisted and she could no longer put products she 'd used for years on her face for fear it would cause a flare-up . She said : ` Anything would trigger it from a hot room to wind or a glass of wine . My skin seemed totally out of control . ` I started reacting to almost every skin cream or cosmetic I put on my face , ones I had been using for years with no problems . ` Now they would make my skin sting and go furiously red and blotchy . ` I knew there was something seriously wrong with my skin but I did n't realise it was such a serious condition . ' Eventually , Mrs Duffie went to her doctor who immediately diagnosed her with rosacea as well as hyper sensitivity of the skin . He said the hair dye reaction had triggered full blown rosacea even though she was relatively young to have it . Usually rosacea effects women in their 40s and 50s . Miss Duffie -LRB- right -RRB- was trying out a new blonde hair colour in celebration of her engagement to fiancé Chris -LRB- left -RRB- . They were at a black tie dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London when her face began to swell up . Mrs Duffie had experimented with her hair colour when she was younger . She is pictured here , left , with blonde hair . She had decided to dye her hair blonde again in preparation for her wedding . She was prescribed a steroid cream to put on her skin , which worked well for six months , before the rosacea came back with a vengeance . Her doctors warned long-term use of the steroid cream could damage her skin permanently . Mrs Duffie said : ` By this time I was becoming panicked as I was due to get married in a few months and my skin was getting worse and worse , ' she recalls . ` I imagined myself in my wedding photos with this bright red spotty skin and it made me feel like cancelling the whole thing . ` I was desperate to find something other than steroids that could help with my skin . ' She tried an array of cosmetics , from nappy cream to Vaseline , but northing worked . ` Most products burned my skin and made the redness worse and I had had to resort back to the steroid cream to control my skin , as a result . ` Some products dried out dry my skin so badly it started to flake off . It was a vicious circle . Nothing really works on the redness , which was almost always there , even with the steroid cream . ' Her fiancé Chris was very supportive , but was upset as he could see how distressed she became as their wedding day crept closer and closer . It was a traumatic incident in a brideswear shop that triggered her to find products that would n't inflame her skin . She said : ` One day when I went shopping for my wedding dress with my mum and bridesmaids my face went so red I had to abandon my dress fitting and sit down in a café with ice cubes on my face . ' ` I got home and decided I just had to stop using everything on my skin even if it meant looking dreadful . Mrs Duffie says she hopes her story will give hope to rosacea sufferers who are searching for treatments for the condition . Here , she is pictured with clear skin after using the Skin Shop 's KALME range . ` I felt my skin had just had enough and it was reacting to everything I put on it . When I stopped the steroid cream completely my skin erupted . I looked hideous . ' In desperation , she tweeted beauty blogs to see if anyone had a remedy for rosacea without chemicals in it . She stumbled across the Skin Shop 's KALME products after someone tweeted her back and recommended it . ` It 's been the best bit of advice I 've ever had , ' she said . KALME skincare contains a patented caper extract called Derma Sensitive . Its manufacturers claim it can reduce skin redness and sensitivity by up to 70 per cent in four weeks , after carrying out a clinical trial of 20 people . This is because the caper-extract present in the product has anti-inflammatory properties , they claim , as proved by a Saudi Arabian study published in 1985 . ` Within three weeks the spots had started to subside and my skin was much less sensitive and red , ' Mrs Duffie said . A study carried out in 1985 found capers - used in KALME products - have anti-inflammatory properties . KALME claims its cream can help rosacea sufferers because it contains a blend of caper extracts called Derma Sensitive . A study published in 1985 showed that caper buds offer anti-inflammatory activity and are almost as effective as a recognised anti-inflammatory compound called oxyphenbutazone , the study reported . Capers induced a 50 per cent reduction in inflammation , as opposed to 66 per cent for oxyphenbutazone . KALME tested its new formula on a panel of 20 people with sensitive , reactive skin , prone to discomfort and redness . After four weeks , the volunteers reported improvements to their skin of between 10 to 70 per cent , compared with another calming ingredient called Bisabolol . KALME claims its range significantly reduces redness , decreases skin reactivity and improves skin comfort . Source : KALME . ` My friends started commenting on how amazingly clear my skin looked . ' With her wedding just a few weeks away , she was delighted with the results . ` Not only had the redness drastically reduced , my skin was virtually clear of spots and had stopped stinging . ' Mrs Duffie was able to celebrate her wedding day without the embarrassment of red skin . She said : ` For my wedding day , my skin was radiantly clear , it was the best wedding present I could have asked for . ' Now , she is able to wear make-up , but she gives her skin ` breaks ' at weekends or when she goes on holiday . She hopes her story will give hope to rosacea sufferers who are searching for treatments for the condition . She said : ` I 'd recommend KALME to anyone with rosacea who feels a sense of despair that there is nothing that will help calm down their skin because I have discovered that there is . ' | Deborah Duffie , 33 , dyed her hair blonde to celebrate her engagement . But hours later , her face began to swell so much she could n't see . She received steroid injections and antibiotics in A&E and went home . Doctors said the reaction was temporary , but her face remained red . For months her skin became blotchy and sore at the slightest trigger . She was diagnosed with severe rosacea , triggered by the allergic reaction . While a steroid cream worked initially , it stopped helping within months . Knowing her wedding was coming up she tweeted beauty blogs for advice . Someone recommended a cream containing an extract of capers . Within weeks , the cream calmed her skin , clearing her spots and redness . 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PR Queen Roxy Jacenko 's two-year-old daughter Pixie Rose Curtis has hit headlines worldwide for her jetsetting , lavish lifestyle and her Instagram account , which captures every fabulous moment . At a time when most two-year-olds would be watching Peppa Pig , Pixie is busy with her 28 thousand Instagram followers on her @pixiecurtis account , as well as her entrepreneurial ventures with her own line of hair bows . The Mirror UK and popular US news and entertainment site , BuzzFeed have both become aware of the Sydneysider 's online antics and crowned the toddler ` the Princess of Instagram ' . BuzzFeed introduced US readers to the outgoing tot by saying ` Sorry Kendall and Kylie -LRB- Jenner , the younger sisters of Kim Kardashian -RRB- , this two-year-old owns Instagram . ' Scroll down for video . Only the best ! Two-year-old Pixie Curtis dons a face mask in her first class pod , en route to her European vacation last month . Like mother , like daughter ! The fabulous duo , Roxy Jacenko -LRB- right -RRB- and an almost-three-year-old Pixie Curtis . Pixie has n't just picked up her mum 's ability to pout-it-out ; she 's also learning the ropes from her PR expert mother on social media , promotion and product placement . ` This island life is for me ! ' declares Pixie in an Instagram post -LRB- via her ghost writer , mother Roxy Jacenko . -RRB- Miss Curtis is pictured sipping poolside in Milan , Italy this week , enjoying much-deserved break from her busy life as a toddler-entrepreneur . Dolce & Gabbana - perfect for preschool ! PR Queen Roxy Jacenko 's two-year-old daughter Pixie shows that she 's inherited her mother 's taste ! A photo was posted on Pixie 's infamous Instagram account , showing the tot posing with some shopping from the high-fashion , uber expensive brand . Pixie , who turns three this month , was active on social media during a chic getaway to Milan , Italy this week . Followers at Pixie 's Instagram profile , @pixiecurtis were able to see the toddler enjoying the high-life . The little girl 's posts revealed a lavish lifestyle , including first class travel , a private chopper ride and shopping designer brands . Instagram posts from the luxe vacation show Pixie shopping at Chanel and Dolce & Gabanna , lounging poolside and wearing an eye mask in a first class pod on her flight to Milan . It 's the high-life - literally . Pixie Curtis -LRB- left -RRB- poses with her mother whilst on board a private helicopter during their sojourn in Milan this week . As you do . Diamonds are a girls best friend ! A photo on Pixie 's Instagram account shows her tiny fingers sporting some serious bling , as the toddler tries her mother , Roxy Jacenko 's rings on for size . Pixie Curtis is sporting some serious wheels , only 13 years before she can apply for her Learner licence ! The tot has a stylish lifestyle and impressive wardrobe , but little Pixie earns her keep . Pixie 's account is a revenue stream for Roxy 's Ministry Of Talent business , with brands charged $ 200 a post to plug their wares . Pixie also has her line of hair bows for children , Pixie 's Bows , which her blog and Instagram account work to promote . Business-savvy Jacenko , the owner of PR agency Sweaty Betty , says she is using the income to create a trust fund for her daughter . Ms Jacenko , 33 , reasons that Pixie will have her own empire by the time she grows up ` all on her own merit . ' Decisions decisions ! Pixie snaps a pic of her options before a photo shoot . Her ensembles are always accessorised with a bow form her own accessory line , Pixie 's Bows . The perfect bedroom for the Princess of Instagram ! Pixie shows off her very , very pink bed - the dream bed for an little girl . When in Milan ! Pixie clutches a bottle on board a yacht in Italy during her European vacation with her parents this week . Pixie -LRB- well , her mother , Roxy Jacenko -RRB- posted this photo to Pixie 's 28 thousand Instagram followers . ` Pixie has an account which I opened a week after she was born and anything that she earns goes into that account so when she 's older , she has a good start , ' the 34-year-old previously told the MailOnline . ` I 'm going to teach her to be smart with her money , as my parents did with me , work hard , earn it but do n't blow it on materialistic things until you have property . ` It 's like driving a Ferrari but renting where you live -- I am of the breed you buy where you have to live and in turn be extravagant with token items . ' Baby 's first Chanel : Pixie Curtis does a spot of shopping at the chic Chanel store in Milan during her vacation last week . Living the high life ! Miss Curtis poses in front of a private jet before ` skipping from the #cotedazur to #paris for a spot of shopping xxx ' ` Commercial opportunities-wise , I am a business person , you do n't say never -- you take each and every opportunity as it comes , ' the 33-year-old added . ' I guess it 's the entrepreneur in me . If I can help the kids get a head start -- fantastic ! ' In a move that Jacenko described as ` ludicrous ' , the popular Instagram account was temporarily removed in June this year . The mother-of-two was outraged when her daughter 's account was deleted , with Instagram claiming it violated the photo-sharing app 's age restrictions . Pixie Curtis makes around $ 200 for her sponsored posts on Instagram , where the sassy toddler and her PR expert mother , Ms Jacenko post photos to spruik products . She also uses the social media image-sharing site to promote her own accessory line , ` Pixie 's Bows . ' The photo above was shared on Instagram to offer her followers an exclusive discount for her hair bows . Here comes the Prince ! Pixie Curtis ' three-month-old baby brother , Hunter Curtis -LRB- pictured middle -RRB- has more than 3000 followers on his Instagram account , but is yet to post a photo - which is quite understandable ... But after writing to Instagram headquarters explaining the account is not run by a two-year-old but in fact her social media savvy mother the account was re-activated . ` It 's all a bit silly really , a harmless account run by a 33-year-old mother to share funny content -- it 's hardly breaking any laws , ' Ms Jacenko said . Roxy and her troubled investment banker husband Oliver Curtis welcomed Hunter into the world in May . Hunter has more than three thousand followers on Instagram , but the three-month old is yet to post a photo . ` When the time is right I will start doing some posts of his journey with his sister ... to share the images with friends and family , ' she explained . The children 's finance professional father faces possible jail time over insider trading allegations . Earlier this year , Curtis entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment hearing on charges he traded illegally to make a $ 1 million profit . He is currently on bail . Look out world ! The adorable little girl poses in front of her family 's Louis Vuitton luggage , sending a message of peace to the close to 30 thousand people that follow to see her daily posts . | Daughter of Sydney PR expert Roxy Jacenko is making global headlines . The two-year-old is unofficially crowned ` the princess of Instagram ' Pixie Rose Curtis has more than 28 THOUSAND Instagram followers . The sassy toddler is renowned for posts about her lavish lifestyle . Jacenko has been criticised in the past for using Pixie 's account to promote products . | [[0, 46], [53, 111], [198, 207], [262, 419], [3887, 3969], [2031, 2170], [5457, 5484], [5485, 5488], [5494, 5568]] |
Two Texas men have been arrested on animal cruelty charges after allegedly mutilating a horse so badly that she later died from wounds to her genitals and anus . Arturo Aleman , 63 , and Erasmo Nunez , 55 , reportedly tied up the mare , named Yanaha , and cut off her genitals , before leaving her for dead in a field they owned near Gregory in San Patricio County . The five-year-old horse was rescued by Rockport Horse Rescue , which rushed her to veterinary hospital , where she underwent surgery to allow her to urinate and defecate . Charged : Arturo Aleman -LRB- left -RRB- , 63 , and Erasmo Nunez -LRB- right -RRB- , 55 , have been arrested on animal cruelty charges after allegedly mutilating a horse so badly that she later died from wounds to her genitals and anus . Victim : The duo reportedly tied up the mare -LRB- pictured after the alleged mutilation and shortly before her death -RRB- , named Yanaha , and cut off her genitals , before leaving her for dead in a field they owned near Gregory , Texas . Rescue workers also spent six hours each day cleaning Yanaha - who was unable to lie down - and helping her evacuate feces . But despite their best efforts , the mare died several weeks later . Now , Aleman and Nunez have been booked into San Patricio County Jail on charges of cruelty to a livestock animal , a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison . Following the alleged mutilation in August , the suspects told investigators the mare had become caught in a fence , causing her genitals to be ripped out , attorney Mike Welborn told KZTV . However , Michelle Hird , owner of Rockport Horse Rescue , who looked after Yanaha before she died , said the horse had been deliberately cut ` from her anus to down in between her legs ' . Mare : The five-year-old horse -LRB- pictured weeks before her death -RRB- was rescued by Rockport Horse Rescue , which rushed to her to veterinary hospital , where she underwent surgery to allow her to urinate and defecate . Rescue efforts : Rescue workers - including Michelle Hird -LRB- right -RRB- - also spent six hours each day cleaning Yanaha -LRB- left -RRB- and helping her evacuate feces . But despite their best efforts , the mare died several weeks later . Horrifically , she added that one of mare 's largest wounds ` was the size of a football ' , while she also suffered numerous injuries to her legs from being ` tied up and mutilated ' . ` Her wounds were worse than I could have imagined . All of her exterior genital parts were simply gone , ' she wrote on the rescue center 's Facebook page . ` She had some leg injuries , some of which we believe were from laying out in the field for weeks without treatment and others which we believe were from tying her up in order to mutilate her . ' Describing Yanaha 's final days , Mrs Hird told KZTV : ` Watching her fight so hard to survive was hard . She was not a quitter . She wanted to live and she fought and fought . ' Caring : Horrifically , Ms Hird said one of mare 's largest wounds ` was the size of a football ' . Above , Yanaha is pictured being cared for by a Rockport Horse Rescue worker after she was found mutilated in a field . Tragic : Aleman and Nunez were arrested after a grand jury found enough evidence to charge them with animal cruelty on November 13 . The have both posted bond . Above , Yanaha is pictured shortly before her death . Despite Yanaha 's fighting spirit , the mare passed away on October 11 . Aleman and Nunez were arrested after a grand jury found enough evidence to charge them with animal cruelty on November 13 . Alemam faces two counts and has posted a $ 10,000 bond . Nunez faces one and has posted a $ 1,500 bond . | WARNING : GRAPHIC CONTENT . Arturo Aleman , 63 , and Erasmo Nunez , 55 , allegedly tied up mare , Yanaha . Then cut off horse 's genitals , before leaving her for dead in field in Texas . Mare , 5 , was taken to veterinary hospital with serious injuries to genitalia . One rescue worker said Yanaha 's largest wound ` was the size of football ' Suspects accused of cruelty to livestock animal ; have both posted bond . | [[0, 93], [162, 199], [207, 234], [162, 199], [226, 234], [237, 249], [549, 603], [786, 827], [0, 93], [0, 13], [65, 102], [162, 199], [256, 276], [279, 317], [591, 621], [624, 708], [680, 717], [777, 783], [922, 942], [945, 983], [1436, 1448], [1508, 1545], [1592, 1605], [1683, 1767], [3069, 3180], [406, 427], [436, 469], [1862, 1883], [1892, 1928], [2256, 2387], [2985, 3029], [3013, 3056], [0, 93], [3314, 3341], [3593, 3599], [3610, 3649], [3650, 3655], [3662, 3697]] |
The Afghan War veteran son of a Canadian MP has posted footage of himself with Kurdish fighters after travelling to Iraq to join their fight against the so-called Islamic State terror group . Dillon Hillier , 26 , whose father Randy is a Progressive Conservative member of the Ontario provincial legislature , is one of around half a dozen Canadian veterans understood to have travelled to the region . Video posted online by the former professional soldier show him putting his training to good use by bandaging a Kurdish fighter who has been shot in the face during a clash with jihadis . Expeditionary force : Dillon Hillier stands with his arm around a Kurdish comrade in this picture taken from his Facebook profile . He is one of around six Canadian army veterans believed to joined Kurdish fighters . ` Hey take this wrap it around his head , ' shouts Mr Hillier at a Peshmerga fighter watching him patching up his comrade , as gunfire rings out in the background . ` Like this , like this ! ' he tells the fighter . ` F *** ! He got hit in the face , ' says Mr Hillier . ` You 're going to be alright man , tell him he 's going to be alright ! ' The video was posted to Facebook with a comment from Mr Hillier calling it the ` greatest day ' of his life . ' I accomplished more good in those 20 hours than the previous 26 years of my life , ' he said . ' I dragged a man who had been shot in the face to safety and patched him up , while many others stood around in shock . ' I am unsure if my actions saved his life but I truly hope so . ' ` Hey take this wrap it around his head ' : Mr Hillier 's video shows him helping a Peshmerga fighter bandage the face of a comrade injured in a battle with Islamic State militants somewhere in Iraq . ` Like this , like this ! ' he tells the fighter as he does his best to dress the injured man 's wound . ` The greatest day of my life ' : Mr Hillier said he accomplished more good in 20 hours than in the past 26 years . Mr Hillier travelled to Iraq as part of a group calling itself the 1st North American Expeditionary Force , which is raising a military unit from Canadian and U.S. veterans to fight alongside Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria . The group 's Facebook page later reported that the man who Mr Hillier helped to patch up did indeed survive his injury . ' I got put on this Earth to do one thing , ' the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation quoted one of the men , who served in Afghanistan , as saying on condition of anonymity . ' I got this fire in me . I still want to soldier on . ' A Canadian maple leaf insignia is worn alongside a Kurdish flag on the uniform of a 1st North American Expeditionary Force fighter . The group has formed to help Canadian veterans make their way to Iraq . Fighting for their lives : An Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighter fires at Islamic State militant positions , from his position on the top of Mount Zardak , about 25 kilometres east of Mosul in a September 2014 file photo . A Kurdish fighter holds a a rocket-propelled grenade launcher as he takes up position in an area overlooking Baretle village , which was controlled by the Islamic State , on the edge of Mosul , in this September file photo . Canadian fighter jets joined U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq in October . The decision to join the campaign was followed by fatal attacks on two soldiers in Canada in October that police said were carried out independently by radical recent converts to Islam . Ian Bradbury , an organiser at the First North American Expeditionary Force was quoted in the National Post as saying the group provided logistical support to Mr Hillier , who flew to north-east Iraq 's Kurdish late last month . ` As long as nobody 's being trained here , as long as we 're not forming any militia , it 's all in bounds , ' Mr Bradbury was quoted as saying . The paper quoted Mr Hillier as saying : ' I look at what I 'm doing as no different than when thousands of Canadians went to fight the Germans in World War Two . ' His parents , Randy and Jane Hillier , declined to confirm directly that he was in Iraq , but said in a statement reported by CBC : ` There are no words which can adequately describe how proud we are of our son Dillon , including his past service with the Canadian Armed Forces . While we have limited contact with Dillon , we do know he is safe and sound . ' | Dillon Hillier is seen in a video bandaging the face of Peshmerga fighter . He is one of about six Canadian army veterans who have joined the Kurds . His father , Randy Hillier , is a Progressive Conservative MP in Ontario . | [[403, 530], [403, 408], [503, 560], [503, 590], [1593, 1680], [310, 357], [327, 402], [723, 769], [736, 807]] |
The Pet Shop Boys are set to swap the bright lights of the West End for the rolling hills of Ambridge to make a surprise appearance on the Archers . The band -- Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe -- will arrive as last-minute headliners for the rural soap 's fictional music festival Loxfest this weekend , after the original act drops out . Festival organiser Roy Tucker will reveal the news backstage . Change of tempo ? Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys will arrive as last minute headliner 's . The duo , whose hits include It 's A Sin , Go West and Heart , said : ` It 's a thrill for us to enter the world of The Archers , the UK 's most famous radio drama . ' They are joined on the show by Radio 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq who is heard organising the festivities of the fictional festival . He said : ` Loxfest is the Archers storyline we 've been waiting for . ` As someone who spends a lot of time covering festivals for the BBC , it was one we really wanted to be involved with . ` So when we first heard the rumours about the festival at the start of the year we offered up our services , helping to suggest bands that might fit the bill . ` I 'd have probably have gone down and helped them put up the security fencing if they 'd asked . Popular : The fictional town of Ambridge has hosted the Duchess of Cornwall and Sir Bradley Wiggins . ` I 've been a fan of The Archers off and on for more than a decade , but got hooked again about three years ago . ` You 'd be surprised how many Archers fans there are in the music industry . ` Even the former stage manager at Reading Festival would come up to me and ask to borrow my pocket radio when the Archers omnibus came on . ' The Archers , which started out as an educational programme for farmers , is recorded in Birmingham and set in the fictional nearby village of Ambridge . Previous guest stars include the Duchess of Cornwall , Princess Margaret and Sir Bradley Wiggins . | Pop duo will arrive as last-minute headliners for the rural soap 's festival . They follow guests such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Princess Margaret . | [[149, 276], [416, 506], [1848, 1946]] |
King Edward VIII sparked a constitutional crisis when he proposed to American socialite Wallis Simpson just a few months after he was handed the monarchy in 1936 . The Prime Minster and many others opposed the union because Wallis had already been divorced once and was in the process of divorcing her second husband , so the King chose to abdicate instead of giving up his lover . But while he would have been dismayed at having to give up the throne , a racy nightdress that was worn by Wallis while the couple were in exile and is now up for auction shows she knew how to console him . King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 so he could marry divorcee Wallis . The couple were shunned in the UK , so spent next few years in France , where this sheer nightie was made by a French couture house . The pink silk chiffon night dress with black Chantilly lace is now up for auction . Wallis wore the pink silk chiffon nightie , lined with black Chantilly lace , while the couple were in exile in France after Edward gave up the monarchy in 1936 . It is so sheer there was nowhere to put a label , but experts say the delicate item is definitely French couture and even still has a faint whiff of her perfume on it . London-based auctioneer Kerry Taylor said the garment would make a great Christmas present for anyone wanting to impress the woman in their life . Wallis Simpson captured the heart of the Prince of Wales after they met in 1931 . King Edward VIII sparked a constitutional crisis when he proposed to American socialite Wallis Simpson just a few months after he was handed the monarchy in 1936 . Wallis captured the heart of the Prince of Wales after they first met in 1931 , but she was still married to her second husband at the time . After giving up the throne and marrying in 1937 , the couple were shunned by polite society in the UK and forced to move to France . The couple lived in a grand home in Paris and the property and its contents was bought by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed in the 1980s . Among the items was the nightdress that was bought by the current owner at a previous charity auction . To the outside world Wallis seemed incredibly elegant , but it was quite a hard elegance . She used to say , ` I 'm not beautiful but I dress to make sure everyone looks at me and my husband and feel proud . ' The anonymous owner is now selling it through Kerry Taylor Auctions in London with an estimate of # 600 . Miss Taylor said : ` Things like this are very rare and this is a very personal item . ` This is almost certainly French couture but it is unlabelled . ` It 's incredibly beautiful , transparent , super feminine , bias cut and very slinky . ` Wallis Simpson had the very best bed linen and lingerie . Everything was the best of its kind , the best money could buy . Wallis and Edward stayed together until his death in 1972 . When Wallis passed away in 1986 , she was buried alongside him in the royal burial ground of Windsor Castle . She continued : ` She did n't have a lot to fill her time so shopping was a major occupation for her . ` To the outside world she seemed incredibly elegant , but it was quite a hard elegance . This nightdress shows the more vulnerable , softer , seductive side of Wallis Simpson . ` She used to say `` I 'm not beautiful but I dress to make sure everyone looks at me and my husband and feel proud '' . ` This could appeal to somebody who is interested in the Windsor story . ` But it 's also the most beautiful couture nightdress with a wonderful history and it could make a great Christmas present for the seductress in someone 's life . ' The auction takes place on December 9 . Wallis Simpson was already making waves in high society in the early 1930s , but even she could hardly have imagined at the turn of the decade that she would soon be responsible for one of the biggest constitutional crises ever in the Britain . When Wallis first met Prince Edward in January 1931 , she was still happily married to her second husband Ernest . But the royal quickly became infatuated and three years later they had fallen in love and started a full-blown affair . At first , the relationship raised few concerns as Edward was notorious for his affairs with society ladies . But when Edward 's father George V died in January 1936 and he chose to watch the proclamation of his accession in the company of Simpson , it became clear that the relationship had become serious . Edward made several attempts throughout 1936 to make Wallis his wife and keep the throne , but they were rejected by the British , Australian and South African Prime Ministers . They refused on two main points , firstly , because the political establishment considered a twice-divorced woman an unsuitable consort , and secondly , because Edward was now head of the Church of England , which at the time , did not allow marriages between divorcees . While the British media held off from printing about the affair , many foreign news outlets had been covering the romance in detail since the beginning of the year . By early December , the true nature of Simpson 's relationship with the King had become public knowledge and she fled the country to escape from the public attention . Despite attempts by Simpson to get him to reconsider , on December 13 , 1936 , Edward abdicated and was succeeded by his brother , George VI . The couple eventually married , a month after Wallis ' second divorce was granted , on the June 3 , 1937 in the south of France . Edward was made Duke of Windsor by his brother and was entitled to the style ` His Royal Highness ' , but his wife was refused the honour and was styled instead as ` Her Grace . ' The couple stayed together until Edward 's death in 1972 . When Wallis passed away in 1986 , she was buried alongside Edward in the royal burial ground of Windsor Castle . | King Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 so that he could marry divorcee Wallis . The couple were shunned in UK , so spent next few years in France . Wallis had this sheer nightie made by a French couture house in that time . The pink silk chiffon dress with black Chantilly lace is now up for auction . | [[589, 659], [624, 659], [962, 1040], [1745, 1792], [1795, 1805], [1851, 1877], [660, 693], [660, 670], [699, 729], [962, 1040], [1745, 1792], [1795, 1846], [1745, 1792], [1795, 1805], [1851, 1877], [452, 471], [477, 495], [723, 729], [732, 793], [454, 471], [502, 512], [531, 537], [541, 552], [794, 860], [864, 877], [878, 919], [890, 919], [922, 953], [2335, 2412]] |
Kensington Palace officials were forced to announce the pregnancy early because Kate is suffering from severe hyperemesis gravidarum . The country rejoiced when it was announced that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant again . But the spare is proving as troublesome for the Duchess as the heir -- Kensington Palace officials were forced to announce the pregnancy early because Kate , right , is suffering from severe hyperemesis gravidarum . I was quite troubled to see this referred to by some commentators as morning sickness . It 's not . Morning sickness is a very common symptom of pregnancy , affecting about half of all expectant mothers , and it ranges from mild nausea to daily vomiting . It is n't pleasant but it certainly is n't serious . Hyperemesis gravidarum , on the other hand , is brutal . Affecting only two per cent of pregnant women , the sickness is so severe that sufferers end up dehydrated and weak . This often results in hospital admission -- as it did when Kate was carrying her first child -- for intravenous fluids and heavy-duty anti-sickness drugs . Thankfully , in most cases the health of the baby is unaffected . The Royal couple are also said to be hiring a maternity nurse , who will live with mother and baby round-the-clock . William and Kate did not do the same for Prince George -- but I say if you can afford it , go for it . Managing with sleepless nights is one of the hardest things to get used to as a parent , and it is not necessarily easier the second time around . Sleep deprivation is a bit like being run over by a five-ton truck every day . It is a big strain on both parents , and I admire the couple for coming up with a sensible strategy and admitting that they need help . Their lives are under constant scrutiny , and I hope they will not be judged unfairly for this move . WHY I 'M FORCED TO REVEAL YOUR SECRETS . My mother , who is in her 90s , recently had food poisoning . Shortly after she recovered , our local council wrote to her and then called asking all sorts of questions about what she 'd eaten and where . My concern is that her medical information was passed on to the council without her consent . I thought what happened between patient and doctor was confidential ? I can reassure you that the experience your mother has had is entirely correct and permissible . Patient confidentiality is a right of every patient , as you say , and doctors have a strict responsibility to uphold this . However , there are situations where confidentiality can be breached , such as in cases where protecting the health of the community overrides the individual right of a patient . Scroll down for video . Hyperemesis gravidarum often results in hospital admission as it did when Kate was carrying her first child . A doctor is required by law to report cases of any disease capable of starting an epidemic -- such as serious food poisoning -- immediately to the local public health team . This gives the authorities a much greater chance of preventing the spread . Some diseases are unlikely to cause an epidemic but reveal a breakdown in hygiene that needs investigation . Notifiable diseases are usually those that spread rapidly and are difficult to treat , or those that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of vaccine programmes . The list includes 30 infections , among them measles , scarlet fever , TB -- and even plague . The full list can be found on the gov.uk website . As a GP , it is my statutory duty to report these diseases even when they are only suspected , rather than confirmed . The principle is to ensure that an outbreak is contained . Speed is of the essence and , in order to facilitate this , a GP is obliged to provide full personal details to officials in the patient 's local authority area . Those officials are then able to contact the patient directly so that appropriate action can be taken to control or prevent further infection . I have chronic bronchitis and although I 'm not able to walk far , I do try in order to keep fit . My oxygen levels are normal but I still suffer from a lot of pain in my chest . I already use three different inhalers and my doctor says there 's nothing more he can do . Is there anything that you could suggest ? Three million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or COPD , encompassing lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis . They all cause narrowing of the airways in the lung and a debilitating , progressive condition that interferes with normal breathing and exercise tolerance as you describe . Smoking is the main cause and if you are a smoker , quitting is the most important thing . Stopping smoking can prevent the disease from worsening . Your GP can offer you all forms of nicotine-replacement or tablets on prescription . Inhalers are not easy to use and many COPD sufferers have poor technique , which leads to them being less effective . A practice nurse will , if asked , check your technique and offer help . The next step of treatment once inhalers are at a maximum level could be tablet therapy . It is also crucial to discuss with your GP something called pulmonary rehabilitation , a type of physical and educational treatment specifically for COPD sufferers who feel disabled by their condition . Anyone in this situation who suffers chest pains should make sure their GP knows . The pain can be a symptom of COPD but also a sign of heart disease , and cardiology investigations may be needed alongside the respiratory treatments . HAS CANCER MOTHER LAURA PAID # 80,000 FOR FALSE HOPE ? Are NHS doctors keeping life-saving treatments from young mothers dying of cancer ? The story of Laura Fischer-Beards , apparently saved last week by US surgeons after being refused NHS treatment for an ` inoperable ' brain tumour , suggests they are . Mother-of-three Laura was given 12 months to live , but now has had an # 80,000 ` pioneering procedure ' , reported to have extended her life by as much as 15 years . Of course I 'm pleased for her . But the story is full of half-truths . Laura Fischer-Beards was given 12 months to live , but now has had an # 80,000 ` pioneering procedure ' She suffers from grade two glioma -- a slow-growing , difficult and unpredictable cancer . Typically , patients live for between five and 15 years from diagnosis . Laura had already had radiotherapy , chemotherapy and surgery . And the procedure she paid for , awake mapping craniotomy , is offered on the NHS . But she 'd suffered a stroke during the first surgery . Surgery would carry a huge risk of permanent disability and offer no guarantee she would live longer , as it 's almost impossible to remove all the cancerous cells , which do n't show up on scans . American doctors agreed to operate and say they removed ` 100 per cent of the enhanced tumour ' . This sounds as if they 've cured her , does n't it ? Not so . This is medical terminology for : ` We 've got all we can see on the scans . ' Perhaps the operation has bought her more time . But she may well have lived as long or longer had they done nothing . It 's difficult to accept that watching and waiting can be as good as -- or better than -- ` battling ' cancer . I recently read Do No Harm , by British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh . His more experienced self recognises that not operating often results in the same clinical outcome and life expectancy . Laura 's UK doctors would have operated if they thought it would benefit her . And beware false hope . The cruel part is not that she has spent # 80,000 -- it is what she seems to think she has been given for her money . I was furious when told about the case of a depressed patient forced by their boss to take time off for psychotherapy as paid holiday . The Chief Medical Officer 's latest report focuses on mental health , particularly the huge toll mental illness takes on our workforce . It states that 17 million working days are lost each year due to stress , depression and other mental health problems , costing Britain up to # 100 billion annually . But that figure completely misses the huge and far more significant personal costs such issues cause to individuals and their families . Sadly , I see the problem workers face trying to access therapy -- long waiting times and availability only during office hours . And although the example I 've detailed is extreme , not to mention illegal , more options should be open to all patients that will keep them living as normal a life as possible . The Chief Medical Officer suggests fast-tracking workers ahead of others into therapy to improve the situation . But that would just create a two-tiered system , going against the principles of the NHS . It would far better to legislate to ensure that employers build mental health support into the core of their working practices . That would help improve the situation before individuals have even reached their GP 's surgery . | Kate Middleton is suffering from severe hyperemesis gravidarum . Vomiting can be so relentless that sufferers end up dehydrated and weak . This often results in hospital admission for intravenous fluids . She received treatment in hospital before the birth of baby George . | [[0, 27], [40, 134], [379, 383], [394, 443], [858, 927], [928, 968], [972, 1083], [2669, 2778]] |
These incredible photographs show free divers exploring the depths of the ocean , while coming scarily close to some of the water 's most deadliest predators . The images are the work of Alex Roubaud and Alex Voyer , from Paris , France , who have been free diving as a hobby for the past 10 years . The French duo - both 36 - have travelled the world and delved into some of the most remote waters alongside potentially frightening creatures such as the great white shark . The breathtaking photographs taken by Alex Roubaud and Alex Voyer , show free divers exploring the depths of the ocean . Up close and personal : French duo Roubaud and Voyer have been free diving together for over 10 years . The two 36-year-olds have explored some of the most remote waters in the world , photographing extremely rare creatures . Alex Voyer said : ` Free diving is our passion , we have been doing it for about 10 years now . ` We just try to travel whenever we have some time and money . ` Sharks are generally shy and curious , we almost never feel afraid or nervous when we swim with them . Under the sea : The divers claim that they enjoy swimming with smaller fish because they tend to be quite interactive . Unbelievable encounters : Here , one of the deep sea divers is photographed alongside a gigantic whale shark . No fear ! The divers are not afraid to get very close with great white sharks . ` We need to be very calm , but they are not the terrifying animals we imagine them to be , just a wild animal . ` Of course I can feel afraid in the ocean , especially when there is no visibility - even if there are no animals around . ' I think it is certainly due to the Jaws movie - but when the water is clear , there is absolutely no problem . ' Alex Voyer says : ` Sharks are generally shy and curious , we almost never feel afraid or nervous when we swim with them ' Voyer and Roubaud explain that while you need to be careful , great whites are not the terrifying creatures we imagine them to be . In fact , the two even attribute people 's nervousness around the creatures to the Jaws film franchise . The divers do admit to being more afraid in dark water , but if the water is clear , they have no problems . The stunning collection of images were taken during trips to widespread locations , including the Maldives , Guadalup Island in Mexico , Azores Island and Colombia . And the pair have witnessed first hand the beauty of some of other , perhaps less dangerous , animals - including blue sharks , whale sharks , leopard seals and hordes of fish . Alex said : ' I do not know if I could pick a favourite animal - I like them all . I can have a great time playing with an octopus , or seeing a school of little fish . The images were taken over the course of several years during trips taken to variety of locations . Together , the pair have gone free diving in the Maldives , Guadalup Island in Mexico , Azores Island and Colombia . Wildlife fanatics : ' I do n't know if I can pick a favourite animal , ' Voyer says . ' I like them all ! ' ` But the big ones are certainly much more impressive , purely for their size . ` For example , though a whale shark is not really interactive , they are so big that they inspire a great force . Whereas some little fish can be much more interactive . ` Diving with marine mammals is great - it is almost like we can understand them . ' ` Diving with marine mammals is great , ' they say . ` It 's almost like we can understand them . ' ` Whale snarks are not that interactive , ' Voyer explains . ` But they inspire a great force . ' Though great whites are stunning , Voyer insists : ' I can have a great time playing with an octopus , or even seeing a school of little fish ' Passion : The French duo hope to continue this hobby for many more years to come . Simply stunning ! The diver 's fluid movements are a gorgeous contrast to the majestic whale shark . It 's important to stay calm when swimming alongside some of the world 's most dangerous predators . Among the other animals that the pair have come across are blue sharks , whale sharks , leopard seals and hordes of fish . | Two French free divers , Alex Roubaud and Alex Voyer , have been free diving around the world for over 10 years . Together , they 've encountered and documented some of the world 's most majestic predatory animals . Along with the great white shark , they 've also photographed themselves with whale sharks and hoards of fish . | [[217, 227], [230, 238], [243, 299], [300, 324], [327, 398], [596, 617], [620, 699], [822, 837], [840, 911], [869, 917], [700, 720], [781, 821], [300, 324], [356, 474], [1206, 1229], [1239, 1316], [2384, 2561], [4048, 4056], [4074, 4141]] |
Pat Preston , 65 , of Whickam in Gateshead used to be prim and polite but she now ca n't stop swearing after a stroke she suffered in January . Grandmother Pat Preston used to think of herself as a was a prim and proper woman . The nature of her job as a bank customer service adviser demanded she was extremely polite and well-mannered . But now the 65-year-old ca n't help but swear like a trooper after suffering a stroke that changed her personality . Mrs Preston , of Whickam in Gateshead shocked her husband Michael , 66 , by letting rip a stream of four-letter worlds in front of her doctors , in the presence of friends . And she has even called her young grandchildren ` little b ***** s ' . The change was brought about by a stroke she suffered in January . It left Mrs Preston unable to control her feelings , blurting out swear words when prior to her stroke she would 've refrained from vocalising her thoughts . She now has a ` swear box ' in which she adds money after using inappropriate words , and is working with a psychologist to come to terms with the changes . Mrs Preston said : ` Before I had a stroke I would still get annoyed at things but I could control my upset , however now I just ca n't help it . ' I can swear during conversations and a couple of weeks ago my grandchildren were playing up and I called them ` little b ***** s ' . ` My husband gets annoyed because he 's a retired headteacher and gets horrified sometimes at what I say . I can get a little nervous too about what language I might use . ` If something really annoys me I am not able to keep my thoughts to myself and I 'm quite outspoken . ` If I go into a shop and do n't like how the assistants are reacting to me or even someone else I will say so . ' I was not aware that a stroke could affect someone in this way and change their personality . My close family and friends still ca n't quite accept that I 've had a stroke . ' Scroll down for video . Mrs Preston had just enjoyed a weekend of birthday celebrations in January and was in a shopping centre in Gateshead when she began to feel unwell , coming over faint , with a headache and sweating . She immediately called her husband , but was so breathless she could not get her words out . Yet it was only when got home and found she could n't move her legs to get out of the car that the emergency services were called . Mrs Preston was taken to Gateshead 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she was assessed and treated by specialists . She remained in the combined stroke unit for more than six weeks . Her home has since been adapted and Mrs Preston now relies on walking sticks to get around . Mrs Preston said her husband Michael , 66 , a retired headteacher was shocked after she swore in front of doctors , in the presence of friends and even called her young grandchildren ` little b ***** s ' ' I would be telling lies if I said that there is not a time each day that I do n't think about what happened and the impact it 's had on my life , ' she said . ` But I have to accept what has happened and move forward the best that I can as you only get one life . A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off . This can damage or change parts of the brain , which is known to cause a whole variety of neuropsychological and behavioral changes . Depression is the most common , but stroke has also been known to cause uncontrollable laughing or crying or neglect syndrome , in which people do n't recognise one side of their visual field . Last year a Brazilian man developed what doctors have called pathological generosity , after a stroke damaged parts of his brain , causing his behaviour to change . The 49-year-old began to give away money , food and drinks excessively and even quit his corporate job because he felt he could no longer work there following his personality change . Doctors said the stroke disrupted the part of his brain related to higher thinking and decision making . ' I am about 75 per cent back to what I was like before the stroke . I feel very lucky that I can carry on with my life as I am and you have got to see the funny side of things or it would get you down . ' Mrs Preston is receiving help from psychologists to come to terms with the changes in her life and has been able to regain movement to her affected left side thanks to working with occupational therapists . Specialist stroke nurse Marie Twentyman , who works at Gateshead 's Queen Elizabeth Hospital , said : ` Patients can have a change of personality following a stroke . ` Sometimes words get mixed up in the brain and vocabulary that would not normally be used by a patients is . ` Stroke affects everyone differently . ` When Pat was on the ward you could see that she would become frustrated as she had been so independent before , and it was when she became tired and frustrated that she would use language that she would not normally have used . ` It is very important that if anyone is suspected to have suffered a stroke that they seek medical treatment quickly so that treatment can be given as soon as possible . ' On Saturday , Pat is hosting a charity event to raise funds for Ward 22 at the QE Hospital to thank staff for the care she received . She hopes to raise more than # 500 to purchase six personal DVD players for patients , and Lloyds TSB in Gateshead has agreed to match donations up to # 500 . To give a donation or for more details on the event visit her website . | Pat Preston , 65 , was a polite , well-mannered bank customer service adviser . But she suffered a stroke in January which changed her personality . Now ca n't stop swearing , in front of doctors , friends and her grandchildren . She is seeing a psychologist to help with the personality change . Stroke can damage parts of the brain causing behavioural changes . | [[0, 69], [228, 338], [294, 338], [109, 117], [122, 143], [390, 455], [701, 741], [733, 741], [746, 767], [74, 117], [502, 505], [529, 598], [2698, 2796], [957, 966], [1016, 1082], [4184, 4278], [3196, 3240], [3228, 3242], [3249, 3329], [3617, 3652], [3524, 3528], [3534, 3549], [3655, 3688], [3873, 3928], [4391, 4430], [4486, 4490], [4493, 4557]] |
She 's fashion 's most famous editor with 25 years at style bible Vogue under her belt . So it is not surprising that Anna Wintour took home the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2014 British Fashion Awards on Monday night . The iconic editor-in-chief of American Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast was honoured during the ceremony at the London Coliseum for her contribution to the fashion industry . Anna Wintour , pictured at the British Fashion Awards , took home the Outstanding Achievement Award . Speaking to MailOnline about winning the award , she said : ` Obviously I am thrilled and honoured to be here tonight receiving an award . ' I am a great believer in British fashion and just so thrilled to come to my first awards . ' Anna was on top table at the awards , in between her daughter Bee Shaffer and photographer Mario Testino . She was also joined by fashion 's most famous couple , Victoria and David Beckham , and model-of-the-moment Suki Waterhouse . Fashion 's finest : -LRB- L to R -RRB- Cara Delevingne , Tallulah Harlech , Bee Shaffer , Anna Wintour and Victoria Beckham celebrated at last night 's fashion awards . When the fashion guru 's award was announced , Victoria , one of her biggest fans , cheered loudly , while Cara Delevingne raised her hands in the air in support of the industry heavyweight . So close have Anna and Victoria , 40 , become that Anna even acknowledged the British designer in her acceptance speech , where she cited her as one of the country 's greatest talents . Anna may have worked with the world 's most esteemed models and designers and organised the Met Gala - showbiz 's starriest night - but her career highlight ? Being celebrated by Michelle Obama . Speaking about her fashion highlights , she said : ` One of the most wonderful things that happened to me this year was having the costume centre at the Metropolitan Museum named in my honour and having the First Lady open it for me . ' Family first : Anna , is a great believer in British fashion , was joined on the red carpet by daughter Bee Shaffer . Friends in high places : Anna has become incredibly close with David and Victoria Beckham . Mingling : Anna caught up with Nicole Scherzinger and Formula 1 poster boy , Lewis Hamilton . So who is the woman behind the black sunglasses , pageboy bob and frosty demeanour ? First , she 's a stellar businesswoman . Anna , now 65 , is the daughter of Charles Wintour , the famed then-editor of the London Evening Standard newspaper nicknamed ` Chilly Charlie ' , and philanthropist Elinor Wintour . Clearly keen for independence , Anna dropped out of her pretentious finishing school and moved to London where her career began at Harpers & Queen magazine in London in 1970 . In 1983 she joined Condé Nast as creative director of American Vogue and in 1986 returned to England to become editor in chief of British Vogue . In July 1988 she rejoined American Vogue in her current position . In March 2013 , Anna was named the artistic director of Condé Nast . Speaking about her hopes for the glossy fashion bible she 's made her own , Anna told the Telegraph at the time : ' I want Vogue to be pacy , sharp , and sexy , I 'm not interested in the super-rich or infinitely leisured . Mother and mentor : Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine Anna Wintour and her daughter Bee Shaffer attend The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit : A Tribute to Tilda Swinton reception . Friends in high places : Anna sat front row at Victoria Beckham 's show with David and Brooklyn , left , and , right , with the designer she has long supported . ' I want our readers to be energetic , executive women , with money of their own and a wide range of interests . ` There is a new kind of woman out there . She 's interested in business and money . She does n't have time to shop anymore . She wants to know what and why and where and how . ' She did just that . Garnering enough financial backing to revitalise the magazine -LRB- which was losing out in the figures to Elle -RRB- , she restored it to glory . She spearheaded using celebrities on her covers and mixing up designer and high street fashion . The September 2004 edition , under her editorship , had 832 pages , which is the most ever for a monthly magazine . She is also responsible for founding the careers of esteemed designers such as Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen . Fashion friends : Anna mingles regularly with the likes of Chanel maestro Karl Lagerfeld , left , and Rolling Stones heartthrob Mick Jagger , right . She is also hugely charitable and uses her name for the good . She has been actively involved in fundraising , particularly for Aids research and the Metropolitan Museum of Art . In 1990 , she played a strategic role in developing the fashion industry 's Aids charity , the CFDA/Vogue initiative through which she helped raise over $ 20m -LRB- # 12.6 m -RRB- . From 1995 to today , Anna has co-chaired 16 fundraising galas which together have raised nearly $ 130m -LRB- # 82m -RRB- for the Metropolitan Museum of Art 's Costume Institute . In 2003 , she directed the establishment of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund , an unprecedented initiative and award designed to aid emerging American fashion designers struggling to build successful businesses in the wake of 9/11 . Pride of place : We are most accustomed to seeing Anna on the front row of the best fashion shows with her sunglasses on and a straight face . TV star : In 2000 she starred in Boss Women - a documentary profile which offered compelling portraits of Britain 's most powerful women . In September 2009 , in response to the devastating consequences of the economic downturn , she developed Fashion 's Night Out , a global initiative designed to promote the retail industry , restore consumer confidence and celebrate fashion . In 2014 , she spearheaded the fashion industry 's involvement in Born Free Africa , an organisation aiming to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV by the end of 2015 , using funds from a dedicated clothing line comprised of pieces by world-renowned fashion designers who are also mothers . She has since involved Victoria Beckham in the charity . Wintour , who is famously good pals with Roger Federer and starts each day with a game of tennis , has also thrown herself into politics . In February 2012 , she co-hosted a fundraising event for President Barack Obama with actress Scarlett Johansson . As for her personal life , she divorced David Shaffer , with whom she has two children with , and now resides in New York with long-time boyfriend , investor Shelby Bryan . The fashion world have come together to hail her success after the news was announced . Here 's what they have to say ... Christopher Bailey MBE , Burberry Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer , said : ` Anna gives an extraordinary amount of her time nurturing and supporting creative talent around the world whether they are emerging or established names , part of fashion , literature , theatre , film , politics , sport or philanthropy . ` Her contribution to all of our global industries is a testament to both her passion , and her innate generosity . On a personal level it has also been a tremendous honour to have had her support , guidance and friendship throughout the many years that I have known her and I 'm delighted that we are celebrating her at the British Fashion Awards in London . ' Christopher Kane : ` Anna Wintour is awe-inspiring ; her dedication and passion to the fashion industry , her work ethic , and her unwavering support of young talent are truly unique . I owe so much to Anna for believing in me since the very beginning ; without her loyal support and friendship over the past 10 years I would not be where I am today . ' Sarah Burton OBE , Creative Director of Alexander McQueen : ` Anna has such an influential hand in fashion , she cares about , and pioneers creativity . Her love and contribution to British fashion is truly outstanding and I am ever grateful for all the support she has given me . ' Natalie Massenet MBE , Chairman of the British Fashion Council : ` Anna Wintour has helped , nurtured and advised the careers of some of the world 's most brilliant and creative designers . There is n't a person working in fashion who has not been inspired and influenced by Anna 's leadership . ` This is why we are honouring Anna at this year 's British Fashion Awards . An editor , business woman , philanthropist , mother , friend and icon ; this award recognises and celebrates her extraordinary contribution to the global fashion industry and to popular culture . ` Anna is the creative industry ambassador and a great friend to the British fashion industry , which has benefited from her incredible support in driving the profile of our talent on a global platform as well as from her very personal care and attention . ` As one of Britain 's most successful exports , it is fitting to celebrate Anna Wintour 's lifetime of achievement in London . ' | Anna , 65 , took home Outstanding Achievement Award . Cited Victoria Beckham as great British designer in acceptance speech . Discussed her fashion highlights with Femail . Has been working at Vogue for 25 years . Contributes a lot to charity and is extremely well connected . | [[92, 227], [412, 424], [468, 513], [1342, 1350], [1381, 1461], [1724, 1761], [4537, 4566]] |
It might seem like just yesterday that an 18-year-old Britney Spears burst onto the music scene wearing a schoolgirl outfit in her Baby One More Time video . However , the pop singer is today celebrating her 33rd birthday . From that red jumpsuit for Oops I Did It Again , to the matching denim ensemble she and then boyfriend Justin Timberlake wore to the American Music Awards in 2001 , the mother of two is renowned for having some of the best - and worst - outfits in pop history . Scroll down for video . Happy Birthday Britney ! As the singer turns 33 her best and worst outfits are revealed . Britney 's first iconic outfit was the schoolgirl costume she wore in the Baby One More Time video . Britney wore a pink crop with matching embellished trousers at the Universal Ampitheater for her Baby One More Time tour in 1999 . Britney 's sartorial choices have had her fans in awe for more than 15 years . Never one to shy away from flashing the flesh , she 's often seen writhing around on stage in crop tops and tiny hotpants . And who can forget the bejewelled nude jumpsuit she wore for her Toxic video in 2003 -- a look which Britney once described as her ` personal favourite ' ? Of course , there have been many hits -- Britney looked stunning at Elton John 's 2013 Oscar 's party in a plunging sequin gown . And many misses -- her 2002 VMA 's leather look outfit would have been more at home in an S&M club than on the red carpet . But when it comes to fashion , Britney says that if she had her time over she ` would n't do anything differently ' . Lady in red : In the Oops I Did It Again video Britney wore THAT infamous red leather look jumpsuit . Alright in white : One of her early fashion triumphs Britney looked sleek as she attended the Grammies in 2000 . Matchy matchy : Who can forget when Britney and her then boyfriend Justin Timberlake showed up to the American Music Awards in 2001 in matching denim outfits ? Love 's young dream : Britney and Justin were one of pops most iconic couples dating from 1999 to 2002 . It 's a bit S&M : When Britney introduced Michael Jackson at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards . Top of the crops : Britney looked Happy recording a video in New York in 2004 in a sequin crop top . However , the singer admits that when it comes to her down time , she prefers a casual look to her out-there on stage outfits . She once revealed : ` I love my jeans and my sweats - I 'm really just a tomboy at heart . So it 's really hard for me to be like Kim Kardashian and be makeup - and hair-ready every time I go out of my house . ` I 'm not a believer in that , you know ? On the other hand , when you do wear those sweats , you 're like , `` Oh God , I should step it up a notch '' . ' All about the hats : Britney wore a selection of dodgy headgear in 2007 to promote her new album , Blackout . Sparkling performance : Some of Brit 's stage costumes , like this pink leotard , leave little to the imagination . Just like her wardrobe choices , Britney 's career has been full of ups and downs . After leaving the squeaky clean Micky Mouse Club , which she joined in 1992 , to pursue a career in pop , Britney saw huge success with her first four albums . However , during 2006 and into 2007 Britney began to go off the rails . The singer suffered from a number of mental health issues and was hospitalised on more than one occasion . Britney wowed fans with her amazing body in the Toxic video when she wore a jewelled nude jumpsuit . Watch that whip ! For her ` The Circus Starring Britney Spears ' tour the singer had a ring leaders outfit made . Hell for leather : In 2011 Brit performed on Good Morning America in a VERY tight latex outfit . In January 2008 , she was again taken into care and was committed to the psychiatric ward of the Ronald Raegan UCLA Medical Center . Her two children with dancer Kevin Federline - Jayden James and Sean - were put under the care of her father Jamie Spears . Since then Britney has worked hard to rebuild her life , and although her father still has a conservatorship over her , she has gone on to once again enjoy huge success . She has even launched her own lingerie line named Intimate Britney Spears . In 2013 she began a Las Vegas residency which will run until September 2015 . The perfect opportunity for her to show off more of her fabulous -LRB- and freaky -RRB- outfits . Super chic : Nowadays Britney prefers to rock a more demure look like this one shoulder LBD . Stunning : Britney attended the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party in 2013 in a gorgeous sequin dress . | Britney Spears is known for her iconic and often revealing outfits . Once persuaded then boyfriend Justin Timberlake to wear double denim . Britney says if she could go back in time she would n't change a thing . | [[312, 344], [1792, 1937], [1449, 1473], [1476, 1558]] |
Foreign Secretary William Hague , speaking yesterday in the House of Commons , . London , warned the UN report into Iran 's nuclear ambitions could spark a . regional arms race . Israel will launch military action to prevent Iran developing a nuclear weapon as soon as Christmas , intelligence chiefs have warned . A report by a UN watchdog into Iran 's nuclear ambitions ` completely discredits ' the Islamic nation 's protestations of innocence , according to Foreign Secretary William Hague . The International Atomic Energy Agency found that Iran is developing a nuclear test facility , nuclear detonators and computer modelling for a nuclear warhead that would fit on an existing missile . Sources say the understanding at the top of the British Government is that Israel will attempt to strike against the nuclear sites ` sooner rather than later ' -- with logistical support from the U.S. . A senior Foreign Office figure has revealed that ministers have been told to expect Israeli military action , adding : ` We 're expecting something as early as Christmas , or very early in the new year . ' Officials believe President Barack Obama would have to support the Israelis or risk losing vital Jewish-American support in the next presidential election . In recent weeks , Ministry of Defence sources confirmed that contingency plans have been drawn up in the event that the UK decided to support military action . But the source ruled out direct British support , adding : ` Of course we are not in favour of Iran developing a bomb -- but do we think they 'd use it : no . ` The bigger concern is it will be impossible to stop Saudi Arabia and Turkey from developing their own weapons . ' Mr Hague said Britain would push for more sanctions against Tehran when the IAEA committee meets later this month . Meeting the masses : Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves to supporters while visiting the city of Shahrekord , of Tehran . He vowed that Iran will not retreat ` one iota ' from its nuclear programme . All smiles : Ahmadinejad hit out at the IAEA , saying it is discrediting itself by siding with ` baseless ' U.S. claims that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons . Iran 's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad , meanwhile , vowed not to retreat ` one iota ' from its nuclear programme . In a statement on Middle Eastern affairs , the Foreign Secretary was critical of Israel 's ` occupation ' of Palestinian land . But he announced Britain will abstain on a UN vote later this week to give statehood to Palestinians . In its latest report on Iran , the UN . International Atomic Energy Agency outlines the sum of its knowledge on . the Islamic Republic 's alleged secret nuclear weapons work , including : . Yesterday the . Iranian president gave a passionate speech to thousands of supporters . in central Iran , and broadcast on live state television , denouncing the UN report . He hit out at the IAEA , saying it is discrediting itself by siding with . ` baseless ' U.S. claims that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons . The U.S. has yet to . comment on the findings , but France said it is ready to . push for sanctions of ` an unprecedented scale ' if Iran refuses to answer new questions about its nuclear programme . Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that if Iran fails to answer concerns raised by the . report , the international community should raise diplomatic pressure to a . new level . China is n't publicly commenting yet on the . U.N. assessment in a likely sign that it . will wait for Washington and Moscow to signal their intentions . Foreign . Ministry spokesman Hong Lei yesterday said that Beijing is studying . the report and repeated calls for dialogue and co-operation . Speaking to supporters in the city of Shahrekord , Ahmadinejad said Iran will not stop . its nuclear development , adopting a defiant position against the . report , which could spur efforts for new sanctions against his country . He said : ` If you think you can change the . situation of the world through putting pressures on Iran , you are deadly . wrong . The Iranian nation will not withdraw an iota . ' Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes , not weapons production . Ahmadinejad 's . regime is already thought to have built a top-secret explosives test . facility at a site in Parchin , just outside Tehran , where it is . conducting experiments to develop a weapon . Scientists . are building hi-tech precision detonators which would be essential for a . nuclear device , and developing a uranium core for a nuclear warhead , . the UN said . Spreading the word : Ahmadinejad is adopting a defiant position against the report , which could spur efforts for new sanctions against his country . Nationalism : Supporters of Ahmadinejad wave flags during his speech in Shahrekord . The report . also lays bare that Iranian scientists are trying to mount a nuclear . payload into their Shahab 3 missiles - which can reach Israel , Iran 's . arch foe . The report compiled by Yukiya Amano is the strongest sign yet that Iran seeks to build a nuclear arsenal , despite Tehran 's insistence its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes . The . document claims that while some of the suspected secret nuclear work by . Iran can have peaceful purposes , ` others are specific to nuclear . weapons . ' A 13-page . attachment to the agency 's Iran report details intelligence and IAEA . research that shows Tehran working on all aspects of research toward . making a nuclear weapon , including fitting a warhead onto a missile . Ahead of the report 's release , . Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak warned of a possible Israeli . military strike against Iran 's nuclear programme . He . told Israel Radio that he did not expect any new U.N. sanctions on . Tehran to persuade it to stop its nuclear defiance , adding : ` We continue . to recommend to our friends in the world and to ourselves , not to take . any option off the table . ' The . ` all options on the table ' phrase is often used by Israeli politicians . to mean a military assault . Iran is also pursuing its nuclear weapons programme at the Parchin military base about 30 kilometres from Tehran , diplomatic sources in Vienna say . While . some of the suspected secret nuclear work outlined in the annex could . also be used for peaceful purposes , ` others are specific to nuclear . weapons ' , the report claims . Some of the information contained in . the annex was new - including evidence of a large metal chamber at a . military site for nuclear-related explosives testing . The bulk , however , was a compilation and expansion of alleged work already partially revealed by the agency . But a senior diplomat familiar with . the report said its significance lay in its comprehensiveness , thereby . reflecting that Iran apparently had engaged in all aspects of testing . that were needed to develop such a weapon . Also significant was the agency 's . decision to share most of what it knows or suspect about Iran 's secret . work with the 35-nation IAEA board and the U.N. Security Council after being . stonewalled by Tehran in its attempts to probe such allegations . Copies of the report went to board members and the council , which has . imposed four sets of U.N. sanction on Tehran for refusing to stop . activities that could be used to make a nuclear weapon and refusing to . cooperate with IAEA attempts to fully understand its nuclear program . Inspection : Ahmadinejad visits the Natanz Uranium Enrichment Facility in April 2008 . The nuclear power plant in Bushehr , southern Iran - a site that may be targeted in a mooted military strike . The agency said the annex was based on more than 1,000 pages of . intelligence and other information forwarded by more than 10 nations and . material gathered by the IAEA itself . The report suggests that Iran made computer models of a nuclear warhead . and includes satellite imagery of a large steel container the IAEA . believes is used for nuclear arms-related high explosives tests . In remarks broadcast on state . television , Ahmadinejad said that International Atomic Energy Agency . chief Yukiya Amano was simply repeating U.S. allegations . ` He delivers . the papers that American officials hand on him , ' Ahmadinejad said . ' I am sorry that a person is heading . the agency who has no power by himself and violates the agency 's . regulations , too . ' He repeated Iran 's stance that it is . not involved in making a nuclear weapon : ` They should know that if we . want to remove the hand of the U.S. from the world , we do not need bombs . and hardware . We work based on thoughts , culture and logic . ' | Senior Foreign Office figure : ` We 're expecting something as early as Christmas , or very early in the new year ' | [[898, 1101], [898, 899], [1008, 1014], [1017, 1101]] |
An extremist Muslim who has claimed Jews are descended from ` apes and pigs ' , called gays ` criminals ' and has made controversial comments about domestic violence has given a talk at a London university . Haitham al-Haddad spoke to students on Islamic finance at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London . He has outraged moderate Muslims who are critical of him for teaching young Muslims that men and women should be segregated . Haitham al-Haddad spoke about Islamic finance at a London university . He has outraged moderate Muslims in the past over his ` fascist language ' Dr Al-Haddad advocated that gays should be outlawed and has also praised terror boss Osama bin Laden . He has also spoken out in favour of female genital mutilation . He has claimed Jewish people are descended from ` apes and pigs ' and says people who leave Islam should be executed , although he has claimed in the past his comments have been misinterpreted . Usama Hasan , of the moderate , anti- terrorism think tank , the Quilliam Foundation , said : ` Like all extreme Islamists , he uses fascist language about non-Muslims and refuses to sit at the same table as women . ' Student Rights , in an article on their website , added that invitations to Dr al-Haddad to appear on campus are not actually unusual . Raheem Kassam , director of Student Rights which campaigns against extremism on campuses , told the Evening Standard : ` He is the epitome of illiberal views that should have no place on university campuses . ` It is not like there is a lack of serious professional decent Islamic scholars in Britain . ' Student Rights , in an article on their . website , added that invitations to Dr al-Haddad to appear on campus are . not actually unusual . He . has been invited to address students at Aston University in Birmingham . today on the topic of Sharia law and last week , the Islamic Society at . the University of Westminster announced that he would be speaking on . Islam and law less than six hours before the event was due to take . place . A spokesman for SOAS student union said the event was ` stewarded ' to ensure the discussion remained ` on topic ' . Elis Gjevori , who said he was a principal organiser of the event , wrote : ` What the speakers believe or do n't believe do not necessarily reflect the views of the society , rather what we are providing is a platform for experts in the field of Islamic economics to come and speak at SOAS . ' Radio Netherlands reported that in February 2012 , Dutch authorities tried to prevent Dr al-Haddad speaking at a university in Amsterdam . The university subsequently cancelled the event . Heblamed a ` Zionist lobby ' for the opposition to the talk . This week it emerged that the radical . Muslim cleric has hired out Legoland for a ` Family Fun Day ' . On March 9 , . a convoy of coaches will set off from the East London Mosque in . Whitechapel for a day of ` Halal entertainment ' . Dr al-Haddad has defended a man 's right to hit his wife in the past . | Haitham al-Haddad was at London 's School of Oriental and African Studies . He has previously spoken out against Jews , women 's rights and gays . Moderate Muslims say Dr al-Haddad uses ` fascist language ' | [[0, 40], [148, 207], [0, 40], [80, 103], [0, 40], [104, 165], [339, 422], [536, 608]] |
It 's official , Liverpool is the boob job capital of the UK . But it is Brummies who take the crown as the most cosmetic-surgery hungry area of the country , with more than 1,000 procedures requested in the first nine months of this year alone . Using a sample of 60,000 procedure requests received by Clinic Compare , a service connecting patients with the cosmetic clinics in their area , analysts have produced a series of maps plotting the areas in the country where people are most likely to opt to go under the knife . Breast augmentation surgery is most popular in Liverpool with 145 requests , while Birmingham -LRB- 131 -RRB- , Leeds -LRB- 128 -RRB- , Hampshire -LRB- 126 -RRB- and Glasgow -LRB- 109 -RRB- round off the top five areas . People living in Birmingham , Manchester , Glasgow , Barnet and Enfield are most likely to seek a nose job . While weight loss surgery was most popular in Birmingham , Glasgow , Leeds , Staffordshire and Hampshire . Across the UK as a whole Birmingham topped the list of areas with the most plastic surgery requests , at 1,089 . Leeds came second with 795 , with Glasgow -LRB- 791 -RRB- , Manchester -LRB- 724 -RRB- and Liverpool -LRB- 644 -RRB- completing the top five . In London , Croydon took top spot for breast enlargements and weight loss procedures , while Barnet was home to the highest number of nose jobs . Scroll down for video . Liverpool is the boob job capital of the UK , according to Clinic Compare , who carried out a study of more than 60,000 procedure requests . They found Liverpool topped the list of areas requesting breast augmentation surgery , with 145 procedures in a year with Birmingham second . Brummies were most likely to request a nose job , with more requests for rhinoplasty than in any other area of the UK . Following Birmingham , nose jobs were most popular in Manchester -LRB- 44 -RRB- , Glasgow -LRB- 42 -RRB- , Barnet -LRB- 39 -RRB- and Enfield -LRB- 35 -RRB- . Birmingham - which was hailed the plastic surgery capital of the UK with more than 1,000 requests for procedures - also topped the weight loss surgery table with 42 procedures requested . Glasgow , Leeds , Staffordshire and Hampshire rounded off the top five for most weight loss surgery procedures requested . | Using 60,000 plastic surgery requests Clinic Compare compiled a list of the most popular surgeries by area . Liverpool topped the list for breast augmentation surgery with 145 requests in the last year in the city alone . Brummies are the most costmetic-hungry in the UK , with more than 1,000 procedures requested . Birmingham topped the poll for nose jobs or rhinoplasty surgery and weight loss procedures . | [[247, 290], [265, 317], [980, 1062], [1448, 1462], [1469, 1529], [526, 582], [1530, 1636], [67, 190], [164, 246], [67, 190], [862, 962], [980, 1062], [1312, 1364], [1672, 1791], [1950, 2047], [2070, 2125]] |
Famous ` Jackass ' stuntman and bad boy Steve-O is facing a traffic citation for his latest stunt . Stephen Gilchrist Glover , 40 , or ` Steve-O , ' posted a YouTube video of his latest prank . The video showed Steve-O climbing up a freeway sign in San Diego to attach a banner that read ` sucks ' after the words ` SeaWorld ' on the sign , Fox 5 reports . The incident occured in May , but the prankster 's identity remained unknown until Steve-O uploaded the YouTube video in August , according to the LA Times . Steve-O : Steve-O , 40 , is facing a traffic citation for climbing a San Diego freeway sign and attaching a banner that said ` sucks ' after the words ` SeaWorld ' Steve-O was charged with an infraction of California 's vehicle code -- comparable to a speeding ticket . Officials say his stunt put ` drivers and their passengers in harm 's way , ' Fox reports . City officials said Caltrans could seek reimbursement because the vandalism damaged the sign . In September , California Highway Patrol made a statement saying they recommended charges of trespassing and vandalism to the district attorney 's office , the Times reports . But , the animal rights activist is being forced to pay a $ 239 fine or go to traffic court , according to Fox . Attempts : Steve-O 's prank is carried out over a course of two days with several failed attempts . First : During his first attempt , Steve-O has trouble climbing a rope and ends up strung upside down by his foot . In September , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals agreed to pay any fine assessed for the stunt , according to NBC . ` Steve-O is n't the only one who realizes that SeaWorld sucks , ' Lisa Lange , PETA senior vice president , told the Times , ` and the highway sign needs to come down . ' When the CHP issued its request , Steve-O took to Instagram to voice his opinion . He wrote : ` The California Highway Patrol has requested that the District Attorney file charges against me for helping out this sign . Bring on the publicity , because #SeaWorldSucks #yeahdude #freesteveo . ' ` SeaWorld ' : At the end of the video , Steve-O , who has posed for PETA public service campaigns , yells , ` If doing that was wrong , I do n't want to be right . Screw you , SeaWorld ' At the beginning of the video , Steve-O says ` I 'm putting my foot down for Shamu ' before making the two-day attempt to climb the freeway sign and attach the ` sucks ' banner . After a few failed attempts , Steve-O enlists the help of a few more men to help him complete his task . After another failed attempt , he buys a latter and is soon standing victoriously on the sign 's platform with his fists in the air , having successfully attached the sign . At the end of the video , Steve-O , who has posed for PETA public service campaigns , yells , ` If doing that was wrong , I do n't want to be right . Screw you , SeaWorld . ' The video has received more than a million views since its upload . | Steve-O , 40 , is facing a traffic citation for climbing a San Diego freeway sign and attaching a banner that said ` sucks ' after the words ` SeaWorld ' The prankster 's identity was unknown until Steve-O posted a YouTube video of the prank in August . Steve-O : ` If doing that was wrong , I do n't want to be right . Screw you , SeaWorld . ' | [[0, 99], [194, 258], [211, 277], [231, 240], [259, 338], [515, 522], [540, 629], [515, 522], [611, 676], [2333, 2338], [2341, 2434], [2288, 2293], [2405, 2434], [100, 144], [149, 193], [391, 484], [2205, 2232], [2714, 2737], [2740, 2747], [2813, 2833], [2714, 2737], [2836, 2863]] |
The style set is once again embracing a rather risqué take on the traditional tuxedo trend by wearing the low-cut style without anything on underneath . The look , which rose to fashion fame six years ago thanks to Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham , was seen on Rihanna and Emma Watson on the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards last night and has recently been worn by everyone from Cara Delevingne to Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence . While some stars choose to style the low-cut jacket by itself , accessorizing only with jewelry and a handbag as Rihanna did with her Stella McCartney design at the BFAs , other fans of the trend prefer to model a full tuxedo , as often worn by Cara and her fellow Burberry model Suki Waterhouse . Scroll down for video . Red carpet trend : Rihanna and Emma Watson opted for completely different tuxedo styles at last night 's British Fashion Awards . Tux lux : Cara Delevingne -LRB- R -RRB- is a long-time fan of the low-cut look and has previously stepped out in a variety of tuxedo styles , including this burgundy Burberry number which she wore to a pre-BAFTA party , where pal Suki Waterhouse -LRB- L -RRB- also opted for a revealing jacket . All shapes and sizes : The tuxedo trend has been seen on a wide variety of celebrities , from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley -LRB- L -RRB- to Gwyneth Paltrow -LRB- R -RRB- . Harry Potter star Emma chose to team her Dior tuxedo jacket with a Misha Nonoo jumpsuit at last night 's award ceremony , choosing a slightly more demure look than Rihanna 's flesh-baring style . While Cara chose a beaded Burberry gown for her red carpet appearance at the star-studded event , at which she picked up the award for Model of the Year , the model-turned-actress has often made clear her fondness for the tuxedo trend in the past . During the past year , Cara has been spotted out and about sporting a number of tuxedo-style ensembles . Favoring Burberry 's classic colored designs , the star wore a burgundy numebr at Harvey Weinstein 's pre-BAFTA party in London - where she matched her look to close friend Suki Waterhouse , who also wore a Burberry design - before choosing a blue style to wear to Burberry 's London Fashion Week show in September . Switching it up : J.Crew executive creative director Jenna Lyons is also a fan of the tuxedo trend . The style has also been seen on the likes of Jennifer Lawrence - who wore a black Dior tuxedo dress to the premiere of her film Serena at the BFI London Film Festival earlier this year - and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - who opted for a quirky zebra-print jacket when she stepped out at Paris Fashion Week in February . Meanwhile Gwyneth Paltrow styled her chic Tom Ford tux with a matching pair of trousers at the 2014 amfAR LA Inspiration Gala in October . It is not the first time that the low-cut look has been worn by such a variety of high-profile fashion icons . Designer Victoria Beckham , who picked up the coveted award for Brand of the Year at last night 's ceremony , wore a sequined tuxedo jacket to attend Robert Cavalli 's 2008 Milan Men 's Fashion Week Show alongside her former Spice Girls bandmates . Number one fan : Cara has worn a number of different tuxedo styles during the last few months , including at an event in Paris -LRB- L -RRB- and at London Fashion Week -LRB- R -RRB- . Shanghai style : The Burberry model also opted for a tuxedo when she attended a Burberry event in China . Former Disney star Miley Cyrus turned heads when she arrived at the 2012 American Music Awards wearing a revealing white tuxedo dress by designer Jean Paul Gaultier . But , while the popular trend has helped many stars to showcase the perfect amount of skin , the low-cut style in not without its risks . In March 2009 , Kate Moss suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction when she slipped out of her Yves Saint-Laurent jacket shortly after leaving Topshop mogul Sir Phillip Green 's 57th birthday party in London . Fashion favorite : The style was previously favored by the likes of Victoria Beckham -LRB- R -RRB- and Kate Moss , who suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction when she slipped out of her YSL tuxedo at Sir Phillip Green 's birthday party . | Cara Delevingne , Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence are also fans of the low-cut look . | [[153, 194], [347, 423], [406, 443], [896, 903], [906, 974], [2329, 2391]] |
Caffeine is causing ` untimely deaths ' and its ` lethality ' is being underestimated , a leading expert has warned . Caffeine is so dangerous and is being consumed in such high quantities that it should now be regulated , a leading expert claims . Dr Jack James says that the stimulant is causing ` untimely deaths ' and that its ` lethality ' is being underestimated . Dr James , editor in chief of the Journal of Caffeine Research , and . head of the department of psychology at Reykjavik University , . Iceland , says he is concerned that the substance is increasingly being added to products such as energy drinks , alcoholic drinks and medicines . As a result , many of us are unwittingly consuming way more than we think - with worrying implications for our health and society as a whole . Dr James believes the risks caffeine poses to our health are so great that products that contain it should be taxed and restricted like cigarettes and alcohol . Sales to children in particular should be restricted . He says that as well as tea and coffee , caffeine is found in fizzy drinks , energy drinks , bottled water , alcoholic drinks -LRB- such as Tia Maria -RRB- , cookies , chewing gum , yogurt and flavoured milk . It is also commonly found in cold and flu remedies , weight loss pills , mints , cosmetics , soaps and even tights to aid slimming . Even more worrying , he says that caffeine is also frequently used as a diluent -LRB- cutting agent -RRB- in illicit drugs . He notes that while some countries in . Europe and Scandinavia have begun to take regulatory action , including . sales restrictions and product labelling , most countries including the . UK and the U.S. have a ` regulatory vacuum ' . In his provocative editorial ` Death by Caffeine : How Many . Caffeine-related Fatalities and Near-misses Must There Be before We . Regulate ? ' , he argues that the trend of children downing energy drinks is exacerbating the problem . He says that in order to . highlight the risks of caffeine , products should be labelled with the amount they contain and sales to children in particular should be restricted . Caffeine : Table shows a range of drinks in order of caffeine content and their relation to daily allowances . The U.S. Food and Drug administration announced last year that it . is investigating reports of five deaths being linked to Monster Energy . drinks . The company has denied any link . And in 2009 , a father from Bolton said his 11-year-old son hanged himself after energy drinks . changed his behaviour . Lee Johns said his son Tyler was a . happy-go-lucky child until he started downing the drinks to make himself . feel grown up . Tyler went from thriving at school and impressing neighbours with his good . behaviour to becoming ` hyper and disruptive ' in the months leading to his . death last year . A one-litre caffeine drink was lying near Tyler 's body when his mother found him hanging in his bedroom . Dr James is also concerned that sporty teenagers who drink lots of caffeine are putting their hearts under a great deal of strain . He adds that although caffeine has been widely considered to be harmless , ` awareness is increasing that its consumption is associated with substantial harm , including fatalities and near-fatalities ' . He says that caffeine was named as a contributing factor in 6,309 cases that the American National Poison Data System was notified of in 2011 . Lethal : Dr Jack James -LRB- left -RRB- says caffeine is causing ` untimely deaths ' . In 2009 , 11-year old Tyler Johns -LRB- right -RRB- was found hanged after downing energy drinks . And the annual number of emergency room visits in the U.S. associated with energy drinks jumped 36 per cent . to 20,000 in 2011 compared to the previous year , according to a report released by the Substance Abuse & . Mental Health Services Administration . In just one year , the substance killed four people in Sweden , adds Dr James . He . says that caffeine - in the form of energy drinks - also offsets the . sedating effects of alcohol and encourages people to drink more . Furthermore , there is a ` growing body of evidence ' which indicates that compared to alcohol alone , adding caffeine increases the risk of having unprotected sex , experiencing or committing sexual assault , drink driving and being violent . There is also evidence that children who drink caffeine are more likely to use alcohol , drugs and smoke in the future . There is also evidence that caffeine consumption by children may also make them more likely to use alcohol , drugs and smoke in the future . According to the Food Standards Agency , there is no recommended daily limit on caffeine because the amount people can tolerate varies hugely depending on a number of factors , such as age , weight and average caffeine consumption . A study by the government regulatory agency Health Canada concluded that . the average person can have up to 400mg of caffeine a day without . experiencing negative affect , such as anxiety or heart problems . Indeed , we can become used to caffeine over time . The only exception is for pregnant women , who are advised to consume no more than 200mg of caffeine a day , as it can have adverse effects on birth weight and pregnancy outcome . Children should have no more than 75mg . An 8oz can of Monster Energy has 92mg , while an 8oz Red Bull can has . 83mg . A bottle of Coca-Cola contains 58mg of caffeine , while a an 8oz . cup of decaf coffee has 5mg and hot chocolate has 9mg . Caffeine intoxication is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a medical condition . Symptoms include nervousness , anxiety , restlessness , insomnia , stomach upset , tremors and rapid heartbeat . Two known triggers of the heart rhythm disorder supraventricular tachycardia -LRB- SVT -RRB- are caffeine and alcohol , so the risk increases if they are taken at the same time . SVTs can make your heart beat very quickly - up to 160 beats per minute . The result can be terrifying palpitations , chest pain , dizziness and feeling out of breath . | Dr Jack James claims that the stimulant is causing ` untimely deaths ' Says its ` lethality ' is being underestimated as it 's widely considered harmless . But caffeine is now in many everyday foods , drinks , medicines and toiletries , meaning we are unwittingly consuming or exposed to more than we think . | [[0, 59], [249, 370], [3186, 3285], [3443, 3516], [44, 59], [62, 85], [249, 370], [322, 342], [345, 370], [3085, 3285], [3098, 3157], [118, 126], [147, 188], [507, 514], [517, 653], [668, 796], [1223, 1355]] |
Sick of short hair or desperate for a change ? Chantelle Houghton might just have the answer for you . The reality TV star , who previously owned a fashion boutique in her native Essex , has announced that she is turning her hand to haircare . Chantelle , 31 , is releasing a 12-piece hair extension collection named ` Chantelles ' , which includes a clip-in pony and a sleek fishtail plait . Chantelle Houghton has launched a new 12-piece extensions range with prices ranging from # 13.99 . Chantelle says that she has stopped wearing extensions full time and now prefers clip in pieces . She said of the range , which costs from # 13.99 : ' I have personally chosen every piece . ' I have been using hair extensions for years but recently went back to my natural hair . ' I love mixing up my hair and using different styles and this is the perfect solution . ' Adding : ` It 's been a really exciting road to launching the collection . I have learned a lot over the years and it has been amazing to work on a business from the initial idea to making it a reality . Chantelle rocks a fish tail plait -LRB- left -RRB- , a style made popular by Cheryl Cole , the collection also includes some bigger hair pieces -LRB- right -RRB- . ' I am fully involved in it and loving it . And I feel like i am in a good position to advise people about hair - after all every knows how much I love big hair . ` There really is something for everyone and hair is so important to every girl and woman . I wear them all the time , they are so easy to use and give an instant salon look . We will be updating the range regularly too . ' Each piece in the collection comes in nine different colours which means you can match them to your natural hair . Chantelle - who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 - is not the first reality TV star to try her hand at the beauty industry . Chantelle shows off her flowing locks as she promotes her new ` Chantelle 's ' hair extension collection . TOWIE 's Lauren Pope has a hugely successful company named Hair Rehab having actually started the business in 2007 before finding fame on the hit show . Since her rise to stardom , Lauren says that the company has seen a 270 per cent rise in sales year on year . Fans of her extension range include the band Little Mix and Cheryl Cole who has been spotted wearing the clip-in hair extensions on the X Factor . Chantelle shows off her sleek locks in an an advert for her new extensions range . Lauren has previously said of Hair Rehab 's popularity : ` It 's pretty amazing to think that anyone is wearing a product I 've designed and created and it 's always exciting to see those results . ` So when the products are on a big name like Cheryl it does give you a great buzz . ' And in the States , Kylie Jenner , the youngest of the Kardashian clan , also recently announced that she would be launching her own extensions range named Kylie Hair Kouture . | Reality TV star launches Chantelles - a new range selling clipin extensions . She ` personally picked ' 12-piece collection which includes fishtail plait . Former Big Brother star says she has ` personally chosen every piece ' | [[244, 253], [261, 310], [274, 331], [393, 468], [1887, 1973], [2440, 2466], [2752, 2769], [2772, 2784], [2825, 2901], [319, 329], [340, 392], [643, 681], [1083, 1117], [643, 681]] |
Police in Indiana have praised a quick-thinking woman who on discovering that burglars had entered her apartment texted a friend to raise the alarm . The incident happened on Wednesday morning and police have arrested three juveniles in relation to the break ins at an apartment block in Indiana . The unnamed woman has been praised by law enforcement for her quick-thinking response . Police in Indiana have praised a quick-thinking woman who on discovering that burglars had entered her home texted a friend to raise the alarm about the break in . ` Whatever decision you make you have to make it quickly , ' Lt Chris Bailey of the IMPD told FOX59 . ` You never know how long its gon na take them to get from an entry point to where you are . ' Another victim , Anna Redford , said she also heard the burglars enter her apartment but pretended to remain asleep rather than disturb them . ` I thought I was dreaming . When I first woke up I was kind of like `` Is this real ? '' And I waited and as I woke up I was like `` This is real ! '' There 's somebody in here , ' she said . The apartment block is located near Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis . Redford said she stayed quietly in her room until the burglars left and then got up to discover what they had taken and also call 911 . Another victim of the burglaries was Anna Redford , who said she also heard the robbers enter her apartment but pretended to remain asleep rather than disturb them . ' I looked around and I saw that my purse was gone and my laptop and so I called 911 and they came right away and my car keys were in my purse so they had also stolen my car , ' she said . Thanks to the quick-thinking resident who had texted a friend , police were already on the way thanks and were able to track down and arrest the young thieves . As a result Redford had her car and most of the items from her purse returned to her . Redford , who is staying in Indiana while her husband is receiving cancer treatment said the experience had been her more thankful than ever on Thanksgiving . ` For me already it does n't seem like Thanksgiving , because I 'm not at home and I 'm not with my family , but to me now I 'm going to be way more thankful because I got my stuff back , ' she said . Three juveniles have been arrested after a series of burglaries at an apartment block near Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis . | A series of burglaries took place early on Wednesday morning at an apartment block in Indiana . The alarm was raised by one quick-thinking resident who texted a friend from her bed and asked them to call 911 . Police were able to track down the young thieves and return the stolen goods . The three juveniles have been arrested - charging information has not yet been released . | [[150, 192], [2270, 2412], [0, 128], [73, 149], [360, 365], [366, 385], [386, 509], [459, 549], [1676, 1681], [1682, 1723], [1672, 1699], [1704, 1723], [1726, 1732], [1768, 1822], [193, 262], [2270, 2412]] |
She was renowned as a Hollywood star and style icon . And now Audrey Hepburn is to be celebrated with a photography exhibition at London 's National Portrait Gallery . An exhibition about the actress 's life and career will open in July and include family images of her at ballet practice and pictures taken during her early days working as a model in London . Scroll down for video . Celebration : An exhibition of photos of Audrey Hepburn - including this shot taken by Norman Parkinson in 1955 - will open at the National Portrait Gallery in July 2015 . Photographs from Life Magazine , taken during the making of her 1953 film Sabrina , will also go on show alongside posters for some of her most famous films . The Belgian-born actress performed at Ciro 's nightclub , which now forms the gallery 's archive and study room , in a series of revues in 1949 and 1950 . The gallery 's deputy director Pim Baxter said : ` Audrey Hepburn was one of the world 's most celebrated actresses . ' I am delighted that the National Portrait Gallery will hold a major photography exhibition exploring the life and work of such a significant and much-loved figure who spent the formative early years of her career in Britain . The exhibition about Audrey 's life will include pictures taken during her days working as a model in London - as well as this image , which was a publicity shot for 1954 's Sabrina . The exhibition includes this photo taken by Sir Cecil Beaton in 1954 . The Belgian-born actress performed at Ciro 's nightclub , which now forms the gallery 's archive and study . ` It is particularly appropriate that the exhibition will be staged in such close proximity to where she performed as a young woman at the very start of her career . ' The exhibition runs to October 18 . As the world continue 's to celebrate Audrey Hepburn 's impeccable style , her granddaughter is continuing her legacy . After spending most of her life out of the spotlight , Emma Ferrer is starting to make herself known . The 20-year-old art student was seen at New York Fashion week in July strolling past the Lincoln Center accompanied by Harper 's Bazaar British editor , Glenda Bailey , who last month crowned Emma as the magazine 's September issue cover star . Behind the scenes : Candid shots of the Audrey through the ages - including this photo captured in Rome in 1960 by Sir Cecil Beaton - will go on display at the gallery . Emma , whose 54-year-old father is Sean Hepburn Ferrer , Audrey 's oldest son , was raised in Los Angeles and is currently in her third year at the Florence Academy of Art , in Italy . And although art is her primary focus , Emma is clearly taking tentative footsteps into the world of fashion as well . Last month 's coveted Harper 's Bazaar cover saw her effortlessly re-create her grandmother 's iconic poses , in a stunning spread shot by Michael Avedon , grandson of legendary photographer Richard Avedon , for whom Audrey was a longtime muse . While her grandmother lost her life to cancer in 1993 , a year before Emma was born , there 's no denying that her legacy lives on within her . Charting her career : Photographs from magazines , as well as posters for some of her most famous films , will be on display at the London gallery . Right , Hepburn as Breakfast At Tiffany 's Holly Golightly character in 1962 , by Howell Conant . Left , a portrait taken by Angus McBean in 1950 . ` I 've been questioning a lot lately what she means to me , ' Emma told Harper 's Bazaar . ' I knew her image , of course , and that I happened to be , by pure chance , related to her . But as a child I could n't really relate to Audrey Hepburn , the actress . To me , she was family . ' And despite never getting the chance to meet her grandmother , Emma 's father Sean told the publication that his daughter 's similarities to Audrey are plenty . ` My mother was the same as she was on the screen : unassuming , humble , funny , emotional , strong , delicate , ' says the father-of-three , who has also pursued an acting career as well as helping run the Audrey Hepburn Children 's Fund . ` Fortunately Emma has much better boundaries than either Mom or I ever had . But the genes are strong - and the comedic gene is alive and well . ' For Emma , the associations between her and Hepburn are unavoidable , and it 's something she is slowly coming to terms with . ` Sometimes when I was younger , I felt confused toward what having a grandmother like her could mean in my life . But I am now understanding , ' she said . | Hollywood actress and style icon to be celebrated in new exhibition in July . Will feature family photos of her at ballet practice and modelling shots . London gallery was where Audrey performed 60 years ago . | [[0, 53], [54, 167], [168, 236], [399, 457], [492, 496], [499, 556], [168, 218], [241, 301], [1217, 1349]] |
The captain of the doomed Costa Concordia cruise liner has admitted he was showing off when he attempted a dangerous salute to the island of Giglio , in a move which ended in disaster . Francesco Schettino is giving evidence for the first time about the 2012 shipwreck off the Italian island in which 32 passengers and crew were killed . Schettino - who arrived 45 minutes late for his trial in Grosseto on charges of manslaughter , causing a shipwreck and abandoning ship - told the court he wanted to ` kill three birds with one stone ' . Scroll down for video . The captain of the doomed Costa Concordia , Francesco Schettino , is giving evidence for the first time about the 2012 shipwreck off an Italian island in which 32 passengers and crew were killed . Schettino appeared to be smothering a smile as he faced court . He has admitted he was showing off when he attempted a dangerous salute to the island of Giglio , in a move which ended in disaster . Schettino told the court he wanted to ` kill three birds with one stone ' , and had performed the salute to please the ship 's head waiter , whose family came from Giglio , to impress a friend who was staying on the island , and to provide a night-time view for passengers . Schettino denied taking the route near Giglio island to impress a Moldovan dancer he had brought to the bridge . The woman has testified the two were lovers . He said had performed the salute to please the ship 's head waiter , whose family came from Giglio , to impress a friend who was staying on the island , and to provide a night-time view for passengers . The disgraced former captain - who arrived in court still wearing sunglasses - has long said he looked forward to his day in court to vindicate himself . Schettino said he had previously navigated close to the island , and that it was n't necessary to inform officials of ship owner Costa Crociere Spa on shore about the altered route since it was considered ` an approach ' - not a ` touristic route . ' The ship hit rocks , creating a huge gash in the hull and forcing the evacuation of 4,200 passengers as the ship listed . His defence claims that no-one died in the collision itself , but that the failure of a back-up generator and supposedly water-tight compartments which were flooded created problems during the evacuation , when the deaths occurred . He also denies abandoning ship , saying he was thrown into the water . Captain Schettino is on trial for multiple manslaughter , dereliction of duty and abandoning ship , and faces up to 20 years in prison if he is found guilty . Schettino is being tried alone after five other defendants reached plea bargains . Schettino arrived 45 minutes late for his trial in Grosseto on charges of manslaughter , causing a shipwreck and abandoning ship . Schettino is being tried alone after five other defendants reached plea bargains . If convicted , he could receive up to 20 years in prison . His lawyer described him as ` tense , concentrated ' after he arrived at the court wearing sunglasses and with slicked hair . The Telegraph reports he used an Italian phrase meaning ` to catch three pigeons with one bean ' to explain why he had performed the risky manoeuvre . The Concordia , a floating hotel as long as three football pitches laid end-to-end , capsized after hitting rocks near a Tuscan . The sinking prompted a chaotic night-time evacuation and one of the largest maritime salvage operations in history . He said it was a common spectacle for captains to steer close to islands . The Concordia , a floating hotel as long as three football pitches laid end-to-end , capsized after hitting rocks near a Tuscan island in January 2012 , killing 32 people . The sinking prompted a chaotic night-time evacuation and one of the largest maritime salvage operations in history . Captain Schettino is on trial for multiple manslaughter , dereliction of duty and abandoning ship , and faces up to 20 years in prison if he is found guilty . | Francesco Schettino giving evidence for first time about 2012 shipwreck . Admitted he was showing off when he saluted to the island of Giglio . The dangerous move ended in disaster , leading to deaths of 32 people . Captain told the court he wanted to ` kill three birds with one stone ' Was trying to impress a crew member , passenger and friend on the island . | [[186, 291], [565, 606], [631, 715], [0, 159], [826, 933], [153, 159], [166, 185], [273, 291], [301, 337], [698, 715], [725, 761], [927, 933], [940, 959], [3542, 3555], [3695, 3714], [468, 472], [475, 536], [960, 1031], [0, 159], [826, 933], [1075, 1098], [1114, 1130], [1133, 1152], [1075, 1098], [1133, 1182], [1437, 1460], [1476, 1492], [1495, 1514], [1437, 1460], [1495, 1544]] |
The world 's first enzymes made from artificial genetic material have been created by scientists in what could be a major step towards generating synthetic life . The enzymes , which do not occur naturally , were created using a synthetic form of DNA called XNA and were capable of triggering chemical reactions in the lab . The findings build on previous work that showed six types of XNA molecules were capable of storing and transmitting genetic information in the same way as DNA and RNA . It had been previously thought that DNA and RNA , which form the basis for all life on Earth , were the only way of storing genetic material . Double stranded DNA -LRB- above -RRB- and single stranded RNA were thought to be the only basic building blocks for life but scientists have shown that other molecules called XNAs can not only store genetic information but also catalyse biological reactions that are used to edit the genetic material within cells . But now the latest research by synthetic biologists in Cambridge shows that this synthetic genetic material is also capable of performing another crucial biological role - catalysing biochemical reactions that are essential for life . Using their lab-made XNAs as building blocks , the team were able to create synthetic enzymes , which they have named ` XNAzymes ' , that could cut up and stitch together small chunks of genetic material , just like naturally occurring enzymes . The suggests that such molecules could be used to replicate some of the earliest steps needed to produce life itself and may even provide clues about what life on other planets may be like . In truth , no body really knows , but the work conducted by scientists at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge can provide some clues . They were able to create sequences of XNA that they could use to hold genetic information , copy it into strands of DNA and then copy back to a new XNA . This is very similar to the behaviour of viruses , which transfer genetic information into cells , hijack the host DNA and then create more copies of themselves . However , if life on other planets used this approach , it would still require DNA to help them replicate . But the molecular machinery needed to do this would look unlike anything here on Earth . The researchers had to create a specially engineered enzyme to get this reaction to occur - one that does not occur anywhere in nature , on Earth at least . Yet the scientists have also created XNA molecules that can assemble and fold themselves up spontaneously - much like naturally occurring DNA . Their most recent work shows XNA can also behave like enzymes to trigger biochemical reactions . This raises the prospect that XNA could also begin to replicate itself , a crucial step in creating organisms . XNA has been shown to be far stronger and stable than DNA and so could result in life that is much more robust than here on Earth . However , the tiny errors and mutations that occur when DNA is damaged are also essential for driving evolution . This would mean that in an XNA-world , life would evolve far slower than on Earth and could still be fairly basic . It is thought that life first began with the evolution of a segment of RNA that was able to copy itself and catalyse reactions . If XNA is also capable of this , then it could also have led to different forms of life on other planets or could be used to create new synthetic forms of life . However , Dr Philipp Holliger , who led the research at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge , said : ` Our work suggests that , in principle , there are a number of possible alternatives to nature 's molecules that will support the catalytic processes required for life . ` Until recently , it was thought that DNA and RNA were the only molecules that could store genetic information and , together with proteins , the only biomolecules able to form enzymes . ` Life 's ` choice ' of RNA and DNA may just be an accident of prehistoric chemistry . ` The creation of synthetic DNA , and now enzymes , from building blocks that do n't exist in nature also raises the possibility that if there is life on other planets it may have sprung up from an entirely different set of molecules , and widens the possible number of planets that might be able to host life . ' In 2012 Dr Holliger 's group showed that there were six alternative molecules to the oligonucleotides that form RNA and DNA , which they called XNAs . They demonstrated that these could store information and could even evolve through natural selection . In their latest research , which is published in the journal Nature , the team created four different types of synthetic enzyme from strands of XNA . These XNAzymes were able to perform the role of a polymerase - an enzyme that cuts and joins RNA strands together - in a test tube . One of the XNAzymes they created was also able to join XNA strands together to form longer molecules - a key step towards creating a living system that can replicate itself . Although it will still be some time before these can be used to create living synthetic organisms , Dr Holliger believes that XNAzymes could also be useful for developing new therapies for range of diseases including cancers and some viral infections . Dr Holliger added : ` Our XNAs are chemically extremely robust and , because they do not occur in nature , they are not recognised by the body 's natural degrading enzymes . ` This might make them an attractive candidate for long-lasting treatments that can disrupt disease-related RNAs . ' Professor Patrick Maxwell , chair of the MRC 's Molecular and Cellular Medicine Board , said the work could kick start an entirely new branch of medicine . Two of the XNA enzymes created by the scientists at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge , which were able to join two strands of XNA together -LRB- left -RRB- and cut up strands of RNA -LRB- right -RRB- . Life on other planets outside our own solar system , like this exoplanet , could have evolved from XNA rather than RNA , which could have led to very different forms of life to those we are familiar with here on Earth . He said : ` Synthetic biology is delivering some truly amazing advances that promise to change the way we understand and treat disease . ` This latest advance offers the tantalising prospect of using designer biological parts as a starting point for an entirely new class of therapies and diagnostic tools that are more effective and have a longer shelf-life . ' Professor Jack Szostak , a Nobel prize winner at Harvard University who studies the origins of life , added that the research raises some fundamental questions about what life on other planets may be like . He told New Scientist : ` The possibility that life elsewhere , on exoplanets , could have started with something other than RNA or DNA is quite interesting . ` But the primordial biopolymer for any form of life must satisfy other constraints as well , such as being something that can be generated by prebiotic chemistry and replicated efficiently . ` Whether XNA can satisfy these constraints , as well as providing useful functions , remains an open question . ' | Synthetic form of DNA , called XNA , is capable of editing genetic material . XNA triggered reactions thought to be crucial for life first starting on Earth . Scientists suggest alien life could have evolved using XNA instead of DNA . Artificial molecules could also be used to create synthetic life in the lab . Researchers believe XNA may lead to a new ways of treating cancers . | [[163, 205], [221, 250], [247, 261], [2797, 2800], [2862, 2882], [5958, 6076], [6774, 6789], [6815, 6883], [3291, 3294], [3326, 3328], [3385, 3449], [5140, 5292]] |
It 's hard to believe that a little girl in pigtails , who 's only in her first year of school , could possibly be the best six-year-old surfer and skater in the world . She goes by the name of ` the flying squirrel ' and she 's only been surfing for 18 months . So there 's no disputing that Quincy Symonds has certainly defied the odds from her birth up until now , proving that age is no barrier when it comes to excelling at your ultimate passions in life . Scroll down for video . Six-year-old Quincy Symonds from Tweed Heads , north-eastern NSW , has been surfing for 18 months . Nicknamed ` the flying squirrel ' , she hopes to make a mark on the surfing and skating world . The fearless girl has already gained multiple surfing sponsors and has been dubbed as the next Layne Beachley or Stephanie Gilmore . The Tweed Heads local caught her first wave at the age of four when she decided she would go out with her father Jake while they were holidaying in the Gold Coast , 94km south of Brisbane . ` She had no idea what surfing was but she just wanted to hang out with her daddy , ' mother Kim Symonds said . When Quincy was born , she was kept in the Intensive Care Unit for three weeks . ` She had n't swum in the ocean much or was n't exposed to the water that much as she lived near a farm but she really does n't like missing out on things . ` After her first wave , she was addicted . ' Mrs Symonds witnessed the change in her daughter that very moment she jumped on her surfboard . ' I was freaking out but she looked so excited but once she got on that board there was something about her that changed , ' she said . ` Her mindset is different and she 's not afraid of the ocean . She seems so calm and complete when she 's out there . ' I know the risks involved but it 's where she wants to be so I would n't stop her from that . ' Two months later , Quincy 's parents decided that when the ocean was too rough for their little one she would have to find another alternative . That 's when her other love for skating began . ` She keeps saying that she wants to be a pro surfer and skater when she grows up and she loves the two sports equally so she would n't be able to choose between the two , ' Mrs Symonds said . ' I think it 's awesome . It 's such an adventure we 're on and it feels as though she 's the one who 's taking us for a ride . ' But the journey has n't been without its complications . Quincy has big dreams with hopes of becoming both a pro surfer and skater when she grows up . The six-year-old started skating two months after she started surfing at the age of four . Quincy working on some new tricks with fellow skaters . At birth , Quincy suffered from adrenal insufficiency which left her in the Intensive Care Unit for three weeks . She was diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia which means she is steroid dependent . Since then , the fearless little girl has been taking cortisone medication three times a day . ` If someone told me five years ago that I 'd be where I 'm at now I would 've laughed , ' Mrs Symonds said . ` Quincy blows my mind . I 'm speechless . I do n't know how she does it at her age and how she can be so focused and driven . ` But I think when you find your passion nothing can hold you back . Not even Quincy 's condition or her age and you could see that when she was out in the water . ' So much so , the six-year-old has already signed on multiple surfing sponsors and gained a huge following on social media . Her coach Anthony Pope says she has a lot of potential and could possibly be the world 's best surfer and skater in her age group . ` She has incredible balance and her ability to judge the conditions and adjust is at a level I 've never seen in someone her age , ' he told the ABC . Quincy 's love for surfing began when she decided that she wanted to follow her father out for a surf during a holiday in the Gold Coast , southeastern Queensland . The flying squirrel is in her first year at school but sometimes wishes she was out in the water when there 's a big swell . But the little surfer and skater says she loves both sports and could n't possibly choose between the two . Quincy started skating when her parents decided there were times when it was too dangerous to be out in the water . Despite her big dreams , the flying squirrel - a nickname which stuck as a toddler when she befriended the furry animal while her family lived in the US - has only just started in her first year at school . However there are times when she wishes she was elsewhere . ` When there 's a big swell or the weather is nice , she says she wants to go out in the water or skating , ' Mrs Symonds said . ` People say it 's funny hearing that from a little girl . ` So I asked her why she loves it so much and she simply said : `` it 's just what I do '' . ' Quincy was diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia which means she is steroid dependent . The six-year-old 's condition and age wo n't get in the way of her big dreams . | Quincy Symonds started surfing at the age of four and picked up skating two months after . The Queenslander has already signed on multiple surf sponsors and has a huge social media following . At birth she suffered from adrenal insufficiency which left her in ICU for three weeks . Quincy was diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia which means she is steroid dependent . The six-year-old hopes to be a pro surfer and skater when she grows up . | [[486, 530], [547, 585], [815, 898], [2567, 2607], [682, 744], [3382, 3410], [3418, 3446], [3382, 3398], [3403, 3446], [3382, 3398], [3451, 3492], [1117, 1197], [2664, 2672], [2675, 2717], [2696, 2717], [2724, 2777], [2778, 2831], [2801, 2831], [2838, 2870], [4841, 4897], [4867, 4897], [4904, 4936], [622, 681], [2045, 2106], [2423, 2496], [2423, 2429], [2456, 2516]] |
' I am so concerned about my 13-year-old grandson . He is ruining life for his parents and two younger siblings ' -LRB- picture posed by model -RRB- . I am so concerned about my 13-year-old grandson . He is ruining life for his parents and two younger . siblings . I lose sleep at night worrying . He has a violent temper which erupts when he is told off , and although he is , or was , a very clever grammar school boy , he wo n't do homework or take pride in his appearance . He steals food -- a six-pack of desserts from the fridge , or a whole packet of biscuits . Last week his dad had money taken from his wallet . We know it was him , to buy sweets . Our GP suggested he has an eating disorder and we 're now waiting for a specialist referral . But I wonder if he could have Asperger 's syndrome , or depression . Can you advise us please and suggest coping strategies ? This is a terribly sad , complex problem . made all the more difficult because of the ripple effect this boy 's . behaviour is having on the whole family . At the centre is a teenager who used to . be happy and now is desperately in need of love and support from the . family he appears to be rejecting . Rather than looking for coping . strategies , it 's his change in personality that needs exploring . Normal . teenage angst could be the reason : not every child sails through . adolescence . But it is equally possible that he is depressed , terribly anxious or suffering self-esteem issues . Focusing on the food aspect is wrong : it 's just one of many self-destructive symptoms . An eating disorder assessment can take time , and is not a holistic approach to his troubles . It is unlikely he has developed Asperger 's at this age given his lack of previous symptoms but I am concerned that what you describe is more than simply a difficult teenager . His parents need to go back to the GP and ask for a mental health assessment with the child and adolescent mental health service -LRB- CAMHS -RRB- team : they not only offer assessment and therapy , they will also look at support for the family . Although he appears to want to destroy everything around him he is simply trying to exert control over his life ; perhaps he feels out of control with his feelings or rules from home . Could his choices for food be more flexible and free ? With a situation like this it is very easy for parents to slip into a very negative rhetoric , whereas what he needs is a more positive approach . Given his behaviour , praising him must be hard . But love , support and encouragement as well as safe , clear boundaries are what he needs . My husband went to see his GP with a suspicious mole on his back -- partly black , partly pink and bleeding intermittently -- in September 2012 and was told it was ` nothing to worry about ' . Malignant melanoma is not always easy to diagnose . Still worried , six months later he saw a different GP . A biopsy diagnosed melanoma . By October last year there were tumours in his abdomen , bowel and spine . He passed away in February , and suffered greatly . We are devastated , as he was always careful in the sun -- and want people to know more about this deadly cancer . I am so sorry for your loss . It is not always easy to diagnose melanoma -- there are roughly 9,000 a cases a year so the majority of moles a GP will assess will be benign . However , sadly , your instinct was right . A mole that is bleeding and has different colours warrants further assessment . Other red flags are an irregular border , rapid growth and asymmetry : this should have instigated a referral to a dermatologist within the NHS guidelines of two weeks . We must never assume that someone who covers up in the sun will not get skin cancer : melanoma is associated with sun exposure particularly as a child but there are other risk factors too including being fair-skinned , having a lot of moles and family history . In any medical situation , it is never wrong to listen to your instinct and push for a timely second opinion . Drug companies are yet to bring out a female version of Viagra -- despite spending billions on research . There are treatments , mainly available privately , such as testosterone or other hormonal therapies . But critics point out that for women , unlike men , the problem is n't a mechanical one that can be fixed with a pill . Jamie Dornan will soon play Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey . ` If only they could distill him into tablet form , ' said Dr Ellie . We are more cerebral creatures . With this in mind , I have greatly enjoyed New Worlds on Channel 4 , starring the delectable Jamie Dornan , pictured above with Freya Mavor . He is to appear as Christian Grey in the film of Fifty Shades Of Grey , a book that has undoubtedly done more to enhance women 's sex lives than all the potions the pharmaceutical giants can muster . If only they could distil him into tablet form . Not a week goes by without some new diet advice that promises to release the nation from the grip of obesity . Dr Ellie said it seemed ` rather ridiculous ' to opt for a supposedly ` healthier ' whisky if you consume vastly more alcohol . This week , we 've been told which alcoholic drinks to opt for on the basis of lower sugar content . Whatever the opinion of my esteemed colleagues at Action on Sugar , it seems rather ridiculous to opt for a supposedly ` healthier ' whisky if you consume vastly more alcohol . While cutting sugar is the new fad , let 's stick to proven sensible health advice for a nation of big drinkers : keep alcohol intake down , never mind the sugar . And a word of caution about the other big diet story this week -- research seemingly showing we should aiming for seven or even 10 portions of fruit and veg a day . Researchers claimed that those eating more portions of fruit and veg were less likely to die . But the study did n't ask about other dietary intake nor exercise levels . So while they showed people who eat more veg live longer , they ca n't say if it is because of this , or because they also tend to be the people who exercise and avoid junk food . A few more frozen peas is n't a cure for an unhealthy lifestyle . | Answers questions about a troubled teenager and coping with melanoma . Says actor Jamie Dornan should be distilled in tablet form . Advises drinkers control intake instead of switching to low-sugar drinks . | [[4429, 4473], [4872, 4917]] |
Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara chased down and apprehended a robber in dramatic scenes on the streets of Rio . The former footballer posted images of the incident as it unfolded on Twitter of a topless man being wrestled to the floor and handcuffed by two men after stealing a necklace . Kammy took pride in his speed in catching the man but said he was ` done in ' afterwards . He wrote : ` Not lost me pace !!! I just caught this street robber . Done in now though ' . VIDEO Scroll down to watch robber-catching Kammy comically learn Portuguese . Reporting from Brazil : TV pundit Chris Kamara told fans of his heroics on Twitter . Watching on : Chris Kamara posted pictures of the man being led away on his Twitter account . Another photo was tweeted soon after of Kamara standing in front of the criminal , who is facing a fence in the background with his hands cuffed behind his back . The 56-year-old was then told that he would need to provide a statement to the police , telling fans : ` My good deed has back fired ' . Kamara seemed to enjoy the role of hero as he uploaded two more photos to the social media website , one of the criminal who he called his ` prize catch ' , and one of him conversing with a local policeman . Floored : The robber was wrestled to the ground and hand-cuffed . He joked : ` Giving my statement now : `` well I ran after him & caught him ''' . Kamara was then asked to go to the local police station to give a written account . He joked with followers by tweeting : ` Will they let me out !!! ' He added : ` Police & British Consulate in Brazil have politely told me off , a lot of these guys are armed ! So do n't chase again . ' Statement : Chris Kamara recalls what happened as he chats to a policeman . Police station visit : Chris Kamara was held at the station for over an hour . An hour later he told fans he was still waiting to leave , writing : ` Still in the Cop Shop !! Come on fellas let me go , god knows what it said on the paperwork I signed ??? ' But eventually Chris and a friend were allowed to leave - with the necklace that was stolen in hand . He wrote : ` Police got Mike 's necklace off the robber & so we declined to press charges . So all is well that ends well . ' With Kamara 's biography on Twitter . reading , ` ex-footballer , ex-manager , current TV presenter , football . pundit and a bit of a singer too ! ' , he will now be able to add . ` crime-fighter ' to his repertoire . Victory : Chris Kamara celebrates getting the necklace back . | Sky TV pundit said he was ` done in ' after chasing the thief . Kamara post pictures on Twitter of the topless man being wrestled to the ground and handcuffed . Former Swindon , Bradford and Luton star was then given a ticking off by the police for chasing man down . | [[0, 42], [288, 293], [342, 378], [111, 205], [189, 287], [634, 687], [1244, 1301]] |
He is the ` Master of Movement ' , capturing our sporting icons at work in drawings that explode from the page with vibrancy and colour . And now Paul Trevillion 's stellar 50-year career is being marked with an exhibition in central London , with dozens of familiar faces on display . Over the years , Trevillion has immortalised the likes of Pele , Bobby Moore , Cristiano Ronaldo , Johan Cruyff , Franz Beckenbauer , Sir Ian Botham , Sachin Tendulkar and Andy Murray - to name but a few . A picture paints a thousand words : Paul Trevillion speaks at the launch of his exhibition with two of his masterpieces , portraits of Lionel Messi and Pele , hanging in the background . Mastered : Trevillion next to the picture of Pele bursting out of a haze of colour . And here 's how I did it : Trevillion gives an insight into his genius as he talks about the Pele picture . Pointing it out : Trevillion explains the genius behind this Roy of the Rovers cover . Passionate : The Master of Movement explains to his audience how it 's done . Playing to the gallery : An expressive Trevillion explains some of his work . Tribute : Daily Mail and MailOnline Head of Sport Lee Clayton speaks at the Trevillion exhibition . Listening to a genius : Sylvia and Peter Clayton share a word with Trevillion as the artist dispenses some words of wisdom . Full of praise : Artist and author Susie Hodge , FRSA speaking about the Master of Movement . Master and the apprentice : Trevilion looks on with his son John , aged 9 . Expressing himself : Trevillion has the crowd , including his son John , wife Lorraine and the evening 's MC , in stitches . Here 's the thing : Trevillion makes his point to guests . Taking a keen interest : Former Sportsmail journalist Dave Harbord has a close look . Admiring glance : Lee Clayton takes a look at some of Trevillion 's Roy of the Rovers sketches . Pointing it out : More guests gather to hear some of Trevillion 's secrets . Crowd pleaser : Many of Trevillion 's fans gathered for the launch night of his exhibition . Picture perfect : Guests walk up and down the corridor perusing the sketches . In focus : All eyes are on Trevillion , including his son 's , as he makes his speech . Taking a walk through the Strand Gallery is to stroll through a portal of sporting memories , some still fresh and others sepia-tinged from a bygone age . The lower level is a Who 's Who of football legends and British Olympic heroes , all captured with the flow and dynamism that carried them to the pinnacle of their professions . We see the exhausted smile of Sir Bradley Wiggins , his lyrca unzipped , as he acknowledges the roar of the Velodrome crowd after yet another gold medal triumph . We see the phenomenal stride of Usain Bolt - and few can capture the effortless , gigantic gallop of the Jamaican like Trevillion - as he smashes another world record . Best of the lot : Pele bursting from the wall in a haze of colour and -LRB- right -RRB- , the jewel in the collection , a portrait of the brilliant Brazilian masterfully crafted in just 50 minutes . Leading role : Bobby Moore 's studied glance as he captains England and -LRB- right -RRB- Franz Beckenbauer 's glance . Brillaint orange : The Dutch master Johan Cruyff captured by the Master of Movement . So apt in a World Cup summer , we have represented those who know the incomparable rush of euphoria that comes with success of football 's greatest stage . The studied expression of Moore - in that classic English red of 1966 - as he plays the ball from the back , the 60-yard glance of Beckenbauer as he carries West Germany forward in 1974 , the look of elation on Paolo Rossi 's face as he scored for Italy in 1982 . And , at the end of the corridor , the best of them all . Pele , bursting from the wall in a haze of vivid colour , playing to an incessant samba beat that entranced the world in 1970 . The Brazilian icon appears upstairs as well , the jewel in the collection ; a Pele portrait crafted in just 50 minutes in a swoosh of running inks , spun upside down at one point in the flash of creation but still ending in an uncanny likeness . It will set you back # 50,000 but see it as a worthy investment . Elation : Paolo Rossi 's emotion captured as he scores for Italy in 1982 and -LRB- right -RRB- the poise of Diego Maradona . Spectacular : Both the execution of Gerd Muller 's overhead kick and the capturing of the moment . Modern heroes : Barcelona 's Argentinian star Lionel Messi and -LRB- right -RRB- Cristiano Ronaldo , then of Man Utd . Elsewhere , the chapter of Genesis for Trevillion ; sketches from the Roy of the Rovers comic strips . Roy Race and his Melchester team-mates looking as magical now as they did back in 1963 . Fans of a certain age who lapped up Roy 's adventures on a weekly basis now have the opportunity , for the first time , to own an original sketch or proof from this immensely popular series . Cricket is well represented here , with Trevillion capturing the stride of Tendulkar as he drives another delivery to the boundary , while there are lovely tribute sketches to Botham and David Gower in their pomp . There 's the strain in Andy Murray 's face as he serves for victory at Wimbledon , the reach of Michael Jordan as he wows the fans with another slam dunk , and the accurate boot of Jonny Wilkinson as he slots another three points for England . Net gain : A thrilled Andy Murray with a Daily Mail spread featuring Paul Trevillion 's depiction of the Briton . The Little Master by the Master of Movement : Sachin Tendulkar playing an expansive drive . There is truly something for everyone from a man who has drawn - always in ink , never oil pastels or paints - for publications such as Eagle , the Daily Mirror , Daily Express , The Sun , The Daily Telegraph and The Times . Of course , many have appeared exclusively in the pages of the Daily Mail and on MailOnline . Visitors to the Strand Gallery have the opportunity to purchase original artwork and signed limited edition copies of Trevillion 's greatest works , or simply admire their idols in full flow . Work of art : Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrating his propeller kick against England and -LRB- right -RRB- the genesis of the goal . ` I got my first pencil at six months old and realised I could draw . I learned at six to make the medium of ink work for me , then learned to work faster , got better and quicker . ' ` I want people to be able to afford them and to buy them , ' Trevillion says . ` I wanted the people who stand on the terraces to be able to afford them . ` These are an investment . They will gain another three noughts in a few years . Mortgage the house , sell the car , buy one . It 'll be worth # 70million before I die ! ' Paul Trevillion 's exhibition opens at The Strand Gallery from Wednesday , June 18 until Saturday , July 5 -LRB- 11am-6pm -RRB- . Admission is free . | Exhibition at the Strand Gallery marks Trevillion 's stellar 50-year career . Pele , Bobby Moore , Cristiano Ronaldo , Johan Cruyff , Franz Beckenbauer , Lionel Messi , Cristiano Ronaldo , Sir Ian Botham , Sachin Tendulkar and Andy Murray among the subjects . Many of these pictures have appeared in Daily Mail and on MailOnline . Exhibition from June 18 to July 5 - and it 's free . | [[138, 240], [6747, 6819], [286, 300], [303, 491], [5831, 5912], [6877, 6896]] |
Three children were rescued from a burning car in Pennsylvania after their mother left them alone in the vehicle while she went shopping inside a Walmart . Stacey Nelson , 32 , is facing charges after she admitted to police that she left her three kids unsupervised to shop for ` about five minutes ' . Police said it is extremely lucky that the children , aged two , three and ten escaped unhurt from the blaze on Friday afternoon . The mother left her three children alone in the car while she went shopping in Walmart -LRB- file picture -RRB- . According to the Bradford Era , the source of the fire was traced to the passenger seat of the car where the ten-year-old girl had been sitting , while her younger siblings were strapped into their car seats in the back . Police said the girl told them she had been playing with a yellow lighter that she had found in the glove compartment and had ` caught some papers on fire and tried to get it out , but it was too late ' . Foster Township Police Chief Tom Munn said passers-by in the parking lot rescued the children from the unlocked SUV . Ms Nelson was found inside the store . Firefighters extinguished the fire and the car , which had suffered heavy damage to the interior , was towed from the scene . Passersby in the store parking lot rescued the children from the unlocked sport-utility vehicle -LRB- file picture -RRB- . | Stacey Nelson , 32 , told police she left her kids for ` about five minutes ' Ten-year-old was playing with lighter she found in the glove compartment . Younger children , aged two and three , were strapped into seats in the back . Police said it is extremely lucky the children escaped unhurt from the blaze . | [[156, 169], [177, 228], [201, 252], [238, 252], [266, 298], [770, 843], [827, 887], [694, 769], [303, 433], [315, 433]] |
Accused : Steve Sells has been arrested after his daughter was found severely malnourished . A father has been arrested after his mentally disabled 15-year-old daughter was found covered in feces and weighing just 35 pounds . Father-of-three Steve Sells , 58 , from Anderson , Indiana , was arrested on Monday night - but he insisted that his daughter was so small because of her medical condition , authorities said . Family members had taken the girl to St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson on Monday afternoon . Doctors contacted police and she was then flown to Peyton Manning Children 's Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment . Authorities said her condition could be life threatening . Anderson Police told Fox59 that the teenager , who is mentally disabled , was severely malnourished and covered in feces when she was taken to hospital . She weighed just 35 pounds , which is the average weight of a five-year-old child . Neighbor Thomas McAllister told the station that Sells and his wife lived at the home with their three children . He said that Sells had always given the impression he was a caring father . ` That is mind boggling , ' he added . ` That is just disgusting and no child should have to go through anything like that . ' Sells ' wife returned home on Monday evening but refused to speak to reporters , FOX59 said . Family : He lives at the home with his wife Joetta -LRB- pictured -RRB- and his three children . His wife was questioned by police but so far he is the only person arrested in connection with the case , police said . Sells was the only family member arrested , but other family members have been questioned , The IndyChannel reported . The man blamed his daughter 's low weight on a medical condition , Anderson Police Detective Joel Sandefur told WTHR , but ` that has to be investigated to see if it 's even plausible or not ' , he said . The detective did not provide any details about that or the nature of the girl 's disability . ` It 's troubling to see a human being treated in this manner , especially when it 's a family member of someone , someone 's own child , ' he added . Scene : Sells , who lives at this Anderson home , said his daughter 's weight was due to her condition . Sells will faces preliminary child neglect charges . He will likely face more serious charges if his daughter does not survive her injuries . He is currently being held on a 72-hour hold and it is not clear whether he has an attorney . Anderson is about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis . See below for video . | Steve Sells , 58 , was arrested on Monday after concerned relatives took his severely malnourished teenage daughter to hospital in Indiana . She ` was covered in feces and weighed the same as a five-year-old ' and authorities have said that her condition is life threatening . The dad-of-three insisted that the mentally-disabled teen is so small because of her medical condition . | [[10, 62], [8, 58], [40, 92], [93, 168], [226, 274], [277, 315], [419, 510], [540, 552], [559, 617], [540, 543], [548, 629], [126, 195], [126, 168], [179, 208], [630, 688], [642, 688], [689, 809], [721, 733], [793, 842], [322, 397], [1674, 1738], [2125, 2130], [2175, 2229]] |
A scientist who apparently worked in some capacity for Lockheed Martin has claimed aliens on Earth are real and have made contact with Earth in a video posted shortly before his death . Boyd Bushman apparently drew on his own personal experiences to reveal that extraterrestrials were in Area 51 . And in a bizarre interview he also claims anti-gravity is one of several technologies being hidden by the government . In a video Boyd Bushman -LRB- shown -RRB- says aliens are real and they have visited Earth . He made the claims before he passed away on 7 August 2014 . Incidents such as Roswell in 1947 were caused by aliens , he says . And he also shows off ` pictures ' of aliens and their home world . The controversial video was apparently made shortly before Mr Bushman died on 7 August 2014 . He had several patents attributed to him that were assigned to Lockheed Martin , and he was apparently also a senior scientist at the company - although that claim is disputed . These patents include a magnetic drive , an light beam to find objects , a thermally energised electrical power source and a heat radiation detection system . Mr Bushman says aliens have visited Earth , and continue to do so . He says they come from a planet called Quintumnia 68 light-years away and can make the journey in 45 minutes . These aliens have fingers and toes like us and are five feet -LRB- 1.5 meters -RRB- tall . They are also apparently up to 230 years old - although Mr Bushman did n't say if he meant a Quintumnian year or a humble Earth year . And the aliens can even commute through telepathy . Having visited Earth in their spacecraft , scientists here have apparently been reverse-engineering their UFO technology . This includes the accidental shooting down of a flying saucer in 1947 -- infamously associated with the Roswell incident . Remarkably , Mr Bushman also says he gave a camera to the aliens to take pictures of their home world -- which he shows off in a series of blurry images . And last but not least the US , Russia and China are also apparently working on anti-gravity technology . In the video Mr Bush says there are Americans working on UFOs from outer space 24 hours a day , reported the Metro . He also says aliens hail from a planet 68 light-years away called Quintumnia , but that it takes them just 45 minutes to reach our planet . ` There are two groups of aliens , ' said Mr Bushman . ` They divide them into two groups . It 's like a cattle ranch . ` One group are wranglers , and the others are rustlers - the stealers of cattle . ' Among the other wild claims in the video , he says there is a special flight path to Area 51 from space . Aliens at the base are apparently five feet -LRB- 1.5 metres -RRB- long and up to 230 years old . They each have five fingers , which are 30 per cent longer than ours , and five webbed toes . And the Quintumnians apparently communicate through telepathy . In yet another bizarre claim , he also says scientists at Area 51 have been working with Russian and Chinese counterparts to develop anti-gravity technology . His claims , understandably , have been met with widespread criticism and derision . Speaking to MailOnline , UFO expert Nigel Watson , author of the Haynes UFO Investigations Manual , said : ` This story has been received with equal measures of enthusiasm , curiosity , confusion and scepticism in the UFO community . Some commenters have said that the alien Mr Bushman shows in his video looks oddly similar to a plastic one shown in shops -LRB- pictured -RRB- . ` Was Bushman delusional or telling the truth ? Certainly , Bushman believed in what he was saying , ' said UFO expert Nigel Watson . Mr Bushman says scientists have been reverse-engineering UFO technology from aliens that have landed on Earth.This includes the accidental shooting down of a flying saucer in 1947 -- infamously associated with the Roswell incident -LRB- stock image shown -RRB- . ` Several people have noted that the alien in the pictures produced by Bushman look very much like an alien doll sold by shops several years ago . ` Was Bushman delusional or telling the truth ? Certainly , Bushman believed in what he was saying . ` As long ago as 2008 he passed a polygraph test , during which he claimed he had worked on antigravity projects , alien technologies and had even met and photographed an alien , and examined at least eight different types of alien spacecraft . ` Bushman also revealed that he had received death threats and that security personnel had attempted to discredit him and tried to keep him from talking to the public . ` And Alejandro Rojas at website Open Minds said : ` Like so many stories in the UFO field , Bushman 's is enigmatic . ` The whole affair could easily be written off as the delusional ramblings of an old man . ` The only thing that causes one to pause is Bushman 's background . Why would a high level scientist begin making up such wild stories ? ' Lockheed Martin was yet to provide a comment on the claims when contacted by MailOnline . | In a video Boyd Bushman says aliens are real and they have visited Earth . He made the claims before he passed away on 7 August 2014 . Incidents such as Roswell in 1947 were caused by aliens , he says . And he also shows off ` pictures ' of aliens and their home world . He apparently used to work as a senior scientist for Lockheed Martin . Here he says he worked on anti-gravity and alien technology . But his claims have been widely derided by UFO experts and commentators . Some have said pictures of the ` alien ' Mr Bushman shows look very similar to a plastic toy . | [[0, 98], [0, 70], [103, 151], [417, 479], [480, 509], [1137, 1178], [3755, 3766], [3772, 3793], [510, 569], [536, 569], [706, 799], [765, 799], [0, 98], [570, 625], [0, 98], [638, 644], [650, 705], [1925, 1941], [1954, 1994], [0, 98], [0, 70], [99, 107], [0, 70], [103, 151], [885, 902], [908, 941], [0, 98], [4258, 4306], [4269, 4327], [3084, 3094], [3097, 3111], [3114, 3168], [3403, 3510], [3946, 4058]] |
An NHS chief has said alcohol is becoming a ` silent killer ' in the UK as he warned middle class drinkers that a glass of wine is just as harmful as downing three shots of vodka . Duncan Selbie , the head of Public Health England , said deaths from alcohol-related illnesses had soared by 500 per cent since the seventies to become the third biggest killer of working age people in the UK . Britain is now the only country in western Europe except Finland where cases of liver disease are increasing . Mr Selbie added that the middle classes would often pour themselves a glass of wine at the end of the day with ` no idea ' how much they were actually drinking . Scroll down for video . Duncan Selbie said that deaths from alcohol in working age people have increased by 500 per cent since the 1970s because many people have no idea how much they are drinking . Glasses size has also increased alongside our alcohol consumption so drinkers can be pouring themselves more without realising it . Last week the Lancet commission said Britain is turning into the capital of Europe for alcohol-related disease as they recommended that liver scans should be offered by GPs . In his weekly staff briefing , Mr Selbie said liver disease is largely preventable but was a ` silent killer with 75 per cent of people with cirrhosis only being diagnosed once they are admitted to hospital . ` Liver disease is largely preventable with the three big risk factors being alcohol -- for example , a large glass of wine is like three shots of vodka , so it is very easy for people to pour a glass and have no idea how much they are drinking . ' Fiona Bruce , the Labour MP , agreed , telling the Telegraph : ` This is an issue we need to take much more seriously , and revise our view of the binge drinker as a teenager out late at night . A glass of wine after work does the same harm as drinking three shots of vodka -LRB- coloured vodka shots pictured -RRB- Duncan Selbie , the head of Public Health England , has warned . ` Increasingly too high levels of alcohol consumption are occurring in the home by older age groups and we all have a responsibility to challenge and help address this . ' As liver disease cases increase , a treatment that reduces the urge for alcohol was made available last month to those who regularly consume more than 7.5 units every day . Nalmefene costs # 3 and is suitable for anyone who drinks half a bottle of wine or three pints each day . It was rolled out in Scotland last October , where so far 53 people have used it . Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland , chair of the all Parliamentary Save the Pub Group , said drinkers would be safer to enjoy their favourite tipple in the local pub which had a ` legal responsibility ' to give controlled measures and not allow punters to get too drunk . Tracey Crouch , the former chair of the alcohol misuse group , and Conservative MP she was ` really pleased ' the issue had been raised by Public Health England to try and encourage people to change their drinking habits . ` People will see it is a very different thing pouring a glass of wine to pouring a three measure vodka but this is why it important to have calorific content on the labels - you would n't pour three shots of vodka but you also would n't sit down and eat six donuts - but you tend to pour yourself a large measure of wine not a small glass . ' | NHS Chief Duncan Selbie says people do n't know how much they drink . Liver disease is now the third biggest killer of working age adults . Alcohol-related deaths have increased by 500 per cent since the 1970s . Britain is turning into the capital of Europe for alcohol-related disease . Mr Selbie warned a large glass of wine is like three shots of vodka in units . | [[0, 71], [810, 863], [1538, 1540], [1585, 1626], [309, 391], [181, 194], [233, 302], [238, 360], [689, 814], [713, 829], [996, 1106], [1033, 1114], [75, 180], [1824, 1908]] |
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