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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:54 EST, 31 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:29 EST, 2 January 2014 . President Vladimir Putin vowed to annihilate all 'terrorists' in Russia, talking tough after two deadly bomb attacks in the southern city of Volgograd that raised security fears ahead of the Winter Olympics. The uncompromising remarks in a televised New Year address were Putin's first public comments since suicide bombers killed at least 34 people in attacks less than 24 hours apart on a railway station and a trolleybus on Sunday and Monday. Today Putin travelled to . Volgograd, where he visited wounded victims in hospital, placed red . roses at the trolleybus bombing site and held a meeting on . countertterrorism efforts with senior security officials. Scroll down for video . Message: Putin vowed to annihilate all 'terrorists' following two deadly bomb attacks in the southern Russian city of Volgograd that raised security fears ahead of the Winter Olympics . Visit: Putin meets a survivor of one of the recent bombings at a local hospital in Volgograd . His message came as he visited survivors of the attacks which left dozens of people injured. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks . 'I am certain that we will fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation,' the president said in a New Year's address . The bombings just ahead of Russia's . biggest annual holiday followed another suicide bus blast in Volgograd . in October and came little more than a month before the start of Games . on whose success Putin has staked his personal reputation. In . the New Year address, he acknowledged 'problems and serious tests' in . 2013, including the Volgograd bombings, and vowed to ensure security in . the year ahead. Putin, . who came to power when Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation on New . Year's Eve 14 years ago, won popularity early in his presidency by . crushing efforts to forge an independent state in Chechnya, but he has . been unable to stop Chechen and other Islamist militants across the . North Caucasus. Putin chairs a meeting on the aftermath of the recent bombings and security measures at the regional administration headquarters in Volgograd today . The bombings came little more than a month before the start of Games on whose success Putin has staked his personal reputation . Police . detained dozens of people in sweeps through Volgograd on Tuesday but . there was no indication any were linked to the attacks, for which no one . claimed responsibility.Mourners laid flowers at the site of the bombing that tore the bus apart and left residents fearing further violence. 'I'm . frightened,' said Tatyana Volchanskaya, a student in Volgograd, 700 km . (400 miles) northeast of Sochi. She said some friends were afraid to go . to shops and other crowded places. Putin . ordered tighter security nationwide after the blasts, but Russian . Olympic chief Alexander Zhukov said no additional measures would be . taken at Sochi: 'As for the Olympic Games, all necessary security . measures have been foreseen,' Interfax news agency quoted him as saying . on Monday. Sombre message: Russian president Vladimir Putin recording his New Year message . Putin speaks to people during a New Year dinner in Khabarovsk, Russia's Far East . Putin checks his watch during the New Year dinner last night . Russia's president toasts in the new year at the dinner . 'Additional measures will not be taken in Sochi as a result of the terrorist act. Everything necessary has been done as it is.' Putin . has staked his prestige on the Feb. 7-23 Games in Sochi, which lies at . the Western edge of the Caucasus mountains and within the strip of land . the insurgents want to carve out of Russia and turn into an Islamic . state. Insurgent leader Doku Umarov has urged militants to use 'maximum force' to prevent the Games from going ahead. Russia drove separatists from power in Chechnya in a war that boosted the popularity of Putin, a former KGB officer. Russia's President lays flowers at the site of an explosion on a trolley bus in Volgograd . Grief: A man mourns near portraits of the victims of the suicide bombings at Volgograd's main railway station . But . the insurgency that spread across the North Caucasus region in the . aftermath of that conflict has persisted despite Putin's repeated, . strongly worded pledges to eliminate the militants whose attacks have . cast a shadow over his rule. As . prime minister in 1999, he vowed to 'wipe them out in the s***house' and in 2010, after female suicide bombers killed 40 people on the Moscow . metro, he ordered police to find their masters and 'scrape them from . the bottom of the sewers'. Less than a year later, in January 2011, a bomber from the North Caucasus killed 37 people at a busy Moscow airport. The . rail station bombing in Volgograd was the deadliest attack outside the . North Caucasus since then, killing 18 people. Citing unnamed sources, . Interfax said the suspected attacker was an ethnic Russian convert to . Islam who moved to Dagestan where he joined militants early in 2012. Investigators said they believed a male suicide bomber was also responsible for Monday's morning rush-hour blast. Volgograd . - formerly Stalingrad - is a city of a million and a transport hub for . an area of southern Russia that includes the North Caucasus. A . car bomb killed a prosecutor's assistant in Dagestan on Tuesday and two . people were killed in a bomb blast there late on Monday, authorities . said. A policeman patrols inside a restricted area as women walk past in central Volgograd . Putin ordered tighter security nationwide after the blasts, but Russian Olympic chief Alexander Zhukov said no additional measures would be taken at Sochi . In Volgograd, more . than 5,000 police and interior troops were mobilised in 'Operation . Anti-terror Whirlwind', Interior Ministry spokesman Andrei Pilipchuk . said. He said 87 people had been detained after they resisted police or . could not produce proper ID or registration documents, and that some had . weapons. State . television showed helmeted officers pushing men up against a wall. But . there was no sign any were linked to the bombings or suspected of . planning further attacks. Itar-Tass . news agency said police were focusing on migrant workers from the . Caucasus and ex-Soviet states - groups that rights activists say face . discrimination from police. The . success or failure of the Olympics will form a big part of the legacy . of Putin, 60. He secured the Games for Sochi in 2007, during his first . stint as president, and has not ruled out seeking a new six-year term in . 2018. Intended to . showcase how Russia has changed since the collapse of Soviet communism . in 1991, the Games have also been a focus for complaints in the West and . among Russian liberals that Putin has stifled dissent and encouraged . intolerance. This month, . Putin freed jailed opponents including oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky . and the Pussy Riot punk band in what critics said was an effort to . disarm Western criticism and improve his image.

President spoke as funerals began for victims of the Volgograd bombings . Residents of the city were too fearful to venture out for New Year festivities .

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A group of pranksters who had some time on their hands over the summer break managed to pull off an incredible golf hole-in-one under some unusual circumstances. The Australian foursome who make up Youtube comedy group How Ridiculous were holidaying in Busselton - about three hours south of Perth in Western Australia - when they set up an underwater golf hole. Performing a spectacular hole-in-one and capturing the whole thing on multiple cameras, the boys shared their incredible feat on their YouTube channel this week. Scroll down for video . The stunt saw the four friends set up a golf flag 50 metres of the shore of Busselton beach in Perth . Footage of the fun shows one of the men standing on the shore of a protected part of the bay ready to take the one-par shot . Two other members of the group tread water about 50 metres off shore swimming alongside a weighted bucket . Footage of the fun shows one of the men - Brett - standing on the shore of a protected part of the bay ready to take the one-par shot. Two other members of the group tread water about 50 metres off shore swimming alongside a weighted bucket with a flag sticking out of the ocean, waiting for their mate to make the incredible hole-in-one. Scott, who was filming the stunt with a GoPro from the right side of the flag told Daily Mail Australia the boys camp at the same spot every Christmas and after pulling of golf-related stunt at the same beach a few years back they decided to try something new. 'We thought lets do something a little more innovative, and a little more fun,' Scott said. Taking place on a picture-perfect summer day the impressive feat is met with cheers of delight from the pair in the ocean as on other member runs in to shot to give golfer Brett a high-five. The impressive feat is met with cheers of delight from the pair in the ocean as on other member runs in to shot to give golfer Brett a high-five . The impressive feat is met with cheers of delight from the pair in the ocean as on other member runs in to give golfer Brett a high-five . Although the trick took over 50 attempts to pull of and more than two hours to film, that's simply part of the fun for this close-knit group of friends. Since 2009 the foursome have been creating similar entertaining videos, which they originally shared with just their family and friends. 'We're all friends in our local church so it's a cool community thing it's shared around for a bit of a laugh,' Scott told Daily Mail Australia. But since humble beginnings the How Ridiculous gang have claimed their very own Guinness World Record for the highest basketball shot ever made, have over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube and millions of views across all their videos. The stunt took over 50 attempts to pull of and more than two hours to film . Since 2009 the foursome have been creating videos which they originally shared with just their family and friends . The group also work in conjunction with charity Compassion, whose aim is to release children in developing nations from poverty. 'It stems from our faith and we are very community focused and we just got to point where when we realised we had a substantial platform, Scott said. 'We just thought if views and subscribers and likes is all we're getting that's pretty empty. 'We want to give back and not be totally self-centred.' You can check the official Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/HowRidiculous .

YouTube pranksters How Ridiculous uploaded the stunt this week . The four friends set up a weighted bucket and flag 50 metres off the shore . The trick took over 50 attempts to pull of and more than two hours to film .

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North Koreans were treated to a exhibition of pro wrestling during a special two-day festival organised by a Japanese member of parliament. The bizarre event is part of a warming of relations between Japan and the hermit state run by Kim Jong Un. Some 15,000 residents packed the stadium to watch the show which featured to American wrestlers, one of whom was previously a pro American Footballer with the Minnesota VIkings and Chicago Bears. Scroll down for video . US pro wrestler Jon Anderson, pictured, walks towards the ring in Pyongyang before his wrestling bout . Bob 'The Beast' Sapp prepares to slam his opponent to the canvas much to the horror of the corner man, right . Some 15,000 North Koreans packed the arena for the biggest international sporting event of the summer . The event was the first pro wrestling show in North Korea for 20 years. It was the first major sporting event with foreign 'stars' since Dennis Rodman and a group of former NBA basketball players staged a game in January for Kim Jong Un's birthday. The trip was organised by former Japense wrestler Kanji 'Antonio' Inoki, who is also a member of parliament. He claimed the event will help promote further exchanges with North Korea. However, Jang Ung, member of the International Olympic Committee and the North Korean organiser for the event used his opening remarks to attack the United States and South Korea. Jang claimed that President Obama was using military exercises in South Korea as a prelude to a nuclear attack on North Korea. The United States rejected that interpretation, claiming the exercises were purely defensive. When Americans Bob 'The Beast' Sapp and Jon Andersen took to the ring, the crowd of about 15,000 didn't seem to know how to respond. 'It was real eerie and a little scary at first,' said Sapp, who briefly played for the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears before becoming a celebrity in Japan as a mixed martial artist. 'But we were able to take control of the audience. It went over very well.' Fans looked on as the exhibition involving US and Japanese wrestlers took place in Pyongyang earlier today . One woman, right, cannot quite believe what she is witnessing in the ring just a few feet in front of her . These girls look genuinely tense as the result of the wrestling contest seems in doubt . Two female wrestlers lay on the canvass after their bout in front of 15,000 very well behaved fans . US Wrestlers Bob 'The Beast' Sapp, left and Jon Anderson, right pose for photographs before the contest . Unusually, taking photographs of the the subject's back seems to be the preferred option in Pyongyang . Feeling Blue: Unfortunately for the 15,000 fans who witnessed the exhibition, there was no sign of Kim Jong Un .

Pro wrestling exhibition held in Pyongyang for the first time in 20 years . The event was arranged by a member of the Japanese parliament . Japan is trying to improve its relations with the bizarre hermit state .

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Buffalo was bracing itself on Sunday for devastating flooding as weather forecasters predicted only the second white Thanksgiving in New York City in 75-years. The snow, due to strike on Wednesday, would be the first time the city has seen the white stuff on Thanksgiving in 25 years, with the last being in 1989, weather expert Dr Roy Spencer, said. Upward of six inches could fall in areas that are west of I-95 - and New York City, as well as Washington, D.C., and Boston, are among them, Accuweather reported. The severity of a storm along the East Coast during the middle of this week will be based on its proximity to the coast, the weather source reported. On the shores of Lake Erie, warming temperatures began to melt up to seven feet of snow that struck upstate New York in a series of deadly snowstorms. In a message to locals, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned those in flood-prone areas to move their valuables out of the basement, pack bags and prepare for the possibility of evacuation. 'Err on the side of caution,' he said at a news conference in Cheektowaga today. 'You prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and that's what we're doing.' Gov Cuomo described the predicted flooding as 'phase two of this battle with Mother Nature', adding that officials have dozens of boats, pumps, and a huge 176,500 sandbags at the ready. Scroll down for video . Warning: In a message to residents, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (pictured, right, with Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown) has warned those in flood-prone areas in Buffalo to move their valuables out of the basement . Predicted snowfall: It comes amid predictions that New York City could experience its second white Thanksgiving in 75 years. Above, accumulated snowfall in eastern America from November 23 to 27 . Bundle up! Indicated in red are possible areas which may see snowfall this week. The severity of a storm system during the middle of this week will be based on its proximity to the coast . Preparing for rain: 'Err on the side of caution,' Gov Cuomo said at a news conference today. 'You prepare for the worst and hope for the best, and that's what we're doing.' Above, a flood warning is in place in Buffalo . Snowed in: Warming temperatures have started to melt up to seven feet of snow that struck upstate New York in a series of deadly snowstorms. Above, Thomas Wisniewki digs his car out of the snow in Buffalo on Sunday . Collapsed: Gov Cuomo described the upcoming flooding as 'phase two of this battle with Mother Nature', adding officials have 176,500 sandbags at the ready. Above, a collapsed home in Alden in Erie County . Response: But he added: 'Hopefully we need none of this. Hopefully this was just an elaborate exercise in logistics. We hope to get back to business on Monday.' Above, military officials remove snow in Buffalo . As a backup to Red Cross shelters, he said the state would have shelters at community colleges and state university campuses, according to CBS affiliate WIVB in Buffalo. But he added: 'Hopefully we need none of this. Hopefully this was just an elaborate exercise in logistics. We hope to get back to business on Monday. 'Government offices will be open. Schools will be open. We are sending teams of structural engineers in to inspect any school that might have the potential of a structural problem.' And the governor's wishes may yet come true as creeks appeared to be flowing smoothly and no flooding had been reported as the sun began to go down, county officials said. This graph, from the Nation Weather Service, shows the probability of rain, thunder, snow and freezing rain falling in Buffalo, New York, on Monday. The ratings are 'occasional', 'likely', 'chance' and 'small chance' Struggle: Earlier today, it emerged that Karen Rossi (pictured with one of her daughters), 47, was trapped inside her car in a snow drift for 13 hours. The stricken mother wrote goodbye letters to her daughters . Shoveling: Shovel Brigade Mob volunteers Brett Lawton (front) and Chris Golino (back) remove snow . Reclaiming: Snow has stopped falling over Buffalo and surrounding counties after the storm claimed 13 lives . This graph shows the weather forecast on Sunday, Nov 23, with rain and snow expected across the States . More than 775 members of the New York National Guard are currently in Erie county and Buffalo to aid with the wide-scale snow removal and flood prevention efforts. With help from hundreds of volunteers, they are clearing snow-covered roads and digging out homes and vehicles buried in snow following the record storms that killed 13 people. Roofs collapsed and some people were stuck in their cars for more than 24 hours when the heaviest snow fall in memory hit areas of New York state along the Great Lakes. Earlier today, it emerged that a mother who was trapped in her car for 13 hours wrote goodbye letters to her daughters as her struggle for survival became increasingly desperate. Danger: Rain could sink into snow on roofs around Buffalo, making it heavier and putting them under strain . Aid: Buffalo fireman from Engine 25 try to locate a fire hydrant on the corner of Paul Pl and Seneca Street . Distressed: Tami Diestler looks over the exterior of her collapsed home in on Cary Road in Alden, New York . In a state of shock: Risk: More than 775 members of the New York National Guard are currently in Erie county and Buffalo to aid with the snow removal and flood prevention efforts. Above, Tami and Mike Diestler . Karen Rossi, 47, became stuck in a snowbank while driving home from work at a Buffalo hospital last week. She was trapped for good when a passing snowplow heaped up even more snow around her, the Buffalo News reported. The stricken mother wound down the window and used a sweatshirt to cover her hands as she dug round to the tailpipe so she could keep the engine running without poisoning herself. She spent 13 hours - from 3am until 4pm - trapped with no way to see the outside. In desperation, she fished a scrap of paper out of her purse and wrote notes to both of her two daughters. Ultimately she was able to summon help by pushing away enough snow to stick a red brush out and wave it for attention. The brush was seen by a passing monster truck driver, who shoveled her out. Rossi later offered to show the letters to her daughters, but both have refused for the time being. The November storm system, dubbed the 'Knife Storm,' lasted for three days. Thirteen people died in the snowstorms. At least one was found dead in their car in a fate similar to the one Rossie narrowly avoided. Others died of exposure or from heart attacks caused while shoveling snow. Two elderly people died during an evacuation of their nursing home. The National Weather Service said roads could flood quickly from snow melt since the storm blocked drains, and issued warnings for potential flooding of four rivers and creeks. Toasting: Volunteers (l-r) Kathleen Murray Dave Decker, Ron Barney, and Bill Booker toast during a cook-out on the corner of Keppel St. and Seneca in South Buffalo on Sunday . Surveying: Gov Cuomo (left) and Mayor Brown survey storm clean-up in the south Buffalo area on Sunday . Concern: The pair chat as they look around the area following the deadly snowstorms in New York last week . 'Snowmelt is well underway and will continue through Monday,' the weather service said on its website. 'It is this snowmelt that will ultimately cause the flooding concerns.' Eric Burr, public affairs director for the Division of Military and Naval Affairs for New York state, added: 'The focus right now is still snow removal. 'There's a lot of snow still on the ground and the key is to get rid of snow especially around drains so that water doesn't back up.' Flood warnings were in effect as the NWS said higher temperatures - rising to 50 degrees on Sunday and 60 on Monday - could rapidly unlock up to six inches of water. As the dinner hour set in, no flooding had been reported, Erie County spokesman Peter Anderson said in an email. 'Resources are being staged for quick deployment and all eyes are on the creeks,' he said. 'The weather is warmer and snow is melting, but creeks are flowing well.' Ellen Przepasniak, spokeswoman for the Erie County emergency operations effort, said sandbags would be quickly deployed to cities and towns that report rising waters. The state has provided some 3,000 tons of sand to fill the bags, Anderson said. Inmates from the Erie County Jail holding center were filling sandbags in a parking lot, as New York city firefighters loaded boats into the backs of pickups and dump trucks. National Guard deployed front-end loaders, dump trucks and airfield-grade snow-removal trucks for snow removal, as well as tractor-trailers, 20 .

Warming temperatures have started to melt heavy snow in Buffalo, NY . Governor Andrew Cuomo has told locals to move valuables out of way . 'Err on the side of caution... prepare for the worst,' he said in a speech . Severe flood warning in place in region; residents could be evacuated . Gov Cuomo described flooding as 'phase two in Mother Nature battle' Thirteen people died in storms that dumped seven feet of snow in area . Comes amid predictions New York City could experience second white Thanksgiving in 75 years, with new blast of cold air sweeping across US .

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(CNN) -- A late-night scuffle after the Denver Broncos-San Diego Chargers game, which left at least three people with stab wounds, appears to be over a parking space rather than a football rivalry, police said Friday. Police took three people into custody, and two have been released pending further investigation, Denver Police Sgt. Steve Warneke said Friday. Justin Manzanares, 29, is being held for investigation of three counts of aggravated assault. A fourth person also may have been injured in the Thursday incident in the parking lot next to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, but authorities have yet to find that victim, Warneke said. That person left without seeking treatment, according to authorities. The three victims are now in stable condition after suffering non-life-threatening injuries, he said. "It doesn't appear that this was related to the outcome of the game. It doesn't appear that this was Broncos versus Chargers. It appears this stemmed from a traffic altercation in which the suspects were backing out of a parking space and nearly struck the victims' vehicle," Warneke said of the 10 p.m. (12 a.m. ET) incident. The Denver Broncos referred questions to Stadium Management Company, which runs the team's stadium. The company said it was aware of the incident and was working with authorities. This is second violent incident after a Broncos game this month. A 30-year-old man died after he fought another person in a parking lot near the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium on December 1. That incident happened after a game between the Chiefs and the Broncos. Fighting erupts in football stands . CNN's AnneClaire Stapleton and Chuck Johnston contributed to this report.

Police say the incident is related to a traffic altercation, not a football rivalry . One victim is listed in critical condition, two in stable condition . It is unclear what caused the scuffle . It happened after the Denver Broncos lost their Thursday night game .

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It is a day when most parents consider attendance sacrosanct, but Tom Cruise has been forced to explain why he was absent from his daughter Suri's first day of school. Cruise has been questioned about his role as a father as part of a $50million legal process which has seen the Hollywood superstar sue a magazine company for defaming his parenting skills. The 51-year-old defended himself during a deposition, claiming he would have been there for Suri's first day of school had she asked him to be. Daddy's girl: Tom Cruise, pictured with Suri last year, claims he would have been there for his daughter's first day of school had she asked him . The revelations comes one the same day as Katie Holmes is accused of 'smearing' Tom Cruise in a series of leaked emails sent between his staff. The emails, sent last autumn, sees Tom's publicist Amanda Lundberg accuse Holmes friend and business partner Jeanne Yang of leaking untrue information to journalists during a conversation with other members of Tom Cruise's staff. The conversation, obtained by Radar Online, also alleges that Katie Holmes press team work to ensure Suri and Katie are pictured together as often as possible. '[Katie's publicist] calls the paparazzi every time K gets ready to leave the building as the doormen are always surprised how they suddenly show up when she is about to leave,' Lundberg writes to another employed. Cruise is suing Bauer Publishing for . their 2012 cover stories of both Life & Style and In Touch that . claimed he had 'abandoned' his daughter Suri after divorcing Holmes on . 29 June 2012. School girls: Suri is pictured being dropped off at her $40,000-a-year private school in Chelsea, Manhattan by her mother Katie Holmes, 34, late last month . 'Not an ideal situation': Tom Cruise is suing Life & Style and InTouch for claiming in two cover stories that he had 'abandoned' his daughter Suri . ‘I think parents sometimes think it’s (a big day),’ Cruise said of his daughter’s first day at a New York private school. ‘You . know with Suri, if she had asked me to be there, I would have been . there. I would have tried to make it work out in any way I could.’ He . added that he had agreed with his ex-wife Katie Holmes that it would be . best if he did not attend, so as to avoid a media circus. Suri attends a $40,000-a-year school near the apartment in Chelsea, Manhattan, where she lives with her mother. The revelations comes from a 48-page transcript of a gruelling deposition held in September this year, obtained by Radar, in which Cruise admits he did not see his daughter Suri for 110 days after his divorce. Radar reports how when asked if his former wife Holmes, 34, had tried to 'protect' Suri from Scientology, Cruise hit back. In happier times: Tom and Kate are seen doting over their daughter Suri in New York in 2008 during Katie's rehearsals for the Broadway play All My Sons . 'Listen, I find that question . offensive,' he is quoted as saying. 'I find it, those statements . offensive. Like with any relationship, there are many different levels . to it. You know, I, I find it very offensive. There is no need to . protect my daughter from my religion.' Cruise was then asked if Scientology . was on of the reasons Holmes left him, to which he appeared to admit, . replying: 'Did she say that? That was one of the assertions, yes.' The actor also confirmed that seven-year-old Suri is not longer practising Scientology. He was then asked if this meant Holmes would be considered a 'Suppressive Person' - a Scientology term used to describe members of the controversial religion who publicly renounce their faith. 'That is a distortion and a simplification of the matter,' he is said to have replied. '...I don’t want to just give an oversimplification of religious doctrine.' The site report that an 'angry' Cruise began to explain 'when there is a divorce... things change' at the interrogation held at the LA offices of Cruise's lawyer. In the document, McNamara probes Tom: 'From June 18 of 2012 until Thanksgiving of 2012, you only say Suri a few times, isn’t that right?,' to which Cruise replies, 'yes'. Deposition: Radar report that an 'angry' Cruise began to explain 'when there is a divorce... things change' at the interrogation held at the LA offices of Cruise's lawyer. McNamara then continues to calculate . the time that Cruise spent with his daughter Suri following his divorce . with Holmes, which totalled 10 days. Cruise then offers that during that time he was able to remain in Suri's life through conversations on the telephone. 'I’ve gotten very good at it. I’ve gotten very good at it. I tell wonderful stories and they like hearing it.' But McNamara replied, 'It really doesn’t substitute for being able to be there does it?' 'No, it doesn’t,' Cruise replied. McNamara pushed further when questioning why Cruise was able to attend a Scientology event and return to his filming schedule within 24 hours, but not make a visit to his daughter. Far apart: Katie Holmes and daughter Suri Cruise are currently enjoying a break in Cape Town, South Africa . Communicating: Katie - who recently joined Twitter - posted about the trip, saying: 'So happy to be on twitter!!!!!! Sending first tweets from South Africa!!!!! (sic)' 'That’s not true... different situation,' Cruise is quoted as saying. The deposition becomes even more . intense when McNamara compares Cruise's parenting skills to his own . father Thomas Mapother III, who allegedly left Cruise when he was a . child. 'The fact that you would suggest that I was being like my father… I find that greatly offensive.' The . case - which is expected to go to trial next year - will see Cruise sue . In Touch and Life & Style for libel and defamation. While the lawsuit drags on, Tom's ex-wife Katie has been seen in South Africa, where she is filming. Holmes . - who recently joined Twitter - posted about the trip, saying: 'So . happy to be on twitter!!!!!! Sending first tweets from South Africa!!!!! (sic).'

Tom Cruise did not to attend Suri's first day for school, deposition states . Document also reveals Tom did not see Suri for 110 days after his divorce . Hollywood megastar claims he would have been there if Suri asked him . The actor confirmed his daughter is no longer practising Scientology .

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UKIP leader Nigel Farage has made a dramatic offer to form an election pact with the Tories – but only if they dump David Cameron as leader. Buoyed by big gains in Thursday’s town hall elections, Farage last night said he is ready to join forces with the Conservatives to keep Ed Miliband out of power. Senior Tory sources flatly dismissed Farage’s call for Cameron to step down, but significantly did not rule out talks with UKIP on how they might work together. In his first major interview since winning 147 council seats, Mr Farage told The Mail on Sunday: . Farage said that if David Cameron were to quit he would join the Tories at the next election . UKIP and Tory candidates could run a single candidate in key parliamentary seats, in effect a Tory/UKIP coalition. He plans to take Parliament by storm by standing in a by-election expected in Portsmouth soon. He had given Mr Cameron a ‘kick in the balls’ in the local elections. ‘Foolish’ Tory Cabinet Minister Ken Clarke had driven voters to UKIP by branding the party ‘clowns’. Mr Farage’s success has shaken all three main party leaders, and Education Secretary Michael Gove has failed to kill off fresh reports of a bid to topple Mr Cameron by dismissing any such plot as ‘bonkerooney’. The rumours were refuelled by  rebel Tory MP Adam Afriyie who told the Prime Minister last night to ‘stop pussyfooting around’ and ‘get a grip on immigration’. Cameron has been criticised for failing to neutralise the UKIP threat . Tremors from the UKIP earthquake . prompted similar jibes against Ed Miliband from dissident Labour MPs. And Lib Dem MPs said it was ‘by no means impossible’ that Vince Cable . would replace struggling Nick Clegg before the next Election. Mr Farage’s offer to discuss a General Election deal with the Tories is another sign of the rapidly changing political landscape in Britain. He says it could win the Tories an extra 50 seats – enough for them to stay in power. Crucially, it would give UKIP a say in running the country for the first time. But Mr Farage says the Conservatives would have to agree to two demands: Sack Cameron, with a clear pledge by his successor to hold a prompt In/Out referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU. Adam Afriyie told the Prime Minister to stop pussyfooting around the issue of immigration . He has seized on quirks in election law which would allow UKIP and Tory candidates to wear the rosettes of both parties. At a stroke, UKIP votes in key areas would help the Tories keep Labour out of power – and bring Farage’s dream of leading Britain out of the EU closer. Until now, the UKIP leader has ruled out any deals with the Conservatives, partly because Mr Cameron called UKIP ‘fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists’. But Mr Farage’s surge in popularity, together with a slump in Mr Cameron’s, has prompted a rethink. He is now ready to do business with the Tories if Mr Cameron is replaced with a more eurosceptic Tory leader, such as Boris Johnson or Mr Gove. Mr Farage said: ‘There are lots of intelligent ways of doing deals in the future, all sorts of things a sensible, patriotic Conservative leader, could pursue. ‘I have been approached by Conservative Associations who say “look Nigel, not only have you taken a lump of our vote but you’ve also picked up the council estate vote round the corner which is never going to come to us. If we ran a candidate on a joint ticket we would walk it.” ’ Alternatively, the two parties could have a more straightforward non-aggression pact and agree not to run against each other in certain seats, says Farage. He denies claims it is fantasy politics. ‘Not at all. I have sat round the table on Sunday evenings with Conservative Party officials who have suggested this kind of thing to me.’ Farage has everything to gain from any such deal. UKIP’s success on Thursday may not translate into a single Commons seat in the 2105 General Election. ‘I’d rather have half an MP than not one at all,’ he says bluntly. Ken Clarke branded the party 'clowns' potentially driving voters to UKIP . He says the Tories could win ‘up to 50 extra seats’ by teaming up with UKIP, but it would carry huge risks. It could split the Party, with eurosceptic MPs grabbing the offer, while others may quit the Party rather than be associated with the reactionary views of UKIP. They would oppose  giving Mr Farage the whip hand and relying on him for a Parliamentary majority. Mr Farage maintains the likelihood of the Tories dumping Cameron before the election is not far-fetched. ‘I wouldn’t be so sure.’ A senior Conservative with close links to Mr Cameron said he would not resign, but did not close the door to talks. ‘If UKIP wants to put proposals to us, let them go ahead,’ he said.

Said MPs should stand for both parties, but only if PM quits . He savages 'socialist' Cameron and promises immediate EU poll . MP Adam Afriyie told the PM to stop 'pussyfooting around' over immigration .

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Washington (CNN) -- At the end of his career, former House Speaker Tip O'Neill was asked how Congress had changed between the 1950s and 1980s. O'Neill answered: "The people are better. The results are worse." Watching last week's health summit, you see what O'Neill meant. The conversation was intelligent, civil, well-informed. It also predictably achieved nothing. How could it? Deals are never reached in front of the television camera. Take this quiz. Name the most important legislation enacted in the 30 years between 1950 and 1980. Overwhelming isn't it? Civil rights. Voting rights. Interstate highways. Medicare. Medicaid. The deregulation of the airlines, natural gas, trucking, rail and oil. The immigration act of 1965. Clean Air, Clean Water, and the Endangered Species Acts. Supplemental Security Income in 1974. I could fill the whole screen. Now ... the next 30 years. There's the Reagan tax cuts of course. Deregulation of the savings & loans in 1982. The Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Welfare reform in 1995. Medicare Part D. What else? Leave aside whether you are liberal or conservative, whether you approve the measures mentioned above or disapprove. It's hard to dispute: Congress just got a lot more done in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s than in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Why? You hear many grand, sweeping explanations. Let's try just one simple one. Congress in the first period was controlled by a handful of committee chairmen, who owed their positions to seniority. The committees did their work in secret. Bills written in committee typically could not be amended on the floor of Congress. The institution was authoritarian, hierarchical, opaque. And stuff passed. In the mid-1970s, Congress underwent a revolution. The power of the committee chairmen was broken. The number of subcommittees proliferated. The committees met in public. Amendments multiplied. Congress become more open, more egalitarian, more responsive. And stuff ceased to pass. Again and again, today's gridlock can be traced to yesterday's reform. Is the filibuster grinding Congress to a halt? Before the 1970s, filibusters were both very rare and very difficult. But when Congress took action to make filibusters easier to break, it inadvertently made them easier to use. Back in the 1950s, a filibuster would bring the entire Senate to a halt, as the filibustering Senator talked and talked and talked. A filibuster was both spectacularly visible and personally exhausting: it exacted a high price from the filibustering senator. Then Congress took action to make filibusters easier to break, requiring only 60 votes instead of 67. But that same deal made them much easier to start. No need to speechify all night; no colleagues enraged that the filibustering senator has paralyzed the chamber. Today, a filibustering senator need only notify the majority leader of his intention. The filibustered legislation is sidetracked until 60 votes are found to enact it, while other business continues as normal. The price of the filibuster has been drastically cut. No surprise we get more of them. Candidates consumed by fundraising? Two generations ago, candidates barely raised money at all. Once nominated, a candidate would turn to his party apparatus to provide the money and expertise needed to contest an election. But the maximum contribution by a party organization was capped in the 1940s, and it has not been raised significantly since. This cap was supposed to clean up politics by weakening party bosses. Instead, it has forced every individual member of Congress to spend the bulk of his or her time begging for funds -- the very opposite of clean politics. Lobbyists everywhere? In 1950, a lobbyist who wanted a tax measure would have very few targets. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee could help, ditto the ranking member of the opposition party. The senior members of the Senate Finance Committee would likewise be worth talking to. Maybe some of the upper level officials at Treasury. The days of concentrated power have ended. Today, almost any one of the 535 members of Congress could help -- and so of course the interests must employ many more lobbyists to woo them all. Congress utterly polarized? Once upon a time, members of Congress did their business mostly in secret. They struck quiet deals with each other. A Republican might support a Democratic labor measure in return for some discreet help with a farm bill. Today, everything happens in the bright glare of sunshine, policed by hundreds of ideological interest groups. Deviate one step from the party line, and you are a traitor, a sell-out, an enemy. Just ask Scott Brown, yesterday's Republican hero, today a villain for voting against the filibuster of a jobs bill. We have an ideology that more publicity, more transparency, more openness must improve Congress. And when each successive wave of openness makes things worse, we tell ourselves that the answer is even more publicity, transparency and openness still. No contrary evidence makes any impression. Seems like everything's open -- except our minds. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Frum.

In '50s and '60s, landmark bills were passed through secret deals, David Frum says . Reforms of the 1970s resulted in much more transparency, he says . Frum says the result has been that very little major legislation can get accomplished .

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Stuart Pearce is excited about renewing an old rivalry when Nottingham Forest meet Tottenham in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night. The Forest manager, who played for the Midlands club between 1985 and 1997, was involved in some high profile games with the north London side during his playing career. But encounters between the two clubs have been few and far between since Forest were relegated in 1999, and Pearce is hoping to cause an upset against the Premier League side. Stuart Pearce scores a free kick against Spurs to give Nottingham Forest the lead in the 1991 FA Cup final . Tottenham defender David Howells leaps over Forest captain Stuart Pearce in the Wembley match . Stuart Pearce celebrates a victory over Tottenham in the 199/92 season at White Hart Lane . 'It is a game with a lot of history, certainly in my playing days we had some great games,' Pearce told Sky Sports ahead of the game at White Hart Lane. 'It will be a special occasion because we had some fantastic games against them over the years, they are a fantastic side - one of the top five teams in the Premier League. It is a tough tie for us. 'But it is a game we should be looking forward to. Tottenham did very well at the City Ground and we seemed to do well at White Hart Lane. It is a massive game for the club and a great test for us, once again.' Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce shouts from the sideline against Millwall on Saturday . Millwall's Nadjim Abdou (left) vies for the ball with Nottingham Forest's Michael Antonio at the New Den . Forest midfielder Henri Lansbury tries to win possession off Millwall's Mark Beevers .

Nottingham Forest face Tottenham in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday . Stuart Pearce ready to lock horns with side he faced many times as a player . Forest manager says game at White Hart Lane will be a 'special occasion'

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Arsene Wenger might not be on friendly terms with Jose Mourinho, but the same can't be said for Arsenal's record signing. The two managers clashed as the Gunners lost 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but Mesut Ozil was spotted sharing a moment with Mourinho shortly after the game. Mourinho signed Ozil from Werder Bremen when he was in charge of Real Madrid and spent three years coaching the German international. Jose Mourinho and Mesut Ozil embrace after Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge . Mourinho coached the World Cup winner for three years while they were at Real Madrid together . The sight will likely rile many Arsenal fans, especially considering Mourinho's persistent baiting of their manager. The incident was reminiscent of one Andre Santos was involved in two seasons ago. The Brazilian hugged and swapped shirts with Robin van Persie after the former Arsenal captain scored against them for Manchester United. Chelsea's win takes them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table while Arsenal have slipped to eighth. The former Arsenal captain and current Arsenal record signing battle for the ball during the game . Brazilian defender Andre Santos came in for heavy criticism after swapping shirts with Robin van Persie . Mourinho and Arsene Wenger clashed after Gary Cahill's dangerous tackle on Arsenal winger Alexis Sanchez .

Arsenal lost 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge . Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scored for the hosts . Arsene Wenger and Joe Mourinho clashed during the game . Mesut Ozil spotted hugging Mourinho after the game .

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Donald Trump today announced plans for a new luxury hotel in Azerbaijan to open in June 2015. The towering 33-floor establishment, in the Nasimi District of Baku, will boast spectacular panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and across the city. The magnate's daughter and executive vice president of development and acquisitions of The Trump Organization, Ivanka Trump travelled to the country a fortnight ago to tour the building site. Plans: Trump Hotel Collection have announced the June 2015 opening of a new hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan . Breaking ground: Ivanka Trump visited the site a fortnight ago to finalise the deal . 'This incredible building reflects the highest level of luxury and refinement, with extraordinary architecture inspired by the Caspian Sea and sophisticated interiors that seamlessly blend contemporary style with timeless appeal,' she said. 'We are looking forward to bringing our unparalleled Trump services and amenities to Azerbaijan.' Upon completion the hotel will feature  72 'ultra-luxury' residences, 30 suites, 40 serviced apartments and 119 guest rooms. Site tour: Construction is well under way on the 33-floor property, which will boast views of the Caspian Sea . The residences will range in size from 84 square metres up to a staggering 890 square metres, and will be available for long-term lease. VIP guests of the residences will have access to a private driveway and entrance, and the grand residential lobby will feature gold-leaf glass. The hotel will boast a luxury spa with multiple pools, a 500 square-metre ballroom, 147 square metres of retail, champagne bar and a signature restaurant from a yet-to-be-announced but 'globally acclaimed' restaurateur. East meets west: Baku sits on the Caspian Sea, straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia . Well-heeled executive: Donald's daughter isn't seen without her stilettos, even during a site tour . The building, designed by London firm Mixity Design, resembles the mast of a sail, not dissimilar to the Dubai Burj Al Arab's famed silhouette. Baku-based developer Garant Holding is carrying out construction of the property. Shareholder Anar Mammadov said: 'We are thrilled to work with The Trump Organization, the most renowned luxury developer in the world, to provide visitors to and residents of Baku with a world-class hotel and homes that bring a new generation of style, exclusivity and prestige.' The hotel opening slated for next summer will lead three additional Trump Hotel Collection properties slated for 2016. Hotels in Washington, D.C., Vancouver and Rio de Janeiro are currently under construction. Lonely Planet describes Azerbaijan as 'a nexus of ancient historical empires' as well as 'a "new" nation rapidly emerging on a petroleum-funded gust of optimism.' The old centre of Baku has Unesco status, but the Trump hotel will join an increasing number of skyscrapers dotting the skyline.

Ivanka Trump travelled to the city last month to tour construction site . Hotel will feature 72 luxury residences and 189 guest rooms . Suites will enjoy spectacular views of the Caspian Sea .

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By . Lucy Buckland . PUBLISHED: . 04:43 EST, 17 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:24 EST, 18 March 2013 . Pregnant Katie Price has shopped her cross-dressing ex husband Alex Reid to police - claiming he stole her mobile phone. Reality star and mother-of-three Katie, 34, thinks her cagefighter ex kept her mobile after their divorce and has reported a breach of privacy to officers. Police confirmed they are looking into the claims under Operation Tulisa - the Met Police's investigation into phone hacking. Investigation: Katie Price has accused ex husband Alex Reid of stealing a mobile phone belonging to her after their marriage ended - it is being looking into by police as a potential 'breach of privacy' Alex, 37, who this week slammed ex Chantelle Houghton, claiming she was keeping his daughter Dolly away from his parents during supervised visits, has not made any comment on the alleged theft. A Met Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'We can confirm that Operation Tuleta is looking into an allegation of breach of privacy that may be connected to the alleged theft of a mobile phone. 'We are not prepared to discuss further at this time.' Happier times: Katie wed Alex after a whirlwind romance in February 2010 . Katie dumped Alex in January 2011 after 11 months of marriage, but their divorce only came through last year. She wed builder Kieran, nine years her junior, in the middle of January after a whirlwind month-long romance. The businesswoman is already mother to son Harvey, 10, from her relationship with footballer Dwight Yorke, as well as two children with her first husband Peter Andre - Junior, seven, and Princess Tiaamii, five. That was quick! Katie Price has revealed she's pregnant with her fourth child - her first with brand new husband Kieran Hayler . Model Kate has said she's already sat them down to tell them about the news and insists they are 'excited that a new brother or sister is on the way.' Kieran spoken out to The Sun, revealing he is 'head over heels in love with Kate' and can't wait to start their family together. Katie accepted Kieran's proposal on Christmas Day after just a few weeks of dating and admitted she was convinced he was 'the one' because a psychic had told her she would meet someone called... Kevin. 'A shock': Katie admits it wasn't part of their plan for now but they are over the moon and have shared the news with her three children . Katie's nuptials came less than three months after she called off her engagement to Argentine model Leandro Penna. Katie and Alex started dating in summer 2009 - just two months after the model was heartbroken when first husband Peter filed for divorce. The model and Peter famously fell in love on-screen when they both starred in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004. Numerous exes: Katie already has two children with her first husband Peter Andre - Junior, seven, and five-year-old Princess Tiaamii, while she has 10-year-old Harvey from her relationship with Dwight Yorke . They quickly moved in together and Katie fell pregnant with their son Junior, who was born in June 2005, joined by their daughter Princess in June 2007. The couple wed in a high-profile £2million ceremony, complete with pink Cinderella-style carriage, which was filmed for an ITV2 show. As well as her two marriages, Katie has been engaged twice before to men she hasn't married - Leandro and former Gladiator Warren 'Ace' Furman. MailOnline has contacted Alex for a comment.

Katie, 34, alleges Alex, 37, kept her mobile after their divorce in March last year . Police confirm they are looking into an allegation of 'breach of privacy' under Operation Tulisa - their investigation into computer hacking . Katie and Alex famously had a bitter split with the mother-of-three claiming Alex demanded money from her . Katie divorced Alex over his unreasonable behaviour .

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By . Adrian Durham . PUBLISHED: . 06:58 EST, 9 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 08:08 EST, 9 March 2014 . I was at Carrow Road on Saturday, Stoke missed some chances because their strikers are useless, then Norwich took control of the game, before Stoke got a dodgy penalty and Jon Walters got himself needlessly sent off. Norwich were unlucky not to win. The Jon Walters Question… . Is Jon Walters really a Premier League player? What do you think? He . left a foot in high on Alex Tettey and he thoroughly deserved his red . card. There was no need to do it – what was going through Walters’ mind? Walters was captain at . his previous club Ipswich Town, but he showed no leadership on . Saturday, he let his Stoke team-mates down. There . are many who criticise the Premier League for a lack of quality. Walters is their poster boy. He works hard, and that’s about it. VIDEO Scroll down to watch post-match reactions from Chris Hughton and Mark Hughes . Grafter: Jonathan Walters is the epitome of the Stoke team with his industry, but he showed a lack of leadership in getting sent off . It’s an admirable quality for sure, . but Premier League players should have the whole package, or something . special that separates them from mere mortal footballers. Walters’ story is an example to many in that he was a bit wayward as a . youngster, released by top flight clubs, and fought his way back. Saturday’s . red card aside, he has become a true professional, and that should be . admired. However, that alone shouldn’t be enough to sustain a top flight . career. Maybe I’ve been missing that secret something that makes Walters special. Too . many ex-professionals and pundits are blandly kind about footballers. I . just tell the truth as I see it. I think even some of those who feel . they have to be nice about Walters, agree deep down with what I’m . saying. It’s not rocket science… . Neither side is prolific and I wasn’t expecting a goalfest. The goals that came were not down to great attacking play – Ryan Shawcross must have objected to Bradley Johnson’s BO because he inexplicably stepped away from his man at a set-piece and Johnson headed home. Poor defending. Stoke’s equaliser was a dodgy penalty. Breakthrough: It took 56 minutes before Bradley Johnson headed in for Norwich to open the scoring against Stoke at Carrow Road . Delight: Johnson runs away to celebrate with Nathan Redmond after the goal . Spot on: Jonathan Walters earned Stoke a point by converting a 73rd-minute penalty . Shush: Walters expressed delight at his equaliser but he was later sent off for a high challenge on Alex Tettey . Looking over their shoulder: Both Stoke and Norwich are not entirely clear of the relegation dogfight . There are different reasons why these two sides don’t score enough goals: Stoke’s strikers aren’t good enough, Crouch’s best days are behind him. He sometimes struggles to work out whether to use his head or feet, taking so long to make a simple decision the chance is gone. Let’s just say he’s long since stopped playing off instinct. Crouch also missed a one-on-one early on which set the tone for his 90 minutes. Is Walters the slowest player in the Premier League? He’s way too slow to cause enough problems. Stoke need pace and they need a finisher. Actually they need new strikers in the summer, it really is that simple. Lost instincts: Peter Crouch didn't have his most impressive display against Norwich . High boot: Walters was dismissed for a challenge of Alexander Tettey during the closing stages of the match, but Norwich were unable to grab a winner . Seeing red: Referee Andre Marriner sends Walters for an early bath . CLICK HERE TO READ OUR MATCH REPORT FROM CARROW ROAD BY PETER HARRIS . Norwich have finishers in Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper – check their records at other clubs, they’re prolific. But they don’t get the service. In central midfield, Wes Hoolahan is their creative spark but he’s not creative enough, not consistently game in game out. Robert Snodgrass and Russell Martin were very wasteful with their delivery on the right, Martin Olsson is perhaps guilty of being too cautious on the left – I’d love to see him marauding more down the flank and on the few occasions he has done that this season he’s made a difference. The star man is Nathan Redmond, he’s fantastic. So good on the ball, his feet are quick and he can take on his man. His final delivery isn’t quite good enough, whether that’s a cross or a shot. He’s being played out wide but I reckon he’d be a superstar in the hole. If Chris Hughton is brave enough to put him there, I think Norwich could flourish. Those strikers need to be given more clear-cut chances, the Canaries need to be cleverer. Star man: Nathan Redmond was again impressive for Norwich with his pace and ability to take on defenders . The most ironic penalty of the season… . Go back through some games this season and you’ll find Stoke defenders regularly pulling and pushing, barging and holding opponents as they are trying to keep the ball out of Asmir Begovic’s net. Rarely do they have penalties given against them. Disbelief: Sebastien Bassong reacts after being adjudged to have fouled John Guidetti, leading to Stoke's equaliser . Yet here at Carrow Road, Sebastien Bassong and John Guidetti went for a ball together, both were equally physical, Guidetti ended up on the ground, the referee gave a penalty. I couldn’t see it. How do Stoke get away with persistent fouling when they’re defending, and yet they benefited from a frankly ridiculous penalty gifted to them at Norwich. The most pointless loan move of the season … . Has to be Sweden’s Guidetti switching from Manchester City to Stoke. Before the game the promising striker had played just 40 minutes of football for Stoke since joining in January. At Norwich he came on after 63 minutes (he came on for Peter Odemwingie who I didn’t realise was playing), won a dubious penalty, and then was substituted 17 minutes later after Walters’ red card. Used sparingly: John Guidetti, on loan from Manchester City, came on as a substitute, won a penalty that Walters (right) converted, and was then subbed off again when Walter got a red card . That won’t please the Swede who was already expressing frustration at a lack of game time under Mark Hughes before January had drawn to a close. Guidetti scored 20 goals in 23 games for Feyenoord two seasons ago. Stoke lack a decent finisher. Your work it out for yourselves. You’d think Hughes, a great striker in his day, would be able to join up the dots on that one. At least Walters’ red card means Guidetti should get a chance. Never forget your history… . Norwich City devoted the matchday to one of their legends, Duncan Forbes. He was a bruising centre half who spent 33 years at Carrow Road on and off the pitch. Now aged 72, Forbes is suffering with Alzheimer's, and is now in a care home. Sadly he was unable to attend the game, but some of his former team-mates including Martin Peters, were there, along with Forbes’ wife and family. Norwich City raised money for Alzheimer's UK on the day. All clubs have their legends, some have more than others. It’s a beautiful thing that Norwich City did on Saturday: not just fund-raising, but also ensuring new generations of Norwich fans never forget the legends. Tributes to a legend: Carrow Road paid homage to former stalwart Duncan Forbes, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease . Special edition: The matchday programme featured an old-style cover paying tribute to Forbes .

Jonathan Walters could well be the slowest player in the Premier League . Walters does not score enough for a Premier League striker . Peter Crouch's best days are behind him - he needs to rely on instincts . John Guidetti's loan move from Manchester City to Stoke is odd . Carrow Road tribute to Forbes was a class act .

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Nicolae Patraucean, 20, strangled Rivka Holden, 55, and slit her throat before dismembering her body with a two-and-a-half inch Stanley knife blade, the Old Bailey was told yesterday . A 'sadistic' construction worker murdered a 55-year-old woman with a Stanley knife before mutilating her body, a court has heard. Nicolae Patraucean, 20, strangled Rivka Holden and slit her throat before dismembering her body with a two-and-a-half inch Stanley knife blade, the Old Bailey was told yesterday. Ms Holden suffered horrific wounds in the attack at her home, in Colindale, north London, including slashes to her hands and face. Prosecutor Timothy Cray described the attack as 'sadistic' and said large amounts of cash found in the flat show that Patraucean was not motivated by money. 'We would say it's particularly serious on the grounds of sadism,' he added. Judge Timothy Pontius adjourned the sentencing until October 24 for more pathologist reports to be carried out on exactly how Ms Holden was killed. 'I cannot pass sentence today, I need to consider in some detail the relevant evidence before considering what the appropriate sentence will be. 'There is quite a lot of evidence, not least from expert pathologists.' Ms Holden, who worked as a prostitute, was found dead on March 16 this year at her home. Police also discovered her red Hyundai, usually parked outside, was missing. Patraucean had been drinking heavily in the 24 hours before the killing and had also taken cannabis, cocaine and heroin, it is said. He claims to have no memory of the brutal murder but previously pleaded guilty to the charge. David Spens QC, defending, insisted Patraucean did not suffer from any mental illness. 'Apart from some self-harm, there is . nothing else that we are aware of and indeed the family members who know . him well do not speak of any mental illness as such', he said. 'The problem appears to be one that involves the excessive intake of drink and drugs.' Sitting at the Old Bailey (pictured), Judge Timothy Pontius adjourned the sentencing until October 24 for more pathologist reports to be carried out on exactly how Ms Holden was killed . Speaking after her death, Julian Mann, of the local Kingsbury Synagogue, said: 'She was very warm and would sometimes drop into us for a chat and something to eat. 'My wife and I enjoyed talking to her. 'She also chatted in Hebrew with my son, who is a Rabbi, and asked which Rabbis she could go to for a blessing for her health. 'She had already had an operation on her foot and her walking was limited.' Patraucean, of Stanmore, north west London, admitted murder. He will be sentenced on 24 October.

Nicolae Patraucean strangled Rivka Holden and slit her throat, court hears . Ms Holden, 55, suffered horrific wounds in attack at her home in Colindale . Prosecutor Timothy Cray described the attack as 'sadistic' Patraucean claims to have no memory of the murder but has previously pleaded guilty to the charge . Judge Timothy Pontius adjourned the . sentencing until October 24 for more pathologist reports to be carried . out .

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(CNN) -- Film director Feng Xiaogang may have made China's biggest box office hit, the disaster movie, "Aftershock", but he built his reputation in comedies, comparing himself to American director, Woody Allen. "I wasn't sure what kind of comedy to do. I didn't think I'd be any good at doing Jim Carrey kind of slapstick comedies. I'm more like Woody Allen." His "Annie Hall" moment came with 2001 comedy "Big Shot's Funeral" that featured Donald Sutherland and gained international recognition. But last year's "Aftershock" has elevated the 53-year-old to the position of the most bankable director in China. It took over $147 million at the box office in China making it the highest grossing film in the country's history. It will also be China's official entry into the Academy Awards this year. The film is based on the devastating earthquake of 1976 that killed thousands in the city of Tangshang, northeast of Beijing. "I knew from the very beginning that this will become a film that would attract a big Chinese audience. It's a collective memory for everyone here in China so I knew the movie would touch everyone... This movie is also very relevant to many people's daily lives," he said. Feng's screen career began in television, directing and occasionally acting, before moving into filmmaking. He tested the limits of the censors along the way. "We walk a very tight rope, we have to strike balance otherwise we're going to fall," he said about censors in China. "Some of my earlier films might have been a little too edgy for a mainstream audience, at least that what the censors thought." One of Feng's targets in his earlier films has been commercialism, including "Big Shot's Funeral" where a film director sells his funeral to advertisers. However some have criticized Feng for becoming too commercial in his own filmmaking, especially with overt product placement in "Aftershock". In response he told Xinhua News that product placement will be an increasingly important part of the Chinese film. He prides himself on having the common touch to attract big audiences. "The biggest advantage is that I know what audiences want... of course not all of them, but at least I know what most of them want," he said. "I don't think that the audience is God. Nor do I think we are above them. I just think that we are on a level playing field."

Feng Xiaogang is director of China's biggest grossing film, "Aftershock" Started career in television before becoming movie director . Early work was comedies; compared himself to Woody Allen .

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By . Sami Mokbel . Elche midfielder Carlos Sanchez is expected to jet into England on Tuesday to complete a £4.7million switch to Aston Villa. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder - who is nicknamed The Rock - is due to arrive in the Midlands to sign a four-year deal. Near: Carlos Sanchez is thought to be flying into the Midlands to complete a move to Villa . Invovled: Sanchez (left) starred for Colombia in their World Cup run to the quarter-finals . The Colombia international has been identified by Villa boss Paul Lambert as the man he wants to add some bite to his midfield. And barring a last minute hitch, the Villa boss looks to have secured Sanchez’s capture ahead of the Barclays Premier League opener against Stoke on Saturday. Sanchez has spent the vast majority of his career playing in France, spending seven years with Valenciennes before moving to Spain in 2013. He has made 30 La Liga appearances for Elche, but he is now poised to leave for England. Villa hope the deal can be completed by Tuesday night or at the latest on Wednesday morning. Progress: Paul Lambert (left) and Roy Keane (centre) are looking to make Villa's fifth signing of the summer . Recruit: Aly Cissokho joined Villa from Valencia last week after spending the season on loan at Liverpool . Sanchez will undergo his medical at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training complex in the coming days, with the club hopeful of completing the deal soon after. No work permit issues are expected given his international experience, which extends to 48 caps for Colombia including all four games at the World Cup in Brazil. But he is not expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's match at Stoke because he has not yet trained with Lambert's group. Elche want Swansea midfielder Jose Canas to fill the void left by Sanchez.

Colombian near to a £4.7million move to Villa from Elche . 28-year-old defensive midfielder is nicknamed 'The Rock' Sanchez has 48 Colombia caps, and played four times at the World Cup .

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By . Ian Parkes . Lotus owner Gerard Lopez has urged Renault to name names in future the next time they attempt to drop teams in trouble. Renault Sport F1 president and managing director Jean-Michel Jalinier revealed last week at least one team had not paid their bill with regard to their supply of this season's power units. Jalinier admitted the late payments were 'a serious concern' and that the critical point was 'just weeks away'. Let's be clear! Lotus owner Gerard Lopez insists they've paid Renault for this season's power supply . With four teams as Renault customers - Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Lotus and Caterham - the belief at the time was that Jalinier could not be referring to the former two marques, given their resources in being backed by energy drinks billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz. The obvious deduction was Jalinier was pointing an accusing finger at Lotus and Caterham, both of whom are reputed to be struggling financially. Caterham team principal Cyril Abiteboul insisted his marque had paid up, leaving only Lotus as the sole team under suspicion. Following Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, Lopez was seen engaged in talks with Renault bosses in his team's motorhome at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Seemingly to clear the air, Lopez said: 'This is why we had a meeting, because I wanted them to clarify their price. 'I said to them if they are going to say things, then name the team that is an issue. 'Don't just say 'teams' and then expect people to make their own judgements. We respect the arrangements we have with them. 'If there is (somebody who has not paid), it must be somebody else, but I'm not even sure there is, to be honest with you, so we'll see.' Tricky time: Romain Grosjean has picked up just four points during this season's Formula 1 championship . Asked directly whether Lotus had paid up, Lopez replied: 'We've paid up. We're absolutely in line with them.' The situation, however, did not detract from Lotus' best result of a previously troubled season as the Enstone-based marque scored points for the first time this campaign. From a season-high fifth on the grid, Romain Grosjean finished eighth, dropping three places according to Lopez due to an electronic issue with the power unit for a couple of laps. Lopez had previously insisted Spain would effectively be the start of his team's season, and so it proved, and now he has high hopes. 'We've been saying from the beginning of the season we have a really good car, but it's been tough because of the foundations we had,' he said. 'In theory, we have a car that is behind Mercedes - well, everyone is behind Mercedes! - but closer to Red Bull, and then able to fight and beat pretty much any other car. 'This is one more step of confirmation, but only that, so we need to keep on pushing and working. 'But I think we will now have a normal season, which for us is being able to fight for being the third, fourth team (in the constructors' championship).'

Lotus owner Lopez wants Renault to name names if they're stirring trouble . Jean-Michel Jalinier said one team hadn't paid for power units last week .

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By . Sam Adams . PUBLISHED: . 04:57 EST, 16 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:57 EST, 16 November 2012 . Nearly two thirds of children living in California are physically unfit, according to worrying new test results. Just 31 per cent of more than a million school pupils assessed by the state's education department were ranked in the 'healthy zone.' The shocking figures present California with a 'tremendous health challenge' the department's head, Tom Torlakson has warned. Unfit: Less than a third of children in California have been rated as 'physically fit' in tests conducted by the state's education department (file picture) The tests involved 1.3 million fifth, seventh and ninth-grade students from across the state. This is the second year in a row that youngsters in California have received poor fitness results in the tests. Fitness levels in the state had previously been found to be improving. 'When . we can call fewer than one out of three of our kids physically fit, we . know we have a tremendous public health challenge on our hands,' Mr . Torlakson, told the Los Angeles Times. Concern: This is the second year running that Californian youngsters have scored poorly for fitness. This follows years of steady improvement (file picture) Mr Torlakson warned that their is a 'very clear link between physical fitness and academic achievement.' He . said California’s children should be given 'more opportunities for . exercise, along with better access to healthy foods and clean, fresh . water,' according to the Times. The state's education department is trying to promote healthy options for youngster's in Californian in schools.

Tests show just 31 per cent of state's students are physically fit . Education department says results present 'tremendous challenge' Second year in a row Californian youngsters have scored poorly for fitness .

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(CNN) -- Twelve suspected al Qaeda militants were killed Thursday, said a high-level Yemeni government official who is being briefed on his nation's ongoing counterterrorism operations. The official characterized the operation as "open warfare between the Yemeni military and al Qaeda." "It's a very tough fight," said the official. "So far, dozens of Yemeni soldiers have been killed or wounded and dozens of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) members have been killed or wounded." This is all part of a crackdown resulting in the deaths of more than 60 suspected al Qaeda militants in Yemen from April 19 to 21, Yemeni officials have said. Operations have included attacks by Yemeni commandos and suspected U.S. drone strikes, according to a Yemeni official. The high-level Yemeni government official said Thursday that "decisive battles" are ongoing, with troops "conducting ground operations still in the toughest areas." He called the operation "unprecedented." "They are pushing through and establishing security parameters in Baida and Hadramout and around Shabwa and Abyan, but this is still a tough battle," this official said. "If you go in like this, all the way, and don't make it through, that could be devastating." While the official noted the operations were going better than expected in Abyan, with the Yemeni army advancing there, he acknowledged that things in Shabwa "aren't going as well." "It seems like the AQAP militants were ready for the operations," said the official. "Resistance has been stronger and casualties among Yemeni military have been higher. Reinforcements are on their way." The official said the country could use even more support from its from its allies, specifically bringing up "our Saudi and American friends." U.S. special operations troops have played a role in the offensive, in part by flying Yemeni forces to a remote, mountainous spot in southern Yemen. But no Americans took part in combat, a U.S. official has said. CNN's Greg Botelho contributed to this report.

Official: Yemen's military is conducting an "unprecedented" operation against al Qaeda . "Decisive battles" are said to be underway . The official says Yemen could use more help from "our Saudi and American friends"

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(CNN) -- Real Madrid smashed five goals past Rayo Vallecano to return to the top of the Spanish league after briefly being deposed by rivals Barcelona. The score flattered Real Madrid, who scored a flurry of second half goals late on after a brave Rayo Vallecano effort had threatened an upset. Gareth Bale returned to the starting line up to score within the first ten minutes and when Sergio Ramos added a second a heavy defeat was on the cards. But Rayo Vallecano's Alberto Bueno made the most of a horrific defensive mix up to pull a goal back before half time. But Madrid eventually imposed their superiority on the game, with Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo completing the scoring. It was the tenth game in a row that Ronaldo has scored. It was also the fifth time in eight league games that Madrid have scored five goals. Suarez arrives? Meanwhile Luis Suarez came off the bench to set up two goals, save Barcelona's blushes and see the Catalan side briefly go top of the league. Barcelona had traveled to Almeria with question marks hanging over Luis Enrique's team. A two game losing streak was followed by an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Champions League. The returning Luis Suaraz, signed in the summer but banned until last month after biting a player at the World Cup finals, had been far from his best too. Suarez started on the bench and Barcelona went into half time a goal down after Thievy Bifouma took advantage of a Lionel Messi mistake to fire Almeria into the lead . But Suarez and Neymar were called into action in the second half which changed the shape of the game. The two combined midway through the second half to bring the sides level before Suarez's cross set up Jordi Alba in the 81st minute to score the winner. But Coach Enrique was far from happy. "The second half was better for the ambition and attitude shown by the players rather than for good football," he said after the game."To have a good season, though, you have to win even when you don't play well in games like today." Bayern thrive, Dortmund dive . In Germany, Bayern Munich continued their imperious form by beating Eintracht Frankfurt 4-0 thanks to a Thomas Mueller hat trick. The victory saw Munich go seven points clear at the top of the league, handing coach Pep Guardiola his eight victory in eleven league games. "They were very aggressive in defense, we had a few problems with our structure," Guardiola told AFP after the game. "But the last 20 minutes was a completely different game." Munich's supremacy is no surprise to anyone, but the identity of the team propping up the league is. Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund qualified for the knock out phase of the Champions League last week, but results on Saturday saw Dortmund fall to the foot of the table, the first time they have been in such a lowly position for seven years. Dortmund has lost five league games in a row. They play Borussia Monchengladbach Sunday.

Barcelona beat Almeria 2-1. Almeria had led at half time. Introduction of Suarez turns game around. Barcelona go one point clear, but Madrid have game in hand.

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Nice guy image: Jamie Oliver closed two Recipease stores without giving employees any notice . Jamie Oliver has closed two of his cooking class shops - but failed to tell staff until they were abruptly cleared out of the premises during a shift. Customers with bookings were also not informed of the sudden decision, and many found out just days before their classes were meant to take place after ringing up to ask for directions or confirmation. The star chef shut down his Recipease branches in Clapham Junction and Brighton after five years of operation - with a spokesman claiming they were now 'focusing energies on their flagship Notting Hill branch'. But one customer, who called the business to complain about a cancelled booking, says a despondent former employee temporarily posted to customer services admitted the stores were 'making no money'. Another former worker at the Brighton store has labelled the move 'heartless and shameful'. The part-time employee, a student who did not want to be named, claims a woman from head office came in to the store to close the place down - and customers and staff had to leave the premises immediately. He told MailOnline: 'They literally just came in at lunch, kicked out customers, shut the doors and hey presto. It was one lady from London head office. 'Our food champs were renowned for there incredible work and classes. 'To be just sacked off just like that. Shameful, as if he couldn't afford to keep us open a few more weeks so we could have a proper send off. 'I was offered one week's wages, woopey do! Very heartless thing to do considering our loyalty and hard work towards the company. 'The worst part is not even being able to thank regulars for their custom face to face. Instead having a "poster in the window" job.' Another member of staff, from the Clapham Junction store, claimed she turned up to work last Monday to find the doors locked and said workers were appalled by the last-minute decision. The Recipease stores were opened in 2009 to create ‘buzzing little community hubs where people can really get involved with food’. Classes at the shop can cost up to £65 for a two-hour session, teaching a range of varying cuisines from Mexican street food to Christmas mince pies. The chain has been inundated with angry and disappointed messages on Twitter from customers who have seen their plans ruined by the sudden closures. Cleared out: The former Recipease store on Western Road, Brighton, was pictured boarded up today . No notice: An employee from the store claims a woman from head office came into the shop during the day to close the place down without warning . Appalled: One worker from the branch in Clapham, pictured with windows boarded, says she she turned up for work to find the doors were locked . One, Nick Phipps, wrote: 'Email to say you're closed 4 days before my course isn't good enough! Hotel and time off work booked, now wasted...' Another, Cicely Milsom, posted: 'We were so excited for class nxt wknd! Disappointed at short notice cancelation and unapologetic customer service!' Aude Eberlin wrote: '@Recipease Brighton closed down with no notification for people who booked! Thanks for ruining 11 people's day! #fail #nothappy.' And Becky Jacques tweeted the celebrity chef directly saying: 'Cancelled cooking lesson @jamieoliver in Brighton this weekend = hen do disaster. Help a desperate bridesmaid out pls?! Private lesson?!' The Recipease website recently posted a message entitled ‘Goodbye Clapham and Brighton’. It reads: ‘We are sorry to say that we have decided to close our sites in both Clapham Junction and Brighton.' A spokesman for Jamie Oliver's company today confirmed that workers had not been given advance warning of the decision, saying: 'I'm told no-one turned up to find the doors closed but yes staff did find out on the day of closure.' 'Obviously it was a very difficult decision to close the stores. A consultation process has already begun with Recipease staff affected and we have found alternative employment within the business for many of them.' 'As for the customers affected, although there is understandable disappointment, all are in the process of being reimbursed or their classes moved to the flagship Notting Hill Recipease.' Goodbye note: This letter appeared in the boarded up window of the Recipease branch in Brighton . Despite the TV chef's previous successes and celebrity status, this is not the first time this year that Mr Oliver's multi-million-pound business empire has run into difficulties. Back in January, his company announced the closure of three out of his four 'Union Jacks' restaurants - which were aimed at 'bringing back nostalgic British classics' such as fish and chips, and bangers and mash. The firm cited the 'challenging climate' for the decision to close the restaurant branches in Holborn and Chiswick in London and Winchester in Hampshire with immediate effect. January's announcement followed the failure of his artisan food range, Jme, which folded amid poor sales and criticism over prices at the end of 2013. The TV chef is thought to be worth around £240million. After leaving school at 16 years old with just two GCSEs, Jamie Oliver has built a £240million business empire and is one of the most recognised chefs in the world. Here are some of his biggest hits, along with a few of his recent failures. TV PROGRAMMES AND BOOKS . The Naked Chef, 1999: He became a household name after launching the hit TV show in 1999. Jamie's 30 minute Meals, 2010: Channel 4 series of 40 episodes focused on home-cooked meals that could be put together within the titular timeframe, using simple techniques. Jamie's 15 Minute Meals, 2012: A re-vamp of his previous show - now for people with even less time. CRUSADING CAMPAIGNS . Jamie's School Dinners, 2005: The rising star hit headlines with his campaign against unhealthy school dinners in this four-part documentary. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, 2010: After his UK crusade, the chef met resistance in the USA and was barred from entering any public school in LA - with his ABC show also getting cancelled. BUSINESS VENTURES . Jamie’s Italian: The brand has become hugely successful with chains opening up around the world. Fifteen Restaurant: Initiative designed to give young people the chance to turn their life around with apprenticeships - it recently met controversy for employing a convicted paedophile. Recipease: After opening in 2009, two of the three stores were shut down last week . Union Jack's: The high-priced British-themed venues were hit by bad reviews and complaints and three out of four branches closed in January. Jme: The Artisan food range folded last year amid poor sales and criticism that the brand boasted high prices for basic ingredients.

EXCLUSIVE: Chef closed Clapham and Brighton Recipease stores last week . One laid-off Brighton worker has called the move 'heartless and shameful' Claims woman from head office came in at lunch and cleared everyone out . And a Clapham employee claims she turned up for work to find doors locked . Chain also failed to tell booked-in customers that classes were cancelled . Company say they wanted to 'focus on flagship Notting Hill branch' But customer service worker claims that stores weren't making money . Are you a customer or employee affected by the closure? Please email [email protected] to share your story .

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Cassidy Stay, the lone survivor of a Texas shooting that claimed her parents and four younger siblings, broke down today as she saw their six white coffins being carried from their funeral. The 15-year-old, who heroically called 911 despite being grazed by a bullet to warn authorities that the gunman was on his way to kill her grandparents, was comforted by friends and family outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Houston. Her family - mother Katie . Stay, 34, father Stephen, 39, and siblings, Bryan, . 14, Emily, nine, Becca, seven, and Zach, four - were remembered at an emotional funeral service on Wednesday afternoon. Heartbroken: Cassidy Stay, center, watches as the caskets of her family are loaded into waiting hearse outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after their funeral service on Wednesday . Devastated: Cassidy's head was grazed by a bullet in the shootings last week but she was able to call 911 . Saying goodbye: The caskets are removed from the church. They will be buried in a private ceremony . Carried away: The six caskets adorned with flowers and the victims' names are loaded into waiting hearses . Sadness: Friends and family break down as the coffins are brought out from the service on Wednesday . A program . for the service showed the slogan 'Families can be together forever' along with a picture of the victims, who were shot dead in their Houston . home by a former family member a week ago. Inside the church, the caskets were arranged with a large photo of each victim set up behind each one. Organ music filled the air, NBC reported. Family members spoke at the service to paint a touching picture of the close, religious family, whose mother always loved to celebrate, and whose father always put his family first. Stephen Stay's brother Jeff added that Cassidy wanted everyone to know that her father loved the drums, while her brother Bryan was obsessed with his tablet and brother Zach adored sea life. Tragic: One of six caskets is moved to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday afternoon for the funeral of six family members gunned down in their home last week . Saying goodbye: The caskets each have the name of the slain victim. This is for 14-year-old Bryan . Gathering: Hearses line the parking lost outside the LDS Church on Wednesday ahead of the funeral . Sad sight: Hearses line up to leave the church following funeral services for members of the Stay family in Spring, Texas July 16, 2014. Six members of the Texas family were shot dead execution-style in their home last week . Katie's . sister, Aubrey Westwood, added that Cassidy said her sister Emily loved . Hello Kitty, and Rebecca's nickname was Becca Boo. Bishop Scott McBride told the surviving teen that her family would always be with her, NBC added. 'You have a family of guardian angels looking over you,' he said. Before the service, Cassidy had been seen waving to her supporters and smiling before heading confidently inside the church with her uncle at her side. Friends had said they were wrestling with the loss of what one called an 'anchor family', whose home was the place where neighborhood kids gravitated. 'I . don't know if you ever prepare yourself for something like this because . you don't expect this,' Don Guthrie, 57, a family friend and fellow . church member, said before the funeral. 'This is a shock. This is incomprehensible.' Missed: Only 15-year-old Cassidy, pictured far left, survived the massacre. The victims were her mother Katie, father, Stephen, and siblings Bryan, 14, Emily, 9, Rebecca, 7, and Zach, age four, all pictured . Brave: Cassidy Stay waves as she arrives at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the funeral for her family on Wednesday. Cassidy was the only one to survive a shooting at her family's home last week . Staying strong: The 15-year-old makes a sign at her supporters as she arrives for the funeral services . 'They . were the people, despite the chaos of life, who were always looking for . happiness and looking to do something better,' said Tom Mixon, 47, a . scoutmaster to one of the Stay boys. 'Katie . Stay was adamant about teaching her kids to do better every day and to . treat people better every day. And because of that we all wanted to be . better and wanted to be around them. 'It's hard to wrap my head around it, when somebody that's so ensconced in your life like that is suddenly gone.' Ronald Haskell, 33, has been charged with capital murder in connection to the massacre. Authorities . have said he was searching for his ex-wife, Katie Stay's sister . Melanie, when he came to the Stays' home last week. Fighter: Cassidy, left, arrives with her uncle Drew Lyons at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . Injuries: Cassidy lost a finger in the incident, and on Wednesday, her finger bandage could be seen . He tied up . the family and put them face-down on the floor before shooting each in . the back of the head, according to investigators. The family had refused . to say where Haskell could find his ex-wife. Investigators . said Cassidy Stay suffered a skull fracture from a bullet . graze but survived by playing dead to call 911 and warn police that . Haskell planned to shoot other relatives. Haskell was eventually cornered in front of the home of Cassidy's grandparents and taken into custody. Those . who knew the Haskells have said that the couple had a rocky marriage, . and that Melanie was desperate to get away from her husband who . allegedly beat her in front of their children. Haskell's . lawyers have said they will focus on his mental condition and whether . he was legally responsible for the carnage. Prosecutors haven't yet . decided whether to seek the death penalty. Preparing to say goodbye: Six white caskets draped with colorful bouquets and ribbons sit in chapel of the Klein Funeral Home in Houston ahead of the funeral for the six relatives shot dead last week . Loved: A family portrait of the Stephen and Katie Stay family is on display before visitation on Tuesday . Remembered: Blue memorial ribbons were placed outside the sanctuary before visitation on Tuesday . Cassidy, whose head was grazed by a bullet, was discharged from Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital . Friday in good condition after being treated for injuries to her finger. With her grandfather Robert Lyon, she attended a . celebration of life organized in Spring to remember the slain loved . ones at the weekend. After . taking a deep breath, a smiling Cassidy mounted the stage to address . more than 400 people who came out to pay tribute to her parents and . siblings, Click2Houston reported. 'I'm feeling a lot better . and I'm on a very straightforward path to a full recovery,' she said. 'I know that my mom, dad, Bryan, Emily, . Becca, and Zach are in a much better place, and that I'll be able to see . them again one day.' 'Killer uncle': Ronald Lee Haskell, 33, pictured . in court on Friday, has been charged with capital murder. He was previously married to Mrs Stay's sister and shot them when they refused to say where she was . Revenge plot: Investigators say Haskell, pictured here with his ex-wife and three of their four children, went to his sister-in-law's home to try and get her to reveal the whereabouts of Melanie Haskell . Before the . event at Lemm Elementary School, Cassidy helped release 600 colorful . balloons into the air - 100 for each slain member of her family. Those . who wish to help with the victims' final expenses and Cassidy's medical . bills can do so by donating money to the Cassidy Stay Fund on GoFundMe.com. So far, more than 4,300 people have given more than $340,000. The goal now is to raise $375,000.

Katie and Stephen Stay and their four children, Bryan, 14, Emily, nine, Rebecca, seven, and Zach, four, will be laid to rest on Wednesday . The only . survivor, 15-year-old Cassidy Stay, played dead before alerting . authorities that he was on his way to shoot dead her grandparents . She was seen waving to her supporters as she arrived at the funeral . The service comes a week after the family was gunned down by Katie's former brother-in-law, Ronald Haskell, after his divorce from her sister .

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(CNN) -- Massimo Ambrosini has signed a one-year contract extension at AC Milan to stay with the Italian club until 2011. Ambrosini will remain with AC Milan until 2011 after signing a new one-year contract with the club. The 32-year-old AC Milan captain scored seven goals in 27 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri last season. Ambrosini joined AC Milan in 1995 from second division side Cesena and is in his 14th campaign with the Italian giants. "AC Milan can confirm that Massimo Ambrosini's contract has been extended and the player will remain at the club until 30th June 2011," read a statement on the club's official Web site. Ambrosini was handed the Milan armband by coach Leonardo following Paolo Maldini's retirement this summer.

Massimo Ambrosini has signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan . Ambrosini, 32, joined AC Milan in 1995 from Cesena and is in his 14th season . He was named captain this summer following the retirement of Paolo Maldini .

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Tom Gray thought he had hit the jackpot when he found two matching numbers on his National Lottery scratchcard. When he saw the pair of dice, each with four dots, the 75-year-old  cancer patient couldn’t wait to start planning how he would spend his £80,000 winnings – on his children and grandchildren. But when his daughter Alison Gray tried to help him claim his prize,  Lottery officials told her he had only won £2. Not a winner: Tom Gray from Romford in Essex with the scratchcard that officials say shows he only won £2 . It appears that a printing error had deleted part of the scratchcard and that one of the dice was  supposed to have five dots. Mr Gray, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in October, had hoped to share the money with his four children and eight grandchildren. The former gas and central heating fitter, from Harold Hill in Essex, said: ‘[The card] said if you match the dots on the dice you’ve won, and the dice showed four dots on each. ‘It’s their fault if there’s a printing error. I hope they realise it’s their mistake.’ Miss Gray, 51, added: ‘I was gutted for my dad because he had already started thinking about what he was going to do for his kids. That’s what he’s mostly upset about. He’s really down about it. ‘It seems so unfair. Even if it is a misprint, whose fault is that?’ Miss Gray, an accountant for Ford Credit, has been caring for her father since he fell ill. She bought two scratchcards, for him and for herself, from a Tesco near Romford, Essex, last month. The scratchcard Mr Gray used has a line through it on which no black ink has printed. It runs through one of the dice, covering the area where a fifth dot would have appeared. Miss Gray said: ‘My dad scratched off his and got to the second dice then passed it over to me and said, “I can’t believe it”.’ Printing error: The scratchcard showing the winning line of dice . The £2 Lucky Streak card offers a prize if the player has two identical dice – which Mr Gray says he did. In Mr Gray’s case, the prizes offered were £10, £50, £5,000 and £80,000, with the top prize listed alongside the two dice that appeared to have four spots. Camelot say he is entitled to £2. It appears that he won this from another game on the same card.Miss Gray said: ‘He started  listing what he’d spend the cash on, like paying his car off, and he asked me how much was left on my mortgage.’ But when she rang to claim the money, she was told the card was not listed as a jackpot winner in the central database. "He started listing what he’d spend the cash on, like paying his car off, and he asked me how much was left on my mortgage." - Daughter Alison Gray . She added: ‘I called up the number on the back and gave them the serial numbers but the woman said “you’ve won £2”.’ A spokesman for Camelot, the operator of the National Lottery, said this is the first time a query has been raised about a win on their Lucky Streak scratchcard. The spokesman said: ‘In order to look into this further, we would need the player to post the scratchcard to us. This is so we can determine what might have happened to this particular card.’She added: ‘It is worth noting that the outcome of each National Lottery scratchcard game is predetermined at the time of print and all our operations and processes are subject to the scrutiny of our own internal auditors, independent external auditors and representatives from our regulator, the Gambling Commission.’ Lucky Streak scratchcards come printed with two games, offering eight opportunities to win differing cash prizes. They have been on the market since the beginning of September. To date, £15.2million has been paid out in prizes, including five top prizes of £80,000. The company says there is a one in four chance of winning a prize on each card.

Cancer patient from Romford bought the scratchcard from Tesco . Started planning what he would spend the money on . But officials say he has only won £2 not the £80,000 jackpot .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:14 EST, 30 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:53 EST, 30 January 2014 . Burglars may have used Google Street View to raid a millionaire bank boss’s secluded mansion and steal £100,000 worth of jewellery. Thieves broke into the home of Robin Bowie, founder of investment bank Dexion Capital, after apparently gaining intimate knowledge of the layout of his sprawling property. They stole a hidden safe which they carted away in a wheelbarrow before making off in a silver-coloured saloon-style car just as Mr Bowie’s wife Sally, 51, arrived home at 7.30pm on January 10. The safe held a haul of expensive jewellery and several thousand pounds in cash. Grand: A Google Street View image of Robin Bowie's property. The bank boss believes that a gang of thieves may have used the online maps service to conduct reconnaissance on his home before burgling it . An aerial shot of Mr Bowie's home: The bank boss speculated that the burglars may have used images of the area on Google Maps satellite view like this one to find their way into and around his home in Leicestershire . The thieves struck at the palatial mansion of Mr Bowie in East Langton, Leicestershire, where he lives with his wife Sally, 51, and their three children Georgina, Isabella and Johnny. The intruders used a ladder to scale the 6ft-high perimeter wall at the front of the property before forcing open an upstairs window. The gang then used a steel rod which they found on the family’s tennis court at the rear of the house to leaver out the safe which was bolted into a hidden cupboard. A wheelbarrow in the garden was then used to transport the heavy safe to a waiting getaway car. The gang were almost caught when Mrs Bowie returned home seconds before the gang sped away. Wealthy: Mr Bowie founded boutique investment bank Dexion Capital in 2000 with an investment of just £25,000 and now has net assets of £425million . Mr Bowie founded Dexion in 2000 with an investment of just £25,000 and now has net assets of £425million. He said: 'There was a combination of jewellery stolen. Things that were from my father and from my wife’s grandparents and parents, as well as things I had bought. 'My wife only saw one man but we think there would have had to have been more. 'I think they knew what they were looking for. 'We have lived in the house for 19 years and this is the first time we have been broken into. 'We do not have CCTV on the house. It is perfectly possible that whoever was responsible looked the property up on the internet. 'We live in an age where images and information is readily available on the internet and on the whole that is perfectly healthy and a good thing. 'However, Google is obviously a useful tool to those people planning burglaries.' After dumping the wheelbarrow, the three raiders escaped in a pale, silver-coloured saloon-style car with the registration plate beginning with the letter R. Yesterday Mr Bowie released pictures . of the jewellery which was stolen in the hope that dealers who were . offered it would report it to the police. He added: 'It just makes you so much more apprehensive and less open to people. You become more suspicious about things.' The jewellery includes watches, a necklace, bracelets and earrings. Valuable: These are just two of the items of jewellery kept in the safe stolen by the thieves . Heirlooms: While some pieces had been bought by Mr Bowie, others were left to him and his wife by family . Investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Fisher, of Leicestershire Police, said: 'The victims have been left upset at the loss of their family jewellery and are keen to do everything possible to ensure the return of their property. 'We would urge jewellers and pawn brokers to have a look at the images and contact us if they have been approached by someone selling similar items or even visited by someone asking for them to value the items. 'We are also keen to speak to anybody who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time or who knows who may be responsible for the burglary.'

Thieves struck at rural home of Robin Bowie with apparent intimate knowledge of the sprawling property . They took a hidden safe containing £100,000 worth of jewellery as well as a large sum of cash before speeding off . Mr Bowie, founder of investment bank Dexion Capital, believes they may have used Google Maps to scout his home .

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The Jones quintuplets, the young stars of TLC's reality show Quints by Surprise, will return to television this Sunday in a one-off special to mark their fifth birthdays. Girls Brooklyn, Britton, Lila and Ryan and their brother Jack were born on January 16, 2009 at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, to their devout Christian parents Casey and Ethan Jones - who already had a daughter called Eliot and were shocked to discover they were expecting five more children. Now in a new episode of Quints by Surprise the brood are seen as they celebrate turning five with their very first sleep over party at home. Scroll down for video . All grown-up! The Jones quintuplets - four girls and one boy (from left, Jack, Lila, Ryan, Brooklyn - on the shoulders of big sister Eliot - and Britton) are the stars of TLC's reality show Quints by Surprise, and will return to television this Sunday in a one-off special to mark their fifth birthdays . Flashback: (From left) Jack and his sisters Lila, Ryan, Britton and Brooklyn, were born on January 16, 2009 at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas . 'Sweets, games, friends,' Mrs Jones says . as she gears up for the event, to which worried her husband quizzes, . 'Did we think this all the way through?' The father-of-six adds that each year the birthday parties get 'bigger and bigger' as his children continue to grow. Mr and Mrs Jones, who first started dating at high school and are now in their late-thirties, said before the birth of their quintuplets they had the 'perfect life.' After marrying at the age of 23 they went on to build their 'dream house' and have a daughter together. However, when they decided to have one more child via fertility treatment they ended up with five and their life turned upside down over night. Time to blow out your candles: In a new episode of Quints by Surprise the brood are seen as they celebrate turning five with their very first sleep over party at home . Big shock: Casey and Ethan Jones already had a daughter called Eliot (far right) when they decided to have one more - instead they ended up with five . Along with their finances taking a blow, the Joneses also felt their relationship suffer. In a previous installment of Quints by Surprise, Mr Jones admitted that suddenly having so many children left little time for him and his wife. 'Right now . it's definitely a detriment to our marriage. 'I miss my wife, I miss our . old life,' he said when the quintuplets were around the age of two. However, he determinedly added that he was going to going to stick it through as a family 'no matter how crazy life gets.' Ready to pop: Mrs Jones underwent fertility treatment to get pregnant for the second time in 2009 . Frazzled: The Joneses admitted the birth of their babies put pressure on their finances and relationship . Along with his relationship, Mr Jones also found it difficult balancing fatherhood with work. In this Sunday's episode he says: 'When I finally get home at the end of the day, I get attacked. It is just a constant mirage of hugs and jumping on my back. 'One moment can be total chaos, next minute complete joy.' While his wife stays at home looking after the children, Mr Jones runs a construction company. The family first shot to fame in 2010 when TLC premiered season one of Quints by Surprise. There were 22 episodes in total but the family haven't appeared on television since 2011. Get to bed now: Mr Jones says 'one moment can be total chaos, next minute complete joy' In the meantime they have been keeping fans updated via social media. Most recently on the their Facebook page JonesLife, which boasts more than 50,000 'likes', they uploaded photographs from Easter and Mother's Day. Mrs Jones concludes in the upcoming one-hour installment of Quints by Surprise: 'There is never a dull moment in the Jones . house. 'Now we're dealing with even stronger personality. These last . five years have definitely been an adventure.'

The Jones quintupets were born on January 16, 2009 in Austin, Texas, after their mother had fertility treatment .

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By . Paul Collins . FIFA has fined the Argentine Football Association 300,000 Swiss francs (£196,000) for failing to bring players to pre-match news conferences at the World Cup. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee said on Thursday that Argentina, which plays in the World Cup final against Germany on Sunday, had breached the competition's media and marketing regulations. The rules require teams to bring at least one player along with the coach to official news conferences held one day in advance of each match. On his own: Argentina coach Alejandro Saballa is alone as he speaks during a press conference . Team talk: Sabella speaks to his players as Argentina train in Vespesiano on Thursday ahead of the final . Only coach Alejandro Sabella has appeared for Argentina at the last four such news conferences. FIFA said the purpose of the regulations is to 'allow media, and ultimately fans, to have an opportunity to follow a team's preparations, while also allowing each team to have the best possible environment for those preparations.' Facing up: Argentina's Sergio Aguero (right) speaks to the press alongside Maxi Rodriguez on Thursday .

FIFA fine the Argentine Football Association for failing to bring players to pre-match press conferences . Rules require teams to bring at least one player along with the coach . Argentina play Germany in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday .

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A two-year-old boy never woke from his routine afternoon nap after being struck down by a mysterious virus, an inquest heard. Fit and healthy Elliot Kerslake is thought to have had a seizure from swelling of his brain as he suffered from an everyday cold. Hours earlier, Elliot had been showing off a dance routine for his sister's friends and cheering on his big brother Oliver, 12, at a football match. Elliot Kerslake, two, from Leeds, died in his sleep from a swelling to his brain caused by a mystery virus. Doctors have said there is 'nothing that could have saved him' His parents John and Andrea Kerslake wept as a coroner heard their written evidence about his sudden death on March 3, 2013. Mrs Kerslake, 45, said Elliot had been put down for his post-lunch nap at 2pm, and his sister found him dead three hours later. She told the coroner: 'I read him a Fireman Sam story as I put him down for an afternoon nap at 2pm just after his lunch. 'I told him I loved him and closed the curtains. Around that time John came home. I had left the door open and thirty minutes later I went back to check on him. 'He was lying on his tummy and making a little sobbing noise. I didn't think much of it as my two other children used to do the same when they were younger. 'I went in and said to him 'do you want to come down, sweetheart?', but he didn't answer.' Mrs Kerslake said she was gardening as her husband watched football on TV when their daughter Emily, now 14, screamed. They found Elliot lying 'blue and floppy' and called an ambulance to their home in Shadwell, Leeds. An operator told John how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Mr Kerslake said: 'I continued fighting for him shouting "come on Elliot, you can do it", although I started to feel in my mind that he was gone.' Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition that causes inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis usually begins with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, a headache and joint pain. More serious symptoms may then develop over the next few hours or days, including: . Flu-like symptoms that rapidly get worse and affect mental state should be treated as a medical emergency. In these circumstances, dial 999 immediately and request an ambulance. Source: NHS Choices . The parents accompanied their son in the ambulance but he was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary. Leeds Coroners Court heard how the energetic youngster had been playing in the garden and entertaining his sister's friends who had been on a sleepover hours before his death. Mrs Kerslake said: 'Because of the other children staying, Elliot was in our bed the night before. 'We had read bedtime stories and in the morning we had a big hug. 'We chatted about what we would do that day and I dressed him in his blue dungarees with patterned socks, so I could grab hold of him if he ran off. 'He was so excited that morning and did a little dance for his sister's friends. 'We went to Starbucks to get a coffee and he ate normally. Then later we went to see his older brother Oliver play in a football match. 'I had to wipe his runny nose quite a bit that day, but didn't think much of it. 'My husband met us at the football field at lunchtime and I remember Elliot shouting "that's my daddy" and ran over to him to give him a cuddle.' She added that they left to go home for lunch, where Elliot was put down for the nap from which he never woke up. Dr Richard Newton, a specialist in child neurology at Manchester Royal Infirmary, said the cause of Elliot's death was most likely encephalitis - inflammation of the brain - caused by a virus which triggered a seizure as he slept. He said: 'This was a well little boy with a cold, essentially. He went down in the afternoon for a nap which is a routine almost every family in Britain bears witness to. 'I would suggest the cause of Elliot's death to be a seizure during his nap related to encephalitis, caused by an indeterminable virus. 'There are thousands, if not millions of types of virus and it would be impossible to determine which kind.' Hours before his death, Elliot had been in a good mood. He woke up to a hug with mother Andrea, 45 (right), performed a dance for his sister Emily (left) Dr Newton added there was 'nothing that could have saved Elliot'. He said: 'The events that afternoon were common events in every household. 'He ate his lunch, had his nap and must have died within that time. 'It's part of nature's rare unkindness.' Coroner David Hinchliff said the cause of death was, on the balance of probabilities, 'inflammation of the brain caused by an indeterminable viral infection'. He recorded a verdict of natural causes. Speaking before the hearing, Mr Kerslake said: 'Elliot loved life, he relished every new experience. He gave so much love to us, his brother and sister and all that knew him. 'It's comforting to know that his short life will impact positively on others during the months and years to come.'

Elliot Kerslake, two, died in his sleep due to swelling in his brain from a virus . He was put down for his afternoon nap at 2pm but never woke up . Earlier he had been dancing and cheering on his brother playing football . His sister Emily, now 14, screamed and parents found Elliot 'blue and floppy' They called an ambulances and performed CPR to try to revive him . An ambulance came but Elliot was pronounced dead on March 3 2013 . Doctors said there is 'nothing that could have saved Elliot'

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First there were plants that tweeted when they were thirsty, then there were gadgets that helped pets tweet when they were hungry. Now there's a tweeting bra. Created by Nestle Fitness, each time Greek celebrity Maria Bakodimus unhooks the clasp on the bespoke underwear, a tweet is automatically sent reminding women to examine their breasts. It has been designed to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month after figures suggest women don't check their breasts often enough for lumps. Scroll down for video . The Tweeting Bra, pictured, was created by Nestle Fitness to promote Breast Cancer Awareness month. Each time Greek celebrity Maria Bakodimus unhooks the clasp, a tweet is sent automatically to remind women to check their breasts as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month . The bra's clasp is fitted with a sensor that contains a Bluetooth transmitter. When the clasp is unhooked and the connection is broken, it sends a signal to the user's mobile device. This then generates an automated tweet, which is sent from the Twitter account @tweetingbra. A translated version of the tweet says: 'Don't forget to check your breasts women #tweetingbra.' October is internationally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness month. The National Breast Cancer organisation claims women should check their breasts for signs of cancer, including changes in colour and unusual lumps, at least once a month. It adds 40 per cent of cancer cases start with a lump found during a self-examination and this is the first step towards diagnosing the disease through mammograms. The bra's clasp is fitted with a sensor containing a Bluetooth transmitter. When the clasp is unhooked, a signal is sent that automatically sends a tweet . During a video explaining the concept, singer and TV presenter Bakodimus explained: 'We all have a monthly date with ourselves: The breast self-examination date. 'Some women, though, forget all about it. 'That's why Fitness has introduced a new ally in the fight against breast cancer - the Tweeting Bra. 'The first bra that can actually tweet. 'Each time I unhook it, the bra sends a tweet automatically, reminding women of their breast self-examination. 'Our mission? To deliver the life-saving message to everyone.' The bra is not for sale and Nestle said it has no plans to make it available to consumers.

The bra was created by Nestle Fitness for Breast Cancer Awareness month . Each time the clasp on the bra is unhooked, a tweet is automatically sent . The tweet reminds followers to conduct an examination of their breasts .

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Moscow (CNN) -- Russia's upper house of parliament voted Wednesday to revoke the right of President Vladimir Putin to use troops in Ukraine as efforts continue to calm a separatist uprising in Ukraine's east. The Federation Council had approved Putin's request for a resolution allowing the use of force on March 1. But Tuesday, Putin sent a letter to the speaker of the upper house seeking to cancel the resolution. One lawmaker voted against revoking the powers Wednesday, with 153 in favor. Putin's request was made in light of ongoing talks on how to settle the crisis in Ukraine's eastern regions, said presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a tense standoff since March when Russia annexed the previously Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and massed troops along other parts of its border with Ukraine. Ukraine's new President, Petro Poroshenko, declared a cease-fire last week in Kiev's fight against pro-Russia separatists in an effort to calm the situation. The violence continued Tuesday when Ukrainian authorities said pro-Russia militants shot down a military helicopter in eastern Ukraine, killing nine. However, peace talks involving representatives from all sides were under way Wednesday in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, Ukraine's official Ukrinform news agency said. Those participating included Ukrainian government officials, pro-Russia separatists from the restive eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Russian officials and members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States and Europe plan on additional sanctions against Russia, depending on what choices it makes ahead. Asked if the parliament vote to revoke Putin's power to use force in Ukraine was sufficient action to delay sanctions, Kerry said that he needed to see more. The parliamentary action is a positive step, Kerry said, but it could be easily reversed. The greatest difference will be made when Putin publicly calls for separatists in Ukraine to lay down their arms, Kerry said. NATO chief: Peace plan a step forward . NATO foreign ministers on Wednesday endorsed a package of support strengthening the ability of Ukraine, which is not a member of the alliance, to defend itself. Agreed to after talks in Belgium with Ukraine's new foreign minister, Pavlo Klimkin, the package includes "the creation of new trust funds to support defense capacity building in critical areas such as logistics, command and control, cyber defense and to help retired military personnel to adapt to civilian life," according to NATO. "Ukraine has a clear vision for rebuilding its defense and security sector and a clear strategy for resolving the crisis," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said. Poroshenko's peace plan is "a major step forward and we fully support it," he added. Rasmussen also called on Russia "to create conditions for the implementation of the peace plan, to end its support for separatist troops, and to stop the flow of weapons and fighters across its border." The meeting comes ahead of a NATO summit in Wales in September "at a time when security challenges are multiplying beyond our borders," Rasmussen said. "Today we stressed the importance of our collective defense." The ministers from the 28 NATO members -- some of whom are former Soviet states whose nerves have been frayed by Russia's actions against Ukraine -- also agreed to maintain the suspension of practical civilian and military cooperation with Russia. "There will be no business as usual with Russia until Russia comes back into line with its international obligations," Rasmussen said. Coordinated sanctions . Kerry met with Klimkin ahead of Wednesday's talks. Kerry also met Tuesday evening with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and representatives of other world powers, a senior State Department official said. Kerry discussed their joint support for Poroshenko's peace plan and the importance of preparing additional coordinated sanctions if Putin does not take further steps, the official said. The United States and European Union have already imposed targeted economic sanctions against certain Russians and companies over Russia's activities in Ukraine. The resolution authorizing Russia to use force in Ukraine was passed three weeks before Russia completed its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region, which other world powers condemned. CNN's Alla Eshchenko reported from Moscow, and Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported in London. Journalist Victoria Butenko and CNN's Lindsay Isaac and Talia Kayali contributed to this report.

NATO agrees to a package of support to help Ukraine defend itself . Russia's Federation Council cancels resolution authorizing use of troops in Ukraine . President Vladimir Putin asked for the step in light of peace talks, his spokesman says . John Kerry and other NATO foreign ministers are meeting in Belgium .

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Kellie Maloney has praised the world of sport for the reaction to her shock sex change revelation. Maloney, formerly known as the boxing promoter Frank, announced at the weekend that she was now a woman. And the 62-year-old said she was worried about the reaction, adding that she'd known from a very young age she was in the wrong body but suppressed it due to her working-class upbringing, during which she was taken to Millwall at three. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Kellie Maloney admit she would have killed herself . Happy in her own skin: Kellie Maloney speaking on Good Morning Britain about the reaction to her news . Watch the full interview on Good Morning Britain . Now and then: Maloney as Kellie on ITV and (right) last year as Frank, bowing out of boxing . Maloney told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'The reaction has been extraordinary. Stan Collymore, Lennox Lewis, they were great. 'I knew (she wanted to be a woman) when I was very young. But I come from a working-class background, I was taken to Millwall when I was three. 'When I was against my brothers I had to excel at everything. I had to the best at any sport. 'It was very hard and I felt I don't want to be different. I thought it'd just go but it didn't.' Asked how she felt about any negative comments, she said: 'I received so many of them in my boxing business they'd just be like water off a duck's back now to me. Really, that life has prepared me for this transition.' The catalyst, Maloney revealed, was when her father died of cancer, adding: 'The day my father died four years ago the lid came off it.' Walking the dogs: Maloney with her pets and some bags after her interview on ITV . Sofa, so good: Maloney talking on ITV about her revelation and new life . Support: Maloney was grateful for the words of former boxing charge and heavyweight champion of the world Lennox Lewis, with whom he is pictured here in his previous guise as Frank . The ex-boxing promoter and manager also revealed about trying to seek assurances from professionals: 'I would phone the counsellor because I didn't want him to know who I was. I'd say, "Tell me I'm not a transsexual" but he'd say, "I don't know you, if you're asking me there must be something in it".' Maloney re-iterated that she would have killed herself had she not revealed her true self but said the hardest thing was telling her former wife, insisting: 'I would have killed myself. I was angry with everyone and that's what made me do it. My wife was also my best friend we had a great relationship . 'We're divorced now, though. But when I was telling her, when it was coming out I wanted to catch it and put it back in.'

Maloney used to be known as boxing promoter Frank but announced at weekend that she was having a sex change . She revealed that support of Lewis, Collymore etc really helped . Says she knew she was different when she was very young . Was brought up in working-class family, watching Millwall at age three .

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A lawmaker from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party has described rape as a social crime, saying 'sometimes it's right, sometimes it's wrong.' The latest controversial remarks by an Indian politician about rape came as political leaders of Uttar Pradesh, the state where two cousins aged 12 and 14 were raped and hanged last week, have faced criticism for failing to visit the scene and for accusing the media of hyping the story. A regional politician from Modi's own party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said on Thursday that the crime of rape can only be considered to have been committed if it is reported to police. Sadness: Indian police bring one victim's mother to the scene of the rape and murder where two girls were hanged . Brutal: Women activists of Bharatiya Janata Party, flag seen top, face police water cannons as they demonstrate outside the office of Uttar Pradesh state chief minister . Babulal Gaur the home minister responsible for law and order in the BJP-run central state of Madhya Pradesh said: 'This is a social crime which depends on men and women. Sometimes it's right, sometimes it's wrong.' He added: 'Until there's a complaint, nothing can happen.' Gaur also expressed sympathy with Mulayam Singh Yadav, head of the regional Samajwadi Party that runs Uttar Pradesh. In the recent election, Mulayam criticised legal changes that foresee the death penalty for gang rape, saying: 'Boys commit mistakes: Will they be hanged for rape?' The BJP dismissed Gaur's comments as an expression of his personal views, and not the party's. Modi, who was sworn in as prime minister last week after a landslide election victory, has so far remained silent over the double killing in the village of Katra Shahadatganj, around half a day's drive east of New Delhi. The father and uncle of one of the victims said they tried to report the crime to local police but had been turned away. Three men have been arrested over the killings. Two policemen were held on suspicion of trying to cover up the crime. Although a rape is reported in India every 21 minutes on average, law enforcement failures mean that such crimes - a symptom of pervasive sexual and caste oppression - are often not reported or properly investigated, human rights groups say. More sex crimes have come to light in recent days. A woman in a nearby district of Uttar Pradesh was gang-raped, forced to drink acid and strangled to death. Another was shot dead in northeast India while resisting attackers, media reports said. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said he was 'especially appalled' by the rape and murder of the two girls. 'We say no to the dismissive, destructive attitude of, 'Boys will be boys',' he said in a statement this week that made clear his contempt for the language used by Mulayam Singh Yadav. Protest: Villagers in Uttar Pradesh hold a protest beside the tree where they discovered the bodies of two girls earlier this month .

Babulal Gaur said: 'This is a social crime which depends on men and women. Sometimes it's right, sometimes it's wrong' Two cousins aged 12 and 14 were raped and . hanged last week . The minister's controversial remarks come as . political leaders of Uttar Pradesh face criticism over their handling of the sensitive case .

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By . Jack Doyle . PUBLISHED: . 18:15 EST, 12 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 18:31 EST, 12 March 2014 . Security firm G4S has agreed to repay more than £130 million after overcharging the Government for tagging criminals. The embattled firm agreed to cough up 108.9million, plus VAT, only months after it offered to pay just a quarter of that sum. The settlement follows an audit last year showing that taxpayers had been routinely charged for tags on criminals who were in jail, living abroad or even dead. Time to pay: Security firm G4S has agreed to repay £108.9million, plus VAT, after overcharging the British Government . Costs of cleaning up the scandal helped pushed the company - a member of the FTSE 100 index - to an annual loss. It reported a pre-tax loss of £170million, compared to a profit of £313million the year before. The group is still blacklisted by ministers, meaning it cannot bid for new taxpayer-funded work. Almost £200 million was also wiped from the FTSE 100-listed company’s value yesterday as shares fell by more than 5 per cent. In December, tagging contractor Serco agreed to pay £68.5 million plus tax after wrongly invoicing the Ministry of Justice. Bad times: The security firm reported a £170m pre-tax loss for 2013, compared to £313m profit in 2012 .

G4S to repay £108.9million, plus VAT, for overcharging Government . Reported a £170m loss for 2013, compared to £313m profit in 2012 .

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Nicklas Bendtner is taking full advantage of his extended summer break. Having left Arsenal this summer, the Danish striker has posted a photo on Instagram of himself getting, literally, a full-on tan. Bendtner, protecting his dignity with a white bra, captioned the photo saying: ‘Remember to protect yourself from the sun’. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Bendtner's girlfriend take the mick out of him . Bizarre: Bendtner goes to extreme measures to protect himself from the sun . Frustrating: Bendtner's career has stalled somewhat significantly over the last couple of years . The former Arsenal man is dating Julie Zangengerg, and we can only assume Julie is the owner of the bra in question. Linked with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this summer, Bendtner scored just twice for Arsenal last season. He has attracted interest from Eintracht Frankfurt but wants to stay in the Premier League.

The former Arsenal striker posted a bizarre picture on his Instagram account with the message: 'Remember to protect yourself against the sun' Bendtner is yet to sign for a new club following his departure from the Emirates in the summer .

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By . MailOnline Reporter . Prosecutors in Utah will not seek criminal charges against the woman whose 11-month-daughter died after being left in her car in 90-degree heat for hours. Washington County Attorney Brock Belnap said going after April Suwyn for the Aug. 1 death of little Skyah 'is not in the interest of justice,' KSTU reported. 'Because the purpose of the criminal . justice system is to penalize a conscious wrongdoer, justice will not be . served prosecuting April Suwyn, because she was not blameworthy of . mind,' Belnap wrote, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. 'The evidence shows that April was a loving, . thoughtful caregiver who was operating under lack of sleep, changed . routine, and stress.' Tragic loss: April Suwyn, 32, left her 11-month-old daughter Skyah in a hot parked car for hours on Aug. 1 . Too young: Baby Skyah was the only daughter of Micah and April Suwyn. Pictured above with her parents and two older brothers . Baby Skyah . was just one week short of her first birthday when Suwyn broke her . normal routine and brought her beloved daughter along in the car to drop . off her two young sons with a babysitter. But . the urgent need to use the restroom meant April parked her car and . rushed back into her home, leaving Skyah behind in the hot parked car. It was only when she went back to the car around 1pm that she noticed her grave mistake. Paramedics life-flighted Skyah in extremely critical condition to Dixie Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Above, a view of the neighborhood where Skyah was found after several hours in a hot parked car . Neither . April nor her husband Micah have made statements regarding their only . daughter's death, but Suwyn's sister Aimee Wright said the tragedy was an accident. Prosecutors agreed. 'Rather than abandoning Skyah, [Suwyn] acted under the erroneous belief that Skyah was napping safely in her bedroom crib,' Belnap wrote. The prosecutor added, 'an unconscious lapse of awareness is substantially different than a conscious decision to leave a baby in a car.' Mother and daughter pictured above in a shot from dad Micah's Facebook page . April Wright says that Skyah's death was the result of a change of routine for her sister, who usually has a neighbor look after her daughter while she takes the boys to a babysitter. But she decided to take Skyah along for the ride that day. There was construction going on in the neighborhood so Mrs Suwyn had to park a few blocks away from her home, where she does nails in her in-house salon while watching Skyah. Mrs Suwyn rushed out of the car after parking, since she needed to use the restroom, and went about her day under the impression she took Skyah out of the car and put her down for nap as usual. She found her daughter hours later when she went back to the car to pick up her sons. Sweltering: The temperature when Skyah was found in the car was 90 degrees. Skyah and her mother pictured above spending the day by a river .

Baby Skyah was left inside a hot parked car for hours on Aug.1 . Mom April Suwyn thought the girl had gone down for a nap and didn't realize her mistake until she returned to the car  pick up her sons . Prosecutor says filing criminal charges against the mother is 'not in the interest of justice' Evidence suggests she was overly tired and stressed because of a 'changed routine'

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This is the dramatic moment a group of fishermen were rescued from freezing waters seconds before their boat sank. Five of the crew from Irish vessel, the Iuda Naofa, can be seen scrambling on the upturned stern of the boat after it got into trouble about 48 miles north of the Isle of Lewis in Scotland on Monday. Large waves crashed into the sinking ship, sending four of the stranded crew into the sea, as the last fisherman managed to escape just moments before it completely submerged. Crew members from the Iuda Naofa got into trouble while fishing north of the Isle of Lewis in Scotland . Footage captured by the Scottish Coastguard shows the dramatic moment the five crew members were rescued as their ship sank below them . The Scottish Coastguard sent a rescue helicopter to the scene after they had tried to use a salvage pump to clear water from the boat - but it was soon swamped and started to sink. A winch line had been connected between the helicopter and the boat but it had to be released as the vessel went down to prevent the helicopter being pulled down with it. Two men got to another nearby vessel, the Star of Hope, in a rescue raft while the other three men were airlifted to the Western Isles hospital, where they were treated for mild hypothermia. It took just 35 seconds for the boat to go under - where is now lies at the at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Deckhand, Micheál Ó Conghaíle, was on board with his father when they started to get into trouble and has told of how he clung to the 63-year-old as they waited to be rescued. 'We started fishing about 8pm Monday night about 30 miles Northwest of [North] Rona,' explained the 32-year-old from Inis Mor, Galway. It took just 35 seconds for the boat to go under - where is now lies at the at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean . Close call: The last fisherman managed to escape just moments before it completely submerged (pictured) A winch line had been connected between the helicopter and the boat but it had to be released as the vessel went down to prevent the helicopter being pulled down with it . 'After we took the fish aboard we were taking in water. It's not unusual for wooden fishing boats. 'We were minding the pumps but the water got the better of the pumps in the end. We could see we couldn't win the battle so we called the coastguard.' After lowering another pump the coastguard decided it was time to winch the crew to safely and told them gather at the stern. Mr Ó Conghaíle continued: 'The coastguard said from the moment all five of us were on the stern it took just 35 seconds to go down. 'She went over. I heard a pop of the life raft coming up and two of the crew climbed on. 'She didn't hit me - I knew I wasn't caught but I was in the water and there was a bit of rope tangled. I pulled that off. I was frightened she might pull me down with her. 'When I was in the water and holding onto dad I saw a seagull eating a fish. He was picking at something and I was looking at him thinking "This is just a normal day for you".' Two men got to another nearby vessel, the Star of Hope, in a rescue raft while the other three men were airlifted to the Western Isles hospital, where they were treated for mild hypothermia . Deckhand Micheál Ó Conghaíle has described how he clung to his 63-year-old father Mairtín in the freezing cold waters as they waited to be rescued . Mr Ó Conghaíle, father Mairtín, 63, and another deckhand were winched onto the helicopter one by one. They were taken to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and treated for mild hypothermia and cared for by the Stornoway Fishermen's Mission. Praising the efforts of the Coastguard Mr Ó Conghaíle said: 'We are eternally grateful for them rescuing us. The Fishermen's Mission were amazing. They couldn't do enough for us.' The terrifying experience has not put him off fishing and he added that he will return to the sea when the weather conditions improve. Earlier this month, eight crew were lost when a Cypriot-registered ship sunk off the north of Scotland. The Cemfjord, a cement carrier, capsized in stormy conditions on January 2 while attempting to make its way through the Pentland Firth. No trace of the seven Polish nationals and one Filipino on board the vessel has been found despite searches. A church service was held in their memory in Wick, Caithness, at the weekend with candles lit for each of the crew members and their families.

Crew members from the Iuda Naofa got into trouble off the Isle of Lewis . Vessel began taking in water and fisherman tried their best to pump it out . Coastguard were called which captured dramatic moment ship went under . Large waves left four stranded in the sea as boat sunk in just 35 seconds . Deckhand Micheál Ó Conghaíle has described how he clung to his father .

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Tunis, Tunisia (CNN) -- While the world focuses on the gruesome images of a dead Gadhafi in Libya, many are missing another big game-changer taking place Sunday in the Arab world -- through ballots, not bullets. It's happening in Tunisia, which is once again making history. With popular protest, Tunisia pushed its dictator Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali from power on January 14. On Sunday, it will hold elections for the constitutional assembly that will determine the nation's future; it will be the first time many Tunisians have gone to the polls. This is a historic moment for Tunisia, and for the world. But there are no colorful banners or the festival atmosphere that often proclaims election seasons. Instead, Tunisian streets are quiet. Campaign posters are confined to designated spots on carefully marked walls. Walking around Tunis, one occasionally stumbles upon the checkerboard series of posters, usually with nearly identical slogans. Otherwise, it's business as usual. In part, this is because laws restrict campaign activities to indoor spaces with prior approval. These laws may be intended to level the playing field, but have the effect of muting debate. Beyond this, most would-be voters find the elections confusing. More than 100 parties, 1,500 party lists (which offer proportional representation) and 10,000 candidates are vying for 199 seats in Tunisia's 27 in-country districts. (Tunisia has established another six districts to represent Tunisians living outside the country.) This is combined with decades of authoritarian rule that has left many Tunisians cynical, uninformed and detached from politics. Only 4.4 million of an estimated 7.5 million to 8 million eligible voters are registered to vote, despite an extended registration period. For some, though, stakes seem incredibly high. Some Tunisians worry that "old forces" under Ben Ali's regime will find a foothold in the new order. Tunisian authorities banned those who held positions of responsibility in the old ruling party from running in elections. The ban technically excluded thousands and clipped the wings of the old regime, but few believe their influence has disappeared for good. Perhaps more palpable is the concern that Islamists will hijack the process. Some point to Islamist demonstrations against the airing of the animated film "Persepolis" on the private Tunisian TV station Nessma as a clear sign that Islamist forces are strong and determined to undo Tunisia's secular regime. Islamists opposed to the depiction of God in the animated, award-winning French film about the 1979 Iranian revolution marched in central Tunis, until riot police used tear gas to disperse them. In defense of freedom and rights, secularists mounted a counter-demonstration, marching with tape over their mouths to protest limitations of freedom. There is finger-pointing on both sides. Those who fear the Islamist party, al-Nahda -- by far the strongest, best organized in the country -- point to the demonstrations as evidence that al-Nahda can't be trusted, or at best will be forced by Salafis to take more radical policies. Those favoring al-Nahda tell a story of incitement and conspiracy, in which anti-Nahdists intentionally incited the conflict to undermine Islamists. More generally, they fervently pledge to respect women's rights, with loudspeaker announcements reminding voters that women make up an important half of society. On the bright side, debate is clearly alive and well in Tunisia. It is found around dinner tables, in conference rooms, schools and universities. Moreover, Tunisians seem determined to succeed. There is a sense of self-restraint and compromise among many, underpinned by formal agreements, that they must keep the process on track. It is incredibly important that the electoral process succeed, not just for Tunisia, but for the world. Just like the demonstrations that led to Ben Ali's downfall, the elections receive little attention. Yet, just as the demonstrations ultimately changed the face of the Arab world, the elections can alter the course of history. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ellen Lust.

Ellen Lust: Historic election Sunday will determine Tunisia's future, but there is little fanfare . She says this is because laws restrict campaign activities and huge ballots are confusing . She says years of repression have left Tunisians cynical, uninformed, apathetic . Lust: Worry that Islamists will dominate or that old regime will intrude make vote crucial .

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A 34-year-old man being sought in a woman's death has been arrested in connection with the killings of two homeless men who were shot three days apart while both were sleeping on sidewalks, Atlanta police said Friday. Aeman Lovel Presley was in custody, but police weren't providing further details about his arrest, said Sgt. Greg Lyon. Presley, of Atlanta, also was wanted by police in Decatur, Georgia, in the fatal shooting Saturday night of a 44-year-old woman whose body was found behind an office building, according to police and CNN affiliate WSB. An arrest warrant for Presley was issued in the Decatur case, Decatur police Sgt. Jennifer Ross said Friday. "We are actively working with multiple agencies at this time and cannot provide any further information that may jeopardize ongoing investigations," Ross said. Karen Pearce, a hair stylist in Marietta, was shot shortly after she left a restaurant in downtown Decatur, the affiliate reported. True Salon, where Pearce worked, said on its Facebook page Friday that "while we are relieved to hear that a suspect is in custody, we are still trying to comprehend this senseless act of violence that took a very special person from our lives." Presley or his attorneys couldn't be immediately reached for comment Friday. Atlanta police called the shootings of homeless men "sinister" because whoever pulled the trigger wasn't expecting to gain from the victims monetarily. "A lot of our shootings involve robbery. A lot of our shootings involve someone making good on an old debt or some kind of revenge factor," Atlanta police Detective David Quinn told reporters earlier this week. "I don't know why someone would shoot two defenseless men." The shootings happened during Thanksgiving week, within three days of each other. Three days, 3 miles apart . In the homeless men case, the first shooting took place November 23. Dorian Jenkins, 42, was fatally shot five times as he slept, wrapped in a blanket, on a sidewalk in downtown Atlanta. Less than three days later, Tommy Mims, 64, didn't show up as normal at a recycling center where he took cans and other scrap metals to sell. Mims, known locally as "Can Man" was found dead under a bridge where he usually slept. His body, also wrapped in a blanket, had seven gunshot wounds. He was killed less than three miles from Jenkins. "They never came out of the sleep they were already in," Quinn said. "They weren't fleeing, running. They were asleep when they took these rounds." Telling details . Police say evidence links the killings of the homeless men. The rounds used in both shootings are fairly distinctive: .45-caliber bullets that, according to Quinn, haven't been made since 2010. They were fired from revolvers, either a Taurus "Judge" or a Smith & Wesson "Governor." That reveals another troubling fact. "These guns have a capacity of five or six rounds," Quinn said. But Mims, the second victim, had been shot seven times. "Someone had to reload the gun in order to get seven rounds in him."

A man held in killing of two Atlanta homeless men is linked to third case . Aeman Lovel Presley faces arrest warrant in woman's slaying in Decatur, Georgia . Karen Pearce, a hair stylist, was found fatally shot behind a building Saturday . "We are still trying to comprehend this senseless act of violence," her salon says .

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A couple who were separated from their baby for more than a year have been awarded £12,000 compensation in a landmark ruling. The pair – who have learning difficulties and are in their 30s – will receive the payment after a judge at the High Court in London said their basic human rights had been violated by social workers. In the first known case of its kind, family judge Clifford Bellamy told how social workers employed by Leicester City Council had dragged their feet in sorting out the case, leading to trauma for the parents. In a landmark ruling at the High Court in London today, a judge ruled that a local council had breached a disabled couple's human rights after taking away their baby for more than a year . During the court hearing, it emerged that medical professionals had no idea the mother was pregnant before she gave birth in May last year. The court heard that it was unclear whether she concealed her pregnancy or was genuinely unaware of it. The couple had not been under assessment by social workers prior to the birth. When the girl, known only as Baby H, was born Leicester City Council social workers stepped in and decided that she was ‘at risk of significant harm’. The couple, who cannot be named, were prevented from taking her home from hospital. The judge said he felt great sympathy for the parents as they had ‘no one to speak up for them’. They had no choice in the matter as their baby was put into care with a couple known to them and were then stymied in their efforts to be reunited with their daughter. The judge said the confused parents were repeatedly ‘subjected to unnecessary delay and uncertainty’. The council took almost a year to launch proper care proceedings. Baby H had already celebrated her first birthday before her parents were sent on a 12-week residential course to assess their ability to look after her. Judge Bellamy said that was the first time they had ‘been together as a family’ since her birth. Leicester City Council, based at the city's town hall (pictured), claimed the couple were not entitled to compensation, but after fighting a High Court battle, they were ordered to pay £12,000 to the family . The child is now almost 18 months old and the couple are finally able to look after her under close supervision. ‘The happy ending must not be allowed to mask or diminish this local authority’s serious failings in the way that it dealt with this case and the impact that had on these parents,’ he said. Family judge Clifford Bellamy said the council had 'dragged its feet' in launching legal proceedings . The judge also expressed sympathy for a foster couple who had cared for the baby. He found they had taken her into ‘their home and their hearts’ and had been given hope they would look after her permanently. After initially being told they would be caring for the baby for a fortnight, social workers then said she might never be returned to her parents and they became ‘deeply attached to her’. Judge Bellamy ruled the council had admitted making 14 mistakes. These included failing to explain to the couple why their daughter was being cared for ‘far away from them against their expressly stated wishes’. The council admitted that its failures breached the parents’ human rights to a fair hearing and to respect for their privacy and family life. ‘The nature and extent of the poor practice admitted by the local authority is such that an adverse impact on these parents was inevitable,’ added the judge. ‘They would have needed great fortitude to be able to take such an experience in their stride. ‘Far from having great fortitude it is clear that these are vulnerable, learning disabled parents who had no one to speak up for them.’ Despite admitting it had violated the parents’ human rights, the council argued that it was ‘inappropriate’ to award them damages. However, the judge said that because the baby wasn’t returned to her parents until June this year; ‘These parents have suffered a loss of time with their daughter which was both unnecessarily lengthy and deeply distressing.’ He ordered that the council pay £6,000 damages to each parent, adding that this was the least required to ‘afford just satisfaction’ for what they had endured.

Leicester City Council did not know woman was pregnant before birth . Prevented couple from taking Baby H home with them from hospital . Child was given to a couple that was known to her parents to be cared for . Officials took more than a year to launch proceedings into the case .

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(CNN) -- There's no denying it, the holiday crush is upon us. There's the shopping to do, the cards to mail, the decorations to put up, the cooking, the crowds, the in-laws. It can be a lot. For some people, that's reason enough to pack their bags and hit the road come December. Others simply enjoy experiencing the festivities in a far-flung locale. For those of you who would rather stuff a suitcase than another turkey this year, here are a handful of festive hotels that go all out for the season, ensuring that you not only don't miss being at home for the holidays but that you relish having someone else do all the work. Grove Park Inn . Asheville, North Carolina . The mountain setting and lodge-like design of this historic inn, which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year, will have you in a holiday mood even before you learn about all of its myriad celebrations, from the caroling choirs to the time-honored yule log ceremony in the Great Hall. The event for which the hotel is best known is the National Gingerbread House Competition, which it has hosted for the past two decades. Competitors come from near and far to whip up confections you just have to see to believe. The Plaza . New York City . Who wouldn't love to spend Christmas in New York City at a quintessential Big Apple hotel? Little Kevin McCallister did just that in the popular holiday flick "Home Alone 2," when he checked into this grande dame of New York stays, which is even more spectacular when it's decked out in all its seasonal finery. Of course, not all of us can simply put the bill on our father's credit card as Kevin did, but The Plaza is worth a visit even if you can't afford to stay, be it to check out the decorating of its historic halls or to enjoy a decadent holiday dessert in the Palm Court restaurant. Plus from here, it's mere steps to the elaborate window displays of the shops along Fifth Avenue or a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Madrona Manor . Healdsburg, California . The festivities at this 18-room Victorian manse in scenic Sonoma Valley wine country center around the holiday table. Every December for more than 20 years, its fine-dining restaurant has presented a series of Dickens Dinners (named for the author of the classic "A Christmas Carol"), in which singers in period costume serenade diners as they enjoy a five-course meal consisting of nostalgic dishes such as roast goose, beef Wellington and Christmas pudding, all lovingly prepared by Michelin-starred chef Jesse Mallgren. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess . Scottsdale, Arizona . Christmas at the Princess, as this five-diamond desert property's annual festival is called, features everything from an ice skating rink (complete with exhibitions from national ice skating champs) to children's ornament- and dreidel-making classes to train rides to view the more than half a million holiday lights illuminating the vast grounds. There are also fireside chats with Santa, a nightly menorah lighting, marshmallow roasts and more. Big Cedar Lodge . Ridgedale, Missouri . This rustic retreat, 10 miles south of Branson in the wilds of the Ozark Mountains, is the perfect site for a homey holiday with all the trimmings, such as a wagon ride through the countryside ending with s'mores and hot chocolate served around a roaring bonfire. Better yet, you can arrange for Santa's elves to visit your room, deliver the kids a stocking full of goodies and read them a bedtime story. Santa himself can make a visit on Christmas morning. They even throw Ol' St. Nick a farewell party before he heads back to the North Pole, and you don't even have to get out of your pajamas to attend. Rooms from $149. Gaylord National Resort . National Harbor, Maryland . Fancy a trip to the nation's capital this yuletide? Then consider a stay at this D.C.-area megaresort. It's a favorite for meetings and conventions, so it's plenty big enough for you and all of your friends and family. Big, too, is its annual Christmas on the Potomac event, complete with multihued ice sculptures you can actually slide down, nightly indoor snowfalls, a 60-foot-high glass tree, brunches and photos with Santa, and some 2 million twinkling lights. The theme of this year's extravaganza is Shrek the Halls, with the popular DreamWorks characters being featured in everything from Shrek-shaped waffles to meet and greets with Puss in Boots. Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island . Amelia Island, Florida . The setting along the sandy shores of the Atlantic at this elegant lodging may not evoke a winter wonderland, but that doesn't mean you can't get into the Christmas spirit. Especially when the S.S. Amelia -- a pirate ship constructed out of gingerbread, 1,200 pounds of sugar and 3,000 eggs -- docks in the hotel lobby. Or at other observances, such as Santa's Storybook Tea, where Mr. and Mrs. Claus join you for a photo op, the reading of a classic holiday story, and afternoon tea with tasty finger sandwiches, pastries, candy and cakes. Auberge Residences at Pronghorn . Bend, Oregon . If you really want to get away from home for the holidays yet still have all the comforts of home, rent yourself one of Pronghorn's deluxe one- to three-bedroom units that start at 2,000 square feet and include use of the clubhouse, spa and concierge. They will set up your unit with a decked-out tree or supply one for you to decorate, and they will provide, upon request, the ingredients to make your own wreath, cranberries and popcorn to create strings of garland, a copy of " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas," a variety of holiday DVDs to watch and milk and cookies to leave out for Santa. They'll also store and wraps your gifts.

The Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, hosts a gingerbread house competition . In California wine country, Madrona Manor presents Dickens Dinners . Some hotels will supply guests with their own decorated Christmas tree .

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They're a group of enthusiastic young girls who have always wanted to be cheerleaders but, due to assorted medical ailments, would never actually qualify for a proper team. But now they have their own. A gym in Tyler, Texas, is offering a creative new charity program for kids in the area by forming a special needs cheerleading squad, according to KETK. Their name? Team Inspire. Team Inspire: The new cheer squad, formed for children with special needs at the Gym Tyler in Texas, watch on as another squad performs . Active: At the moment the team is made up of about 15 enthusiastic girls, but boys are welcome too . Open arms: Everyone is welcome to join the team . Branchild: The owner of GymTyler Gymnastics, Kim Johnson (left), came up with the idea for Team Inspire, saying that special needs kids deserved cheerleading programs too . Alot of people have got involved to help the children learn the cheer routine . 'I am excited': Ava Penkilo, 8, is one of the girl's on Team Inspire . Motivated: Team Inspire, a group of cheerleaders with special needs, will start practice at Johnson's gym in September. So far, about 15 cheerleaders are interested in the program . The owner of GymTyler Gymnastics, Kim Johnson, said the idea came about in February, when a one-off squad was created for the developmentally challenged. The team performed a two and a half minute routine at a University of Texas at Tyler basketball game. 'It was so awesome and overwhelming,' Johnson told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. 'I really think God reached down and said, ''this is what we are doing''.' Johnson then set out on a fundraising effort in order to collect enough money so the squad could become a permanent part of her gym. While raising a cheerleader will usually set parents back anywhere between $1,500 to $5,000 a year, the cost to join the Team Inspire is $15 a month. Cheering: The cost for the children joining Team Inspire will be just $15 per month following a fundraiser . Ready, ok: Gym owner Kim Johnson (back left) said she wanted to launch the cheer program for years . Some of the loudest cheers aren't coming from the girls, but from their supporters, especially the other girls that help out among the group . That money will be used for team parties and for uniforms. Some of the children involved have Down syndrome, while one girl, Stevena Pate, 7, suffers from Prader-Willi syndrome — a rare genetic condition characterized by constant hunger and an inability to feel full. Stevena loves music, dancing and singing, according to her grandmother, Debbie Pate. The squad have already started learning their routine, with the first verse: 'GymTyler, the show has took to the floor. Inspiring the world, we are here to rock the floor.' The gym is raising money to include more children on the team and help out parents with costs. An account is set up for donations at Prosperity Bank under Twisters Inspire.

GymTyler Gymnastics in Tyler, Texas, has been working on the new program since February . Goal was to raise enough funds to be able to launch the squad with little cost to the parents of the children involved . Gym owner Kim Johnson said: 'I really think God reached down and said, ''this is what we are doing''.'

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Las Vegas, Nevada (CNN) -- Smartphones can control drones, speeding robots, cameras and the temperature of your master bathroom. That's just some of the technology on display in Las Vegas this week at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show. The massive show doesn't kick off in earnest until Tuesday, but some companies gave a sneak preview of their gadgets at the CES Unveiled event Sunday night. The technology at Unveiled tends to skew small and fun, and many products are from start-ups instead of major companies. A few are already available but most are scheduled to come out a bit later this year. Among the usual headphones and speakers, we found some interesting gizmos. Some might go mainstream, others will be copied by major companies, and some are just too strange or niche to make it outside of a select group of tech enthusiasts. Racing robots . Smartphone-controlled toys are popular, especially the rugged rolling robots that show off by jumping, spinning and speeding around. Sphero follows up its smartphone-controlled ball with the programmable Sphero 2B, an infrared-equipped two-wheeled robot that can go up to 14 feet per second and leap 3 to 4 feet into the air. The company behind the device, Orbotix, thinks people will use it in a variety of multiplayer smartphone games or for racing. Also on display was the similar Jumping Sumo from Parrot. The Sumo can also go high into the air and speed and do tricks, and it includes a built-in camera. Recreational drones . Tiny, medium and large drones are constantly buzzing through the CES airspace. Some, like the Parrot MiniDrone, are just toys, meant to be controlled with smartphones and used to amaze or annoy your friends. The medium-size drones can be fun and also serve a purpose. DJI Innovations makes a line of professional and consumer drones for shooting video and taking photos. Its newest product is the Phantom II Vision, which has a built-in camera instead of the usual camera mount. You can see what the camera is seeing from a smartphone app while the drone is in the air. It also shares stats like telemetry data and warns you if the drone is too close to the 400-foot maximum height allowed by law. The company also makes a version of the Phantom II without a camera, so you can mount something like your own GoPro, and a hulking professional version that can carry a professional-size camera, like the Canon 5D. New kind of keyboard . Some of the best gadgets at CES are the weirdest. The Mobile QWERTY keyboard from TrewGrip takes the traditional computer keyboard, splits it, flips it and puts it on the back of a hand-held keyboard, where you will press them without looking. The device is meant to be ergonomic and a full-size alternative to the tiny on-screen keyboards found on most mobile devices. The company says that it's easy to learn the new style of typing since the order of the letters is the same, and the front of the keyboard offers a light-up guide to help with the transition. The keyboard connects to mobile devices over Bluetooth, but it can also be attached to the center of the keyboard with a suction mount. Wearable sensors with flair . Using tiny sensors to track activity in watches, bracelets and other wearable doodads has been getting more mainstream. The next step is to make them something people actually want to be seen wearing. The early attempts are focusing on disguising the tech as familiar accessories. June is a UV sensor inside what looks like a sparkly piece of costume jewelry. The $99 fake gem attaches to a double-wrap leather bracelet or can be pinned to clothing. It tracks sun exposure, sunblock usage and other details and then churns out advice to keep the wearer from soaking in too many rays or burning. Wellograph attempts to make the usually sporty fitness tracker into a high-end-looking watch. Also on a leather strap, the large square watch face is made out of hardy sapphire crystal and shows all the information in simple white lettering on black. It tracks heart rate, steps and fitness levels. It can sync to a smartphone but can also hold up to four months of data. The $320 watch will be available in April. Power providers . Having enough power is an issue in developing countries, in emergencies and for anyone who needs to use a smartphone for more than half a day without recharging. A group of power-related gadgets attempts to address all the power problems on the spectrum. Intelligent Energy is working with Brookstone on a hydrogen-powered fuel cell that will cost $199 when it launches in the U.S. this spring. The device is able to charge a smartphone five times on a single cartridge, but the cartridges are swapped out at Brookstone locations. It's not exactly off-the-grid living if you're driving to the nearest strip mall to get a refill, but the device is also rolling out in South Africa and Nigeria through cell carriers, which could have many more refill locations. The Waka Waka chargers are solar powered and already used by 102,000 people in Syria. The device got its start as a Kickstarter project, and now the makers are hoping that sales in the U.S. and Europe can help make the same devices more affordable in developing countries and areas hit by disasters. There's also a Waka Waka solar-powered light, and the company is working on a full emergency kit for the future. Trackers, trackers everywhere . Tiny tracking devices are the hot, cheap product du jour. In addition to the fitness trackers, there are sensors for keeping track of your belongings, tracking your sleep patterns, and tracking air quality and temperature. One of the odder offerings we saw was Mother, a hub that looks like a happy ghost and works with up to 24 tiny sensors called cookies. The sensors can be placed on anything (or anyone) in the home and used to track their location, status or temperature. Like many of the systems at CES, Mother doesn't play well with other systems and devices. Withings wants to track sleep with a sensor that slips under a mattress and a companion smart lamp and alarm, called the Aura, that tracks what part of the sleep cycle a person is in. When it's time to get up, the Aura waits until the right part of the sleep cycle. While users are asleep, it generates special colored lights that the company says helps people generate melatonin. The device, which comes out in the spring, can also sense light levels and air quality.

New technology is previewed ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas . Fun-sized drones and smartphone-controlled racing robots are popular . Tiny sensors can be used to track fitness, sleep, air quality, UV rays and car key location .

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Snow has finally arrived in the Alps after skiing resorts endured one of the worst starts to their season in recent memory. Vehicles were pictured in a massive jam near some of the best known resorts in France as winter sports enthusiasts made a dash for the mountains amid blizzard conditions. It comes just days after weather experts predicted the snow-starved region was in line for up to 30 inches of snow and as icy conditions caused havoc in Britain. Scroll down for video . Finally: The snow has arrived in the French Alps after parts of the region endured one of the worst starts to the winter sports season in recent memory . Some of France's top skiing destinations had been void of snow while openings were delayed in a number of resorts with the slopes bare. It came after a spell of unseasonably warm weather that has persisted throughout December - until now. Images emerged yesterday of thousands of cars lining snow-covered roads near Albertville on the way to the Tarentaise valley in the heart of the French Alps. It comes after a huge weather system moved in over the area bringing a massive downfall. The sight of falling snow is certain to have brought a sigh of relief to frustrated resort operators and others whose livelihoods depend on traditional winter weather, and will no doubt have delighted British skiers who were planning a winter getaway. Families have shown up over the Christmas break to find slopes bare in some resorts. Gridlock: Cars were caught out in blizzard conditions as the snow came down at Albertville - close to some of the best known resorts in France . The sight of falling snow is certain to have brought a sigh of relief to frustrated resort operators . The situation was such that bosses at the resort of Les Gets, in the Northern Alps, turned on snow cannons to fill slopes with man-made snow. Yesterday's snow storm is expected to be followed by colder temperatures, meaning the snow will stick around handing a major boost to the ski tourism industry. In a ski report issued amid a mild Christmas, Meteo France said snow is non-existent or very low on all ranges up to 5,000ft and there is only a small amount of snow on ranges from 5,900ft to 6,500ft. But the national weather service said such a lack of snow is not that unusual as it occurs roughly every five years. High in the French Alps, particularly in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions, the latest values have made this season one of the ‘least snowy’ winters in 35 years following the warmest year on record in France.

Some Alpine resorts were enduring one of the worst starts to their season in recent memory . Snow has finally arrived after a blizzard swept across the region yesterday . Cars seen queuing up on snow-covered roads in France near top resorts . Comes after forecasters said the area could be in line for 30 ins of snow .

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(CNN) -- Jaelithe Judy has been taking her son with her when she votes ever since he was born. They've been talking about politics since he was 4. Now 7 years old, Isaac likes to say that he's going to become a science teacher -- and the president of the United States. Judy herself was raised by a politically motivated mom and accompanied her on Equal Rights Amendment marches when she was as young as 8. It inspired her to become a political blogger, both with MOMocrats and her own blog, The State of Discontent. Tackling heated discussions, educating yourself about issues and getting candid about candidates can be difficult, even for the politically inclined. But political mom bloggers have taken the challenge to a new level: combining the delicate art form of being a parent with being politically active, and including their children in the entire process. "I think it's really important to raise children with a sense of public responsibility," Judy said. "One of the values I want to instill in my son is this idea that as an American citizen, he's responsible for paying attention to what the government is doing so later, when he's old enough to vote, he's empowered to make rational decisions." Isaac may not be running for president any time soon, but he's on the right track. Children inherently possess a sense of fairness, which makes them prime candidates for political understanding and conversations, Judy said. While reaching out on a smaller scale than other parenting-centric mom blogs, these politically motivated websites are a great way to connect like-minded mothers and share ideas. These blogs tend to become increasingly active around elections, Judy said. MOMocrats was one of only 55 national blogs to attend the Democratic National Convention. "The blog had literally been started in 2007 by three moms talking over coffee in a cafe," Judy said. "So we personally felt like recognition as legitimate press from the DNC was a pretty powerful sign that the trend of mothers blogging about politics was being taken seriously by the political establishment and the wider media." In addition to political blogging, these moms try to incorporate politics into their home life. Molly Teichman's kids wouldn't be as interested in politics if their family weren't so actively involved. While she is holding a central committee meeting in the gym, her kids are playing basketball just a few feet away. "When parents become involved and talk about it, you become a model for your kids, and then they understand that it's their responsibility to seek out news and information you can trust and make solid decisions on," said Teichman, a conservative who runs the Political Mommentary blog. She was also an official blogger for the Conservative Political Action Conference. Teichman's reasons for being so politically active run deep. Her grandmother once posed the question, "Why do you keep having these children? Why would you want them to grow up in this world?" Teichman knew that she had to do something to make a difference in the world her children were growing up in, and that route was politics. Blogging as a politically inclined mother has connected her with both like-minded and opposing party-affiliated women all across the country. While there may be tension between their differing views on issues, Teichman considers the political mom blogger movement to be a beautiful thing. "When women start to collaborate, there's this warm, holistic nature," she said. "We may be affiliated with different parties, but we come to a consensus and an understanding when the day is over. Both online and at conferences, I just see so much 'come together.'" Her 10-year-old son, Jackson, is getting caught up in the spell of the election because while his dad has picked a favorite in the political season, Mommy has not. "He likes to set himself up right between us and ask questions about how we make our decisions," Teichman said. "He asks what we're looking for if we're watching one of the debates, he asks who's asking the question, why do they want to know, what's the reporter, what's their role?" In fact, these mom bloggers say there has never been a more exciting or engaging time for kids to become interested in some facet of the election scene. "As they talk about issues in school or they come up naturally in history or social studies classes, your kids come home and talk about that," said Joanne Bamberger, the mind behind the PunditMom blog. "We're in an election season and that provides a good opportunity to have a conversation, if you want to." While Bamberger and her husband align with progressive Democratic politics, they don't want to influence their daughter or her future decisions. This age range, "between the elementary and tween years," can be a great time to have political discussions with kids, but it is also incredibly easy to sway their views. Bamberger takes the same kind of balanced approach that she sees in some of the families she interviewed for her book, "Mothers of Intention." She has witnessed a trend of families aiming to indoctrinate their kids with hyperpartisan politics, but doesn't agree with it. Instead, she suggests explaining all partisan beliefs and objectives, even if they don't align with your own. "Our kids understand there is more than one side to every issue," she said. "I tell them, we may believe this, but there are other people who think this other thing for varying reasons." Shannon Drury, founder of The Radical Housewife blog, tries to keep her party affiliation as a separate entity from her children, although she actively talks about politics with them often. Politics actually bring her family together. "As a political activist myself, I can't help but talk with my kids about why I take the stands I do," she said. "After all, I share my values about everything else in my life -- I tell them why I recycle, why I drive the speed limit, why I eat my vegetables, and I tell them why I prefer Madonna to Ke$ha, so I might as well explain why I voted for Obama!" Drury takes her kids with her to abortion rights rallies, candidate events, marches and even a few Occupy Wall Street-allied demonstrations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She encourages them that while they aren't old enough to vote now, they can still be a part of the political process with her. Her children are becoming activists in their own right. "The even greater reward of their childhood activism, though, will be growing into adults who are confident that they have the ability to participate in the political process, no matter where on the liberal/conservative spectrum they eventually fall," she said. "Civic engagement is an important part of being a healthy, fully rounded person." While some moms have the ability to be actively involved in their community or work directly in politics, not all mothers have that ability. Blogging about parenting and politics connects them to this sphere. They can talk about the two topics separately, or how to talk about political news with their kids. "We don't talk to our neighbors as much as we used to, so the online community helps," Judy said. "The Internet is a wonderful outlet, a great place for women to connect and share parenting experiences. This movement has the potential to create new common-ground alliances between women with very different backgrounds."

Mom bloggers are tackling the challenges of parenting and being politically active . No matter their party affiliation, these bloggers agree that the community aspect helps them . Bloggers swap parenting advice and political sparring .

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By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 13:17 EST, 10 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:17 EST, 10 January 2013 . The musician whose vintage Gibson guitar was severely damaged on a flight last month has finally received some good news about his prized axe. Not only is Gibson going to repair Dave Schneider’s original 1965 ES-335, which is worth an estimated $10,000 – they offered to give him a new one. Delta, too, eventually offered to pay for the guitar and gave him two free flight vouchers. Mr Schneider is a guitarist and singer for the hockey-themed rock band The Zambonis, as well as a Hanukah-themed rock band, The LeeVees. Scroll down for videos . Mazel tov: Dave Schneider, left, guitarist and singer for Hanukkah-themed rock band The LeeVees, pictured with band mate Adam Gardner, left . Shredded: Guitarist Dave Schneider's 1965 Gibson ES335 was badly damaged after he was forced to check it flying from Buffalo to Detroit . Anger: The musician posted with the picture this explanation: 'It got jammed in an ELEVATOR! That is a steel rail bending from a semi-hollow body being slammed/jammed in it' Mr Schneider lamented on his Facebook page on December 26 that he was forced to check his 1965 Gibson ES-335 for his flight from Buffalo, New York to Detroit. He arrived at the Detroit airport . baggage claim only to find his axe wedged in its carrying case between a . service elevator and a loading dock rail. 'Gibson reaching out to me is the cherry on top of the best musical nightmare ever.' -Dave Schneider . Mr Schneider said he was given a hard time by the airline, who had initially only offered him $1,000 to repair his guitar. Repeated calls and emails to the company were not returned, he said. Seeing his struggle, Gibson contacted Mr Schneider and offered him another ES-335 free of charge. ‘At this moment, the Gibson company is rocking even harder than Pete Townshend’s Les Paul,’ he wrote in an email to Yahoo News. The happy guitarist says that he plans to pay it forward by purchasing a few new Gibsons and then donate them to charity. Axe: A 1965 Gibson ES-335 like this one is worth around $10,000 (stock photo) He added that Gibson reaching out to him was ‘the cherry on top of the best musical nightmare ever.’ After the initial December flight, the musician posted two pictures of his ruined guitar to Facebook, saying it was a ‘musician’s worst nightmare (come) true.’ Speaking with Yahoo News, Mr Schneider said that he wasn’t even supposed to fly out from Buffalo. His flight from Portland, Maine had been diverted to Rochester, where he and band mate Adam Gardner had performed songs from their self-described 'indie-pop rock' album, 'Hanukkah Rocks.' They were en route another gig in St. Petersburg, Florida when the incident happened. The musician was able to carry his Gibson with him on the first leg of the flight. The duo drove down to Buffalo, where the Delta staffers said he could not carry on his guitar. ‘I’ve always carried it on,’ Mr Schneider said, adding that he had never had an issue with carrying on his instrument before. The guitarist said that in a last ditch effort, he showed the Delta staffers an article from early 2012 about new Federal Aviation Administration laws that allowed for instruments that could be safely stowed onboard – either in overhead storage or under a seat – as carry-on luggage. The FAA law also allows musicians to buy an extra seat for bulkier instruments. Reason to celebrate: The LeeVees had performed in Portland, Maine, and were trying to get to another gig in Florida . However, that failed to work, as did gate check, and Mr Schneider was forced to check his instrument.In Detroit, he took out his smartphone to film his guitar’s return. Sure enough, its carrying case had somehow gotten wedged between the service elevator and the loading dock. He took to Facebook to vent his anger, writing: ‘Delta Airlines, next time I beg you not to make me check my 1965 Gibson ES335, please do so. You had the space, darn darn darn. ‘BTW It got jammed in an ELEVATOR! That is a steel rail bending from a semi-hollow body being slammed/jammed in it.’ Mr Schneider said that while he was offered a $1,000 check from the airline, the estimated damage was nearly twice that, at $1,980. United Breaks Guitars: In 2009, Canadian country-Western singer Dave Carroll became an internet sensation after he wrote a song about how his acoustic guitar was badly damaged by handlers at Chicago's O'Hare . He told Yahoo that he’s just looking for the proper compensation. ‘I’m not greedy,’ he said. ‘This is not representative of the great care we take with our customer’s property and make it right with him,’ a spokesperson told MailOnline. ‘We’ll work with him to make it all right.’ The spokesperson went on to stress that this one circumstance was not exemplary. ‘I can tell you that we transport hundreds of thousands of items for customers, and the large majority of things are transported safely,’ the spokesperson said. In 2009, Canadian country-Western singer Dave Carroll became an internet sensation after he wrote a song about how his acoustic guitar was badly damaged by handlers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. His song, ‘United Breaks Guitars,’ has garnered 12.7million hits on YouTube since 2009. The woeful ballad chronicles his poor experience with United Airlines as he tries to get them to cover the damage to his instrument.

The LeeVees guitarist Dave Schneider had his 1965 ES-335 Gibson ruined after he was forced to check it on flight in December . Gibson offered him a new guitar . Delta, the carrier, also eventually offered to pay for guitar and gave him two flight vouchers .

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By . Alex Ward . PUBLISHED: . 13:49 EST, 19 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:21 EST, 19 August 2012 . Caught with £4.5m of drugs: Charlie Tomlinson has been jailed for 12 years after he was caught with the drugs in the roof of his lorry . A truck driver has been jailed for smuggling £4.5 million worth of drugs in his lorry carrying a shipment of pickled onions. Charlie Tomlinson, 31, was caught with 50lbs of heroin, 22lbs of cocaine and more than 23,000 ecstasy tablets at Dover docks when border officials found white powder in the roof of his lorry. The man from Chelmsford, Essex denied smuggling the ‘sophisticated concealment’ of drugs but was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in jail on Friday. The Maidstone Crown Court heard how UK Border Agency officers at Dover’s Eastern Docks searched the lorry and trailer in August last year and found powder in the truck’s roof which tested positive for cocaine. The officers dismantled the truck’s inner roof, finding the drugs hidden between the roof and inner roof. Malcolm Bragg from the UK Border force said: ‘This was a sophisticated drugs concealment and shows the lengths criminals will go to in attempting to evade the UK's border controls. ‘The sentence handed down today should act as a warning to those who attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into this country.’ 'Sophisticated drug concealment': 50lbs of heroin, 22lbs of cocaine and more than 23,000 ecstasy tablets were seized from the truck carrying pickled onions . The heroin was valued as having a potential street price of up to £2.1 million, the cocaine was worth £1.7 million and the ecstasy £71,000. Mr Bragg said: ‘Drug use destroys not only the lives of individual users, but also their families and the wider community.’ Earlier this month, three Welsh men were jailed for three years and eight months each for attempting to import drug cutting agents through the docks. The agents, if mixed with with heroin or amphetamine, could have made an estimated £10 million on the streets. The docks at Dover see at least 2.3 million lorry movements every year. A warning to smugglers: The UK Border Force said Tomlinson's sentence should act as a warning for people trying to smuggle drugs into the UK .

Charlie Tomlinson was jailed for 12 years for smuggling £4.5m of illegal drugs . The drugs were hidden in a truck carrying pickled onions at the Eastern Docks in Dover . The UK Border Agency called it a 'sophisticated drugs concealment'

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Australian half-back Josh Drinkwater, who was London Broncos' leading scorer in their relegation season, has secured a return to the NRL with Wests Tigers. The 22-year-old, who moved to the Broncos just under a year ago from St George Illawarra, has joined the Tigers on a two-year deal and began pre-season training on Wednesday. 'I'm very excited to be back home,' said Drinkwater, who scored 136 points from five tries and 58 goals in Super League in 2014. 'Once this opportunity came up, I was over the moon.' Josh Drinkwater will return to Australian NRL side Wests Tigers after leaving the London Broncos . Â .

Josh Drinkwater was London Broncos' leading scorer last season . He has agreed a return to Australia with NRL side Wests Tigers . Drinkwater scored 136 points from five tries and 58 goals in 2014Â .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:03 EST, 8 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:28 EST, 9 August 2012 . The United States stormed to four Olympic gold medals in the space of 45 minutes - a sensational sequence of results which puts Team USA firmly back on-top of the London 2012 medal table. Allyson Felix began the gold rush for the U.S. as she finally took gold in the 200 metres and was followed 16 minutes later by Aries Merritt who triumphed in the men's 110 metres hurdles. Brittney Reese then bagged victory in the women's long jump 19 minutes after and a fabulous three-quarters of an hour was topped by the third consecutive Olympic beach volleyball gold medal for Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings. Allyson Felix of the US (centre) on her way to winning the women's 200m final at the London 2012 Olympic Games Athletics, Track and Field events at the Olympic Stadium, London . The victories for the American athletes helped the USA to top the medal table with 81 medals to China's 77. Allyson Felix finally won an individual Olympic gold medal, gliding home with her seemingly effortless stride to take the 200-meters title and end Veronica Campbell-Brown’s stranglehold on the event. Aries Merritt added to the perfect sprint night for the United States, dominating the 110-meter hurdles final ahead of compatriot Jason Richardson. Behind them, Cuba’s Dayron Robles, the 2008 champion, was smashing a hurdle in frustration after he pulled up lame with a right hamstring injury halfway through the race. Allyson Felix wins ahead of Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and US' Carmelita Jeter in the women's 200m final . Allyson Felix (centre) crosses the finish with her arm raised in victory ahead of Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (right) to win the women's 200m final . Allyson Felix of the United States celebrates after winning gold in the Women's 200m Final on Day 12 of the London 2012 Olympic Games . In the heats, China’s Liu Xiang, the 2004 champion, also pulled out injured. And making for a golden half-hour for the United States, Brittney Reese added the long jump title soon afterward to complete a triple for the Americans. All of a sudden, the United States shot to the top of the gold medal standings in track and field with five titles, two more than Russia and Britain. It could have been even better for the U.S. team, but world champion Lashinda Demus lost the 400 hurdles final by .07 seconds to Russia’s Natalya Antyukh. Second gold in 45 minutes: Aries Merritt of the US (right) winning the men's 110m Hurdles final . United States' Aries Merritt, (centre), crosses the finish line ahead of the United States' Jason Richardson, right, to win gold in the men's 110-meter hurdles final sparking wild celebrations (right) United States' Aries Merritt celebrates after winning in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London . United States' Aries Merritt was the second of four golds in the space of 45 minutes for the U.S. Olympic track and field team . In the biggest final of the night, loaded with gold medalists, Felix was quickest around the curve and, once she had her smooth, elegant stride going, none of the power racers could come close. 'I mean, finally. It’s been a long time coming,' said Felix, reflecting on two losses to Veronica Campbell-Brown. 'To twice lose to the same person, it’s been tough. But it’s all paying off.' Brittney Reese competes in the women's long jump final at the London 2012 Olympic Games . United States' Brittney Reese was the third gold medalist for the United States on Wednesday evening . Brittney Reese on her way to winning the women's long jump at the London Olympics . Misty May-Treanor danced on the sand and then off it, taking a victory lap around the court before leaving Horse Guards Parade with Kerri Walsh Jennings as the first three-time gold medalists in Olympic beach volleyball history. Extending their Olympic winning streak to 21 consecutive games, Walsh Jennings and May-Treanor beat fellow Americans Jennifer Kessy and April Ross 21-16, 21-16. The two-time defending champions fell to their knees and hugged as Ross' final serve went long on set point, then took the celebration to the stands. United States' Misty May-Treanor, right, and Kerri Walsh Jennings, left, celebrate after winning their women's gold medal beach volleyball match . Misty May Treanor smiles after she and teammate Kerri Walsh Jennings beat April Ross and Jennifer Kessy during the women's Gold Medal beach volleyball match between two United States teams  at the 2012 Summer Olympics . (Left-Right) Silver medallists Jennifer Kessy and April Ross of the United States, Gold medallists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, and Bronze medallists Larissa Franca and Juliana Silva of Brazil celebrate on the podium . May-Treanor then began doing a funky dance to rival the scantily clad cheerleaders who entertain the sold-out crowds and the Olympics' iconic venue during timeouts. The winners then hugged their family and friends in the stands - but not May-Treanor's husband, Matt, a Los Angeles Dodgers catcher who was watching on a computer from the team's clubhouse - and high-fived just about everyone holding an American flag. Even Ross and Kessy, who won a silver medal in their Olympic debut, have called their fellow Americans legends. But they were hoping to supplant them as the top team in the United States by depriving them of another Olympic gold medal. Instead, the Athens, Beijing and now London gold medalists remained unbeaten through three Olympiads, losing just one of 43 sets. It was the Olympic farewell for May-Treanor, who has said she would like to have children.

Allyson Felix began the gold rush by finally winning the women's 200 meters . She was followed by Aries Merritt who was victorious in the men's 110 meter hurdles and Brittney Reese who won the women's long jump . Fourth medal was won by Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings in the beach volleyball competition . Team USA has moved ahead of China in the overall medal rankings .

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Suntech Power Holdings, which was until recently the world's largest producer of solar panels, has said its main subsidiary in China is bankrupt, in a further stark illustration of the declining fortunes of the global solar industry. Suntech's Wuxi subsidiary is the first big Chinese solar group to declare insolvency and the world's biggest such bankruptcy, following a string of failed western solar companies including Q-Cells in Germany and Solyndra in the US. "What the Suntech case shows us is that the Chinese companies are not too big to fail," said Jenny Chase, head of solar analysis at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. "We are entering a period of great difficulty for Chinese solar manufacturers." China is the world's biggest producer of solar panels, but the sector is suffering from overcapacity after rapid expansion fuelled by cheap loans and preferential government policies. US-listed Suntech was the posterchild of the country's swift entry into, and then dominance of, the market. It announced on Wednesday that eight Chinese banks had filed a petition for insolvency and restructuring of Wuxi Suntech in a court in Jiangsu province. The bankruptcy is a milestone because, until now, China's larger struggling solar companies have been kept afloat by cheap credit and indirect state support. Suntech defaulted last week on a $541m convertible bond issued by its Cayman Islands subsidiary, which triggered cross-defaults on other loans outstanding. According to the company's most recent reports, Suntech's net debt stood at $1.6bn at the end of March 2012. The case is set to be a big test of China's new bankruptcy law, which came into effect in 2007 but has rarely been applied to overseas-listed companies with assets in China. It will be complicated by the fact that neither the US-listed entity, Suntech Power Holdings, nor any subsidiaries other than Wuxi are declaring insolvency. "It's going to be a test of what, exactly, do the US entities and the Cayman entities really own?" said one Singapore-based analyst who asked not to be named. Under Chinese law, the courts will have six months to come up with a restructuring plan that is then presented to creditors, with the possibility of an additional three-month extension. Bankruptcy specialist Han Chuanhua, a partner at the Zhongzi Law Office in Beijing, said: "It is rare for such a big company to get into bankruptcy proceedings, even though many companies cannot pay off their debts." He cited local government bailouts, and creditor reluctance, as two main reasons why insolvent Chinese companies avoid bankruptcy. The government of Wuxi, the city where Suntech is headquartered, has come to Suntech's aid in the past -- and appears to be taking an even more active role in the company with the appointment earlier this week of a new president, Zhou Weiping, who previously worked for the government-backed Wuxi Guolian Development Co. Mr Han said the co-ordinated action of the eight banks suggested the local government had given its blessing to the proceedings. "Without government support, even if creditors file a petition, the court wouldn't accept it," he explained. David King, Suntech's chief executive, said: "While we evaluate restructuring initiatives and strategic alternatives, we are committed to continuing to provide high-quality solar products to our global customer base."

Suntech Power Holdings has said its main subsidiary in China is bankrupt . Until recently Suntech was the world's largest producer of solar panels . Stark illustration of the declining fortunes of the global solar industry .

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(CNN) -- A court in Saudi Arabia has granted an 8-year-old girl a divorce from her 47-year-old husband, after twice denying the divorce request previously, local media reported Thursday. The marriage sparked condemnations around the world from human rights groups and U.S. and other government officials when it first came to light in December. Local media, which is highly regulated by the Saudi government, reported that the court in the city of Onaiza approved the divorce decree Thursday, and the divorce is final. A source at the court told the Saudi daily newspaper Al-Watan that the divorce "came after a series of pleas made by a number of officials in the region to the husband." CNN efforts to reach court officials, the husband and the girl's father have been unsuccessful. According to the attorney for the young girl's mother, the father of the girl had arranged the marriage between his daughter and a close friend of his to settle his debts with the man. When the mother went to court to try to get the marriage annulled, Saudi judge Habib al-Habib rejected the request on a legal technicality. The judge ruled that the mother -- who is separated from the girl's father -- was not the child's legal guardian and therefore could not represent her in court, according to the mother's lawyer, Abdullah al-Jutaili. However, the judge required the girl's husband to sign a pledge that he would not have sex with her until she reaches puberty, al-Jutaili said. The lawyer said in the original marriage agreement, the father of the girl stipulated that the marriage would not be consummated until she was 18. The judge also ruled that the girl could file a petition for a divorce when she reached puberty, al-Jutaili said. The young girl lives with her mother, the attorney said, and was never told that she was married. When the initial petition to annul the marriage was rejected, the mother appealed the verdict to an appeals court in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The appeals court declined to certify the original ruling, in essence rejecting al-Habib's verdict, and sent the case back to him for reconsideration. Under the complicated Saudi legal process, the appeals court ruling meant that the marriage was still in effect but that a challenge to the marriage was ongoing. Earlier this month, the original judge refused for a second time to annul the marriage. Soon after that decision, Saudi Arabia's justice minister told Al-Watan that he planned to enact a law that will protect young girls from such marriages. The law will place restrictions on the practice to preserve the rights of children and prevent abuses, Justice Minister Mohammed Al-Issa was quoted as saying. Additionally, al-Issa said there would be a study of a system that will include regulations for the marriage of minors and everything related to such unions, the newspaper reported. No details on the restrictions or regulations were mentioned. The minister did not say whether child marriage would be abolished. Responding to the justice minister's comments and the possibility of a new child marriage law, al-Jutaili told CNN at the time, "this is what we requested from day one, and we know that Saudi officials are working so hard on resolving this issue." Al-Jutaili believes that such a law would help not only his defendant but many other Saudi minors facing a similar problem. In Washington Monday, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns called the marriage a human rights abuse. "Child marriage is, unfortunately, still common in much of Saudi Arabia and we have voiced our concern about this practice at the highest levels," he told a conference on U.S.-Saudi relations. "We were encouraged by reports that the Justice Ministry had begun to review the legal age of marriage." After the divorce was denied for a second time, the head of the United Nations Children's Fund issued a statement expressing concern about the case. UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman said, "the right to free and full consent to marriage is recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Consent cannot be free and full when either party to a marriage is too young to make an informed decision." The issue of child marriage has been a hot-button topic in the deeply conservative Saudi kingdom recently. While rights groups have petitioned the government for laws to protect children from such marriages, the kingdom's top cleric has said that it's OK for girls as young as 10 to wed. "It is incorrect to say that it's not permitted to marry off girls who are 15 and younger," Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, the kingdom's grand mufti, said in January, according to the regional Al-Hayat newspaper. "A girl aged 10 or 12 can be married. Those who think she's too young are wrong, and they are being unfair to her." Al-Sheikh reportedly made the remarks when he was asked during a lecture about parents forcing their underage daughters to marry. "We hear a lot in the media about the marriage of underage girls," he said, according to the newspaper. "We should know that sharia law has not brought injustice to women." Sharia law is Islamic law, and Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam called Wahhabism.

Child bride wins divorce hearing at third attempt, local media reports . Her case attracted attention of the U.N. and governments around the world . Her father reportedly arranged the marriage to settle his debts . Saudi justice minister says he plans law to protect young girls from such marriages .

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Butterfly sightings quadrupled in  the summer heatwave compared to last year’s washout, a survey found. A record 46,000 volunteers spent 15 minutes a day noting 830,000 sightings in the Big Butterfly Count over three weeks in July and August. Most popular species were the small white and large white – both rising by 300 per cent – followed by peacocks, up by 3,500 per cent on last year. Most popular: Sightings of small and Large White butterflies (pictured) rose by 300% on last year's figures . Garden favourite the small tortoiseshell – in a worrying decline – was the sixth most-spotted species with a  rise of 388 per cent. Twelve species’ numbers rose by more than 50 per cent. Butterfly Conservation spokesman Richard Fox said: ‘We had a really good summer, which is positive for all parts of the butterfly life cycle. 'They’re cold-blooded creatures and their ability to be active in any sense, developing in an egg, feeding and growing as a caterpillar, developing as pupae or flying about as butterflies are all dependent on temperature.' He said the warmer weather meant they could go through their life-cycle faster and as adults were able to go about the process of successfully breeding. Second most common: Sightings of Peacock butterflies rose a remarkable 3,500 per cent on last year . This year’s good results showed that butterflies were resilient and could thrive given good weather and suitable habitats, he said. Several species saw numbers fall back after doing well last year, including ringlet and marbled white, meadow brown and six-spot burnet moths. Mr Fox said the four species all have a single generation each year, and so low numbers this year are likely to be the result of last year’s poor breeding season. The poll was promoted by actress Joanna Lumley for Marks & Spencer. She said: 'Butterflies are magical creatures that are crucial to our environment and this year’s count success shows that by giving up just 15 minutes of our time we can all play our part to help secure their future.' Declining: Garden favourite, the Small Tortoiseshell, pictured, was only the sixth most-spotted species on the list .

Sightings of small and large white butterflies rose 300% on last year . Peacock butterflies were second most common to be spotted - up 3,500% . 46,000 volunteers made 830,000 sightings over . three weeks in July & August .

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Boston police are trying to track down a daredevil teenager who was filmed dangerously climbing on top of a speeding subway to clown around on the roof. The investigation was sparked by a video uploaded to YouTube that was quickly spread on social media this week, showing the thrill-seeking hooligan in action. The clip depicts the careless young man climbing out of an MBTA train carriage, making his way to roof and performing precarious stunts. At one point the teen narrowly misses an approaching railway bridge, ducking down underneath it just in time. Scroll down for video . Daredevil: The male teen is seen here at the start of the video preparing to climb out of the MBTA train carriage in Boston . All aboard: The thrillseeiking young man makes his way to roof by climbing up between two carriages . Woah: The teenager makes it atop the carriage, however a railway bridge is fast approaching . Time to duck: The train surfer notices the railway bridge up ahead . Down: The teen (left) ducks down just inches from the bridge . Dangerous: The young man lies down in the small gap between the train and the bridge . Pleased with himself: The hooligan is all smiles after clearing the bridge . Silly: He even manages to pull a handstand while the train speeds down the track . At one incredible point in the video, the teen does a deaf-defying handstand and balances ontop of the train. He falls back to his feet and then laughs into the camera. MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo told Boston Magazine that the Transit Police had been made aware of the video. Detectives are now trying to find the boy in the clip. 'Obviously, such behavior is completely unacceptable,' he said. At the 'very least' the young man faces trespassing charges, Pesaturo added. The video has been watched on YouTube over 4,500 times since being uploaded on Thursday. One viewer who left a comment claimed to be employed by the MBTA and said they were 'traumatized' by the video. Caught on camera: The train surfer (left) is seen here at the end of the video with his friend (right) who recorded it . 'Not cute at all this is very dangerous, and what happens if [you] fall or got your head cut off?,' the viewer wrote. one person wrote. 'Really, this is selfish and suicide. 'You're not thinking about [your] family or ours, meaning the drivers. 'I hope they catch you before its too late. Traumatized.'

Video of the crazy stunt surfaced on YouTube on Thursday . Occurred on an MBTA train in Boston . Detectives are now using the clip to find the young man . Facing trespassing charges 'at the very least'

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By . James Rush . Workers had an awe-inspiring view as they dangled from ropes to carry out what must be one of the most daring window cleaning jobs in the world - polishing the glass at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Technicians from Abseilon USA hooked up a series of ropes to polish more than 40 panes of glass underneath the horseshoe-shaped bridge on Tuesday. The structure juts out 70 feet from the edge of the Grand Canyon, offering visitors a view of the Colorado River 4,000 feet below. A head for heights: Technicians dangle from a series of ropes before polishing the underside glass at the Grand Canyon Skywalk in the Hualapai Reservation, in Arizona . No easy job: More than 40 panes of glass underneath the horseshoe-shaped bridge were cleaned by the technicians from Abseilon USA . Abseilon USA vice president Kenneth . Piposar said the company's work has also included rappelling down into . the Grand Canyon to retrieve water bottles, hats and other trash. The . Skywalk is at the west end of the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai reservation, outside the boundaries of Grand Canyon . National Park. It opened in March 2007 and was expected to attract a million visitors a year to tread its glass walkway and look down three-quarters of a mile. A Las Vegas developer spent £18million putting the structure together, drilling steel anchors 46ft into the limestone rim to hold the deck in place. At the time it was opened, the Hulapai . Indians hoped it would rescue their reservation from poverty as . previously tourists had concentrated in the Grand Canyon National Park, . 90 miles away. 'Once . everybody sees this, and it's televised, they're going to know to come . here,' said Robert Bravo, the tribe's operations manager. What a view: The structure juts out 70 feet from the edge of the Grand Canyon, offering visitors a view of the Colorado River 4,000 feet below . Skilled job: Abseilon USA vice president Kenneth Piposar said the company's work has also included rappelling down into the Grand Canyon to retrieve water bottles, hats and other trash . Project . overseer Sheri Yellowhawk was more pragmatic. 'With so much poverty and unemployment we had to do something,' she said. 'It sounded like a good idea.' At the opening, architect Mark Johnson said the Skywalk can support the weight of 'a few hundred people', although there is a limit of 120, and will withstand wind up to 100mph. He equipped the overhanging section with shock absorbers to keep it from bouncing like a diving board. Mr Johnson said his creation, twice as high as the world's tallest buildings, was 100 per cent safe. But he warned anyone who walked on it needed a steel stomach and an excellent head for heights.

Technicians from Abseilon USA polished more than 40 panes of glass underneath the horse-shoe shaped bridge . The Skywalk juts out 70 feet from the edge of the Grand Canyon, offering views of the Colorado River 4,000 feet below . Company's work has also included rappelling down into Grand Canyon to retrieve water bottles, hats and other trash .

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By . Laurie Whitwell . Follow @@lauriewhitwell . For eight years Lionel Messi’s critics have beaten him with the prettiest, heaviest, most valuable stick imaginable. But this genius player now has the chance to lift it above his head in celebration. The stick is the World Cup trophy – a 14in, 11lb, 18-carat statue signifying the absence of international success for Messi, a man who has won everything there is in club football. For all the mesmerising goals, captivating slaloms, cute passes, manifold medals and staggering statistics, his inability to drag his country to a first World Cup title since 1986 has been, for some, a barrier to entering the game’s gilded hall of all-time greats. VIDEO Scroll down for Lionel Messi shows off skills with keepy-uppies in training . Spot on: Lionel Messi scores his penalty during Argentina's semi-final win over Holland . No chance: Holland keeper Jasper Cillessen could not stop Lionel Messi scoring for Argentina . Pumped up: Lionel Messi celebrates after Argentina beat Holland to reach the World Cup final . VIDEO Messi's goals for Argentina in qualiyfing . In that enclosure, sitting most . comfortably, is Messi’s predecessor to position of Argentine saviour: . Diego Maradona. He was the brilliant virtuoso in an ordinary team, the . lighthouse in a shallow pool, and Argentina topped all other nations in . Mexico 28 years ago because of his ability. At Italia 90 he got them to . the final. Messi’s fault, by comparison, has been a failure to repeat . that most remarkable of football narratives. In truth, his . opportunities have been limited. He forced his way into the squad for . Germany 2006 as an 18-year-old and became the youngest player and . scorer for Argentina at a World Cup in the 6-0 win over Serbia and . Montenegro. But he was a teenage newcomer nonetheless. Four years . ago in South Africa, Maradona was manager and his ideas for Messi were . some way off central. ‘Javier Mascherano plus 10,’ was how he described . his team. What pressure? Lionel Messi (front left) looked relaxed in training earlier this week ahead of Sunday's final . Write caption here . Talking tactics: Diego Maradona puts an arm around Lionel Messi during the 2010 World Cup . Centre of attention: Lionel Messi is closed down by several German players during the 2010 World Cup . VIDEO Neymar to cheer Messi & Argentina in World Cup final . In Brazil, Messi has been granted a platform to perform and . seized it. Maradona may have repeated his claim about Mascherano after . the midfielder’s superb performance against Netherlands but without . Messi, there would have been no semi-final match to speak of. At 27, . his athletic peak, he has produced when it matters, getting decisive . goals in three group games and laying on Angel Di Maria’s winner against . Switzerland. Before this tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo had, to . common consensus, wrestled the crown of world’s best from Messi. Phenomenal scoring for club and country, topped off with Champions . League glory, edged Ronaldo’s claim. Down and out: Cristiano Ronaldo struggled at the World Cup as Portugal crashed out . Emotional scenes: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears as wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or earlier this year . Historic moment: Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates scoring as Real Madrid win the Champions League . Standard bearer: Lionel Messi has long been compared to Maradona, who won the World Cup in 1986 . National hero: Pele is mobbed by fans after helping Brazil win the 1970 World Cup in Mexico . It came combined with a relative lull in Messi’s form and fitness. Just the 41 goals in 46 games for Barcelona last season. Perhaps . affronted by the notion his rival has risen to prominence, perhaps . electing to strike hardest under the globe’s gaze in South America, . Messi has responded. Masterminding victory over Germany in the final . would get him to the summit of individual acclaim once more. As well . as Maradona, he would join Pele, winner of three World Cups, when . regular discussions take place on the best to ever kick a ball without . any footnote or disclaimer on international merits. His exploits in . Brazil have already gone plenty to lifting La Albiceleste albatross from . around his neck, but winning on Sunday would place a golden frame . around his picturesque career.

Messi will captain Argentina against Germany in Sunday's World Cup final . If Argentina triumph, Messi will be up there with Diego Maradona and Pele . Ronaldo led Real to Champions League glory but Messi can surpass that . Messi has scored four goals at the World Cup .

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By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 09:30 EST, 14 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:06 EST, 15 August 2013 . TV star Martin Clunes stepped in to stop a 'nonsensical' operation on his wife using medical knowledge gleaned from his nine years playing grumpy GP Doc Martin. The actor, who made his name on Men Behaving Badly, stopped a surgeon taking out Philippa Braithwaite's appendix 'because it was the wrong thing to do'. The 51-year-old also admitted medics may have actually thought he was West Country doctor Thomas 'Doc' Martin because they handed him his wife's medical notes when he arrived to visit her in hospital. Scroll down for video . Life imitating art: Martin Clunes stepped in to stop a 'nonsensical' operation on his wife Philippa using knowledge built up playing curmudgeon GP Doc Martin on TV . 'You have to remember that British medical dramas are obliged to be . accurate. You can't just make things up as they do on American shows. 'So . we have a medical expert on the series and I have learned about certain . conditions and procedures,' he told Reader's Digest. Mr Clunes married his second wife Phillipa in 1997, who is producer on Doc Martin, which has been running since 2004. He has said he had to get involved when doctors said they wanted to carry out what he described as a 'nonsensical' operation. He said: 'She had an infection in her gall bladder and the surgeon was minded to take out her appendix. There was no infection in her appendix and instinct told me that it would be the wrong thing to do. So I took her home instead and she was treated there. 'As Philippa's husband, it was my prerogative to do this. But when I was chatting to hospital staff they handed me her medical notes to look at in a way they might not have with an ordinary member of the public. 'I do wonder whether there wasn't some confusion between me and Doc Martin.' Mistaken identity: 'Doc' deals with a collapsed patient on screen, but Mr Clunes admitted hospital staff may have confused him with the character after they handed him his wife's medical notes when he arrived to see her . But it is not the first time he has saved the day. In 2011 the actor came to the aid of a baby boy who played his newborn son in the TV series and who needed urgent funds for vital medical equipment. Alfie Cane, who when six-months-old played the GP’s newborn baby James Henry, has a rare condition which means he cannot support his head. He also has a misshapen skull, which could cause serious complications if left untreated. His parents Tilly and Adrian needed to raise £2,000 to pay for a helmet which can strengthen Alfie’s muscles and reshape his skull as it grows. But after hearing of Alfie’s plight, Clunes donated hundreds of pounds worth of memorabilia to be auctioned off to pay for it. Footage courtesy of ITV Daybreak .

Medics wanted Philippa Braithwaite's appendix out but Clunes intervened . Mr Clunes said it was the wrong thing to do' and took her home instead . Star thinks they thought he was 'Doc' because they gave him medical notes . 'We've a expert and I have learned about certain procedures,' he said .

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By . Snejana Farberov . PUBLISHED: . 01:07 EST, 7 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:02 EST, 7 November 2013 . A 27-year-old Austin woman who was charged with causing a fatal DUI accident that killed her friend was sentenced to 10 days in jail after the victim’s parents asked the judge for leniency. Police said Madeline Rackley, then 25 years old, drove her car into Lady Bird Lake in July 2012 after spending the night drinking with friends in an Austin bar. Rackley and a female front-seat passenger were able to escape from the sinking car, but 25-year-old Jarrett Ryan Whittington, who was in the backseat, was unable to free himself and drowned. Scroll down for video . Justice for Jarrett: Madeline Rackley (left), 27, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for causing the death of Jarrett Ryan Whittington (right), 25, by driving her car into a lake . Light punishment: Rackley will spend 10 days in a county jail, followed by 200 hours of community service and 10 years' probation . The 27-year-old driver was originally charged with intoxication manslaughter, but on Wednesday she appeared in court and tearfully pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. During an emotional hearing, the victim’s father, Gary Whittington, spoke directly to Rackley, saying that he forgave her for causing his son's death. The father hugged the woman and also handed her a care package containing self-help books on grief, prayers and a letter Mr Whittington had written from the point of view of his dead son. ‘I don't feel qualified to be God here,’ said Gary Whittington. ‘We want the least amount of punishment for the most results,’ according to the station KXAN. Emotional encounter: Whittington's father (right) told Rackley in court that his family have forgiven her for her action, and he handed to her a care package containing books on grief and a personal letter . Bereaved: Jarrett's mother and sister wept in the audience as they witnessed Rackley tearfully entering her guilty plea . Jarrett's family requested the lowest possible sentence for Rackley, who will have to serve only 10 days behind bars beginning November 29, followed by 200 hours of community service. The 27-year-old defendant also will get 10 years’ probation and will be stripped off her driver's license for two years. Rackley, who was convicted of another DUI in 2010, will have to have an interlock device installed in her car, and she will be subjected to alcohol and drug testing, Statesman.com reported. If Rackley violates the terms of her plea deal, she could face 20 years in prison. Lawsuit: The Whittingtons have taken legal action against the Lustre Pearl bar, claiming that a bartender there over-served their son and Rackley on the night of July 1, 2012 . Bad move: Rackley ended up driving her Honda off a boat ramp and into Lady Bird Lake . Terrible outcome: Rackley and a female front-seat passenger managed to escape from the car, but Whittington, who was sitting in the back, was unable to free himself and drowned . Tragedy struck just before 2am on July 1, 2012, when Madeline Rickley drove her Honda carrying Jarrett Whittington and another friend off a boat ramp and into Lady Bird Lake. Officers who arrived on the scene rescued Rackley and the woman from the water, but by the time they learned that there was another person stranded in the sunken car, it was too late. While the Whittington family had forgiven the young driver, they have filed a lawsuit against the bar Lustre Pearl, claiming that a bartender there over-served Rackley and their son. Repeat offender: Rackley (left) was convicted of another DWI in 2010 . Last month, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission ordered the bar to pay a $40,500 fine, or face a 45-day license suspension. The agency also imposed restrictions on the types of alcoholic beverages the establishment is allowed to serve. var p = new anv_pl_def(); p.config = {}; p.config.width = 636; p.config.height = 358; p.loadVideoExpressV3('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|STAGEV3|SPSQA'); .

Madeline Rackley drove her car in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas, July 1, 2012, killing her friend, 25-year-old Jarrett Whittington . Whittington’s parents asked the judge for lowest possible sentence for Rackley . Will serve 10 days in county jail, 200 hours of community service, 10 years’ probation and will have her license suspended for two years . Gary Whittington handed Rackley care package containing books on grief and letter written from his dead son's point of view . Whittingtons are suing Lustre Pearl bar for allegedly over-serving Rackley and Jarrett . Bar paid $40,500 fine imposed by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to avoid license suspension .

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(CNN) -- In another clear sign that the severely strained relations between the two sides is slowly improving, North Korea has agreed to a proposal from the South that they resume the reunion of families separated in the 1950-53 Korean War. The meetings would take place on September 19, during the Chuseok harvest festival, the North Korean news agency KCNA reported Sunday. North Korea set off months of unsettling tensions with a long-range rocket launch in December followed by an underground nuclear test in February. The North's menacing rhetoric against the United States and South Korea hit a fever pitch in March and April after the U.N. Security Council voted in March to slap tougher sanctions on the regime and amid U.S.-South Korean military drills in the region. The KCNA report said the North and the South, following an agreement to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Zone, will talk about the possibility of resuming cross-border tours at Mount Kumgang. The Kaesong Industrial Zone, is an industrial complex the two nations share. It's been closed since April when the North pulled out its workers. Mount Kumgang is a North Korean resort where a South Korean tourist was shot by a North Korean soldier in 2008 after allegedly walking into an off-limits area. The reunion will take place at the resort. "The Kaesong Industrial Zone and the tours to Mt. Kumgang resort are valuable works common to the nation which should not be delayed as they are symbols of reconciliation, unity, reunification and prosperity," the KCNA report said. American imprisoned in North Korea moved to hospital . Bittersweet reunions . The tragedy of the divided families dates to the 1950-1953 Korean War, when the Cold War's division of the peninsula into two nations became permanent. Amid fighting, millions of Koreans became refugees -- either fleeing the violence or fearing political reprisals from one side or the other. In winter of 1950, an estimated 650,000 refugees fled North Korea when United Nations forces retreated in the face of a surprise Chinese offensive. There is no direct telephone or mail contact between the two Koreas, but some families in the South have managed to broker surreptitious voice and written contact with their relatives in the North in recent years, as North Korea's border with China has become more permeable and illegal cell phones have penetrated the insulated state. The first family reunions took place following a landmark summit between the two Koreas in 2000. Since then, 17,100 people representing 3,500 families have been reunited on more than a 18 separate occasions. The meetings are bittersweet; the chances of any of the divided family members meeting again are slim. The last such reunion took place in 2010. According to a report at the time, some 80,000 South Koreans registered with their government to join one of the infrequent reunions, but 40,000 people are believed to have passed away or given up hope, according to the South's Ministry of Unification. Numbers north of the Korean demilitarized zone are unknown. North Korean Mass Games: Why this year they're different . Kaesong closing . The shuttered Kaesong complex is one of the main casualties of the recent period of fiery threats and provocative moves by North Korea. In early April, Kim Jong Un's regime began blocking South Koreans from entering the manufacturing complex, which sits on the North's side of the heavily fortified border and houses the operations of more than 120 South Korean companies. Pyongyang then pulled out the more than 50,000 North Koreans who work in the zone's factories, saying it was temporarily suspending activity there. The North Korean decision to halt operations surprised some observers, since Kaesong was considered an important source of hard currency for Kim Jong Un's regime. Reporter's notebook: The North Korea I wasn't meant to see .

The meetings would take place on September 19 . They will take place at the Mount Kumgang resort .

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London (CNN) -- Nearly four decades after he brought an invasion of mutant, flesh-eating rodents to London with his first novel, "The Rats," UK chiller writer James Herbert has died aged 69. Herbert, who followed up his best-selling debut with another hit, "The Fog," and another 21 books over the decades, was seen as a British rival to U.S. horror supremo Stephen King. Other top sellers include "Portent," "Others" and "The Secret of Crickley Hall." His most recent novel, the paranormal detective story "Ash," was published last year. Publisher Pan Macmillan said that he died peacefully at home Wednesday morning. Jeremy Trevathan, Herbert's editor at Macmillan for 10 years, described him as a "keystone author in a genre that had its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s." He was published in 34 languages, including Russian and Chinese, and has sold more than 54 million copies worldwide, according to Pan Macmillan. "It's a true testament to his writing and his enduring creativity that his books continued to be huge bestsellers right up until his death," said Trevathan. "He has the rare distinction that his novels were considered classics of the genre within his lifetime. His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction in the 20th century." Fans of his books paid tribute to the indelible mark they left on the readers' psyche. "Sad news about James Herbert -- as a teen, I scared myself silly reading him. He led me to King, Barker, others. RIP ... " said crime writer Ian Rankin on Twitter. Broadcaster Jenni Falconer tweeted: "Sad news about James Herbert. His book series 'The Rats' has kept me on high alert whenever I'm on the tube!! (I read it 20 yrs ago!)" Born in the East End of London, the son of street traders, Herbert grew up in Whitechapel -- where Jack the Ripper once stalked his victims -- in an area badly hit by Second World War bombing raids. The rodents he saw scurrying around the ruined buildings were to inspire his first work, according to a fan website. The manuscript for "The Rats," published in 1974 at 175 pages in length, was written in just 10 months while Herbert was working at an advertising agency. He had found a job there after studying graphic design, print and photography at Hornsey College of Art, and eventually rose to a senior role. Four of his novels were made into films, while another was serialized for television and a fifth was dramatized for radio. Herbert was presented with an honor, the Order of the British Empire, by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010. In the same year, he was made the Grand Master of Horror by the World of Horror Convention. He lived in Sussex, in southern England, with his wife of more than 40 years, Eileen, with whom he had three daughters.

James Herbert died peacefully at home, his publisher says . More than 54 million copies of his 23 novels were sold worldwide . "His death marks the passing of one of the giants of popular fiction," says editor . In his debut, "The Rats," a plague of mutant, flesh-eating rodents invaded London .

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Controversial wannabe glamour model Josie Cunningham, 24, has claimed she doesn't mind being branded Britain's most hated woman and believes she has 'as big a brain as I have boobs' NHS boob job scrounger Josie Cunningham has claimed she doesn't mind being branded Britain's most hated woman and believes she has 'a bigger IQ than the majority of people'. The 24-year-old, who shot to notoriety after boasting about having a £4,800 breast enlargement on the NHS, described herself as 'very intelligent' before exclaiming: 'I've got as big a brain as I have boobs'. The mother of three, from Leeds, who is set to star in a new documentary called Josie: The Most Hated Woman in Britain?, has also revealed how she once applied to the Royal Navy, but had to forgo joining after falling pregnant. It comes after Miss Cunningham, who announced her engagement to fiancé Andrew Goy last month, revealed she would be holding a party at the end of the month to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her breast augmentation. Ahead of her new television show, which is set to air on Channel 4 tonight, the controversial glamour model said she doesn't mind the criticism she receives because she is 'actually hard-working'. Speaking to Newsbeat, she said: 'Everybody just thinks I'm this fame-hungry b**** but actually I'm a hard-working parent. 'I think people are slowly realising there is a game there to be played. 'It's a whole case of don't hate the player - hate the game. 'All this hatred that comes with my name I'd say is worth it because I've got my name out there so much more from being hated. 'All of a sudden everybody knew my name so thanks for that - it's been great.' Her comments came as she revealed she applied to the Royal Navy when she was 16-years-old and claimed officials wanted her to be in charge of weapons after she topped the IQ test. She told The Sun's Antonella Lazzeri: 'I got the top marks in the class. I'd never done an IQ test but it was so easy. 'In fact I'm very intelligent. People think I'm stupid but I'm not. I've got as big a brain as I have boobs. 'I know I'm much brighter than most people because I missed about a year of school thanks to being bullied really badly, but still managed to pass eight GCSEs.' She claimed that she did 'so well' in the IQ test that the Navy wanted her to be a warfare specialist, putting her in control of warship weapons and the coordinates. The real-life documentary about Miss Cunningham follows her day-to-day life and shows her revelling in attention from paparazzi and members of the public. Miss Cunningham, who announced her engagement to 33-year-old fiancé Andrew Goy last month (pictured together above), said she is 'actually very intelligent' and claimed she doesn't mind any negative criticsm . A real-life documentary about Miss Cunningham (pictured leaving hospital with her newborn daughter and agent Rob Cooper last year) called Josie: The Most Hated Woman in Britain? is set to air on Channel 4 tonight . Miss Cunningham's agent confirmed on Twitter that the documentary would be screened on TV this month . It is set to air just over a month after she revealed she had got engaged to her 33-year-old body-building boyfriend by sharing a photo of her pink heart-shaped engagement ring online. The announcement, which was later confirmed by a representative for Miss Cunningham, came just weeks after the couple were first pictured together in Leeds city centre. There have been reports that Miss Cunningham is pregnant with Goy's child. Last November, Miss Cunningham revealed she had wrongly told one man that he was the father of her baby daughter Grace by sending him the wrong DNA result. She had asked three men to take a paternity test to determine who was Grace's father and wrote the outcome in cards to be delivered in time for Christmas Day. But she allegedly mixed up the notes and sent the positive result to the wrong man. Miss Cunningham shared her blunder with her Twitter followers before comparing her life to an episode of EastEnders. It came after the mother, who also has two sons aged six and three, revealed she was planning to abort her baby for the chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother. However, she later claimed she 'changed her mind' after discovering her baby was to be a little girl. The 24-year-old (pictured heavily pregnant last year) former escort, from Leeds, revealed she would be holding a party at the end of the month to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her breast augmentation . Josie Cunningham became a household name when she admitted undergoing £4,800 worth of breast enhancement surgery paid for by the NHS to increase her bust from a 32A to 36DD. She claimed she needed the surgery because she had been bullied since the age of 14 for being flat chested. Later it also emerged that she received Botox on the NHS over a 'sweat problem'. Miss Cunningham's most controversial outburst came when she publicly considered aborting her unborn child because the pregnancy prevented her from appearing on Channel 5's Big Brother. The mother of three later said she was receiving negative attention on public transport and asked the council to provide her with a £6,000-a-year taxi to take her children to school. The former escort made headlines again when she said she wanted a nose job - funded by the public. She set up a website called fundmynose.co.uk to encourage people to donate towards the £3,000 cosmetic operation. She claimed she was fed up of people comparing her to The Muppets’ Miss Piggy and said she wanted a brand new nose which is a ‘cross between Michelle Keegan and Jennifer Aniston’. It came after the wannabe glamour model, who previously worked a stint as a £1,000-a-night escort girl, told female students 'not to worry' if their exam results were not quite what they were hoping for. Miss Cunningham made headlines after having £4,800 breast enlargement surgery paid for by the NHS . Ahead of national A-level exam results being released in August last year, she tweeted: 'Good luck to everyone getting your A-level results today. Girls don't worry if ur results are poor - you can always have a career getting your t***s out or escorting. (Obviously if your over 18!). #Josie'sCareerAdvice' Towards the end of last year, the controversial wannabe glamour model stepped out with a Girl Power painting sprawled over her heavily pregnant bump, before announcing she would be setting up a trust fund to pay for her daughter's boob job. It came after she decided not to abort her unborn baby afterall because she 'wanted a daughter'. Afterwards, she decided to sell tickets to the live birth of her child. Four tickets to the home birth had sold out in just 14 minutes - netting her £30,000. It is thought that three of the four tickets were purchased by journalists while the fourth is believed to have been bought by somebody described as 'a super-fan'. She later said that 50 fans would be able to log on to the video chat service Skype and watch the former prostitute's delivery via videolink. At one point, Miss Cunningham suggested she would reimburse the NHS for the cost of her controversial breast enhancement surgery. Using the hashtag #BritishPublic0JosieCunningham1, Josie said she made the decision because '80% of the country are against' her. However, she later said she had had a change of heart.

Josie Cunningham, 24, claims to have 'got as big a brain as I have boobs' Controversial wannabe model has described herself as 'very intelligent' Mother also claims not to mind being called Britain's most hated woman . She declared: 'I've got my name out there so much more from being hated' Documentary 'Josie: The Most Hated Woman in Britain?' set to air tonight .

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(CNN) -- A 22-year-old man wanted in the shooting deaths of 9-year-old Alabama twins and their elderly babysitter was arrested Saturday morning, authorities said. Deandra Marquis Lee was captured around 11 a.m. in Selma, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation announced. Prior to his arrest, authorities converged on an apartment complex near the Vaughan Regional Medical Center and evacuated residents from his building. Efforts to "initiate communication" with people inside the apartment were unsuccessful, the state investigative bureau said in a news release. Authorities then "made entry into the apartment (and) immediately took Lee into custody." He is charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of the twins and their 73-year-old caregiver, Jack Mac Girdner. The bodies of Girdner and the twins, Jordan and Taylor Dejerinett, were found Tuesday afternoon on a dirt road near Hayneville, southwest of Montgomery, state investigators said. The children and Girdner, according to the bureau investigators, were last seen Sunday when the twins' mother left them in the care of the babysitter. When the twins' mother returned later that night to pick them up from the suburban Montgomery home of the babysitter, the children and Girdner were missing, investigators said, along with Girdner's car, a 1988 Mercedes-Benz. Authorities did not release a possible motive in the killings, though they confirmed the three victims were shot. State investigators also did not say what evidence connected Lee to the case. Girdner's car was found -- with its doors removed -- Thursday in Minter, they said. Lee, according to state investigators, has a history of trouble with the law. In 2011, he was acquitted of murder in a 2008 shooting that prosecutors say was gang related. Before Sunday, Lee was out on bond following January 2012 charges in Dallas County that he assaulted a police officer and was in possession of gun with an altered ID number, state investigators said. According to court records, Lee was also arrested on a third-degree robbery charge and released on $10,000 bond in Lowndes County in February 2012 for allegedly stealing a Honda Accord in 2011.

NEW: Authorities evacuated a Selma apartment building before detaining Lee . NEW: He is charged with three counts of murder . Police say the bodies of the twins and their babysitter were found on a dirt road . The car belonging to babysitter, Jack Mac Girdner, 73, was found Thursday .

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By . Pete Jenson . Follow @@petejenson . James Rodriguez was only 14 years old when he was thrown into a relegation battle in Colombia’s Liga Postobon with his first club Envigado. Unable to keep them up after a 15-year run in the top flight the club that had taken a gamble on the slight-of-frame midfielder found themselves in the second division. The teenager was not about to let them down though. Rodriguez led the team that got the Medellin-based side back into the top division the following season scoring nine goals in 22 games and making South America sit up and take notice of what was clearly going to be the next big thing. VIDEO Scroll down to watch James Rodriguez give the thumbs-up during his Real medical . Galactico: Colombia's James Rodriguez is on the verge of signing for Real Madrid from Monaco . Short stay: Rodriguez signed for Monaco in May 2013 but caught Real Madrid's eye at the 2014 World Cup . Golden Boot: Six goals in Brazil made him the tournament's top scorer and alerted the world to his talents . Argentine side Banfield took the most notice and signed the youngster putting him on a high-protein diet and weights regime to toughen him up for the rigours of league football in Argentina. He made a slow start under Jorge Burruchaga but when the World Cup hero from Argentina’s 1986 success in Mexico lost his job after a string of bad results Julio Cesar Falcioni came in and decided to build his team around Rodriguez. In the 2009-10  season he scored nine goals in 38 games as Banfield won the league. That was enough to earn him a move to Europe and with Jorge Mendes guiding him he landed at Porto for 7.5m euros, despite interest from Espanyol and Udinese. He played in the Andre Villas-Boas team that won the Europa League in his first season in 2011 and he won three leagues in three seasons at Porto playing his way into Jose Pekerman’s Colombia team making his debut in 2011. The success in Portugal persuaded Monaco to pay 45m euros for Rodriguez in 2013  and in his first, and last season, he scored 10 goals in 38 games. In an exclusive interview with MailSport before the World Cup his Colombia team-mate Radamel Falcao picked him out to be a star of the tournament. That seemed like pals, compatriots and club team-mates looking out for one another at the time, but events in Brazil proved otherwise as Rodriguez became player of the tournament in all but name. Tip: Monaco and Colombia team-mate Radamel Falcao backed him to star at the World Cup . Silverware: Rodriguez won the Portuguese league title at Porto under Andre Villas-Boas . Trio: Rodriguez could line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in a 4-2-3-1 formation for Real Madrid . His stunning World Cup, scoring six times in five games to win the Golden Boot – including the goal of the tournament against Uruguay – was all the encouragement Real Madrid needed to celebrate winning their tenth Champions League by making him their big signing. President Florentino Perez was always going to wait to see which new star emerged in Brazil before signing this season’s ‘Galactico’ and Rodriguez became that player with a string of sensational displays, some post-knockout emotional interviews, and no shortage of charm. To say he made the right noises after the World Cup would be an understatement. The tears were barely dry after Colombia’s exit against Brazil when he declared: ‘I prefer Madrid to Barcelona’. He then told Marca: ‘I would go to Madrid with my eyes closed. It would be a dream to play for them. The first time I went to the Bernabeu I said to myself: “I want to play here one day”.’ The wheels were well and truly in motion and with Mendes, the agent he shares with his new team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, at the heart of negotiations the move went through with little or no resistance from Monaco's Russian president Dmitry Rybolovlev. After seeing the BBC forward line of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano shoot their way to Champions League glory aided and abetted by Luka Modric and Angel Di Maria last season all that remains now is for Carlo Ancelotti to find a way of fitting in all his superstars. Conundrum: Real coach Carlo Ancelotti could have trouble finding space for all his star names . Angel Di Maria and Sami Khedira could face uncertain futures at Real Madrid following Rodriguez's arrival . James is happiest in a 4-2-3-1 playing as the No 10. He could line up between Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in a formidable second line of attack behind Karim Benzema and in front of midfield pairing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. That will be the preference of President Perez. All Ancelotti and the club’s director general Jose Angel Sanchez will have to do then is find a home for, or a way of keeping happy, Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Isco, Di Maria and Jese… just another summer at Real Madrid. Long-term commitment: Rodriguez has signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid .

James Rodriguez has signed for Real Madrid for a fee in excess of £60m . The Colombia forward won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup . But he began career fighting relegation with Envigado in Colombia aged 14 . Then had successful spells with Banfield, Porto and Monaco before Real . Rodriguez could line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale .

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Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A protest march against U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan, led by former cricket star turned politician Imran Khan, came to a halt on Sunday when authorities blocked access to the demonstration's final destination in the tribal region, officials told CNN. Authorities used steel shipping containers and security forces to seal off the road entering South Waziristan, where protesters had planned to hold a rally on Sunday, local government official Shahid Ullah said. When confronted with the roadblock, Khan directed protesters to turn back, saying the march had achieved its goal of drawing attention to the controversial U.S. drone strikes. Khan has been a fierce critic of U.S. policy in Pakistan and the use of drone strikes, calling them a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and a strategy that fuels militant anger towards Washington. "We will not cause any trouble if the government doesn't want us to enter South Waziristan," Khan told reporters. "We just want to direct the attention of the entire world to these illegal and immoral drone attacks in Waziristan that have left many innocent people dead." In recent years Washington has sharply stepped up the use of drone attacks in Pakistan's mostly ungoverned tribal region, widely believed to be a safe haven for militant groups fueling the insurgency in Afghanistan. U.S. officials say the drone strikes are an effective strategy against militant groups and insist civilian casualties are rare. The anti-drone march set out in a convoy of more than 100 vehicles from the capital, Islamabad, on Saturday and reached the border of South Waziristan on Sunday afternoon, where it was turned back. The U.S.-based anti-war group Code Pink was part of the procession. Throughout the journey the pink-clad peace activists regularly chanted anti-drone slogans in Pakistan's native language of Urdu. "Stop them! Stop them! Stop the drone attacks," the protesters shouted in Urdu. Pakistani authorities had earlier warned that the demonstration would not be allowed to enter South Waziristan for security reasons. "The situation in the tribal areas is comparatively good but not suitable for any gathering there," Tashfeen Khan, a government official, said on Saturday. Journalist Aamir Iqbal contributed to this report.

Authorities block road into South Waziristan, ending protest march . Leader says the march still achieved its goal of drawing attention to drone strikes . Officials say demonstrators were kept out of South Waziristan for security reasons . March was led by former cricket star turned politician Imran Khan .

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By . Mark Prigg . It is the most distant cosmic magnifying glass ever found. Astronomers using Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope have unexpectedly discovered a monster elliptical galaxy so large it has created a lens allowing researcher to see back 9.6 billion years. The monster elliptical galaxy breaks the previous record holder by 200 million years. These Hubble Space Telescope images reveal the most distant cosmic lens yet found. The giant elliptical is the red object in the enlarged view at left. Its red color comes from the light from older stars. In the enlarged view, the lighter-colored blobs at upper right and lower left are the distorted and magnified shapes of a more distant spiral galaxy behind the foreground elliptical. These 'lensing' galaxies are so massive that their gravity bends, magnifies, and distorts light from objects behind them, a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Team members Kenneth Wong and Sherry Suyu of Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taipei, Taiwan, used the gravitational lensing from the chance alignment to measure the giant galaxy's total mass, including the amount of dark matter, by gauging the intensity of its lensing effects on the background galaxy's light. The giant foreground galaxy weighs 180 billion times more than our Sun and is a massive galaxy for its epoch. These 'lensing' galaxies are so massive that their gravity bends, magnifies, and distorts light from objects behind them, a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. The object behind the cosmic lens is a tiny spiral galaxy undergoing a rapid burst of star formation. Its light has taken 10.7 billion years to arrive here. Seeing this chance alignment at such a great distance from Earth is a rare find. Locating more of these distant lensing galaxies will offer insight into how young galaxies in the early universe built themselves up into the massive dark-matter-dominated galaxies of today. Dark matter cannot be seen, but it accounts for the bulk of the universe's matter. 'When you look more than 9 billion years ago in the early universe, you don't expect to find this type of galaxy-galaxy lensing at all,' explained lead researcher Kim-Vy Tran of Texas A&M University in College Station. 'It's very difficult to see an alignment between two galaxies in the early universe. 'Imagine holding a magnifying glass close to you and then moving it much farther away. 'When you look through a magnifying glass held at arm's length, the chances that you will see an enlarged object are high. 'But if you move the magnifying glass across the room, your chances of seeing the magnifying glass nearly perfectly aligned with another object beyond it diminishes.' 'There are hundreds of lens galaxies that we know about, but almost all of them are relatively nearby, in cosmic terms,' said Kenneth Wong and Sherry Suyu of Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy & Astrophysics (ASIAA) in Taipei. 'To find a lens as far away as this one is a very special discovery because we can learn about the dark-matter content of galaxies in the distant past. 'By comparing our analysis of this lens galaxy to the more nearby lenses, we can start to understand how that dark-matter content has evolved over time.' The 'clean' version of the image, showing the surrounding area. Although the elliptical galaxy is hefty, it is not as massive as many of today's galaxies. Our Milky Way galaxy, for example, is three to four times more massive than the elliptical galaxy. Although the elliptical galaxy is hefty, it is not as massive as many of today's galaxies. Our Milky Way galaxy, for example, is three to four times more massive than the elliptical galaxy. Most of the Milky Way's mass is locked up in dark matter. The lensing galaxy, however, is underweight in terms of its dark-matter content. 'The unusually small amount of dark matter in this massive, elliptical, lensing galaxy is very surprising,' Suyu said. 'Other elliptical galaxies that are closer to us have much more dark matter and have inventories of stars that appear to be different from this super-distant lensing galaxy.' The team's results appeared in the July 10 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

'Lensing' galaxies are so massive that their gravity bends, magnifies, and distorts light from objects behind them . Seeing chance alignment at such a great distance from Earth is rare .

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All government shutdowns are not created equal. In 1995 and 1996, disagreement over federal spending levels between the Republican-controlled Congress -- led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- and then-President Bill Clinton led the government to partially shut down twice. Government services were cut, federal workers were furloughed and hostility toward politicians grew. Now that a government shutdown has happened again -- this time after the Senate, run by Democrats, and the GOP-controlled House couldn't come to an agreement on funding the government by midnight on Tuesday -- it would be easy to compare the two shutdowns. The reality: the atmosphere, the lack of negotiations between leaders and the economy were all different in 1995, and this most recent shutdown is markedly different. Here is why: . 1. Clinton and Gingrich were open to compromise . During the 1995-1996 shutdowns, the House speaker and the president, despite their political differences, were more willing to negotiate on policy issues. "Bill Clinton and I would talk, if not every day ... we would talk five days a week before the shutdown, after the shutdowns," said Gingrich. "We met face to face for 35 days in the White House trying to hammer things out. When you get to know somebody, even when you're fighting hard, you kind of understand where the other person is coming from and they're not some demonized figure." That is not the case with President Barack Obama and Speaker John Boehner, whose relationship has been sullied by a number of difficult negotiations and failed deals on the budget and spending. They nearly reached agreement in 2011 on a "grand bargain" to deal with taxes and entitlement spending. But the deal fell through at the last minute and they haven't spent much time together since. Obama and Boehner spoke Monday night as the clock ticked down on government shutdown and, according to a Boehner spokesman, "the call lasted nearly 10 minutes." It was their first conversation in 10 days. After the call, Boehner took to the floor and debriefed the call with the president by impersonating him. "I talked to the president earlier tonight: 'I'm not going to negotiate, I'm not going to negotiate, I'm not going to do this,'" Boehner said. "Well, I would say to the president, this is not about me. And it's not about Republicans here in Congress. It's about fairness for the American people." Gingrich said this lack of contact is the problem. "The biggest difference I sense between the Obama-Boehner relationship and the Clinton-Gingrich relationship is just simply frequency of conversation," Gingrich, a host of CNN's "Crossfire," said on the show. 2. Partisanship is deeper . With congressional districts that are more Republican or Democratic than ever, there are few moderates left on Capitol Hill today. This has led to a more hyper-partisan Congress, where the parties appear to be farther apart than they ever were in the past. "In the '80s and '90s there was the ability for both sides, no matter how difficult the issue, to come together and arrive at compromise and solve problems," Chuck Konigsberg, assistant director of the White House Office of Management and Budget during the 1995 shutdown, said in an interview with CNN. "Now, there is such an ideological bent to many of these issues, that it is difficult to overcome the gridlock." Konigsberg said today's Republican members, "instead of focusing on the general election where people tend to tack to the political center, are more worried about primary challenges from the far right." And according to a 2013 study from Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the government shutdowns of 1995-1996 could have led to the partisanship that is now gripping Washington. Although the 1995 Congress was the most partisan in more than 100 years, according to the study, the level of polarization since the shutdown has remained higher than it ever was before then. "This level of polarization could be self-reinforcing," James Moody of Duke University and Peter Mucha of UNC wrote. "Since success in middle positions requires coalitions and trust that are unlikely, given so many party loyalists." 3. The economy, then and now . When the government shut down in 1995-96, the economy was booming, primarily because of Silicon Valley, the burgeoning tech sector and Internet startups. Unemployment was at 5.6% and most economic forecasts saw further growth. The same could not be said for the current state of this economy. Amid a sluggish recovery, unemployment has slowly shrunk to 7.3%, but labor participation -- the number of people who have a job or are looking for one -- is at the lowest rate since August 1978. Could a government shutdown damage the fragile economy? It depends on whom you ask. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Analytics, told Congress last week that economic growth would slow during a shutdown. But Tad Dehaven, budget analyst for the CATO Institute, told CNN he believes that economy would be fine during a shutdown, primarily because of how the economy performed in 1995. "The last time we had a government shutdown, the stock market was fine," he said. "The economy was fine." Most economists agree, however, that the economic impact of a government shutdown depends greatly on how long the shutdown lasts. But according to some estimates, the a shutdown could cost the still-struggling U.S. economy roughly $1 billion a week just in pay lost by furloughed federal workers. "If it's a relatively short shutdown, it's a minor headache," said Brian Kessler, economist with Moody's Analytics. "But if it lasts several weeks, the people affected start to act like they're unemployed. They delay larger purchases. That's why you start to see a significantly greater effect the longer it goes." But the economic impact of an extended government shutdown will be more than just lost wages by federal workers. -- With national parks and museums closed, tourism will be affected. -- The Small Business Authority will be unable to process loan applications, meaning a dent in small-business growth. -- Federal contractors would also have to cut back on staffing.

1995-'96 shutdowns were in a politically and economically different time . Those years, political leaders were more willing to negotiate . With districts more partisan, there are fewer moderates in the House today . Unlike today, the mid-'90s economy was booming .

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The toy company that gained notoriety earlier this year by creating a meth lab play set inspired by the hit TV show Breaking Bad is at it again, this time turning their attention to adult entertainment. Just in time for Christmas, the Chicago-based Citizen Brick specializing in custom-printed Lego pieces has come out with the Citizen Brick Center for the Performing Arts - a play set featuring a swinging strip club scene. The plastic jiggly joint is called the Foxy Blox club, and it comes with buxom strippers in bikini tops, a hairy-chested male dancer and a stage with a pole in the middle. They're at it again: Citizen Brick, the company that came out with a Breaking Bad-inspired meth lab set earlier this year, has now created a strip club toy set called The Center for the Performing Arts . Cheeky: The set comes with two customized Lego strippers in bikini tops and G-strings . Plastic showgirls: The adult toy even comes with a stripper pole on a raised platform . The company posted this tongue-in-cheek description of the grownup toy on its website: 'The Citizen Brick Center for the Performing Arts is place where dreamers can dream, and dancers can dance. And dream. And also dance.’ The attention to detail is impressive: from plastic dollar bills scattered around the podium to the strippers' fishnet stockings and clear plastic pumps, this set has got it all. The decor at the Foxy Blox is classic nudy bar circa 1970s, complete with a 'Girls Girls Girls' poster on the wall, zebra-printed couches and pink leopard-printed floors. A series of colorful hologram foil printed paintings and a palm tree in the corner add a touch of class to the establishment. The set comes with four minifigs: two scantily clad female strippers, a mustachioed male performer with a bow tie a la Magic Mike and a pompadour coif, and a DJ in sunglasses positioned behind a turntable. Make it rain: To make the Foxy Blox club feel like a real strip joint, the toy makers included a pile of plastic dollar bills . Something for everyone: The Foxy Blox is an equal opportunity strip club where hairy-chested, mustachioed performers are just as welcome as buxom female entertainers . Supporting characters: No jiggly joint would be complete without a DJ who knows his way around a turntable . Pricey present: The Lego-inspired sets are available to pre-order for $275 . The adult play set is currently available to pre-order on Citizen Brick's site for $275. In an effort to avoid any confusion (or trademark lawsuits), the plucky Chicago manufacturer posted a disclaimer online making it clear that they are not affiliated with the Danish toy giant The LEGO Group. ‘Our friends at Lego asked that we remind you... “This is not a LEGO® Product. These are re-used LEGO elements that have been repackaged or altered from their original form,’ the notice reads.

Chicago-based Citizen Brick is selling a play set featuring a strip club scene . The Foxy Blox club comes with two female strippers in bikini tops, a hairy-chested male dancer and a stage with a pole . The toy maker specializes in custom-printed Lego pieces but it not affiliated with The Lego Group . Strip club set is available to pre-order for $275 .

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By . Matt Blake . One of Britain's most historic country mansions has gone on the market for a bargain £2.5 million. With its own minstrels' gallery, 18th century classical library and vast Italianate gardens, Apethorpe Hall has all the trappings of a palace fit for a king. But there is just one thing missing that no monarch could live without ... a throne of porcelain and a bath to match. The princely pile, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, has no bathroom and carries a £100,000-a-year maintenance bill. Princely: With its own minstrels gallery, 18th century classical library and Italianate gardens, Apethorpe Hall has all the trappings of a mansion fit for a king . Conditions of sale stipulate that the new owner must also keep the hall open to the public for at least 28 days a year. The 48-room house is being sold by English Heritage after it bought it for £3 million eight years ago. Pricey: The 48-room country pile is being sold by English Heritage after it bought it for £3 million eight years ago . The Long Gallery: Originally built in 1470-80 by Sir Guy Wolston, it then sold to Sir Walter Mildmay and stayed in his family for 350 years . The great hall: Ravaged by years of neglect with dry rot its only permanent resident, the Government spent over £4 million on pulling it back from the brink of ruin . Ravaged by years of neglect with dry rot its only permanent resident, the Government spent over £4 million on pulling it back from the brink of ruin. The house was developed as the focal point and power base of leading Tudor and Jacobean families, closely involved with the Court of England's ruling monarchs for over 150 years from Edward IV to Charles I. The east wing: From the windows on this side of the hall, it is said that Mildmay watched the procession announcing the arrival of Elizabeth I . Courtyard from the south: Experts estimate another £4 million is still needed to restore it to its full former glory . Originally built in 1470-80 by Sir Guy Wolston, who served as constable of the nearby royal castle at Fotheringhay, Esquire of the Body to Edward IV, and sheriff as well as MP for Northamptonshire. It then sold to Sir Walter Mildmay, an English statesman who would serve as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Queen Elizabeth I. It stayed in his family for 350 years. From the windows on the east side of the hall, it is said that Mildmay watched the arrival of the Queen. Apethorpe was one of the Queen's favourite overnight stops on the Great North Road. Originally built in 1470-80 by Sir Guy Wolston, it then sold to Sir Walter Mildmay and stayed in his family for 350 years. From the windows on the east side of the hall, it is said that Mildmay watched the arrival of Elizabeth I. Apethorpe was one of the Queen's favourite overnight stops on the Great North Road. It was also a favourite haunt of monarchs James and Charles I who enjoyed magnificent feasts of venison and wine. James I himself is believed to have enjoyed homosexual trysts when he visited the home 10 times between 1614 and 1624. The restoration work uncovered a secret doorway leading from the king's bedchamber to the bedroom used by his 'sweetheart' and favourite courtier George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. It was at Apethorpe Hall that the pair are thought to have met for the first time. Once described as Britain's most neglected Grade I country house, the hall's more recent owners include the Catholic Church - which used it as a school - and a millionaire Libyan who fled the UK following the shooting of WPc Yvonne Fletcher. It was also a favourite haunt of monarchs James I, Charles I who enjoyed magnificent feasts of venison and wine. James I himself is even believed to have enjoyed homosexual trysts when he visited the home 10 times between 1614 and 1624. The restoration work uncovered a secret doorway leading from the king's bedchamber to the bedroom used by his 'sweetheart' and favourite courtier George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. It was at Apethorpe Hall that the pair are thought to have met for the first time. Once described as Britain's most neglected Grade I country house, the hall's more recent owners include the Catholic Church - which used it as a school - and millionaire Libyan Wanis Mohammed Burweila. After the shooting of WPc Yvonne Fletcher during the Libyan Embassy siege in 1984 Mr Burweila was among the many Libyans who fled the UK. He had been negotiating to sell the property to a consortium led by Harold Winton, the honorary life president of Queen's Park Rangers football club, which reportedly bought the property for £1.35 million. But two days later, on account of its dilapidation, the Department of Culture Media and Sport served the compulsory purchase order and took it off their hands. After years of wrangling and a lands tribunal, the Government was eventually forced to pay £3.18 million for the house. The house has been used for filming scenes of various television historical dramas as well as the 1984 film Another Country, starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth. The latest sale has sparked anger amongst campaigners who have accused the Government of wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers money by selling the house at a huge discount on what it originally paid for it. Emma Boon, Campaign Director of the Tax Payers’ Alliance said: 'It’s devastating that taxpayers have ended up paying millions only to see the property go back into private hands. 'This shows that Apethorpe should have been left to be restored properly by the property developer it was bought from in the first place. We all want to see historic buildings like this preserved as far as possible within reason,but this sorry saga means a huge loss to taxpayers at a time when the country can least afford it.' A spokesman for English Heritage said: 'Following many years of neglect and decay, Apethorpe Hall had fallen into a state of significant disrepair and was in danger of being lost forever. As the government’s protector of England’s unique legacy of historic buildings, it was crucial that English Heritage took action to save Apethorpe Hall before it was too late. 'Following service by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport of a full Repairs Notice in 2001 and a Compulsory Purchase Order in 2002, English Heritage took over the property in September 2004 and subsequently carried out a programme of major repairs.

Apethorpe Hall, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, was once a haunt of James I, Elizabeth I and Charles I . It has a minstrels' gallery, 18th century classical library and Italianate gardens . English Heritage have lavished millions on its restoration since buying it for £3m eight years ago . James I himself is reputed to have enjoyed homosexual trysts in a secret bedroom after meeting 'sweetheart' courtier George Villiers at the hall . Campaigners accuse Government of wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers money after selling at fraction of the price it paid .

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San Francisco (CNN) -- Google has a simple and inexpensive new way to stream Internet videos on your TV. The company on Wednesday introduced Chromecast, a small device that lets you stream content to your television over a WI-Fi network, using your computer, phone or tablet as a remote control. The company said its goal is to create a device with zero setup time, no learning curve, and one that works with all platforms and devices. The $35 Chromecast is a radically different approach to TV than Google's previous failed attempt, the Nexus Q. It's smaller, cheaper and available starting today. The two-inch dongle looks like a thumb drive and pops into the HDMI port on an HDTV. It turns your phone, tablet or computer into a remote. Choose what content you'd like to stream and the Chromecast will play it on a nearby TV. "The television is missing in the (streaming-video) picture. it is really, really difficult to get your online videos on the television," said Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Android, Chrome and apps, at Wednesday's press event. Google unveils upgraded Nexus 7 tablet . Chromecast supports both Android and iOS devices. At its event, Google demonstrated the device using a Windows laptop and an iPhone. Chromecast also is streaming directly from your Wi-Fi connection, so it's not draining your device's battery. That means you can multi-task, checking e-mail on your computer, tablet or phone while a custom YouTube playlist broadcasts on your TV. The device currently only streams content from YouTube, Google Play and Netflix, though more apps, such as Pandora, are expected in the future. A beta feature lets you stream any tab directly from a Chrome browser running on one of your non-TV devices. With Chromecast, Google is seeking a foothold in a small but growing field. Only 15% of households have figured out how to watch online video on their TV sets, according to Google. The device goes head-to-head with existing Internet-on-TV solutions like Apple TV or the Roku box. The Chromecast stick is on sale now in the Google Play store and at electronics retailers such as Best Buy, although it may not ship immediately. A purchase of Chromecast includes three months of free Netflix streaming. Opinion: Apple becoming a follower, not a leader .

Google introduces Chromecast, a USB stick that pushes Web video to your TV . Chromecast costs $35 and is available immediately . Google also unveiled an upgraded Nexus 7 tablet with a higher-res screen and 4G LTE .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:28 EST, 1 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:28 EST, 1 May 2012 . A mother who spent £40,000 on IVF over eight years in order to have a son was thrilled to conceive another child a year later, without trying. Jenifer Heneghan, 35, and husband Kevin, 37, spent their life savings on six rounds of IVF treatment after Jenifer was told she was infertile. My miracle babies: Jenifer Heneghan who was told she could never fall pregnant naturally with IVF son Tiernon and daughter Nuala who was conceived naturally . The couple were over joyed when she gave birth . to son Tiernon in May 2010 and accepted he would never have a sibling because . they couldn’t afford any more IVF treatment. But shortly after his first birthday . Jenifer realised her period was late and was left stunned when a test . confirmed she was pregnant. She gave birth to her miracle daughter Nuala ten weeks ago. The former care home manager said: 'We’ve never used contraception because I was told there was more chance . of me winning the lottery than falling pregnant. ‘It took eight years of IVF and every . penny we had to conceive our son, I never expected in a million years to . fall pregnant naturally. To me it’s better than winning the lottery. ‘We bought one and we got one free but to me they are both priceless.’ Inconceivable: A 20 week scan of baby Nuala who was conceived naturally . Jenifer lost her first son Jack to meningitis and miscarried twins at six weeks before having Tiernon and Nuala (pictured) Mrs Heneghan's ordeal started when aged 23 she lost her only son Jack to meningitis weeks before his second birthday. Her grief was compounded when she then . met engineer Kevin and started trying for another baby without . success. A visit to the doctor revealed Jenifer, then 25, had a condition that had fused her fallopian tubes together. She said: ‘He said there was more chance of me winning the lottery and that my only hope was IVF. ‘I was stunned because I had fallen easily with Jack. I was only 25, it didn’t make sense.’ It was engineer Kevin that suggested cancelling their holiday and spending the money on IVF instead. But four painful attempts over four years and £20,000 later Jen was still not pregnant. She said: 'It was heartbreaking and so stressful that I even developed Bell’s Palsy. My consultant advised me to take a break form the IVF because emotionally I was so drained.' But thee years on the yearning for a baby was stronger than ever and in 2008 the couple started another course of IVF. Jenifer with husband Kevin: The couple tried IVF over eight years . Three weeks later Jenifer fell pregnant with twins but miscarried at six weeks. She said: 'I wasn’t sure I could keep putting myself through it. We had spent £26,000 which was everything we had. All our friends had bought bigger houses or new cars but we had ploughed it all into the chance of having a baby.’ The couple decided to have one last shot using two frozen eggs they had left and Jen’s parents gave them the £14,000 they needed to have them thawed and implanted.  It took the total they had spent to £40,000. One egg didn’t survive, but the other did and two weeks later Jenifer was pregnant. Her son was born in May 2010. 'We were overjoyed, he felt like a miracle and even though we would have loved more, we felt blessed to have Tiernon. 'There was no way we could afford more IVF so as far as we were concerned our family was complete.' But shortly after his first birthday Jenifer felt sick and realised her period was late. She bought a test and went into shock when it gave a positive result. Tiernon and Nuala: Jenifer was convinced she was going to have an ectopic pregnancy . She says: 'I bought a cheap one because I didn’t want to waste my money knowing deep down it was impossible for me to pregnant. I’d spent eight years an £40,000 on IVF to have Tiernon so I didn’t get my hopes up.' 'When I saw the blue line I was convinced something must be wrong. Because the condition of my tubes there was a high chance the pregnancy would be ectopic.' Her GP arranged an urgent scan and to everyone’s relief and astonishment it showed Jenifer was six weeks pregnant and the baby was developing normally. 'Even they couldn’t tell us how or why it had happened, I couldn’t believe it and neither could they. 'My consultant said just being relaxed and not trying may have made all the difference and I think he’s right. We spent so long trying and it never happened and then when we stop it does.' The doctor told Jenifer being relaxed made all the difference to conceiving Nuala . Jenifer was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy and had a planned caesarean section on Feb 8th this year. She said: 'Even when I held her I still couldn’t quite believe what had happened to us. We went through years of heartache and spent everything we had on having our son, and then we get a daughter for free. 'I thought we were the luckiest parents in the world when we had Tiernon, now I know we are.'

Mother tragically lost a child to meningitis before she was told her fallopian tubes had fused together . Doctor told her she had more chance of winning the lottery than conceiving naturally again . She lost first IVF twins at six weeks .

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By . Daniel Mills . Comedian Josh Richards wasn't joking around when he said he wanted to spend his 40th birthday  party in space. The Australian, who is now 28, is already planning the occasion with 23 strangers when he hopes to touch down on Mars in 2024. It is a long-shot, he said, but his chances are more than a pipe dream now with the West Australian pushing his claims for a place on the hotly-contested Mars One expedition which will see just 24 people travel to space and never return. Josh Richards is hoping to celebrate his 40th and first birthday on Mars as part of the Dutch-funded 2024 Mars One mission . Korum Ellis, Richards friend, is also in line for project which could see the pair endure a 10-year training regime . The West Australian, and friend Korum Ellis, are two of 705 people in the running for the mission  that will see space goers undergo a 10-year training regime in order to prepare for the rest of their lives in space. It will teach them all the necessary skills to start a new colony that will produce its own oxygen, water and food. Ellis said it will require up to nine years of unwavering dedication to prepare for the trip, while Richards said he is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to join the team of 24. More... Back to civilization: Six volunteer researchers return to the real world after four months on 'Mars' ... in Hawaii . Start your engines! Nasa set to fire rocket that will take man to Mars . The 28-year-old left his long-term partner, a budding career in comedy and a former life as a soldier all behind to fulfill his quest. He told Daily Mail Australia he has high-hopes of making his first birthday on Mars one to remember. 'I've already figured out the 40th Birthday Idea,' he said. 'I worked out that if I'm 28 now, ill be 29 by mid-August ... and if they are planning on launching September 24, 2013 I would have just had my 39th birthday.' If all goes well it will be his last on earth. He said the journey will take seven months, and by the time he touches down in April 2024, he'll have just five months to wait to pop the party streamers. Richards, 28, has left behind a long-term partner a budding career in comedy and a former life as a soldier to take part in the project . Richards served with British commandos as a combat engineer but most recently worked as a comedian in the UK . Comedian Josh Richards has had a life long dream to travel to space since he was seven . He and Mr Ellis were two of more than 200,000 people who applied for the Mars One project in 2012 - but that number has since decreased due to stringent medical tests and preliminary interviews. In the coming months more people will be rejected, and the hopes of those left on the list increased until six-teams of 24 people start their training. Just one team of 24 will travel - meaning those who gave up their careers to toil for a spot on the Mars One mission will be left high and dry back on earth. Training will start next year, and Richards' background as a soldier working in the British and Australian Army will hopefully help his bid. 'People aren't just being picked for existing skills and ability but also to see how everyone gets along with other people.' 'I will relocate where ever they need me, which will be both Europe and US requiring a fair bit of travel. The team will spend three months in isolation and once fully prepared will be trained to the 'same level as a paramedic.' 'In some cases the same level as surgeons,' Richards said. More than 200,000 people applied for project, hoping to be one of four chosen to make the first mission in 2024 . NASA's Mars Curiosity rover pictured on the road toward Mount Sharp, the primary target of a planned two-year mission to search for habitats that could have supported life in 2013 .

Josh Richards and Korum Ellis are shortlisted for the Mars One mission . Just 24 people will travel to space to start a new life on the Red Planet . It is a Dutch-funded project aiming to set up a human colony on Mars . Mr Richards will turn 40 in 2024 - the same year he touches down . He has left a long term partner in the UK to pursue his dream .

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By . Larisa Brown . and Eleanor Harding . Misleading: Yonas Admasu Kebede, pictured, claimed he was 15 - meaning he would receive free care from the state - when he was actually 20 . He claimed the taxpayer should fund his £10,000 flying lessons after his family abandoned him as a child. Now it appears that Yonas Admasu Kebede may have lied about his age to milk the public purse for tens of thousands of pounds. The failed asylum seeker pretended to be 15 years old so that he could be cared for as a destitute child – while in reality he was a grown man of almost 20. He also claimed his mother was missing and his father either dead or in prison, but the Mail’s inquiries reveal that he is still in touch with his family. They own a three-storey house in one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods of Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, where Mr Kebede grew up. His lies mean he has wrongly received two years of accommodation, living expenses and schooling paid for by Newcastle City Council. And because he was a so-called ‘looked-after child’, it has meant the authority has been forced to pay for his flying lessons, even though he turns 26 this month. The disclosures sparked outrage among politicians, who said the British system was too easy to exploit. Labour MP John Woodcock said: ‘This new  evidence suggests Britain’s compassion has been badly abused. ‘Proving age can be hard and we must never shut the door on any child who genuinely needs help but it should not lead to well-meaning authorities being taken for a ride like this.’ Matthew Sinclair, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: ‘This whole case appears to have been a calculated scam to rip off taxpayers. The council weren’t even responsible for this man’s care, so any suggestion that we should still pay for his flying lessons is ludicrous. ‘Given the pious tone taken by Yonas Kebede’s lawyers, and the costs of their legal action, there are serious questions about where the bill for this case should fall. It certainly shouldn’t land on taxpayers’ doorsteps.’ Newcastle City Council was forced to pay £10,000 for Mr Kebede to train as a pilot after it lost a case in the Court of Appeal earlier this year. It will also pay for his living expenses, likely to total £10,000, while he lives in London for a year. His lawyers won the case by arguing that the council had a duty to pay for ‘education expenses’ after he left school because he had no parents. In touch: Mr Kebede's parents, Admasu Bedane Kedede and Tayech Getachew, are listed as friends on his Facebook page, though he claims they abandoned him . Mr Kebede claimed in an interview this week that he believed his father, Admasu Kebede Bedane, was in prison or had been killed because he was involved in politics. He insists that the £10,000 is a loan and he fully intends to pay the money back if and when he qualifies as a pilot. He said his father had abandoned him and his younger brother Abiy, 20, after their asylum claim was rejected in 2004. He also said his older brother Benyam, now 28, looked after them for three years before leaving them stranded in 2007. But on Monday, he had the pair listed as ‘friends’ on Facebook, with Benyam stating on his profile that he lives in London. Mr Kebede’s father has worked as an air traffic controller for  Ethiopian Airlines and lives in a three-bedroom house worth £90,000 in a middle-class suburb of Addis Ababa. The house, which he shares with his wife Tayech Getachew, was built by Mr Bedane after his application for asylum failed in the UK. A neighbour said the couple had two vehicles – one an 11 seater  minibus – and they employ a maid. The locals could not explain how Mr Bedane came into the money to build his home, which was much grander than his old one in a run-down part of town. A neighbour said: ‘He built the house himself and it only took about eight months. Now it is worth treble the price.’ Affluent area: This three-storey house was built by Mr Kebede's father - whom he claimed in an interview this week was dead or in prison . Instead of sending his three boys to the local government school where education is free, the Orthodox Christian paid about £500 a year to send them to a private school. Registration documents completed when Yonas Kebede enrolled in nursery at Miskaye Hizunan Medhanealem church school confirm his date of birth as the seventh day of the third month of 1980, which is November 17, 1987 in the UK calendar. His baptism certificate confirmed the details. His uncle, who lived just around the corner, was a pilot for Ethiopian airlines and three of Yonas’s classmates are also now pilots. His fellow classmates were the sons and daughters of middle-class parents - the majority of them working as civil servants and others as doctors or engineers. A school friend, Habte Hundesa, 25, said they had a happy childhood and were privileged to be enrolled in one of the best schools in the country. When the boys and their father left in 2004 and claimed asylum in the UK, Yonas Kebebe claimed he was aged 13, but in reality he was 16 or 17. Yonas and Abiy were granted discretionary leave to stay in the UK until November 2014, and there is no guarantee their permission will be extended. They were placed in council care and lived with a foster mother. Learn to fly: Mr Kebede posted this picture to Facebook of him in a cockpit. He paid for flying lessons with a £10,000 loan from Newcastle City Council . They applied for post-18 courses last autumn but found they were not eligible for student loans because of their immigration status. They then instructed lawyers to make a claim for the money with Newcastle City Council, which paid out £30,000 in legal fees fighting the case. The council lost, meaning it has to pay £10,000 to each brother in tuition fees and an estimated £10,000 in living expenses every year to fund their post-school education. The money has been given to them as a loan, to be repaid once they start work. Abiy Kebede is currently studying for a degree at Manchester Metropolitan University. Paul Heron, of Public Interest Lawyers, said of Yonas: ‘Our client denies that he has lied about his age. ‘If you publish the allegation in the manner you propose you will be alleging that our client has committed fraud and contempt of court, allegations of the utmost severity that our client unequivocally denies.’ A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said it would look at any evidence produced by the Daily Mail in relation to the case.

Yonas Admasu Kebede forced Newcastle City Council to pay for pilot training . He was an asylum seeker who claimed he was abandoned by his family . Records show he was actually 20 when he went into care rather than 15 . That would make him ineligible for free training and living expenses . He also said he lost touch with his family - but has them as Facebook friends . Mr Kebede claimed his father was dead or in prison - in fact he owns a three-storey house in an affluent suburb of Addis Ababa .

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Threatened with arrest: Amal Clooney was warned by Egyptian officials that she risked arrest for exposes flaws in the country's judicial system . Amal Clooney was warned by Egyptian officials that she risked being arrested for presenting a report which exposes flaws in the country's judicial system. The human rights lawyer, who recently married Hollywood star George Clooney, was issued with the threat after identifying the same cracks in the system that led to the conviction of three Al Jazeera journalists. Written before Mrs Clooney became involved in the Al-Jazeera case, officials considered the report highly controversial for its criticisms of Egypt's courts. Speaking to The Guardian's Patrick Kingsley after the journalists' appeal hearing this week, she said: 'When I went to launch the report, first of all they stopped us from doing it in Cairo. 'They said "does the report criticise the army, the judiciary, or the government?" We said "well, yes". They said "well then, you're risking arrest".' The report, compiled on behalf of the International Bar Association, suggested Egypt's judicial system was insufficiently independent. It highlighted the fact that officials in the ministry of justice have too much power over judges and the government too much control over public prosecutors. Mrs Clooney and her team recommended the practice that allows Egyptian officials to handpick judges for particular cases must stop. She added: 'That recommendation wasn't followed, and we've seen the results of that in this particular case where you had a handpicked panel led by a judge who is known for dispensing brutal verdicts.' The three Al Jazeera journalists represented by Mrs Clooney are Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed, and Mohamed Fahmy. The group was initially sentenced to between seven and ten years in prison last June by the controversial Egyptian judge Mohamed Nagy Shehata. Scroll down for video . Stuck in jail: The three Al Jazeera journalists represented by Mrs Clooney (L-R) Baher Mohamed,  Mohamed Fahmy and Peter Greste . Mr Shehata earned global notoriety during the journalists' trial after mocking Mr Fahmy's fiancee and rarely removing his sunglasses during proceedings. A few months later he gained further infamy after sentencing 188 people to death in one mass trial. The three journalists launched a new appeal yesterday - but Mrs Clooney suggested she fears the flaws highlighted in her report will prevent the group from receiving a fair trial. The men have been held since December 2013 - with their arrests coming after the overthrow of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood member. 'Hope': Mohamed Fahmy (left), Peter Greste (centre) and Baher Mohamed (right) will face a retrial . One of the defendants, Baher Mohamed, hold an Egyptian passport - and must pin his hopes on his sentence being overturned by the Egyptian courts. But Clooney's other clients, Mr Fahmy, a Canadian citizen, and his Australian colleague Mr Greste, are still hoping for deportation to their home countries. Both have applied to Egypt's chief prosecutor to demand they be sent to Canada and Australia under the terms of a new presidential decree that gives foreign prisoners such an option. Inside Egypt, Mr Fahmy's appeals team was led by an Egyptian lawyer with contributions from Clooney that related to international law - but outside the country she is the one leading the efforts to win deportation. Wedding of the year: Amal married George Clooney in Venice in September last year - seven months after her legal team produced a report exposing flaws in Egypt's judiciary system .

Human rights lawyer produced report before taking on Al Jazeera clients . Egyptian officials warned she could be arrested for criticising government . She was prevented from presenting the report in Cairo on this basis . Her team's findings suggested courts were not sufficiently independent .

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(CNN) -- It was tense, nerve-shredding, prime-time viewing. No, not the new series of "Boardwalk Empire," but a soccer match with 31 penalties. Tuesday's English League Cup match between Liverpool and second division Middlesbrough was a marathon encounter which finally came to a conclusion at 10:42pm local time -- almost three hours after it had kicked off. Level at 1-1 after 90 minutes at Liverpool's Anfield stadium and locked together at 2-2 after two hours of play, the two teams began a record-breaking penalty shootout. After all 11 players on both teams -- including the two goalkeepers -- had taken a spot kick, only two penalties had been missed. As a result, with the score in the shootout level at 10-10, the first penalty takers had to go again. The success both teams enjoyed from 12 yards made for a surreal spectacle, with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli letting a wry smile slip when he converted for the second time in the shootout. But, as always in these heartbreaking football deciders, there has to be a fall guy. That was Middlesbrough's Albert Adomah, who sliced his penalty wide of the goal to give Liverpool the win. The final score in the shootout was 14-13, with both teams having taken 15 penalties each. When you include the penalty scored by Middlesbrough substitute Patrick Bamford to make the score 2-2 in the dying moments of extratime, there was a grand total of 31 spot kicks in an extraordinary match -- a competition record. "I don't have words to explain my feelings now," Middlesbrough manager, and former Real Madrid No. 2, Aitor Karanka remarked after the match. "I've never experienced anything like that before. We have played a Champions League team at Anfield and we've met them face to face. Everything was brilliant except the last penalty." For Liverpool, it ended a run of back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. "I was obviously pleased to get through and that experience, even though it was a long night for everyone, was great for our young players," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, whose starting 11 included the 17-year-old Jordan Rossister. "It's good to win, no matter how you win," added Rodgers. "It was very difficult -- even the 'keepers scored. It was really good quality. You can see why Middlesbrough are up near the top of the Championship (England's second tier,) they are a good side and are organized. "We wish them luck now for the rest of their season."

Liverpool and Middlesbrough contest a record-breaking penalty shootout . The EPL team won the shootout 14-13 after 30 penalties had been taken . Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford also scored from the spot during the match . The score was level at 2-2 after 120 minutes of play .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:42 EST, 18 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:54 EST, 18 July 2013 . Denise Rich, the wealthy socialite and former wife of late billionaire trader Marc Rich, threw a lavish carnival-themed party in a St Tropez harbor last night with guests including Joan Collins, Magic Johnson and Ivana Trump. The 68-year-old renounced her U.S. citizenship last year, saving herself millions in tax dollars, some of which seems to have been pumped into the lavish, ostentatious party on her 157-foot yacht Lady Joy. She has an estimated fortune of $12million. Also at the party were Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, TV personality Star Jones, model Jerry Hall and Blackstone's Steve Schwarzman. Wooo: Denise Rich smiles during her annual St Tropez party on July 17, 2013, in Saint-Tropez, France, where she danced with Joan Collins, Magic Johnson and Ivana trump . Famous friends: Denise Rich parties with Cookie Johnson and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, right, during the lavish celebrations on her yacht . A source told the New York Post: 'The entire dock is covered in red carpet. Huge stars are hanging like balloons. Women are doing circus acts above the dance floor, which is rotating in a circle with a big top over it' Having a ball: Joan and Terry were also seen with Denise Rich and Ivana Trump . A source told the New York Post: 'The entire dock is covered in red carpet. Huge stars are hanging like . balloons. Women are doing circus acts above the dance floor, which is . rotating in a circle with a big top over it. Oh, yes.' The Grammy-nominated songwriter appeared in the Federal Register on April 30, 2012, in a . quarterly list of Americans who renounced their U.S. citizenship and . permanent residents who handed in their green cards. Her ex-husband Marc Rich died in Switzerland aged 78 at the end of June. He made his fortune by founding the company which would become Glencore, the world's largest commodities trader, but was more famous for fleeing from the U.S. in 1983 when he was indicted on more than 50 counts of fraud, racketeering and tax evasion. The charges could have earned Rich 300 years in prison - however, in 2001 Clinton decided to pardon him hours before leaving office, leading to speculation he was motivated by receiving thousands of dollars in donations from the financier's ex-wife Denise. The Grammy-nominated songwriter, pictured right at Cannes last year, appeared in a quarterly list of Americans who renounced their U.S. citizenship and permanent residents who handed in their green cards . Never too old: Jerry and Joan were joined by Terry Allen Kramer at the glitzy bash . Having fun: With Joan Collins and her husband Percy Gibson . Non U.S.: The Grammy-nominated songwriter appeared in the Federal Register on April 30 last year in a quarterly list of Americans who renounced their U.S. citizenship and permanent residents who handed in their green cards . Rich, who was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, has Austrian citizenship through her . deceased father. her lawyer said she dumped her U.S. passport 'so that she can be closer to her family and to Peter Cervinka, . her long-time partner'. The 68-year-old wrote songs recorded by Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Jessica Simpson, is the latest bold-faced name to join a wave of wealthy people renouncing their American citizenship. Rich's two daughters live in London; . Cervinka, a wealthy property developer, is an Austrian national. Dubbed 'Lady Gatsby' by Yachting . magazine, she owns multiple properties, including a mansion in Aspen, . Colorado and is a frequent habitue of Cannes, Monte Carlo and St . Tropez. Last year Rich sold her massive, 12,000 square foot Fifth Avenue duplex penthouse to Hollywood mogul David Geffen for $54million at the end of 2012. Wealthy: Denise Rich, a songwriter who was married to pardoned billionaire trader Marc Rich, renounced her American citizenship last year and sold her massive Fifth Avenue penthouse for over $50million . Moving on: Her lawyer said she gave up her U.S. passport to be closer to her family and partner, Peter Cervinka . Peter was by her side at the St Tropez bash as well . Famous friends: Rich, left, with Michael Jackson, Hillary Clinton and President Clinton pictured in 2000. Rich is also a citizen of Austria and will live full time in London .

Guests included Joan Collins, Jerry Hall and Magic Johnson . Songwriter also has Austrian citizenship through her late father . Former husband Marc Rich fled the country when indicted on charges of tax evasion - but was pardoned by President Clinton in 2001 . House of Representatives committee later found Denise Rich had swayed the decision through donations to Clinton campaign .

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By . Sophie Borland and Daniel Martin . PUBLISHED: . 18:15 EST, 26 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:57 EST, 26 March 2013 . Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today told MPs that managers who fail patients will be struck off and barred from working in the NHS again . Doctors and nurses could be given pay rises simply for treating their patients with compassion. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday promised a ‘radical overhaul’ of the NHS, putting a far greater emphasis on old-fashioned care in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire hospital scandal. He said one measure could be to introduce a system of pay rises which would see staff rewarded if they show ‘compassion, dignity and respect’ when treating patients. But patient groups said nurses should not have to be paid extra just for doing their jobs properly. Joyce Robins, of Patient Concern, said: ‘It’s incredible when you think of the level that nursing care, and medical care in general, has sunk to. Compassion should be part of doctors’ and nurses’ jobs. ‘They are quite well paid as it is – they certainly should not be getting more. To talk about giving people more money for something they should be doing anyway is wrong.’ The pay plans were among a raft of measures announced by Mr Hunt yesterday in the hope of preventing another disaster on the scale of Mid Staffordshire, where as many as 1,200 patients died from ‘routine’ neglect. Last month a damning report by Robert Francis, QC, warned of a culture of fear in the Health Service that was obsessed with targets to the detriment of patients. It warned that unless major changes were made to the NHS, the neglect and horrific treatment at Mid Staffordshire would be repeated. In his formal response to the Francis report, Mr Hunt called the scandal ‘a betrayal of the worst kind’. He said NHS staff would now have a legal ‘duty of candour’ to tell the truth about patient care to patients, families and the Government. Hospitals could be fined if they fiddle figures on death rates or waiting times or hide mistakes from patients and families. A series of measures will be enforced in response to the needless deaths of up to 1,200 patients at Stafford Hospital . The Government is also considering . prosecuting individual doctors or nurses who cover up their mistakes. Hospitals will also face tougher inspections from the Care Quality . Commission which could last up to a month. They will be rated as ‘outstanding, good, requiring improvement or poor’, in a process similar to the Ofsted system in schools. And Mr Hunt said he would work closely . with hospitals and NHS Employers, the organisation which sets wages, to . ensure that pay rises given to staff were linked to ‘high quality . care’. Under the current system, thousands of . doctors and nurses are given salary increases of up to 8 per cent every . few years just for doing the same job. Hospital doctors earn an average . of £74,000 a year rising to £109,000 for consultants. Nurses are paid . around £30,500 a year. It is not yet clear how staff would be . monitored on the quality of their care but it could be through the new . Friends and Family test, given to patients after hospital treatment. Patients are asked if they would recommend the hospital to friends and . family. Mr Hunt said: ‘The events at Stafford Hospital were a betrayal . of the worst kind. A betrayal of the patients, of the families, and of . the vast majority of NHS staff who do everything in their power to give . their patients the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve. ‘The health and care system must . change. We cannot merely tinker around the edges – we need a radical . overhaul with high-quality care and compassion at its heart.’ As revealed by the Mail yesterday, . student nurses will be made to work for a year as healthcare assistants . on wards to give them experience of hands-on care. Ministers will also . appoint a chief inspector of hospitals and a chief inspector of care . homes who will rate organisations. Campaigners, including relatives of those who died at Mid Staffordshire said the measures didn’t go far enough. Julie Bailey, who set up Cure the NHS . after the death of her mother, said: ‘We need safe staffing levels and . the correct skill mix, that’s the start that’s needed, then we need to . look at the training. ‘I think there needs to be far more . emphasis on who they select to go into nursing. We’ve got staff who . don’t want to work for the NHS, we’ve got patients frightened, older . people frightened to go into NHS hospitals. ‘This has got to change, and it’s not . going to change with this style of leadership, command and control. We . need much more emphasis on the culture and behaviours of the people . within the NHS, and that starts at the top.’

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt wants to put greater emphasis on old-fashioned care . Patient groups said nurses should not be paid extra to do their jobs properly .

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(CNN) -- Brace yourselves, "Big Bang Theory" fans: Production on the CBS comedy has been put on pause. Warner Bros. Television, which shares a parent company with CNN, has confirmed that because of "ongoing contract negotiations," production on "The Big Bang Theory's" eighth season has been postponed. It was originally scheduled to begin on Wednesday. In March, CBS renewed "The Big Bang Theory," which has been viewers' No. 1 comedy since the 2010-2011 season, for three more years. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported on the production holdup, stars Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg have yet to reach a new contract deal with WBTV. THR has heard that Cuoco, Galecki and Parsons are seeking a sizable pay increase that would take them from $325,000 per episode to up to $1 million per episode, in addition to having a piece of backend profits. Helberg and Nayyar are also said to be negotiating for a pay raise, while stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch reportedly landed a pay hike last September. It isn't known how long the production delay will last, but CBS has already scheduled the comedy to return on September 22. CNN's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report.

Contract negotiations have postponed production on "The Big Bang Theory" WBTV didn't specify how long the delay would last . CBS has "The Big Bang Theory" scheduled to return on September 22 .

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Peter Moores has described Andrew Flintoff’s prospective comeback for Lancashire this week as a 'sensitive issue' which must be handled correctly. Moores was Lancashire coach until a few weeks ago, when England asked him back - and for the vast majority of his time at Old Trafford, 2005 and 2009 Ashes hero Flintoff appeared to be permanently retired because of injury. But at the age of 36, the all-rounder has agreed a new deal with Lancashire and is set for a probable return to action in Friday night’s NatWest T20 Blast Roses match at home to Yorkshire. Comeback: England's 2005 and 2009 Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff is aiming to make a Twenty20 return . High five: Flintoff played for St Annes, Lancashire, before his possible return for the county against Yorkshire . Cautious: England head coach Peter Moores believes Flintoff's possible return is a 'sensitive issue' Merited: The ex-Lancashire head coach thinks Flintoff should only play if it benefits the team . The snag is perhaps, however, that his employers somehow have to find room for him in a team which has won each of its last four Twenty20 matches. Moores said: 'It’s a sensitive issue with the players that are there. 'That’s got to be handled right. It’s a challenge, I think... a fit, strong, playing-well Andrew Flintoff is going to add to any side. 'Coming back from retirement, they’ve got to make the assessment to where that’s at - against what they’ve got in their current staff. 'To know that, you’d have to be on the inside - watching people practise and play and decide that it’s not too much of a distraction, it’s going to work.' Glory days: Flintoff won the Ashes in 2005 and 2009 (pictured) before injury forced retirement . Pace: The fast bowler took three wickets in his comeback match for St Annes last week . Asked if it might be a conundrum for Lancashire to fit Flintoff into their team, Moores said: 'You’d think so. 'It’s got to be a cricketing decision. 'They are playing really good cricket at the moment, so definitely you’d think it would be a tough side to get into. 'You pick the best side to play for Lancashire. That’s what the supporters are going to watch, and that’s what’s the most important thing.'

Moores believes the situation must be handled correctly . The England head coach left Lancashire just a few weeks ago . Flintoff is likely to make a return in the T20 Blast match against Yorkshire . Lancashire have won each of their last four Twenty20s without Flintoff . Moores says it must be a 'cricketing decision' to pick the 'best side'

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By . Marielle Simon For Daily Mail Australia . One of Tony Abbott's top advisers has warned that Australia has become obsessed with global warming and instead should be worried about global cooling. In a comment piece written for The Australian, Chief Business Adviser Maurice Newman claimed that the country was 'ill-prepared' for plummeting temperatures and dismissed scientific research that suggest the earth is getting hotter. 'The warmth the world has enjoyed for the past 50 years is the result of solar activity, not man-made CO2', he wrote in a controversial blog published on Thursday. Under attack: Maurice Newman (right) has claimed that the planet is at risk of global cooling not global warming. He is a business adviser to Tony Abbott (left) He claimed that politicians have 'put all (their) eggs in one basket' and 'made science a religion... ignoring at its peril and ours, the clear warnings being given by Mother Nature'. The former ABC chairman laid the blame for current policy on the government's 'biased research to pursue “green” gesture politics.' However, his comments have provoked a furious backlash from scientists who said that his ideas were not based on any scientific evidence. Adam Bandt, Green's Deputy leader, labelled Mr Newman's ideas 'almost deranged' and said that Tony Abbott had 'no choice but to dump him as head of the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council'. Ian Dunlop, scientist for the Climate Change Taskforce, also criticised Mr Newman, branding his comments 'arrogant'. 'The reality is that virtually all the informed scientists around the world and every major institution like the world bank and UN, are investigating climate change in great detail because it is an incredibly complicated problem', he told Daily Mail Australia. 'The vast majority of scientists are saying it is a big problem and we need to get on with addressing it'. Adviser to the Abbott Government, Maurice Newman claims citizens are ill-prepared for global cooling because of biased scientific research led by governments . Adam Bandt twitter . Labor's environment spokesperson Mark Butler took to Twitter to express disbelief over Mr Newman's claims . He said that the government had avoided addressing the issue because of the implications for the economy. 'Unfortunately the governments have been finding it very difficult to take any actions because it means fundamentally changing the way the economy works,' he said. Mr Dunlop said that inaction to tackle the problem was down to fear. 'It all sounds quite scary and it is a huge thing to do, but we do have solutions, we just have to do it,' he said. 'Both Labor and Liberal have agreed that we have to cut emissions down by five per cent by 2020 but the real action we require is that we need to reduce it 50 per cent by 2020.' Global warming scientist Dr Bradley Opdyke dismissed Mr Newman's claim that there the climate was getting cooler rather than warmer. 'The ocean actually says it is getting warmer. 'If you are looking for evidence, good data comes from the ocean because it has a much higher heat capacity,' he said. 'Almost every year over the past 10-15 years there has been a record temperature highs, compared to the 20th centuries temperatures.' Dispute: Climate change scientist Dr Bradely Opdyke said that scientists lacked faith that the government would take action on the issue . Dr Opdyke refuted Mr Newman's claim that climate change is from the sun, rather than CO2, based on no evidence to support that the 'sun's output is increasing over the years.' 'If these people who are meant to advise the government are saying these things, well they are clearly advising the wrong things,' he said, adding that Mr Newman's comments were based on 'absolutely no evidence' and that the research supporting global warming came in a 'truck load.' 'If he had any evidence to support those claims that it was cooler we would probably give him a Nobel Prize,' he said. Speaking to The Guardian, Professor Mathew England described Mr Newman's comments as 'weird' and 'uneducated'. 'The idea that solar cycles can override climate change driven by greenhouse gases is fanciful', he said. 'Saying we aren't prepared for global cooling is like saying we aren't prepared for an alien invasion. There is no credible scientist saying this is on the horizon.'

Maurice Newman said world was 'ill-prepared' for climate cooling . He calls science a religion based on biased research led by politics . Scientists blasted claims, branding him 'uneducated' and 'arrogant . Said there was undeniable evidence that the earth is getting warmer .

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Lancashire skipper Paul Horton has been suspended from the opening two matches of next year's NatWest t20 Blast after showing dissent to the umpires during this year's final against Birmingham Bears. Horton was handed the punishment by the England and Wales Cricket Board's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) after being reported by the match officials for his actions during the August 23 clash at Edgbaston. The 31-year-old batsman was visibly angry at being given out caught down the leg-side off the bowling of spinner Jeetan Patel for one in Lancashire's four-run defeat to Birmingham. Banned: Lancashire captain Paul Horton has been banned for two games for dissent . Joy: Horton celebrates the wicket of Ian Bell with team-mates Andrew Flintoff during last year's final . The penalty for the Level Two breach of the ECB's Discipline Code - showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision by word or action - is three penalty points, but the CDC deemed further action was necessary on this occasion and has handed Horton the two-match ban. Horton, who has accepted the punishment, said: 'I apologise to the umpires for my actions. I realise that these were unacceptable, particularly given the high profile nature of the match, watched by millions around the world on TV and a full house at Edgbaston. 'As players we must be aware of our responsibilities as role models, none more so than the captain.'

Horton suspended for first two matches of next year's Natwest t20 Blast . He was suspended for dissent to the umpires in this year's final .

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By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 08:19 EST, 17 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:10 EST, 17 June 2013 . Brad Pitt spoke today about fianceé Angelina Jolie's recovery from her double mastectomy as he revealed she was focused on creating better access to genetic testing for those at higher risk of cancer. The actor, who has six children with Jolie, told GMA on Monday that it was 'business as usual' for his partner following her treatment. The Oscar-winning actress had discovered that she carries the defective BRCA-1 gene which gave her an 87 per cent chance of developing cancer. Pitt said:'Her focus now is that all people have access to the testing. If you do your research it doesn't have to be scary, it can be an empowering thing.' Scroll down for video . Gratitude: Brad Pitt told GMA in New York on Monday that he and partner Angelina Jolie had been moved by the public response to news that she had a double mastectomy . Superstar couple: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pictured at the World War Z premiere in Germany earlier this month shortly after she announced her decision to have a double mastectomy . Jolie, 38, revealed her decision to . have the double mastectomy in a New York Times article last month where . she wrote that she had taken the difficult decision so she could tell . her children 'they don’t need to fear they will lose me'. Pitt spoke about his fiancée's . decision to have the invasive treatment earlier this year as he carried out . promotional duties for new movie World War Z in New York today. He said: 'It's business as usual, she's doing great. When she wrote that piece, we had already come out the other end. 'It was a beautiful thing to watch and her focus now is that all people have access to the testing. 'If you do your research, it doesn't have to be scary, it is an empowering thing... I've been moved by every stage of this.' Supporting role: Pitt spoke of his partner Angelina's recovery after undergoing a double mastectomy as a preventative measure against breast cancer earlier this year . Good morning! Brad Pitt and Josh Elliot at the GMA studios in New York this morning... with several puppies that were being used for a feature . Heartthrob: Pitt is interviewed by George Stephanopoulos in front of hundreds of screaming fans in Times Square . Pitt is currently on a grueling summer promotional tour for zombie blockbuster World War Z with the next stop being in Russia. He added that once the rounds of movie premieres are over then he would have a 'little more home time'. Jolie's mother Marcheline Bertrand died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56 in 2007 and her maternal grandmother also had the disease. She . said she carries a defective BRCA-1 gene that puts her at high risk of . developing breast and ovarian cancers. Her doctor said that the test . that turned up the faulty gene link led Jolie to have both of her . healthy breasts removed to try to avoid the same fate. Writing in an editorial piece entitled 'My Medical Choice' in the New York Times, Angelina explained her decision, revealing that she had the initial procedure on February 16 before having the reconstruction operation on April 20. Star quality: Brad Pitt is currently on a grueling promotional tour for his latest movie World War Z . Family man: Pitt, pictured with Jolie and their six children in 2011, spoke of her brave decision to have a double mastectomy today .

Brad Pitt appeared on GMA on Monday, saying it was 'business as usual' for his partner following her invasive procedure .

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Washington (CNN) -- A day after the United States published a blacklist of alleged Russian human rights abusers, whom Washington slapped with personal sanctions, the Kremlin answered with a list of its own. It slaps alleged American rights violators with similar sanctions, official Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported Saturday. The U.S. list is part of a December 2012 law, the Magnitsky Act, which imposes visa bans and freezes assets of Russian officials believed to be connected to the death of whistleblower Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered the country's largest known tax fraud. U.S. releases blacklist tied to alleged Russia rights abuses . Magnitsky was allegedly beaten to death in detention, a claim which Russian authorities dispute. The new law has been a thorn in the side of Moscow, which banned U.S. adoption of Russian children shortly after it passed. Washington's blacklist, published Friday, contains 18 names. The Russian list also contains 18 and is a conscious, incensed reply to the U.S. list. Russian news agency Interfax published the names of Americans on Moscow's list. It includes an FBI agent, a DEA agent and officials at a New York district court. "This war of lists was not our decision, but we do not have the right to ignore such open blackmail," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement according to RIA Novosti. It accused the United States of basing its relationship with Russia on "mentorship." Washington's blacklist includes people said to be linked to the Magnitsky case, including senior officials in the Russian interior ministry, prosecutors, judges, prison officials and tax officers. The people on Russia's mirror list have a connection to the U.S. detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, RIA Novosti reported. It also includes Americans who were allegedly "involved in the abduction and removal to other countries of Russian citizens and in threats to their lives and health." More on the Magnitsky Act . An additional, classified list, which was submitted to the U.S. Congress, includes people who are subject only to the travel ban. Other blacklisted names were tied to other high profile cases. One was accused in the 2006 shooting death of a Chechen man who filed claims against Moscow with the European Court for Human Rights in Strasbourg for human rights violations in Chechnya. The other is believed to have played a part in the 2004 murder of American Paul Klebnikov, the editor of Forbes' magazine's Russian edition, in what was viewed as an attempt to quash investigative journalism in the country. A senior State Department official told reporters the list was the product of an investigation based on information from non-governmental organizations and other information made available to the United States. The official said the rigorous standards used to develop this list were similar to those used to designate individuals and companies on other U.S. blacklists. Additional names would be added to the blacklist, should more information become available, the official said. Absent from the list were certain Russian officials close to President Vladimir Putin. But the senior State Department official said "political considerations" in the U.S. relationship with Russia were "not a factor" and that additional names could be added to the blacklist, should additional information become available. Russian reactions . President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said Friday that the U.S. blacklist would have a "very negative effect on bilateral Russian-American relations." But he appeared to play down the long-term impact, saying ties between Moscow and Washington were multifaceted and still had potential for growth. Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, warned Friday that the publication of the list risked overshadowing the visit of National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, who is scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday. "The choice of timing was not entirely favorable," Lavrov said, considering Donilon's visit is meant to address the broad aspects of the U.S.-Russia relationship. If the list is published, we will react and our American partners know that."

Russia answers a U.S. human rights law with revenge sanctions on 18 Americans . The U.S. law already drew an angry response when signed into law in December . Friday, Washington published a list of alleged Russian human rights abusers . Russia's blacklist includes members of a New York district court and FBI and a DEA agent .

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By . Emily Crane . Grisly find: The body of James Crawford, 33, was found inside his Melbourne apartment on Monday morning . A young architect is believed to have been murdered up to two weeks before his sister found his body in his Melbourne apartment. Police are waiting for autopsy results after the body of James Crawford, 33, was discovered with several stab wounds to his chest at 9.30am on Monday. His sister located the remain of Mr Crawford when she went to visit him at his Albert Park apartment after no one in the family had heard from him in weeks. Police said the 33-year-old suffered multiple blows to his chest with a sharp object and are awaiting autopsy results to identify exactly when he was killed. Mr Crawford ran a small architecture firm, Inner Arc, from his apartment above a vintage shop on Cardigan Place. He owned the building and rented out the bottom shopfront to Empire Vintage store. The young architect was the son of television producer Henry Crawford and screenwriter Sarah Darling and was the grandson of the founding patron of the National Portrait Gallery, Gordon Darling, according to the Age. Henry Crawford, who won an Emmy Award for the show A Town Like Alice, said he was in shock before flying from New Zealand to be with his family. 'It's horrid, it's a bit of a state of shock and you feel powerless,' he said. 'James is a good boy and to my knowledge, was never involved in anything shady or anything like that. It sounds to me like robbery, but I don't know.' His last contact with his son was two weeks ago via email. Suspicious death: Homicide detectives were brought in to investigate the architect's death after his body was found in his Albert Park street with stab wounds to the chest . Lynda Gardener, the owner of the vintage store below Mr Crawford's apartment, said she had not seen him in three weeks. 'It's so sad. I've known him for about five years and he's always been so pleasant,' Ms Gardener told the Herald Sun. 'He's a very private person but would always say hello.' Homicide detectives are treating the death as suspicious and yesterday doorknocked the area to speak to neighbours and nearby businesses. They said it was too early to say if Mr Crawford knew his attackers, or if it was a foiled robbery. Mr Crawford had been living in Melbourne for two years after moving to the United States to finish his interior architecture degree in Denver and an architecture degree in San Francisco. He previously attended boarding school at Geelong Grammar in Victoria and completed an information technology degree at Bond University.

James Crawford, 33, was found with multiple stab wounds to his chest . Architect had not made contact with his family in at least two weeks . His father said he was 'a good boy' and not involved in anything shady .

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Seven months after it capsized off the coast of Italy claiming the lives of 32 passengers, the wreck of the Costa Concordia has become a grim tourist attraction. So many people want to see the stricken cruise ship up close, thousands are queuing up each day to catch a ferry that passes within metres of its submerged shell. Visitors drawn to the macabre attraction will have a little longer to catch a glimpse of the vessel - a project to refloat the Costa Concordia was this week delayed until next spring. Scroll down for video . Macabre: Daytrippers to Giglio capture snapshots of the Costa Concordia as they pass on a ferry from the Italian mainland . Sightseers: Visitors have flocked to the tiny Tuscan island all summer, drawn by the submerged ship . The Costa Concordia ran into a reef . and capsized off the coast of the Tuscan island of Giglio on Friday . January 13 after Captain Francesco Schettino made an unauthorised . diversion from his programmed route. He was arrested and accused of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning his ship. Rescue: Salvage teams hoped to refloat the ship in time for the first anniversary of the wreck, but plans have been delayed til spring 2013 . More than six months on and the tiny isle has teemed with tourists all summer, a sharp increase on previous years. In nearby Santo Stefano, 15km away and . attached to the Italian mainliand, ticket touts advertise the 10 euro . tickets as a chance to see the stricken cruise ship as the ferries pass . within metres of the Concordia, meaning tourists can take photos of the . vessel. Describing the island as a 'museum', . Giglio's mayor, Sergio Ortelli, confirmed: 'There has been a rise in the . number of tourists coming for the day, with curious people taking . photos of the giant sprawled on the rocks.' Refloat: A joint US-Italian team plans to use cranes to haul the submerged half of the ship out of the water . A consortium hired to remove the 950ft-long, 116ft-wide, . 114,500tonne ship had hoped to complete their mission by January 2013, but . have been forced to extend the deadline due the vast scale of the task ahead of them. US-based Titan Salvage and Italian . partner Micoperi insist the new timeline is a 'realistic' target for . what will be the largest refloat in history. In order to raise the Costa . Concordia, Titan will install underwater platforms under the submerged . side of the ship and use huge cranes to pull the ship upright. An intricate balancing act, using watertight boxes, will then steady the ship before it is towed away and dismantled.

Thousands flock to the isle of Giglio to catch a glimpse of the wreck site, where 32 people died . Plans to refloat ship have been delayed til next spring .

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By . Joshua Gardner . and Ap Reporter . A California youth pastor has been charged with murder after a fight with a Las Vegas man last year ultimately led to his death. Robert Cox of Manteca, California was just passing through Sin City last June when he stopped for a late dinner with his church group en route to Texas. There he encountered 55-year-old Link Ellingson. A scuffle broke out in which Cox pushed Ellingson over, causing him to hit his head. After a six-month coma, Ellingson died from brain hemorrhaging. Scroll down for video . Charged: Pastor Robert Cox (at left with his wife Julie) has been accused of murder in the death of 55-year-old Link Ellingson after a June 15 altercation in Las Vegas . Dead: Link Ellingson slipped into a coma after falling and hitting his head in the June 13 altercation. He died from bleeding in the brain on December 15 . Now, police are holding the beloved pastor responsible for his death even as members of his family and congregation maintain he was acting in self defense. Cox, a pastor at The Place of Refuge church, was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on Tuesday on murder and fugitive from justice charges. He's awaiting extradition to Nevada. An autopsy report said blunt head trauma from the fight was a significant contributing factor. Cox was on a ministry trip to Texas with his wife and some church interns when they stopped at the Four Kegs pub on June 13, 2013. Group members said they were in the parking lot when Ellingson approached, threatened them and assaulted them. Pastor: 35-year-old Cox is a youth pastor at the Place of Refuge church in Manteca, California. In Spanish, manteca means 'butter' Flock: Members of Cox's congregation, pictured, who were witnesses to the 2013 altercation maintain the pastor was acting in self defense . 'He said, "Hey girlfriend, you want to 'F' with me?"' witness Kelli Lane told KTXL-TV. "And Rob was immediately like, 'Oh my gosh, no,' backed up, 'I have kids here,' said no. And the man said, "Well I'm coming to 'F' with you."' According to the witnesses, Cox grabbed the man and fell with him to the ground. Ellingson hit his head on the pavement and went unconscious. When he died six months later at Summerlin Hospital, the coroner ruled the case a homicide. According to a Las Vegas police report, Cox initially said he punched Ellingson in the face, but later described grabbing Ellingson's waist and falling to the ground with him. Cox's left ring finger was broken in the confrontation. 'There was . no punch thrown. I can understand where that was implied because his . finger was broken, but from the get go we said that the police report is . false and we need to get it fixed,' Cox's wife, Julie, told the TV . station. Surveillance . video showed Ellingson getting into a fight, but he leaves the frame . for several seconds before he's seen stumbling back and falling, . according to the report. Detectives who reviewed the footage wrote that . it doesn't appear someone fell to the ground with him. Bigger: The late Ellingson was described by Cox's wife as 'huge' and as the aggressor in the fight . Police say Cox first claimed to have punched Ellingson (pictured) but later changed his story . 'My husband was acting (in) total self-defense,' Mrs. Cox told KTXL. 'The attacker was huge. He was assaulting people in the group who were trying to intervene and get him to stop but he wouldn't stop. And that's when my husband grabbed him by the waist.' One member of the church group claimed that five people were assaulted by Ellingson before Cox ever confronted him. Family members said they were told no charges would be filed in the case, but they said a warrant was issued for Cox's arrest without his or his attorney's knowledge. A letter posted on the church's website asks people to donate money to cover Cox's legal fees and to write letters vouching for his character. An aide to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said he and a prosecutor assigned to the case were not available for comment Friday afternoon.

Robert Cox of Manteca, California was just passing though Sin City with his church group when he encountered Link Ellingson, 55 . An altercation broke out between the two men during which Ellingson tumbled to the ground and hit his head before falling into a coma . On December 15, Ellingson died in the hospital and now the beloved pastor is charged with murder as police say his self defense story doesn't add up .

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By . Glen Owen . PUBLISHED: . 17:26 EST, 21 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:26 EST, 21 December 2013 . Former BBC director-general Mark Thompson is at the centre of a new cronyism row following the release of a bombshell document about the ‘Crowngate’ affair. The secret internal briefing note, written in the wake of a £500,000 payoff to ex-BBC1 controller Peter Fincham, last night prompted one Tory MP to accuse Mr Thompson of giving potentially misleading evidence to a Commons committee. The document, marked ‘strictly private and confidential’, details the background to Mr Fincham’s dismissal, which came after he inaccurately stated that the Queen had walked out of a photoshoot featured in a Royal documentary ‘in a huff’. Former BBC director general Mark Thompson is at the centre of a new cronyism row . It later emerged that a promotional trailer for the programme had been misleadingly edited. Mr Fincham agreed to leave in the wake of the 2007 row – but still walked away with a half-million pound ‘golden goodbye’. When Mr Thompson appeared before the Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in September, he was asked if such ‘eye-watering’ payoffs were part of a ‘culture of extravagance’ at the BBC. Asked about the specific payment to Mr Fincham, Mr Thompson said he had left as part of a ‘consensual termination’, adding: ‘We were going through a difficult negotiation, a lawyer-to-lawyer negotiation.’ The secret note sent about the payoff which has been seen by the Mail on Sunday . However, the newly released document suggests that Mr Thompson played a much more direct role in setting the size of the payoff. The briefing – prepared earlier this year for the current BBC director-general Lord Hall – states: ‘There is no documented approval for the payment; it is understood that Mark Thompson gave verbal instructions to the BBC legal team.’ The note goes on to say: ‘The lawyer who constructed the compromise agreement is no longer with the BBC; however, a team member recalls the lawyer saying that Mark Thompson gave verbal instructions to her as she drafted the compromise agreement.’ The document concludes: ‘It is essential that this note is kept strictly confidential and is not shared with anyone.’ Peter Fincham (right) agreed to leave his post after a promotional trailer for a royal documentary included misleadingly edited footage of The Queen (left) Tory MP Rob Wilson, who has waged a long campaign to force the BBC to release the document under Freedom of Information rules, has written to the Labour chairman of the PAC to question Mr Thompson’s  evidence to the committee. ‘I would like to draw your attention to the possibility that the PAC was potentially misled,’ he writes. ‘The BBC’s internal account paints a very different picture to that presented to your committee by Mr Thompson. Far from the outcome of the payoff being essentially the result of negotiations between  lawyers which the BBC was obliged to accept, the lawyer who drafted the compromise agreement which included the payoff was in fact taking her instructions directly from Mr Thompson himself.’ Mr Wilson added that this showed ‘the practice of granting payoffs at the top of the BBC in recent years owed more to a culture of cronyism than standards of good practice’, and that ‘Mr Thompson’s suggested behaviour was inappropriate’. A spokesman for Mr Thompson did not return calls last night. Top BBC executives are spending tens of thousands of pounds  of licence fee-payers’ money  on ‘champagne and seabass’  meals with each other at  exclusive restaurants. The lunches and dinners – described in BBC accounts as ‘editorial meetings’ – contributed  to a total inter-executive wining and dining bill of more than  £30,000 last year. One £155,000-a-year executive has managed to notch up a personal dining tally of more than £11,000 over the past four years. Gweneth Williams enjoyed glasses of champagne, salmon and seabass . According to documents and receipts released by the BBC, there were 269 claims for executives dining with each other last year, which amounts to more than one for every working day. Each claim cost more than £100 on average. The biggest claimant was  David Holdsworth, the controller of English regions, who has spent £11,050 on wining and dining since 2010. The second most lavish spender was Peter Johnston, the £152,000-a-year director of BBC Northern Ireland, who spent £5,185, while Roger Wright, the £227,000-a-year controller of Radio 3, spent £4,758. Receipts from some of these ‘meetings’ show how convivial they can be. Gwyneth Williams, the £183,000-a-year controller of Radio 4, enjoyed glasses of Champagne Billecart-Salmon, chablis and seabass at an ‘editorial/leaving lunch’ in May 2012 with Mary Kalemkerian, the former head of programming for Radio 4. Ben Gale, the former head of Bristol Factual, billed £79.45 for a ‘programme development meeting’ at a Bristol restaurant which included a 31-day dry-aged fillet steak – served on a lava rock heated to 500F – costing more than £28 with a sauce. And another meeting, between Ken MacQuarrie and Rhodri Talfan-Davies, the heads of BBC Scotland and Wales, was held at the Royal Dragon in Soho, Central London, where they  enjoyed the Peking set dinner and six Asahi beers. The executives dined out at the restaurants even though they can choose from 166 meeting rooms at New Broadcasting House. Former head of Bristol factual Ben Gale's bill (left) and (right) former radio 4 controller Gwyneth Williams' bill . Figures show that since 2010, the ‘internal hospitality’ spend by top executives has risen from £19,181 to £30,350 –  an average of £1,017 a year for those who submitted claims. The executives also received another perk: the BBC spent a total of £7.8 million on paying tax bills incurred by employees on perks such as taxis and meals. Last night, a BBC spokesman said: ‘The BBC employs 20,000 people and this expenditure, released under our disclosure rules, equates to £1.50 per person, per year. ‘Like many other UK businesses, the BBC pays tax on certain taxable benefits, such as the cost  of ensuring staff can travel home safely late at night.’

Ex-BBC 1 controller accused of providing misleading evidence . Secret internal briefing note revealed in the wake of payoff to controller . Peter Fincham agreed to leave his post in the wake of the row in 2007 .

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Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) -- Lady Gaga has canceled her concert in Indonesia, her management said Sunday, citing security concerns after Islamic hardliners denounced her costumes and dance moves as too risqué. If the concert were held, there would be concerns the singer, her crew and attendees may be in harm's way, said Minola Sebayang, the lawyer for the promoters. "This is an advice from her security team. So the cancellation is purely based on the decision made by her management," Sebayang said. Before she was Gaga: The unseen photos . Earlier this month, Jakarta police recommended that Lady Gaga's sold-out June 3 show not be issued a permit because of security concerns. The pop diva appeared to acknowledge the incident in a post on Twitter on Saturday: "There is nothing Holy about hatred." On Sunday, she tweeted confirmation of the cancelation: "We had to cancel the concert in Indonesia. I'm so very sorry and the fans & just as devastated as you if not more. You are everything to me," she wrote. "I will try to put together something special for you. My love for Indonesia has only grown," the performer said. Islamists and conservative Muslims have decried Lady Gaga's upcoming concert, saying her revealing costumes and sensual dance moves are forbidden by Islamic law. The chairman of the Islamic Defenders Front, Habib Rizieq, said his group could not guarantee security if the concert were held. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. In March, the pop star got a thumbs-down by the country's highest Islamic authority, according to The Jakarta Globe. Indonesian Council of Ulema chairman Cholil Ridwan was urging Muslims not to attend the controversial singer's upcoming concert in Jakarta, the newspaper reported. "(The concert is) intended to destroy the nation's morality," Ridwan told the Globe. Ridwan is concerned that the singer's revealing outfits and sexy dance moves will set a bad example for Muslim youths. Newspaper reports said more than 25,000 tickets were sold in the first two hours after the concert went on sale in March. Police said the promoter should not have started selling tickets before getting a permit. This is not the first controversy surrounding the singer's "Born This Way" tour. Gaga also ran afoul of Christian groups in South Korea, prompting the government to ban people under the age of 18 from attending her show. Last week, Christian groups in the Philippines protested Lady Gaga's performances there Monday and Tuesday. CNN's Kathy Quiano contributed to this report.

NEW: Lady Gaga says she is devastated, apologizes to her fans . There are concerns the singer, her crew and attendees may be in harm's way, promoter says . Islamists have decried Lady Gaga's dance moves and costumes . Jakarta authorities say June 3 show should not be issued a permit over security concerns .

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(CNN) -- If Barack Obama could make three wishes, he would probably ask for the crisis in Syria to go away. That would help him receive another wish: Getting reelected as president of the United States. Unfortunately for Obama, and tragically for the people in Syria, history has brought the American presidential campaign and the Syrian revolution to the same pages of the calendar. That means Obama will do whatever he can, for as long as he can, to keep the carnage in Syria from interfering with his reelection plan. That means the killings in Syria could go on longer than if the uprising had erupted during a nonelection year. Anyone who doubts that electoral considerations have become a major factor in U.S. foreign policy should look to Obama's own words from a few months ago. Obama did not realize his microphone was on during a meeting in Seoul with then-Russian President Dimitry Medvedev, so he leaned in close and whispered, "This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility." In this instance, Obama was referring to the contentious issue of missile defense. It's not uncommon for presidents to worry about reelection while charting foreign policy. In Robert Caro's new biography of President Lyndon B. Johnson, "The Passage of Power," he describes how Johnson made decisions about Vietnam with an eye towards the elections. Caro concluded that "the steps he took had, as their unifying principle, an objective dictated largely by domestic — indeed, personal — political concerns." With less than five months until November, the last thing Obama needed on his already very full plate is another shockingly cruel, politically complicated conflict in the Middle East, complete with gruesome, heartrending images, a recalcitrant dictator, and prominent voices calling on Washington to do something. Photos: In Syria, families flee and rebels fight . You can't put history on hold until after Election Day, but you can certainly try. The Obama administration has put other major foreign policy issues on the back burner in order to avoid giving Republicans fodder for criticism, to prevent new risks to the economy, or simply to avoid stepping on a landmine while moving along a dangerous global landscape. A report in Britain's Sunday Times claims that the White House asked Israel to delay an attack on Iran until after November. Many fear that a war with Iran would send oil prices skyrocketing and hurt Obama's reelection prospects. Although that scenario could be averted, the risk of armed conflict creates too much uncertainty during a pivotal year. For now, Obama and the West are backing slow-motion talks with Iran along with economic sanctions. They have significantly reduced their demands from a requirement that Iran stop enriching uranium to a call for Tehran to "curb" enrichment to higher grades. Elsewhere in the Middle East, a top Palestinian leader said the Obama administration told Palestinians to be patient this year, with a promise that a reelected Obama, unbound by the need to win votes, would make a forceful return to his mediation efforts. Even with Afghanistan, Obama has been perceived as putting political goals ahead of strategic decisions. Leslie Gelb, President Emeritus of Council on Global Relations, suggested that the November election is the main reason why Obama has not ordered a faster draw-down of troops. "But wait till next year," he wrote. "The fig leaf of vital interests will no longer be sustainable in the postelection marketplace." While the Obama administration tries to plug all the holes, or at least slow the leaks until it has more freedom of movement, its timid efforts in Syria are starting to look like an abdication of a fundamental moral duty. The death toll in Syria continues to rise, with more than 13,000 people killed. At this rate, the political cost of doing nothing will outweigh the risk of taking action. There is no obvious, easy answer. And the American people so far seem to have no desire to see American forces step in to stop the horrifying massacres. But Washington could, without sending in American troops, take a stronger leadership role. Pressure is mounting on Obama to launch a more muscular response as Syria unravels and risks creating chaos in other parts of the region. Even Democrats are making a case for American intervention. After all, Syria is Iran's closest ally. Helping to staunch the bloodshed there could help prevent a war with Iran by weakening Tehran's hand. The U.S. could also try to fortify the Syrian opposition and work with other Arab countries who want to see Assad removed from power. For too long, the White House placed its faith in a plan negotiated by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, which was doomed to fail from the very beginning. Washington has blamed Moscow for the diplomatic stalemate and the lack of progress in Syria, but not everyone buys that argument. Obama would like to prevent a major crisis with uncertain political ramifications from standing in the way of his reelection. But the tragedy in Syria is not waiting until November. Sure, everyone would like to see all the tough geopolitical problems solved by diplomacy, with a handshake and a smile, without massacres of civilians and lies from dictators. But the world does not work that way. Sometimes history has lousy timing. And presidents don't get to make three wishes. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Frida Ghitis.

Frida Ghitis: Obama tries to keep the crisis in Syria from interfering with reelection . Ghitis: Carnage in Syria could go on longer than in a nonelection year . She says electoral considerations are often a major factor in U.S. foreign policy . Ghitis: Tragedy in Syria isn't waiting till November; Obama should take action now .

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(CNN) -- A flood warning remained in effect for northeastern North Carolina on Saturday as heavy rains left some businesses underwater and scores of roads closed. Flooding in North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania and New England killed at least eight people, officials said. Bertie County in North Carolina was the hardest hit with waters as high as stop signs in some areas. Most roads were closed or partially closed. "A lot of people cannot get to their homes," said County Manager Zee Lamb. Rescue shelters were set up and animals in a small zoo were taken to higher ground. "The county library is under 5 feet of water in the town of Windsor," Lamb said. "You cannot get to the courthouse by road. I got here by boat today." Many businesses in the city are underwater, Lamb said, adding that the county has asked for state emergency assistance. Historic homes in the town were also damaged. Townspeople were surprised by the extent of the flooding, according to the county manager. "[Hurricane] Floyd [in 1999] was supposed to be the 100-year-old flood," Lamb said. "Eleven years later, we have another major flood." The storm system dropped heavy rain in the Northeast part of the country as the remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole interacted with an upper-level low and a frontal boundary. Flood watches and warnings were in effect from the mid-Atlantic states to Maine. High-wind warnings were in effect from Massachusetts to Maine, with wind gusts up to 60 mph. Boston was already feeling the effects, although the rain was expected to clear by Saturday morning. Philadelphia and much of eastern and central Pennsylvania were deluged by rainfall and a motorist died after driving into floodwaters near Skippack Creek, state troopers said. Troopers saw the vehicle floating near a golf course, but were unable to reach the female driver, who was later found dead. Police said a 72-year-old woman was trapped for more than eight hours inside her car in Cumru Township before she escaped. A weather-related accident Thursday claimed four lives in Washington County, North Carolina, where a Jeep Grand Cherokee hydroplaned and ended up in a ditch filled with water. Four of five people in the SUV drowned. A 3-year-old survived and was hospitalized Friday, officials said. Two motorists died in Dare County on Friday, and another was killed in Pamlico County, said Julia Jarema, spokeswoman for the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. About 150 roads in North Carolina were closed at some point and some people were evacuated in Bertie County, said Patty McQuillan, communications officer for the state's Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. Some areas in New York and Pennsylvania remained under a flood warning Saturday.

"A lot of people cannot get to their homes," county official says . Rescue shelters are set up and animals in a small zoo are taken to higher ground . Flood warnings remain in northeastern North Carolina, New York .

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Yet another woman has stepped forward to accuse Bill Cosby of drugging her when she a young aspiring model. The woman, who identified herself only as Lisa, told Dr Phil in an exclusive interview that she was just 21 in 1988 when the comedian told her modeling agency that he wanted to meet her. 'I was very excited to go and see him,' Lisa told Dr. Phil, in an interview that will air in full on Friday. 'I was starstruck. I felt invincible. I couldn't believe that he wanted to see me.' When she met with him for the first time, 'he was a gentlemen and he was respectful and kind,' she said. 'He seemed very interested in me, and that made me feel very secure in seeing him again.' Scroll down for videos . Speaking out: Lisa, pictured, said she was just 21 when she was drugged by Bill Cosby in his hotel room . On another occasion, she took her sister and mother to meet him, and they were thrilled. 'My mother trusted Bill completely,' she said. 'I trusted him like I trusted my own father.' Then one day, he called her out of the blue and said he wanted to see her at his hotel room to give her career advice, she said. She went to his suite alone. While there, he said he wanted to see her acting skills and gave her some lines to read, she said. She claimed that he offered her a small, brown drink, saying it would relax her before reading the lines. She initially refused, saying she didn't drink, but he insisted so she acquiesced. 'He made a second drink and had me drink the second drink as well,' she said. 'I noticed myself getting a little dizzy.' Cosby sat on the edge of a couch and told her to sit down. He had his legs open and she sat between them with her back to his crotch, she said. 'He started to stroke my hair back in a petting motion,' she said. 'The last thing I remember is just feeling the strokes on my head. After that, I don't remember anything else.' Younger years: At the time, she was an aspiring model and Cosby had offered to give her career advice . 'We trusted him': Lisa said that Cosby even agreed to meet with her sister, center, and mother . Impressed: She said that her mother, pictured, trusted Cosby - but that that trust was ultimately broken . She said that she blacked out and woke up two days later in her own bed. During her interview, Dr Phil asked if she knew if the comedian had sexually assaulted her. 'No,' she responded. She said part of the problem in going to the police was that she did not know what had happened to her. But she wanted him to know that she knew he had done something wrong. Lisa joins more than two dozen women who have claimed in recent weeks that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them in incidents stretching back to the 1960s and as recently as the 2000s. Dr Phil told her that Cosby's daughter, Evin, had released a statement. 'Rape is a serious allegation, and it is supposed to be taken very seriously, but so is falsely accusing someone,' it read. 'When someone rapes a person they go to prison. That should also happen the person that has wrongfully accused an innocent victim.' Lisa responded: 'No one remembers after they were drugged. Little bits and pieces of what has happened when they were drugged, they remember everything up until they were drugged, but they don’t remember after. Anger: Lisa, left, spoke to Dr Phil with other women who say they were drugged and raped by Bill Cosby, including Helen Hayes (right), who said to Cosby and his wife: 'Shame on you, shame on you!' 'So where's that time? All of us just blacked out miraculously, because we were around Bill Cosby from the shock of him being a star? I mean honestly.' Although she had initially not wanted to speak out, she said she decided to come forward after model Janice Dickinson accused Cosby of raping her. On the show, Lisa was joined by six other accusers who have already spoken out against the comedian: Kristina Ruehli, PJ Masten, Victoria Valentino, Helen Hayes, Beth Ferrier and Chelan. 'A body knows when it’s raped,' Masten said on the show. 'You not only rape physically but you are raped emotionally. and your spirit is gone forever. And he is a serial rapist. We all have that same thing in common. We all feel that.' Hayes added: 'Hopefully it'll dissipate and I don't have to carry the shame anymore.' She also had a message for Bill and his wife, Camille Cosby, who has stood by her husband and slammed the media coverage of 'rumors' about her husband. 'Shame on you shame, shame on you, shame on you,' Hayes said. Standing by her man: Camille Cosby, pictured with her husband in November, broke her silence this week to slam the media's coverage of the accusations, suggesting it was Cosby who was the real victim . The show will air on Friday, and they will be joined by attorney Gloria Allred and Kathleen Phelps, a former Playboy bunny who maintains he is a respectful man and friend. Cosby  has denied any wrongdoing and no criminal charges have ever been brought - but in 2006, he did settle a civil lawsuit with a woman who claimed he drugged and raped her in 2004. Earlier this week, Camille Cosby broke her silence. She compared the media's handling of the reports to Rolling Stone's botched coverage of the UVA rape scandal. 'There appears to be no vetting of my husband's accusers before stories are published or aired,' she said. 'An accusation is published, and immediately goes viral... None of us will ever want to be in the position of attacking a victim. But the question should be asked - who is the victim?'

A woman named Lisa told Dr Phil that she was just 21 when Cosby asked to meet with her and gained the trust of her family . She says he invited her to his hotel room to run some lines and while there, he gave her a drink that made her feel dizzy . She said that the last thing she remembered was him rubbing her head as she sat between his legs; she woke up two days later in her bed . Lisa said she has no idea if she was sexually assaulted . She joins more than 20 women who have accused Cosby of drugging and assaulting them since the 1960s; he has denied the allegations .

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By . Leon Watson for MailOnline . A father battered senseless by a man who taunted his daughter has angrily condemned British 'joke justice' after prosecutors let his attacker off with just a £400 fine. Supermarket worker David Tait, 42, was beaten up and suffered multiple injuries to his face when he confronted a young man for insulting his 16-year old daughter Faye. Father-of-three Mr Tait suffered a fractured cheek, broken nose and had to have a metal plate inserted under his right eye socket with doctors warning he might be left partially sighted. Scroll down for video . David Tait (left) has angrily condemned British 'joke justice' system after prosecutors agreed to drop a GBH charge against his attacker who had earlier taunted his 16-year old daughter Faye (with her father, right) Andrew Copland, who was fined £400 for 'insulting' David Tait, 42, after a new charge was agreed ahead of a planned trial at Bradford Crown . Police who watched CCTV of the attack and took photos of the victim's injuries later charged Andrew Copland, 20, with causing grievous bodily harm. If convicted, he could have faced five years in jail. But without Mr Tait's knowledge Copland was offered a new charge ahead of the trial at Bradford Crown Court, West Yorkshire. It was agreed he could admit a watered-down offence of 'using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour' towards the victim. Mr Tait then got a letter from a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer informing him of the result: 'The public order charge better reflects the evidence in the case. 'CCTV footage does not show who struck the first blow or how many blows were struck. I know that you may be disappointed with the decision - the courts have an even higher standard of proof than the test I have applied.' CCTV footage of the street brawl involving Copland and David Tait. Prosecutors said it wasn't clear enough for a GBH prosecution to proceed . CCTV showed the two men facing each other before Mr Tait was knocked to the ground and beaten . The footage captured in Asda's car park then showed Copland and a friend running off . The letter also claimed an 'independent witness' gave a statement which supported Copland's account. But Mr Tait, from Baildon Green, in Shipley, said: 'If this is British justice then it is a joke. The horrific injuries I suffered left me looking unrecognisable and doctors told me I was very close to losing sight in one of my eyes. 'The police had CCTV of the incident too which clearly shows him knocking me to the ground. What more evidence do you need? David Tait's injuries following the attack which left him with a fractured cheek, broken nose and had to have a metal plate inserted under his right eye socket . Mr 42, was beaten up and suffered multiple injuries to his face when he confronted a young man who had earlier taunted his 16-year old daughter Faye and left her in tears as she browsed around a market hall . Mr Tait said he saw Copland (pictured) after the conviction and 'he was laughing at me' 'The doctors said if I had taken two more punches I wouldn't be here today. How can anyone conclude that what happened to me is insulting behaviour?' The incident occurred last November after Faye had gone to the German markets in Leeds with friends. She bumped into Copland - a near-neighbour - and shortly afterwards she rang home in tears claiming he subjected her to a string of insults. Mr Tait said: 'My daughter was really really upset. She said Copland had come up to her and said things like 'you are a slag', 'your mum is a fat bitch' and all kinds of horrible things. 'I just told her to get herself to the train station and come on home and we will pick her up.' David Tait with his wife Marcia, older daughter Faye and younger daughter Pollyanna . The Asda supermarket in Shipley, West Yorkshire, where the brawl took place. Mr Tait also worked there . He later had an exchange of phone calls with Copland which led to a confrontation at a nearby ASDA car park. CCTV showed the two men facing each other before Mr Tait was knocked to the ground and beaten. The footage then showed Copland and a friend running off. Mr Tait, who still suffers from tingling numbness on the right side of his face and experiences double vision, said: 'I just remember he came for me and I went to block him in self defence. 'Then I remember him pummeling my face, punch after punch - it was unrelenting. The next thing I knew was waking up in hospital. 'We were ready to claim justice for what had happened. Not only was my daughter and wife traumatised after seeing me like that but I am still suffering. 'We just couldn't believe it when the letter arrived saying he got off. It came right out of the blue. Surely in a justice system the victims should be consulted first if they are going to let someone off who has been charged. 'I was told not to bother get my own solicitor because the CPS was there for us. Yet the CPS never rang us to tell us they had accepted this change of plea. I wish I had got my own lawyer now. 'It just seems the CPS just wanted a conviction and it does not matter what they get. It is just about ticking boxes. When I spoke to them they just said 'this is the decision we came to, we have a conviction and he has been charged'. 'But he wasn't charged for any assault whatsoever. I was just doing what any normal dad would do. I saw Copland after the conviction and he was laughing at me. 'I asked him if it was funny that I was two punches away from death and he got a £400 fine. He just replied, 'I am laughing aren't I?'' Mr Tait's wife Marcia, 41, said: 'When I first went to hospital the injured man lying in his bed didn't look like my husband at all. He was beaten to a pulp and initially I thought he was dead. He was unconscious and there was blood absolutely everywhere. ' She added: 'I remember there were police outside his hospital room and they said "don't worry we are only here if things turn south". 'Why would they say that if they didn't think it was serious. It seems you can go around beating up people and leaving them for dead and get fined £400. What lesson does that leave?' A CPS spokesman said: 'We have written to the victim to explain the reason behind the decision made in this case, and a Senior Crown Prosecutor has also spoken with Mr Tait. We are more than happy to discuss the matter further with Mr Tait if this would be of assistance.' The CPS also said a complaint procedure is available to Mr Tait and he should contact his Victim Liaison officer if he wanted to pursue it. Copland was unavailable for comment.

David Tait, 42, was beaten up and suffered multiple injuries to his face . But his attacker was only fined for 'insulting behaviour' GBH charge against Andrew Copland, 20, was dropped by the CPS . Mr Tait, from West Yorks, has angrily condemned British 'joke justice'

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By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 06:01 EST, 24 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:51 EST, 24 November 2013 . A former reality TV star has been held on suspicion of playing a part in a £3million fraud allegedly run from Barcelona by the father of the fiancee of footballer Gareth Bale. Jamie-Lee Church, who won a record deal after appearing on ITV's Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 was arrested as US detectives investigate whether she was involved in the 'boiler room scam'. The crime is thought to have been run from Spain by Martin Rhys-Jones, 49, the father of Real Madrid player Mr Bale's fiancee Emma. The footballer and Miss Rhys-Jones are not accused of any wrongdoing. Jamie Lee-Church has been arrested in Spain and faces extradition to the US . Mr Rhys-Jones is currently on remand in a US jail, after people claimed that they were sold 'near worthless' shares at sky high prices. The Sunday Mirror reported that Miss . Church, 27, is one of 12 defendants being investigated in connection . with the fraud and now faces extradition to the US. She . is accused of posing as 'Charlotte Keys' and cold-calling victims to . persuade them to buy stocks containing 'false and fraudulent . representations'. Gareth Bale with his fiancee Emma Rhys-Jones and their daughter Alba Violet Bale. Neither the footballer, nor his partner have been accused of any wrongdoing . It is alleged that Miss Church, a former hairdresser from Brighton who has also appeared in men's magazines, made £50,000 from her part in the scam. She was arrested earlier this month. A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'We can confirm the arrest of a British national in Spain in November 2013. 'We provided consular assistance.' The gang are believed to have been operating for at least three years. Mr Bale, 24 and his fiancee are believed to have put their wedding plans on hold after Mr Rhys-Jones was extradited to the US in June and, along with 11 others, charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He . is accused of running a telemarketing scam from offices in Barcelona . between 2006 and 2009 that duped victims in the UK and Canada into buying expensive shares . that were almost worthless. Rhys-Jones set up business in the . Spanish city – where there is a ferocious footballing rivalry with Bale's new Real . Madrid – in 2005 after . separating from his wife, Suzanne, in Cardiff. He is facing up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of £160,000 if convicted. Investigators . claim Rhys-Jones got staff to generate false press releases claiming . share prices were of a much higher value than they were being traded. He allegedly hired staff to make fraudulent calls, offering them rent-free homes in Barcelona and a sales commission. US . investigators say the sales team would not tell customers that the . stocks were restricted, meaning they could not be easily sold on the . open market. Twitter picture of Martin Rhys-Jones, who is the father of footballer Gareth Bale's girlfriend Emma Rhys Jones. Martin Rhys-Jones is on remand in an American jail accused of global financial fraud . The indictment states that when customers were eventually sent share certificates ‘the value of the stock had dropped to nearly nothing’. More than £3.2million was invested by unwitting customers in the scheme before the money was transferred to bank accounts in New York, Spain, the UK and Switzerland, prosecutors say. They have accused Rhys-Jones of laundering money through an Abbey National branch in the Channel Islands, along with banks in Barcelona and Germany. The US probe is being run by the Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service and Immigration and Customs. US Grand Jury indictment documents reveal that Rhys-Jones also used the aliases Martin Reece and John Allen while in Barcelona. Miss Rhys-Jones and Bale, who became childhood sweethearts at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff, carried out a long-distance relationship for eight years after Bale’s moves to Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur and she moved into his Essex mansion only two years ago. The notoriously private pair, who have a one-year-old baby Alba Violet Bale, have tended to eschew public appearances together in the past.

Former hairdresser held by police in Spain and faces extradition to the US . It is alleged that she made £50,000 from the share-selling scam . Footballer's wedding believed to be on hold after arrest of father of the bride .

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By . Matthew Blake . This is the heart-stopping moment a truck travelling the wrong way along a motorway crashes headlong into a Ford Mustang, bursting into two of flame and killing both drivers. Jeremy Smeltzer, 29, was spotted careering along the left-hand side of U.S. 131, near Plainwell, Michigan, in a lorry just before midnight on April 15. Michigan troopers set off in pursuit, desperately trying to overtake and stop him before there was a serious accident. But they were too late. Scroll down for video . Debris: Debris flies into the windscreen of one of the troopers' cars as Smeltzer's lorry careers into Jaryd Ford's Mustang . Fireballs: Both vehicles burst instantly into balls of flame, lighting up the highway as more officers rushed to the scene . Jeremy Smeltzer's (left) family paid tribute to the keen fisherman, saying he was a 'pure joy to be around'. He died in hospital after the incident while Jaryd Ford (right) was pronounced dead at the scene . Just as one of the officers pulled into the hard shoulder to perform a U-turn into Smeltzer's lane, 21-year-old Jaryd Ford's Mustang speeds past, smashing straight into the truck. The camera in the trooper’s car captures the collision as debris scatters onto the highway. 'He hit a car, he just hit a car,' the trooper says as he witnesses the crash. Sole survivor: As flames light up the highway, more officers rushed to the scene and managed to drag Megan Covey, 26, from the passenger seat of Ford's car before it was consumed by fire . Tragic: Ford, however, was pronounced dead at the scene while Smeltzer died later in hospital . Too late: Moments earlier, one of the officers pulled into the hard shoulder to perform a U-turn into Smeltzer's lane in a bid to stop him. But it was too late . Mystery: It is unclear why Smeltzer was driving on the wrong side of the road as police await toxicology reports to see if either driver had been drinking . Both vehicles burst instantly into balls of flame, lighting up the highway as more officers rushed to the scene. Incredibly, the quick-thinking troopers managed to drag Megan Covey, 26, from the passenger seat of Ford's car before it was consumed by fire. She was last night being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Ford, however, was pronounced dead at the scene while Smeltzer died later in hospital. It is unclear why Smeltzer was driving on the wrong side of the road as police await toxicology reports. Married Smeltzer's family paid tribute to him on a website, describing him as a 'pure joy to be around'. 'Jeremy enjoyed making people laugh, time with his dogs (Ender & Newton), hockey, fishing, and time with his wife and family,' they wrote. 'He loved reading, writing, singing too loud and making up stories. He was a pure joy to be around.'

The crash happened on the U.S. 131 highway, near Plainwell, Michigan . Jeremy Smeltzer, 29, was driving a lorry on the wrong side of the road . Officers perform U-turn to try and stop him before he hits Jaryd Ford's car . Police manage to drag woman, 26, from Ford's car, but both drivers killed .

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New York (CNN) -- Long Island may be far from the Death Star, but that didn't stop Darth Vader from paying a less-than-friendly visit to a bank in East Setauket, New York. Or at least he looked like Darth Vader, except for the camouflage pants. The costumed man, with a mask and cape, entered a Chase bank Thursday morning and demanded cash. Although he didn't have a lightsaber, his gun was more than enough to persuade the teller to hand over the money. The caped criminal then fled east through the bank's parking lot. Suffolk County police said they are searching for the man, described as around 6 feet tall.

Man dressed as Darth Vader holds up Long Island bank . He carried a gun, not a light saber .

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Editor's note: Frances Fragos Townsend, a CNN contributor on national security issues, formerly served as President George W. Bush's chief anti-terrorism and homeland security adviser. Townsend has spent more than two decades in the fields of intelligence and criminal justice and has served during the past three administrations. Townsend is currently a consultant to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a member of President Bush's Intelligence Advisory Board, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Aspen Institute Homeland Security Program. Frances Townsend says the director of the CIA is not a post for on-the-job training. (CNN) -- Leon Panetta is an impressive man with many laudable achievements to his credit. Mr. Panetta served eight terms in Congress and worked in the Clinton White House as chief of staff to the president and director of the Office of Management and Budget. But his impressive credentials are insufficient to allay the well-founded concerns of senior Democrats and Republicans that he is the wrong man to be the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Mr. Panetta is a seasoned political operative and a proven manager -- both of which would be useful to him as CIA director -- but more is required. Accurate and actionable intelligence is among our most effective tools in fighting against terror threats. The nation has gone more than seven years without a terrorist attack and much of the credit for that lies with the men and women of the intelligence community: in the CIA, FBI, and Defense and Homeland Security departments, among others. Career intelligence officials need a leader they can count on to protect their mission from inappropriate political interference and who would be willing to defend their efforts when, as is often the case, they are attacked based on less than accurate or complete facts. Because of the critical role the intelligence community plays in protecting our nation, the director of the CIA is not a position for on-the-job training. President-elect Barack Obama had a competent, qualified career intelligence official to nominate. John Brennan served for decades at the CIA under numerous directors and in both Democratic and Republican administrations. Just prior to his retirement, Mr. Brennan served as the director of the Terrorist Threat Integration Center, the predecessor to the current National Counterterrorism Center. John Brennan had no loyalty to the policies of the Bush administration and in fact at times voiced his disagreement. Mr. Brennan's loyalty was to the mission and role of the intelligence community in protecting our nation. Unfortunately, the incoming administration permitted the vicissitudes of party politics and special interests to derail this nomination. [In a letter to Obama obtained by CNN in early December, Brennan said he was dropping out of consideration for the job because of strong criticism by people who associated his work at the CIA with controversial Bush administration policies on interrogation techniques and the pre-emptive war in Iraq.] . The next CIA director has many important issues to confront. He or she must continue to ensure adequate resources for the intelligence community and continue to build our human and technical intelligence capabilities. The new director will necessarily review detention, interrogation and rendition policies. And at the same time, the CIA director must seek new ways to gain the intelligence advantage on crucial priorities such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and a host of regional issues in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Regardless of who becomes the next CIA director, the nation is fortunate that from the deputy director on down, the CIA is run by career officials who will continue to do the nation's business. But they will continue to require the tools necessary to do the job. Before abrogating Bush Administration policies on interrogation and detention, the new CIA director must learn: what is legal; what is effective; and how have these policies been implemented. A new administration may choose to make more limited use of these tools or add additional procedural safeguards. But any decision must be made with caution. Tools that the Justice Department deem legal and the intelligence community determines are effective must not be taken away because they are politically unpopular. The nation and the intelligence community deserve better and must be led with the same courage that they have displayed. President-elect Obama is off to a strong start, taking daily intelligence briefings and asking probing questions. If Mr. Panetta is to be the next CIA director, he will need to earn the trust, confidence and respect of career intelligence officials. Mr. Panetta will need these career intelligence officers to best advise the new president on the CIA capabilities at his disposal to support critical foreign policy and national security objectives. The most important objective will remain protecting American lives. Mr. Panetta is smart and no doubt a quick study. Let's pray if he is confirmed that he is up to the difficult job ahead of him. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Frances Townsend.

Frances Townsend: Leon Panetta has had a fine career in government . She says his lack of intelligence experience is raising questions . Townsend: CIA crucial to U.S. security and needs leader who will back staff up . She says CIA director is too important for on-the-job training .

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French club Bordeaux-Begles have announced the signing of Australia star Adam Ashley-Cooper. Ashley-Cooper, 30, has agreed a two-year deal and will move to France after next year's World Cup, Bordeaux announced on their official website. The Wallabies centre or wing has won 104 caps and is set to be a key performer when Australia tackle a World Cup pool next autumn that also includes England and Wales. Adam Ashley-Cooper (pictured) has signed for French club Bordeaux-Begles . 'I am extremely grateful for my career in Australia, and I want to thank the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) and the Waratahs for their support over the past decade,' Ashley-Cooper said. 'Without them, it would have been impossible for me to write this new chapter. 'I look forward to participating in the future of the (Bordeaux) club after the World Cup.' Ashley-Cooper, 30, has agreed a two-year deal and will move to France after next year's World Cup .

Bordeaux announce signing of Australia star Adam Ashley-Cooper . Ashley-Cooper has won 104 caps for his country . 30-year-old will move to France after next year's World Cup .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:55 EST, 31 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 22:32 EST, 31 May 2013 . This is the stunning aftermath of the largest landslide ever recorded in North America, which saw 165 million tons of earth dropping more than a half mile at a Utah copper mine last month. The natural disaster cut mining production in half at the Bingham Canyon Mine after the April 10 incident. Operators rushed to bring out all workers and equipment from the mine before a massive landslide ripped through the canyon. It started at the mine's northeastern corner and then plummeted to very bottom of the mine, some six-tenths of a mile down. Miraculously, there were no injuries. Landslide brought it down: The devastation at the Bingham Canyon Mine outside of Salt Lake City. The mine's production was cut in half after the natural disaster . According to Kennecott Copper Corp., the . London-based company that operates the mine, more than 165 million tons . of earth had fallen in the landslide. Production at the mine was cut in half due to the disaster. In a message to customers, Kennecott representatives said that shipments of refined copper would continue as normal through April, but that May deliveries would be down and 'thereafter, we do not anticipate the ability to make further shipments for the foreseeable future' Production began at the mines again in late April, but only limited operations. In an effort to reduce costs at the slide-damaged mine, Kennecott has offered 270 workers in their 50s or older a $20,000 early retirement bonus in addition to pension and health insurance benefits. About a third of these workers are planning on taking the retirement, Union officials told the Associated Press May 31. The workers have until Saturday to accept or reject the plan. Aftermath: A mining truck hauls rock from the Kennecott Copper Corp. owned Bingham Canyon Mine after the April 10 landslide . The company, which employed 2,100 employees, had been looking to reduce costs with layoffs ever since a massive landslide hit the Bingham Canyon Mine. According to Jeff Moore, a geological engineer at the University of Utah, this was the largest landslide North America has had to date. 'It's so big it's hard to sense and feel,' Moore told The Salt Lake Tribune. 'We haven't had something of this magnitude since [Montana's] Earthquake Lake' Moore estimates that around 85 million to 92 million cubic yards of rock and dirt, along with copper, gold, silver and molybdenum were moved. Moore explains this amount of earth as being able to fill 21 Great Pyramids of Giza, or if it were spread out over New York City's Central Park, it would be 65 feet deep. More... BREAKING NEWS: Oklahoma City is put on Tornado alert as forecasters warn of 'particularly dangerous situation' Come here lava boy! Drive-thru sex bays set up next to Italian volcano… as the gases it emits are said to work like VIAGRA . And it's going to take a lot for the company to clean it up. 150 million tons of waste is almost two-thirds of what the mine moves in a year, according to reporting in the Tribune. Quitting time: The Bingham Canyon Mine has been operating as a mine for over 100 years. The current company that owns the mine offered early retirement plans to older workers in order to reduce costs after an April landslide severely diminished production .

A third of eligible workers are willing to accept the $20,000 early retirement bonus which includes a pension and health insurance . The landslide occurred on April 10 . There were no fatalities . Geological engineer says this was the largest North American landslide on record .

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(CNN)The wait is finally over for aviation fanatics wanting to book a flight aboard the Airbus A350 XWB. Qatar Airways, the global launch customer of the A350 XWB, accepted delivery of the commercial plane during a ceremony at Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse, France, on Monday morning. "It is more than a great day for Airbus," the manufacturer's CEO, Fabrice Bregier, told a press conference. "I would say it was an historic day." The "XWB" in the name means "extra wide body." There are three different iterations of the plane being built: the A350-800, the A350-900 and the A350-1000, which seat 270, 314 and 350 passengers, respectively, in three-class seating. Qatar Airways opted for a two-class, 283-seat configuration in its A350-900, offering 36 business class seats and 247 in economy class. In total, the airline has ordered 80 of the airplanes -- 43 A350-900 jetliners and 37 of the longer-fuselage -1000 versions. In a statement, the airline said it expects to induct the first eight production aircraft into its fleet before 2015 year-end. Qatar Airways' new A350-900 will enter into commercial service in January, operating daily flights between its Hamad International Airport hub in Doha, Qatar and Frankfurt, Germany. Minor turbulence delays delivery . Monday's A350 delivery ceremony was originally supposed to take place on December 12, but the airline canceled the event just a few days beforehand. Neither side initially offered an explanation, leaving aviation analysts to speculate on what was behind the hold up. Qatar Airlines CEO Akbar Al Baker told Monday's press conference that the delay was related to one of its suppliers and was not an issue with Airbus. "It's important to note that the aircraft has been delivered to us one week ahead of schedule, not late," he said. Delays are nothing new for Qatar Airways, which also postponed the delivery of three of its A380 superjumbos this year after Al Baker reportedly expressed concerns about the quality of the interior. Airbus chief Bregier described Al Baker as a "tough customer... you are demanding, sometimes for us a bit too demanding." He said Qatar's exacting standards had raised the quality of the final product and would make it easier to sell to other carriers. Bregier also used Monday's event to try to draw a line under recent reports that it might pull the plug on A380 production after a fall off in orders. He said such speculation was "just crazy... after all the efforts we have made." "I can tell you the A380 will have a brighter future as the market gets bigger." The A350's road to flight . The A350 XWB is the first in a family of super-efficient passenger planes Airbus designed to go head-to-head with rival Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and 777s. The project for the new jet began in 2006 and was initially criticized by some in the industry, including airlines, for not really advancing the global aviation scene. Being publicly lambasted by some of its largest customers -- one aviation executive called it a Band-Aid reaction to the 787 Dreamliner, while the CEO of Singapore Airlines said the plane just didn't go far enough -- the pressure was on for Airbus to come up with a game changing plane. Much of the aircraft we see today is the result of that pressure. Made from advanced materials, 53% of the A350 XWB frame consists of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, including Airbus' first carbon-fiber fuselage. As a result, Airbus says the plane will burn 25% less fuel than existing similar size jets. The A350 XWB is powered by two massive Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, though those who have experienced its test flights say it's remarkable just how quiet the plane actually is. Airbus says passengers will also get a higher quality of air (replaced on the aircraft every two to three minutes), wider cabins and 18-inch-wide seats in economy. As of the end of November, Airbus has received 778 firm A350 orders from 41 airlines. To meet this demand, Airbus says it's ramping up production progressively to reach the planned rate of 10 aircraft per month by 2018. The 2014 list prices for the aircraft are: $260.9 million for the A350-800, $295.2 million for the A350-900 and $340.7 million for the A350-1000. How to spot an A350? With the first of nearly 800 A350s set to hit the skies, plane spotters will be particularly keen to see the sporty new jet in flight. So how will you know when you're looking at one? Key distinguishing features include a streamlined nose and wrap-around cockpit windows. Also, located just ahead of the windshield are the jetliner's nose-mounted pitot tubes, which measure speed, lateral drift and angle of attack during flight, says Airbus. But perhaps the most noticeable feature is the plane's tapered wings, which Airbus says makes the plane faster, more efficient and quieter. These include winglet-type devices -- "sharklets" -- that reduce aerodynamic drag.

Qatar Airways is the global launch customer of the A350, accepting delivery of the XWB plane on Monday . The airline's new A350-900 will enter into service in January, operating on the Doha-Frankfurt route . As of the end of November, Airbus has received 778 firm A350 orders from 41 customers .

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(CNN) -- Is hip design more important than being green? Technology giant Apple is catching heat on blogs this week for its decision to drop out of an environmental certification program for electronics, called EPEAT. "In making this move, Apple is signaling that it won't let future design decisions be governed by those seeking to uphold environmental standards," Erica Ogg writes for the GigaOm blog network. The decision has some strong ramifications. By U.S. law, 95% of electronics purchases from U.S. federal agencies must be EPEAT-compliant, said Sarah O'Brien, spokeswoman for the group. That probably means Apple desktop and laptop computers can make up a maximum of 5% of federal agencies' purchases, if they can buy them at all. EPEAT doesn't certify tablets or phones, so iPads and iPhones would be OK for the agencies to buy, O'Brien said. San Francisco also has a rule on the books prohibiting the city from purchasing desktop and laptop computers that are not EPEAT-certified, said Christine Falvey, spokeswoman for the mayor. So the city will not be able to purchase Apple desktops and laptops unless Apple gets the green certification again. "We hope they reconsider and get back on the EPEAT certification list," Falvey said, "and we'll be reaching out to them to see how we can help understand their decision." Apple hasn't commented on why it removed itself from EPEAT, which is awarded to electronics that are recyclable and energy-efficient. But EPEAT's CEO, Robert Frisbee, says Apple's "design direction" may be to blame. "They said their design direction was no longer consistent with the EPEAT requirements," Frisbee told the Wall Street Journal. "They were important supporters and we are disappointed that they don't want their products measured by this standard anymore." So what's the design hangup? There's speculation that Apple's new line of "retina display" laptops aren't easily recyclable because their batteries are glued to the aluminum case on the computer. "At the heart of the controversy is the company's newest MacBook Pro with Retina Display, which Apple designed in such a way that it's difficult to disassemble for the sake of repairs, upgrades, and recycling," wrote InfoWorld. Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet issued a statement to CNN via e-mail: "Apple takes a comprehensive approach to measuring our environmental impact and all of our products meet the strictest energy efficiency standards backed by the U.S. government, Energy Star 5.2. We also lead the industry by reporting each product's greenhouse gas emissions on our website, and Apple products are superior in other important environmental areas not measured by EPEAT, such as removal of toxic materials." She declined to comment further. On its website, Apple says the MacBook Pro is recyclable (PDF): . "Through ultra-efficient design and the use of highly recyclable materials, Apple has minimized material waste at the product's end of life. In addition, Apple offers and participates in various product take-back and recycling programs in 95% of the regions where Apple products are sold." In a statement posted on its website last month, EPEAT did not elaborate on Apple's reasons for quitting the standard, which the company and other industry leaders helped create. "We regret that Apple will no longer be registering its products in EPEAT. We hope that they will decide to do so again at some point in future," the group says. Greenpeace ranks Apple in the middle of the pack of tech companies -- behind HP and Dell but ahead of Samsung, Sony and others -- in terms of its sustainability and environmental friendliness. What do you think of the decision? More important, will it affect whether you purchase Apple products?

Apple drops green electronics certification called EPEAT . The group certifies gadgets as energy efficient and recyclable . EPEAT head says Apple's "design direction" may be to blame . San Francisco's government says it no longer will purchase Apple products .

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Crook: Jonathan Hicks, 48, stole almost £28,000 while his 71-year-old father, Leonard, was recovering from having his leg amputated . An elderly man who spent six months in hospital after having his leg amputated was discharged to find his son had spent 50 years' worth of his life savings. Jonathan Hicks, 48, from Newquay, Cornwall, stole almost £28,000 while his Swansea-based 71-year-old father, Leonard, was recovering from losing his leg. He spent the cash on shopping sprees and a holiday to Egypt, only stopping when the cash ran out - leaving the elder Mr Hicks overdrawn for the first time in his life. A court heard the pensioner almost had a heart attack when he discovered his savings had been plundered. Hicks, who was first arrested in December 2013 but initially tried to escape justice by fleeing to Cyprus, was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting theft. It took him just six months to blow the nest egg his father had saved up over more than 50 years - taking out the cash in 177 secret withdrawals. Prosecutor Frank Phillips told the court that Mr Hicks's right leg was amputated in January 2013 and the pensioner was kept in hospital until July due to complications. His son secretly moved into his home in Swansea, South Wales, while he was in hospital, the court heard. 'The pensioner mentioned his bank card PIN number while he was quite agitated during a visit by his son,' Mr Phillips was quoted as telling the court by Wales News Service. 'Hicks then began siphoning off the cash, having located his father's bank card. 'He told his brothers he had withdrawn around £27,000 and said that the social services would take the money and sell his house to pay for care home costs.' After Mr Hicks' release from hospital, his other son Michael took him in a wheelchair to a local branch of Lloyds TSB - where he found he was £300 in the red. Mr Phillips said: 'When he was told that he was overdrawn his son Michael described him as being in a hell of a state. 'He was so upset his son thought that he was going to have a heart attack.' Police were called in to find the younger Hicks had moved back to Newquay, Cornwall. Swansea Crown Court heard he initially tried to blame his brothers and a sister for stealing the cash. But police discovered cash was spent on a holiday to Egypt - with £1,000 changed up for spending money along with car expenses. Hicks was arrested in December 2013. He was released on police bail and fled abroad to Cyprus, but was arrested again when he returned to Britain for the funeral of his step-son. Camel: Police discovered cash was spent on a holiday to Egypt - with £1,000 changed up for spending money . Andrew Evans, defending, said Hicks would 'turn back the clock' if he could. 'The defendant acknowledges that his actions between January and July 2013 were deplorable to say the least,' Mr Evans told the court. 'This was a significant gross breach of trust against a person who, he has to concede, was particularly vulnerable at the time.' Judge Keith Thomas heard Hicks had a history of dishonesty including a conviction in 2007 for money laundering and attempting to obtain money by deception. Sending Hicks to prison, the judge said: 'You plundered your father's bank account at the time when he was extremely vulnerable. 'He was in need of care rather than the dishonest actions that you indulged in.'

Pensioner almost had a heart attack when he found himself £300 in debt . Jonathan Hicks used the cash for spending sprees and a holiday to Egypt . Fled to Cyprus while on bail but was seized after coming back for a funeral .

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An eighth grade teacher has been jailed on charges of committing lewd and lascivious acts with a juvenile student. Kristen Roush, 34, was busted Friday according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department in California. She is currently being held on $50,000 bail. Kristen Roush, 34, was busted Friday according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department in California . NBC Los Angeles reports that police were called in when the parents of an unidentified boy at La Paz Intermediate School in Mission Viejo became suspicious about Roush's relationship with their son. They believed it was inappropriate, and contacted investigators several months ago. Authorities interviewed several witnesses and pulled information from both the alleged victim and Roush's cellphones before making the arrest. NBC Los Angeles reports that police were called in when the parents of an unidentified boy at La Paz Intermediate School in Mission Viejo became suspicious about Roush's relationship with their son . Roush will appear in court on Monday. Anyone with information regarding the case should contact California police at 714-647-7000.

Kristen Roush, 34, was busted Friday according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department . Parents of unidentified boy victim called police when they observed what they thought was an inappropriate relationship between the two . Authorities interviewed several witnesses and pulled information from both the alleged victim and Roush's cellphones before making the arrest .

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A horse rider who had her leg sliced off in a horrific motorbike crash is hoping to win a place in the Paralympics after learning to walk again with the help of a prosthetic limb made by her grandfather. Kerry Waters, 30, was lucky to survive after being thrown from her motorcycle when she crashed into a ditch in October last year after being blinded by sunlight. However, as she was flung from the motorbike, she collided with a telegraph pole and the supporting wire sliced her right leg off from just above the knee. The horse enthusiast, from Ashingdon, Essex, was left distraught that she may never be able to walk or ride again, but has now surprised doctors by getting back on her feet after just four months. Horse enthusiast Kerry Waters, 30, lost her right leg in a horrific motorcycle crash in October last year. Despite her leg being amputated, Ms Waters is now back on her horse and hopes to enter the Paralympics . The biker (pictured left before the accident) was thrown from her motorcycle after crashing into a ditch. Her right leg was sliced off after she collided with a telegraph pole and she is now learning how to walk again . The dental nurse, who has been riding horses since the age of two, now hopes to represent the UK at the Paralympics after her grandfather Dennis made her a prosthetic wooden leg. She said: 'When I was lying in hospital I never thought I'd be back riding ever again, I thought it was all over for me. 'I was a very sporty person and I've had to learn to adjust my life around my leg, I think my passion to get back on the horse has helped my recovery. 'I've always loved horses and needed to start riding again, but the NHS were quite slow making a riding leg me so my granddad started work on his own version. 'It doesn't look very pretty but he painted the toenails pink for me just to give it a more girly feel. 'I'm a real fighter but it was tough learning how to walk with my prosthetic, thankfully my family and friends helped me get through it all. 'I don't think I could have done it without them - I'm eternally grateful. 'Sometimes I think they forget I've got a prosthetic leg when we're out walking and I have to ask them to slow down for me to catch up.' Ms Waters (pictured above before the accident) led an active life and was a keen bike and horse rider . She has now been given hope after her grandfather Dennis made her a prosthetic wooden leg to help her get back on her feet. He even went to the effort of painting the toenails on the false limb with pink nail varnish . Ms Waters (pictured with friends after a fundraising run) now leaves a fairly active life and goes to the gym . Ms Waters said she feared she would never walk or ride again after being thrown off her motorcyle in the crash last October. She recalls: 'I remember looking down at the speedometer, I was doing 40mph and looked up to be blinded by the sun. 'Then the handlebars started shaking, I barely had time to think other than to realise the danger I was in and hit the ditch. 'I can't remember hitting the telegraph pole or the supporting wire that took my leg clean off. 'I woke up with my hands by my side facing down without my helmet. I started to panic and tried to stand up to see where it was. 'A lady came over to help me while I sat up, it was then that I realised I didn't have a leg. 'I kept shouting at her, asking where my leg was over and over. 'It was all very surreal, it's weird but there wasn't any pain at all.' Before falling unconscious she managed to give her phone to the woman who came to her aid and asked her to call her family. She was then airlifted by Essex Air Ambulance to St George's Hospital in London and rushed straight into surgery, where doctors decided to amputate to the knee because her wound so full of dirt and gravel. Ms Waters was a keen biker before the crash in October last year in which she was thrown from her vehicle . Her leg was virtually sliced off in the crash but had to be further amputated above the knee due to the injury . Ms Waters has undergone four months of rehabilitation but is now able to walk with the help of prosthetics . Ms Waters also suffered a fractured femur and severe grazing across her body in the crash, leaving doctors no other option than to induce a coma with breathing apparatus to keep her alive. She said: 'I remember waking up to my sister stroking my forehead and mum holding my hand, I was in a state of shock. 'I couldn't talk because there were tubes in my throat, all I could do was look at my missing leg. 'My mum couldn't keep eye contact with me and I panicked so much that I had to be sedated. 'All I kept thinking was how my life would change and how active I used to be, I really struggled to comprehend what happened.' However, after months of rehabilitation she can now walk and ride again and uses the prosthetic limb to help her move forward with her life. She said: 'My life has been completely changed, it's a struggle to put on my prosthetic leg but I still lead a very active life, I got to the gym several times a week and enter the Paralympics. 'I'm not as active as I used to be but I'm still able to do a lot. Ms Waters said she is eternally grateful to her family for their support and help, particularly her grandfather Dennis (together left after the accident), who created her a wooden prosthetic leg to help get her riding again . The dental nurse has joined Riders for the Disabled Association in the hope of breaking through into the Paralympic team. She hopes she will be able to represent the UK at the Games with the help of her false leg . 'At first I blocked the accident out - I don't think I'll ever be able to accept what happened - but I'm learning to live with it and at least I can still walk. 'I've overcame a lot to get where I am now, I keep setting the bar high and pushing myself more and more.' Ms Waters has even joined her local Riders for the Disabled Association in the hope of breaking through into the Paralympic team. She added: 'It's everyone's dream to represent their country doing something they love. 'I'm entering a lot of competitions and hope to be picked for the team. 'Horse riding for Great Britain after everything I've been through would be the best thing imaginable - I have a lot of fun riding and reckon I have a good chance.'

Kerry Waters lost right leg in horrific motorbike crash in October last year . Horse enthusiast, 30, feared she would never be able to ride or walk again . Grandfather Dennis made her wooden prosthetic riding leg to aid recovery . Four months on, she leads an active life and can continue riding passion . Dental nurse also hopes to win place representing the UK at Paralympics .