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For almost a century, thousands gathered under the roof of this Edwardian pool to celebrate the golden age of public swimming. Now plants, rust and decay adorn the walls of the Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, which campaigners are fighting to save from destruction. These stunning images of the 1907 gala pool, which shut in 2003 amid spiralling repair bills, show the depth of heritage which could be lost from what is now one of Britain's oldest surviving facilities of its kind. Scroll down for video . Swimming in decay: The Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, whose Grade II*-listed Edwardian pool has lain empty for more than a decade, have been captured in a new light by photographer Mike Jones, 27. He said: 'I wanted to get some images before it was too late' Magnificent: The pool opened in 1907 costing £33,000 and many of the original features remain, leading to safety fears as repair bills mount . Rust: One small pool remains open but councillors have warned they cannot afford the £24million to keep the building open - to the fury of campaigners. More than 100 gathered for an art project on the tiled floor last summer and another vowed to chain himself to the building . Photographer Mike Jones, 27, ventured past the 100ft Gothic renaissance terracotta and red brick frontage to capture the haunting decay of one of the city's most beloved buildings in a new light - using coloured torches to give it a haunting hue. The gala pool pictured closed in 2003 amid safety fears and was followed swiftly by Britain's only surviving set of pre-war private 'slipper baths' - 46 of them - which shut in 2004. Now the disused main pool cuts an eerie image. Metal poles line the pool walls once brimming with water and the blue-and-white tiled arches no longer echo with the sound of pattering bare feet. One small pool remains open to the public, but that, too, faces closure within the next few years. Opened on October 30, 1907, at a cost of £32,924, the baths are now the oldest of only three Grade II*-listed swimming pools still operating in Britain. The other two are at the privately-owned RAC Club in London and The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace, also in London. Eerie: Photographer Mr Jones used coloured torches to produce an unusual effect, leaving silhouettes of ghostly figures under the arches . Disused: Metal poles line the pool walls once brimming with water and the blue-and-white tiled arches no longer echo with the sound of pattering bare feet. The other two Grade II*-listed baths to remain in any operation are both in London, at the RAC Club and Crystal Palace . Trick of the light: With the blue hue created by the photographer, the pool looks almost as though it could still be filled with water . Despite most of the building shutting more than a decade ago, its oak ticket office, spectator gallery, balconettes, steam-heated drying racks and 200,000-litre cast iron cold water storage tank remain much as they were at the turn of the last century. Now the ornate Edwardian building is at the centre of a fierce battle between history-lovers and Birmingham City Council, and has been listed as one of the Victorian Society's ten most endangered buildings in Britain. In 2013 the Labour administration said it could not afford repairs to the building - which would cost £24million just to get into basic working order - and it would be cheaper to build and maintain new leisure centres than keep the crumbling small pool open for the sake of history. One Liberal Democrat councillor, Martin Mullaney, was so angry at the threat to the beloved baths that he vowed to chain himself to the building in protest. Another protest last summer saw 110 swimmers pose as a living 'terracotta army' on the pool's tiled floor holding a banner which declared: 'We want to swim at Moseley Road Baths'. Features: Elsewhere in the pool building are a complete set of steam-heated drying racks, thought to be the best-preserved in Britain . Nook: Corners of the pool building, which has a 100ft red brick and terracotta frontage, remain hidden under the equipment propping it up . Beauty: The ornate building is at the centre of a fierce heritage campaign and was listed as one of the ten most endangered buildings in Britain . The photographer of seven years said: 'Although it's really only one big room, there are lots of interesting details to capture' History: Despite most of the building shutting more than a decade ago, its oak ticket office, spectator gallery and balconettes remain . But campaigners say they are realistic - and would accept an option which makes use of the building's beauty without actually re-filling it with water. Mr Jones, a professional photographer for seven years, said: 'I know that the remaining pool is due to close in the next few years so I wanted to get some images before it was too late. 'I wanted to get something different with my shots so I made a special point of going in the late afternoon when the light was a bit softer. 'As it is winter I knew within an hour or so of me getting there it would be dark enough to use torches to really make the photos look good.' He added: 'I've photographed quite a few abandoned and disused places over the past seven years, some buildings are really spectacular and this one is no exception. 'I was in there about three hours as getting around in the dark, as well as trying to get each picture perfect, was quite time consuming. 'Although it's really only one big room, there are lots of interesting details to capture and I think the pictures do the stunning architecture justice.' Modernity: There are a few reminders that the pool was open to the public until 2003 - such as this Speedo lap timer clock . Walkways: The grandoise paths to the spectator galleries have fallen silent, but in swimming's golden age would have teemed with people . Shared story: Dozens of pools have closed across Britain in the last few years since the decline of the age of baths and lidos . Uncertain: The future of the main room is yet to be mapped out, and its use could preserve the architecture without refilling the gala pool .

Campaigners fighting to save Birmingham's Grade II*-listed Moseley Road Baths after gala pool shut in 2003 . It has century-old tiling, oak ticket office, 200,000-litre cast iron tank and complete set of pre-war private baths . Small pool remains open, but council has warned the whole building faces closure amid £24million repair costs .

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A mother has admitted selling her baby for sex eight times and being in the room for all but one of the meetings. Natisha Hillard, 25, from Gary, Hammond, Indiana, met Christopher M Bour, 39, through a dating service in 2011. A court heard they agreed to meet at her home where Bour allegedly asked her four-month-old baby daughter. Hillard is then alleged to have accepted money from Bour for him to see the child between September 2011 and February 2013. She was present at seven of the meetings. Charged: Natisha Hillard, 25, has pleaded guilty to selling her own baby for sex. She is alleged to have sold the child to Christopher M Bour, 39, who denies the charges . Hillard pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of selling a child for sex and two counts of allowing a child to take part in child pornography. Hillard was arrested after an acquaintance of Bour went to the FBI. The acquaintance told investigators how Bour allegedly asked her if she wanted to record him sexually touching a child. When officers conducted a search of Bour's house, they allegedly discovered pornographic images of him with a baby with Hillard visible in the background of some of the pictures. According to Fox News, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Koster said Hillard told police officers she agreed to . sell the children to Bour because she needed money. Northern District of Indiana: Charges were filed against both Hillard and Bour. He will appear before the Hammond District Court on Thursday . She said Hillard told them Bour paid her extra for the last encounter to be alone with the child. Hillard, who is being held without bond, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years to life in prison on the count of selling a child. Bour, also being held without bond, is charged with buying a child to produce child pornography, producing child pornography and possessing child pornography depicting a child under the age of 12, has pleaded not guilty in the case. He has a court date scheduled for Thursday morning in U.S. District Court in Hammond. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Natisha Hillard, 25, met Christopher M Bour through a dating service . She 'sold the child to him for sex' because she 'needed the money' Hillard was arrested when FBI officers allegedly found photo evidence of Bour abusing a child which showed her in the background . Hillard, from Indiana, has pleaded guilty to one count of selling a child for sex and two counts of allowing a child to take part in child pornography . She faces a mandatory minimum 30 year sentence to life in prison . Bour is charged with buying a child to . produce child pornography, producing child pornography and possessing . child pornography . He has pleaded not . guilty in the case and is due in court on Thursday .

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New York (CNN) -- Emergency crews on Wednesday rescued two window washers who were trapped on a hanging platform dangling perilously at the 68th floor of the 1,776-foot One World Trade Center building in lower Manhattan. Rescue workers used a diamond saw to tear through three layers of glass panes -- the thickest nearly two inches -- to pull the workers to safety about 2:15 p.m., authorities said. The men were taken to Bellevue Hospital Center with mild hypothermia, police said. The workers had been tethered inside the apparatus, fire officials said. Additional personal safety cables were lowered from the roof of the 104-story building. "I see two heads dangling over the scaffolding and one of the guys -- they just keep looking down," Reginald Moye, who watched the incident unfold from the 24th floor of a nearby hotel, told CNN. "They look like they're maybe five feet in the middle of the scaffold, hanging." A cable on one side of the hanging platform developed slack, leaving it suspended in a near-vertical position, authorities said. The cause was under investigation. The men were identified as Juan Lizama, 41, of New Jersey, and Juan Lopez, 33, of the Bronx, according to 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which represents about 600 window cleaners in New York City. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said emergency personnel from the NYPD, the New York Fire Department and Port Authority police practiced a rescue from such a rig 10 days ago. "They were more than ready to operate here," he told reporters. "The result: two men are going to go home tonight." But it wasn't easy. "In this case, the glass is three layers thick and, of course, they're 68 stories up," Nigro said. "It does present a little more of a challenge." Television images showed the rig dangling precipitously at a sharp angle. A Twitter photo from the fire department showed the rig as seen from inside the tower, with New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Officials said emergency workers communicated with the window washers via a portable radio lowered by rope from the roof. The men worked for a company called Upgrade, according to Erica Dumas, a spokeswoman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. "They were going up, washing the windows, and I was amazed at the view," Moye said. "Wow. Such a dangerous job. So, suddenly, I didn't see it collapse, but once I looked over and said, something is wrong, it was dangling." Officials at Tractel, the company that designed, built and installed the window-washing rig, had no comment. Tractel also designed the scaffolding that collapsed at the Hearst Tower in Manhattan in June 2013, according to aerial and CNN footage of both scenes. In the 2013 incident, two workers were rescued more than 550 feet above the streets of midtown Manhattan after their scaffolding buckled near the top of the tower, fire officials said. The workers, who spent 90 minutes dangling near the top of the building, suffered no injuries. Firefighters cut through a double-paned window on the 45th floor and brought the workers in through the newly created hole. At 1,776 feet tall, the One World Trade Center building surpassed Chicago's 1,451-foot Willis Tower as the nation's tallest building. The new building officially opened November 3, when the first tenant, publishing company Conde Nast, moved in. Many of the floors remain unoccupied. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, with a 408-foot spire atop the 1,368 foot tower. Its predecessor, the Twin Towers, were destroyed 13 years ago when al Qaeda terrorists flew two hijacked passenger jets into the buildings, killing 2,753 people on September 11, 2001. Asked if emotions surrounded the rescue, fire department Lt. Billy Ryan said: . "It's business. The task at hand is what you worry about. You separate yourself from that. This is business." CNN's Steve Kastenbaum, Laura Ly, Lorenzo Ferigno, Renee Wunderlich, Leigh Remizowski and Kevin Conlon contributed to this report.

Two window washers rescued from window-washing rig high above Manhattan . Hanging platform collapsed at One World Trade Center with the workers on it . The tower is the country's tallest building at 1,776 feet .

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Up to 40 per cent of road deaths around the world are thought to be caused by alcohol. But one day, cars could detect whether a driver’s voice sounds drunk, to stop them from driving and prevent accidents. Researchers in Germany have created the first library of drunk speech patterns, which could be used to predict drunkenness by listening for vocal cues. Scroll down for video . Researchers in Germany have created the first library of drunk speech patterns, which could be used to predict drunkenness in cars (Illustrated with a stock image) Called the Alcohol Language Corpus, the database was made between 2007 and 2009 by giving people too much alcohol to drink, before recording conversations conducted in a stopped car, where the drunk person was sitting in the passenger seat. There are currently conversations from 162 German men and women in the publicly-available audio database. Experts at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the Institute of Legal Medicine in the city collected the data, FastCompany reported. From this, an algorithm that is capable of detecting whether someone is drunk by listening in on slurring speech patterns, has been created by computer scientists at Queens College and Columbia University. Scientists have used the library to create an algorithm that can predict if a driver is drunk. The hope is that it could be built into cars to stop people putting their key in the ignition and driving off. The technology would act as a preventative measure, unlike breathalysers (pictured) that are used by the police to prove an offence . Just three hours behind the wheel at night can make motorists drive as badly as if they were drunk, scientists claim. Driver tiredness after a few hours has the same effect as being over the drink-driving limit, a 2011 study revealed. Even two hours of motorway driving in the dark can affect performance so severely it is the same as having a couple of drinks. It's estimated that one-fifth of all traffic accidents are due to sleepiness behind the wheel and one in three people admit to nodding off while driving at night. They found that they could detect drunken speech patterns much like identifying an accent. Drunken speech hallmarks include stammering and stuttering. Voices also tend to rise in pitch and words begin to slur, they said. It is hoped that the software could be used alongside devices such as locks and immobilisers to make it impossible for people to drive when drunk – perhaps by asking them a few questions while analysing the driver’s voice. ‘The cars themselves could listen to the driver, detect that the potential driver is intoxicated, and prevent the car from starting,’ the researchers explained. However, the safety system may be a few years away, because the algorithm to detect drunkenness is typically only right around three quarters of the time. ‘That means, you want to go and drive your car, one in three times we're going to say you're drunk. That's bad for a product,’ Professor Andrew Rosenberg, of Queens College New York (CUNY) said. The next step is to add more languages to the library so that more experts can use the public library for their own research.

German researchers have created the first library of drunk speech patterns . Alcohol Language Corpus is based on 162 drunk conversations . It's been used by scientists to make an algorithm to detect slurred speech . Software could one day be fitted in cars to stop people drink driving .

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By . Hamish Mackay for MailOnline . Follow @@H_Mackay . QPR defender Rio Ferdinand revealed that although he loves reality TV, he would never appear on it himself. The 35-year-old said that he loved shows like Gogglebox and The Fried Chicken Shop, but starring in them is another matter altogether. In The Sun’s serialisation of his autobiography #2sides , Ferdinand said: 'You will never see me on Strictly (Come Dancing) ever, no chance. I know David Seaman and Robbie Savage have, but it's just not me.' QPR defender Rio Ferdinand admitted a love of watching reality TV, but had no desire to be on it . But the former Manchester United star did study ballet as a child and Ferdinand said people still think of him as something of a dancer. 'People really think it really is me,' he said. 'A lot of people talk to me about my retirement and ask if they'll see me on strictly. No chance. Nor I'm a Celeb - I don't like spiders, rats or snakes.' Ferdinand did admit to enjoying some of his experiences with TV, though. In 2006 the former international defender starred in Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups - a show where he played pranks on England team-mates before declaring that they had been 'merked'. He said: 'I want to do some more comedy. I can do it better when I retire and take more time with it. Maybe pranks. I enjoy stuff like that and the response it got was unbelievable.' Rio Ferdinand said you would not see him following Robbie Savage on to Strictly Come Dancing . The former Manchester United defender said he would be prepare to do some more comedy when he retires . Rio Ferdinand starred in Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups in 2006 where he played pranks on England team-mates .

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand revealed he loved reality TV . But former Manchester Untied man said he didn't want to be on it . Ferdinand said he would never go on Strictly Come Dancing . But 35-year-old would consider something like Rio's World Cup Wind-Ups .

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Police have been dragged off the beat to work on the Olympics after dozens of G4S security guards failed to turn up for work, it emerged yesterday. Just four of the 58 staff expected to report for duty at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, showed up, one of whom later disappeared. In Salford, Greater Manchester, only 17 of the 56 G4S staff due at another Olympic team hotel could be bothered to present themselves for work. Security: Police inspect a car outside a Manchester hotel which had been due to be guarded by G4S staff . Filling in: Police officers stand guard at the Marriot Worsley Park hotel in Manchester to protect athletes after G4S workers failed to appear . Home Secretary Theresa May admitted yesterday that she has no idea how many G4S staff will turn up for work – raising the prospect that thousands more soldiers may have to be deployed, on top of the 3,500 who have already been called up. ‘The precise balance of the numbers that they will be providing will become clear over the next few days,’ she told MPs. The political pressure was also growing last night as a series of leaked documents revealed that some officials have known of the problem for at least three months. Mrs May claimed that ministers were told only last week that G4S could not deliver the 10,000 security guards it promised. But she was directly contradicted by London Mayor Boris Johnson, who said: ‘Everyone that was organising the Olympics knew this was coming up ages ago.’ An internal G4S memo leaked last night revealed that the company’s bosses deliberately failed to train people early because it would not be ‘cost-effective’. In the document, obtained by Channel 4 News and dated June 29, Mark Hamilton, then head of Olympic security, wrote: ‘It would have been an advantage to have everyone trained months in advance but this was neither practical nor cost-effective.’ Gaps: Only 17 of an expected 56 G4S security staff turned up for work at the hotel, Greater Manchester Police Federation said . Yesterday, several hundred officers from nine police forces were being drafted in to plug gaps left by G4S. West Midlands Police Federation chairman Ian Edwards said his force has had to provide 150 officers per day to cover a hotel in Warwickshire where Olympic footballers are staying, and could need to provide hundreds more at other venues. He said: ‘It’s chaos, absolute chaos. You shouldn’t lose your local police officer because of the Olympics.’ The position of G4S chief executive Nick Buckles – due to give evidence to a Commons select committee today – looked increasingly perilous last night. G4S could lose more than £700million of future Government work – including running prisons and police stations – after its reputation was tarnished by the debacle. Base: Athletes have been staying at the Marriot Worsley Park hotel in Manchester with police protection . Ring of steel: Armed police and soldiers guard the Olympic Village in Portland, Dorset, where sailing events are to be held. Dorset Police is one of nine forces deploying extra officers to fill the gap left by G4S . Target: The Olympic village in Portland is among several Games venues which will have to be patrolled by extra police officers . A collapse in its share price has seen some £600million wiped from the value of the company since the guard shortfall emerged last week, and it has already admitted it will make a £50million loss on the Olympics contract. City analyst Mike Allen, of broking house Panmure Gordon, said: ‘I’m sure that one or two heads are going to have to roll for this.’ G4S chairman John Connolly said: ‘We don’t want to do anything that smacks of short-term expediency, but it would be right to consider whether any members of the senior team are best placed to take the company forward.’ But Mr Buckles could walk away with a bulging pension pot and company shares worth £21million. Arrival: A group of soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland march in front of the Olympic stadium. Extra military personnel have been drafted in after G4S failed to provide enough security guards . Monitoring: Three soldiers survey the Olympic Park as the massive security operation gets under way . Downing Street confirmed that the Government’s Cobra crisis committee would now meet every day – often under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister – throughout the Olympics to prevent further security disasters. Last night it emerged that officials were sufficiently worried to commission an audit of whether G4S could deliver on its promises. A source told ITV news the audit was seen by the Home Office and Games organisers Locog. The audit dated April 23, said: ‘Clearly the training operation is very frustrated at not being able to put through the required numbers, and viewing with trepidation the inevitable last-minute nature of the mass throughput that will be the consequence.’ The audit found that attendance at training events was just 60 per cent of ‘planned capacity.' Last laugh? Mr Buckles could take home a package . of up to £21million in bonuses, shares and pension if he is forced to . quit the company over the guard-recruitment fiasco . Vigilant: Soldiers in high-visibility vests man an entry point to the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London . With just ten days until the opening . ceremony, senior police officers are said to be ‘extremely concerned’ not only about the absence of so many G4S staff – but also about the . poor quality of those who turn up. Insiders have claimed that scores of . guards are poorly trained, speak little or no English and blundered . during training sessions. Clive Chamberlain, chairman of Dorset . Police Federation, said: ‘My biggest fear is that G4S are now . panic-recruiting people to get as many people as they can into the . organisation. What proper training will they have had before they start? It’s very, very worrying.’ G4S said security was still being . ‘tightened’ at various venues around the country before the ‘full . complement’ of accredited staff are assigned. Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper . said: ‘It is incomprehensible that with 11 days to go the Home Secretary . still doesn’t know how many staff G4S are likely to provide.’ Checks: A soldier looks at the pass of a man who wants to enter the Olympic Park . Call up: Extra police have been drafted in to fill the gaps in Olympics security caused by blundering private firm G4S .

Nine police forces provide more officers to fill the gaps left by private security firm G4S . Royal Marines take over security duties at Olympic sailing centre in Dorset . G4S share price tumbles by 8.6 per cent . Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz calls for security firm to be barred from bidding for public sector contracts . G4S chief executive Nick Buckles, 51, could leave with package worth up to £21m if forced to resign .

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Bekoji, Ethiopia (CNN) -- It might be many miles away from the usual sporting capitals of the world, but when it comes to long-distance running there's one tiny place that's setting the pace. Nestled amidst rolling farmlands on the green hills of southern central Ethiopia, Bekoji is a sleepy town of less than 20,000 people, most of whom are farmers and herders. But apart from the wheat and maize growing on Bekoji's fertile soil, this small town a few hours south from capital Addis Ababa is also the breeding ground for some of the best track and field athletes in the world. Set at about 2,800 meters above sea level, Bekoji has produced a string of Olympic champions and world-beating long-distance runners, including multiple Olympic gold medal winners Tirunesh Dibaba and Kenenisa Bekele. Sentayehu Eshetu, the legendary coach who has so far trained four of Bekoji's Olympic gold winners, says that a winning mix of thin air, lean diet and different terrains has helped the town's rich crop of runners stand out in recent years. "Our training fields are very conducive for athletics," says Eshetu, 56, who is known in Bekoji simply as "Coach." "We have downhill, flat land, all of these here in Bekoji. The food they eat also has an impact, the weather has an impact, the combination of these makes the kids successful." Read this: Senegalese teens shoot for U.S. glory . Eshetu is quick to add, however, that favorable weather and training conditions do not guarantee success. Determination and dedication are key, he says. "Our runners are successful because they work hard," he explains. "They work with the aim of reaching for success. This is what makes them different." And if there's anyone who should know about success, that's Eshetu. For some 25 years he has been discovering and nurturing the talents of some the finest runners in Ethiopia -- a global powerhouse in long-distance running, with 35 Olympic medals in the last 20 years. Apart from Dibaba and Bekele, Eshetu has also trained Derartu Tulu, a two-time Olympic champion, Tiki Gelana, the marathon winner at the 2012 London Olympics, Tirfi Tsegaye, winner of the recent 2013 Dubai Marathon, and many others. Read this: Cameroon's outspoken football star . Using a blue-walled mud hut as an office and Bekoji's fields as training grounds, Eshetu spots, coaches and mentors scores of local youngsters who follow his rigorous routine in the hope of running their way from Bekoji to international stardom. "When I recruit athletes, I look at those who have a desire to put in the work," says Eshetu. "I look at their shape. Kids who are too short won't have good results. Those who are tall walk upright and those who complete their training with passion, I recruit them. "They train here for three years after entering the camp. After three years, those with good results move on to other clubs. After that, based on their time, they compete in other races, even international ones." But for the majority of these young athletes, this is not an easy road. Poverty is common, sporting equipment does not come cheap and most get by on no more than two meals a day. "Here athletes have difficulty with getting regular food, with owning shoes, they face a lot of problems," says Eshetu. "They have to sew their shoes, manage with little food, work long and hard, but I believe this allows them to become stronger and successful." Read this: NBA boss finding Africa's basketball stars . Eshetu's golden girl is three-time Olympic champion Dibaba, a member of a sporting family dynasty that includes four successful long-distance athletes. Last summer, as Dibaba sprinted through the finish line to win gold in the 10,000 meters at the London Olympics, Eshetu was watching proudly on a screen thousands of miles away. "Sentayehu knew that my cousin Derartu Tulu ran," says Dibaba. "He knew that my sisters ran too, that's why he encouraged me to start running. He used to tell me that I would be a great runner. He knew I would be a fast runner that's why he started coaching me." For Dibaba, representing a country with such a distinguished athletics history brings a feeling of great responsibility. "Our country is not like other countries," says Dibaba. "You should bring back gold when you compete for Ethiopia. The people don't accept anything less, the people won't be happy with anything less. "Silver and bronze in our country is no better than finishing fifth or sixth. I want to make people happy and therefore think of finishing first. My heart pounds when I think of this, and that why I train hard, to make the people happy." Driven by a strong sense of duty and a strong desire to produce successful athletes, Eshetu shows no signs of stopping. Instead, he's always keeping an eye out for the next rising star to come out of Bekoji's rich crop. "Running for Ethiopia is a movement that has shown the world where we are, what we can do and who we are as a people," says Eshetu.

Ethiopian long-distance runners have won 35 Olympic medals in the last 20 years . In the small Ethiopian town of Bekoji, coach Sentayehu Eshetu has discovered four gold champions . His prodigies include star runners Tirunesh Dibaba and Kenenisa Bekele .

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Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber said Friday his fiancée will have no role in his administration for the rest of his fourth term after questions were raised about her consulting work. Visibly nervous as he addressed reporters with a shaky voice, Kitzhaber said Cylvia Hayes would continue her consulting business but would not work for organizations that 'have anything to do with the state of Oregon.' The Democratic governor has been on the defensive about Hays' work since newspapers first raised questions in October surrounding her consulting for organizations that want to influence the state. Addressing concerns: Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber answers questions during a news conference in Portland. Kitzhaber said that legitimate questions have been raised about his fiancee's taxes . Speaking out: Governor John Kitzhaber, 68, acknowledges legitimate questions have been raised about Cylvia Hayes, 47, taxes . 'These issues have become such a distraction that I want to make it very, very clear that she will have no policy role and no political role in the administration during the remaining four years of my term,' Kitzhaber said at a news conference at a state office building in Portland. Hayes played an active role in Kitzhaber's third term, attending meetings, communicating with state officials and helping him push for environmental and clean energy policies. At the same time, she did consulting work for several organizations involved in similar policies. He previously said her role would be re-evaluated but hadn't ruled out her continuing involvement in his administration. Kitzhaber was forced to respond to new reports this week in state newspapers that Hayes was paid $118,000 over two years for a fellowship with a green energy group — money that may not have been reported on her taxes. Kitzhaber said legitimate questions have been raised but he wouldn't address them. Keeping quiet: Reports showed that income from a renewable energy group didn't appear on Cylvia Hayes tax returns. The governor said he and Cylvia Hayes file taxes separately and would not discuss hers . Blinded by love: Governor Kitzhaber, pictured dancing with Hayes who is 20 years his junior, will answer questions on Friday  morning - two weeks into his fourth term as governor - over her undeclared earnings . 'Cylvia and I file separate returns. I have not reviewed, did not prepare and cannot answer questions concerning her tax returns, and those questions need to be directed specifically to Cylvia,' Kitzhaber said. As Kitzhaber dodged rapid-fire questions from a large contingent of media, Hayes was in Sweden on Friday visiting friends at her own expense, he said. She has been unavailable to comment on the tax issue. She'll travel later to Berlin for meetings with an organization that promotes using happiness to evaluate the success of economies and public policies. The organization, funded by the German government, is paying for her trip. It also paid for Hayes' 2013 travel with Kitzhaber to study happiness indicators in Bhutan. Kitzhaber repeatedly deflected questions about whether her work constituted a conflict of interest, saying the Oregon Government Ethics Commission will decide. At one point, he compared himself to Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle Seahawks running back who spent an entire Super Bowl press conference answering every question with the same response. Kitzhaber insists that he and Hayes worked hard to draw a clear separation between her public and private duties and to properly declare conflicts where they existed. Honorable intentions: Governor Kitzhaber is sworn in for an unprecedented fourth term in Oregon on January 12 this year next to his fiancés, Cylvia Hayes . 'That was our intent, and the ethics commission will make a determination as to whether or not we were successful,' Kitzhaber said. Asked whether he's been blinded by love, he said he does not believe he is. He said he still plans to marry Hayes, to whom he proposed last summer, and has no intention of resigning. 'I'm not going to consider resigning, of course not,' Kitzhaber said. 'I was elected by the people of this state to do a job and I'm going to do it.' Hayes has been under intense scrutiny over her business and embarrassing revelations of her past personal life. Last fall, following a newspaper report, she acknowledged that in the 1990s she illegally married an Ethiopian immigrant so he could seek residency in the United States, and that she had never told Kitzhaber about the sham marriage that ended with the filing of divorce papers in 2001. The controversy comes as Kitzhaber gears up for the five-month legislative session during which he's pushing an ambitious agenda on education and climate change, a priority for Hayes. Hayes admitted in an email to the East Oregonian that she had been paid the money by CEDC. Daily Mail Online was awaiting a comment from CEDC on Friday. The paper also confirmed that she did not disclose $88,000 in tax filings for 2012 - claiming her income was just over $27,000 from her own business venture, 3E Strategies. The paper reported that since Kitzhaber was sworn in as governor in 2011, his fiancée has pulled in around $213,000 in consulting fees. According to her first lady biography on Oregon.gov, Hayes has 22 years of experience working in clean energy and has served as a member and co-chair of the Oregon Renewable Energy Working Group. Her own consulting firm, 3E Strategies, had led to an ethics investigation, following complaints. Living the life: Hayes, who became engaged to her older lover last year, lives with Kitzhaber in the lavish governor's mansion in Oregon . In November, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission opened a preliminary investigation into Hayes' consulting work. The commission received three complaints about Hayes' work as a private consultant. The preliminary investigation was to determine whether the commission should proceed with a full-fledged inquiry that could lead to sanctions. The commission also rejected Kitzhaber's request for an advisory opinion about whether ethics laws apply to Hayes, whom he first met in 2002. Officials said the questions asked by the governor's office will be addressed in the investigation. Kitzhaber said Hayes carefully avoided conflicts of interest. Among those who filed ethics complaints were the Republican state party and a Republican state representative. A decision will be made on March 13 on whether a full investigation will take place.

Governor John Kitzhaber acknowledges legitimate questions have been raised about her Cylvia Hayes, 47, taxes . He attempted to explained why Cylvia Hayes was paid thousands from a D.C. energy company . She was paid an additional $118,000 for consulting while she was advising the governor on the same topics . Hayes has previously admitted to buying Washington land for a pot farm and taking part in a sham marriage to an Ethiopian immigrant . Kitzhaber, 67, who has just begun an unprecedented fourth term as governor, said he knew nothing of her past dealings . Asked if he considered stepping down, he said no. He said he fully intends to fulfill his unprecedented fourth term, for which he was just elected .

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Hong Kong (CNN) -- Chinese police have arrested nearly 1,000 suspected members of a banned religious group, state media reported. The arrests come months after five members of the group, known as the Church of Almighty God or "Quannengshen", were charged with the brutal killing in May of a woman in a McDonald's restaurant while they were allegedly trying to recruit her. A report by state news agency Xinhua said that the group, which Beijing regards as a dangerous doomsday cult, cheated people, illegally collected money and "violated the law under the guise of religion." "A series of acts by its members have harmed people's lives and property, and disrupted social stability," Xinhua said. The report added that members of the cult, also known as "Eastern Lightning," were responsible for "numerous" suicides and murders, including those of their own family. Among those arrested were nearly 100 "backbone members", Xinhua said. IN DEPTH: 'Eastern Lightning': The banned religious group that has China worried . In May, a 37-year-old woman was beaten to death in the fast food outlet in the eastern province of Shandong. The case triggered a wave of revulsion toward the group on Chinese social media. "She was a demon," one of the suspects, Zhang Lidong, said in television interview following his arrest. "She was an evil spirit." Five adults have been charged with murder, and their trial begins on Thursday, Xinhua said. The group has been on a list of 14 banned religious groups issued by China's Ministry of Public Security since 1995. According to Chinese media reports, it has been responsible for a spate of robberies, assaults and kidnappings. In 2012, hundreds of members were rounded up after the group publicly proclaimed the end of the world was imminent. In a statement provided to CNN in June, members of the group responsible for its English-language website said it was "very natural" for the Chinese Communist Party to blame the group for the McDonald's death because the Party slandered and then suppressed those that disagreed with it. "They always find some excuse in advance and fabricate things and slander them," said the statement. Founded in the 1990s in central China, the group believes that Jesus has been reincarnated as Yang Xiangbin, the wife of the group's founder, Zhao Weishan. The couple fled to the United States in 2000, Xinhua reported.

Almost 1,000 members of a banned religious group arrested in China . State media says group responsible for suicides and murders . Arrests come after five members charged with brutal killing in McDonald's restaurant . Church of Almighty God believes Christ reincarnated as Chinese woman .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:41 EST, 29 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:05 EST, 30 December 2013 . Former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik has accused his former attorney of working with federal agents to put him behind bars in 2010 for taking bribes from mobsters. Kerik, a 9/11 hero, was one of the city's most beloved commissioners and on track to be the head of Homeland Security but that changed the day he plead guilty to accepting $165,000 in apartment renovations from the mob-connected DiTommaso family who wanted a city contract. He hired high-profile lawyer and personal friend Joe Tacopina to represent him but by the time the case made it to court, his attorney was serving as a witness for the prosecution. Betrayed: Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik (left) is suing his former attorney Joe Tacopina (right) for working with federal prosecutors behind his back . Career over: Kerik nearly became President Bush's director of Homeland Security but lost the opportunity when the organized crime connections surfaced . Kerik served four years of prison time in Maryland and was released this past May seemingly hell bent on vengence since he filed a bar complaint against Tacopina Friday. In the complaint, Kerik accuses Tacopina of engaging in 'conduct involving dishonest, fraud, deceit, and/or misrepresentation' in addition to several legal abuses. He says that Tacopina met with federeal prosecutors behind his back, giving them information that would help bring him down. Additionally Tacopina put Kerik in danger of being arrested by contacting him after it was announced that he would be on the witness list. Connections: Kerik pleaded guilty to accepting $165,000 in home renovations from Frank (left) and Peter (right) DiThommaso, from an organized crime connected family . Kerik also accuses Tacopina of attempting to defraud him of a seven-figure finder's fee in a real estate transaction. Steroid use: Tacopino is currently representing Yankee star Alex Rodriguez as he seeks to get his 211-game ban reduced . Following the new complaint, Tacopina shot back at Kerik in the New York Post calling the allegations unsubstantiated old news. 'This is such bulls***, reheated dog food,' Tacopina said. Tacopina's attorney was a little less candid with his denials. 'If any of these allegations were true, Mr Tacopina would have at least been subjected to discipline,' Washington-based attorney Lanny Davis said in a statement to the New York Daily News. 'Yet Mr Tacopina in 22 years of law practice has never received a bar complaint, let alone any discipline. Mr Tacopina's spotless record with the bar speaks far louder than the lies and innuendo that are being spread by those with an obvious agenda.' Tacopina is currently representing Yankee star Alex Rodriguez as he attempts to get his 211-game ban for testing positive for steroid use reduced. Boston attorney Raymond Mansolillo is representing Kerik in the bar case, and says his client may also file a malpractice suit against Tacopina. 'We'll assess the information that we've gleaned and we'll determine which avenue to take. I'm looking into whether any (of Tacopina's representation) had any direct effect on where Bernie ended up.'

Former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik plead guilty to accepting $165,000 from a mob-connected family in 2006 . He spend the last four years in federal prison, serving out his sentence . On Friday he filed a bar complaint against his former attorney, Joe Tacopina . He accuses Tacopina of meeting his federal prosecutors behind his back and giving them information that helped their case . Tacopina, currently representing Alex Rodriguez in his steroid case, called the allegations 'bulls***' and 'reheated dog food'

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By . Rosie Taylor and David Wilkes . PUBLISHED: . 17:51 EST, 4 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:51 EST, 4 October 2013 . Once they were destined for the slaughterhouse. At least there the end would have been swift. Now it is drawn out and agonising. Dumped without food and water by their owners, thousands of horses which would have been sold for meat are instead being condemned to a living hell. Their plight is highlighted in a report by charities and animal sanctuaries, which are struggling with an influx of horses in appalling condition after unscrupulous dealers, hit by a slump in demand following the horsemeat scandal, abandoned them. Take Nemo. She was so emaciated when animal welfare charity workers rescued her that her ribs poked through her coat. She was also lame. Nemo was just a skeleton when she was rescued but has now made a full recovery . Around her in her muddy field lay the corpses of other horses which had not made it. Rescuers got there just in time for Nemo. With veterinary treatment, she made a full recovery at a sanctuary and eight months on from being taken from that field in Caerphilly, south Wales, she is today a popular addition to HorseWorld’s visitor centre in Bristol. But others have not been so lucky. Watson was being ‘flygrazed’ – a practice where owners, often from the travelling community, leave horses to graze on other people’s land without permission – on a patch of scrub. In his desperation for food he ate something toxic, leading to a skin condition that left him with burnt-raw pink patches. He was neglected for so long that he also had maggots eating away at his body. Vets battled to save the nine-month-old but three days after he was found in a Bristol field in June, he suffered massive kidney and liver failure and died. In total, some 7,000 horses are considered ‘at risk’, according to the report by leading charities including the RSPCA and Blue Cross, with the horsemeat scandal a significant factor, but with over-breeding and the recession also playing a part. Rescue centres have seen a rise of up to 40 per cent in admissions since it was revealed in January that some supermarket food labelled as beef contained horse. Experts say there are owners who let their horses breed indiscriminately then become overwhelmed with the numbers produced. Watson was left to die after developing a skin condition when he ate something toxic. Sadly he died of kidney and liver failure three days after being found . But whereas the unwanted horses might once have gone to the meat trade, now their owners abandon them rather than pay up to £100 a week to care for and feed them. The Animal Sanctuary, in Dorney, Buckinghamshire, is caring for a third more horses than this time last year and is spending more than ever on vets’ bills as many arrive in a horrific condition. Head trustee Diana Coad said: ‘Before the horsemeat scare there was, sadly, a trade in horses for meat but now there’s no market for them. ‘People don’t want to pay to feed them or pay to have them put down, so unscrupulous owners are hiding them away in pockets of land and leaving them to starve very slowly and painfully to death.’ She said so many horses were arriving on the doorstep they were having to turn them away. ‘In just one day last week we had calls about six separate horses, two skeletal horses were brought to us that we took in, and one horse arrived on a trailer in such a bad state that it collapsed and had to be put down,’ she said. Diana Coad head trustee of The Animal Sanctuary in Dorney, Berkshire, says unwanted animals are being hidden and allowed to starve to death by owners who don't want to pay to have them put down . ‘We try to take the worst ones that we can give a chance to and hope the better ones will survive a bit longer. You feel like an executioner having to choose which ones to take, I don’t think anyone would like to make that life or death decision.’ Before the recession, the sanctuary was able to rehome a horse every month but in the last two years it has found a new home for just one pony, as families are choosing cheaper pets. Other animal charities have also seen a huge rise in the number of abandoned horses. World Horse Welfare, in Blackpool, took in 40 per cent more in the first quarter of 2013 than in the same period last year and investigated 22 per cent more complaints about horse welfare. Blue Cross admitted 16 per cent more horses between January and March this year than the year before, with four in ten being admitted for welfare concerns, compared with  less than a third last year.

Nemo was found in south Wales with ribs poking through skin . Eight months on she has made a full recovery thanks to charity . Watson was less lucky after contracting skin infection while 'flygrazing' Found with maggots eating his skin and died three days later .

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(CNN) -- Merrill Newman -- the 85-year-old American detained by North Korean authorities earlier this fall -- has been "deported," North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported early Saturday. His son announced late Friday that he is on his way home to the United States. "We are absolutely delighted to confirm that Merrill Newman is on his way home," Jeff Newman said. A senior Obama administration official said soon after the North Korean announcement that U.S. authorities have Newman "in hand." State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf subsequently tweeted that U.S. Embassy officials met "Newman at the airport in Beijing and provided all appropriate consular assistance." Video showed him smiling as he walked past a cavalcade of reporters through the Chinese capital's airport. The out-of-the-blue release became all the more real for Newman's relatives in the United States shortly before 8 p.m. (11 p.m. ET), when they talked with Merrill by phone, his family said. The KCNA report stated that investigators determined that "Newman entered the DPRK with a wrong understanding of it and perpetrated a hostile act against it." "Taking into consideration his admittance of the act committed by him on the basis of his wrong understanding (and the) apology made by him for it, his sincere repentance of it and his advanced age and health condition, the above-said institution deported him from the country from a humanitarian viewpoint," the official North Korean report added. On Thursday, Harf said American officials had spoken the previous day with relatives of Newman and Kenneth Bae, another American being held in North Korea, but added little else. Hours later, Harf issued a statement saying Washington was "pleased that Mr. Merrill Newman has been allowed to depart the DPRK and rejoin his family." "We welcome the DPRK's decision to release him. This positive decision by the DPRK throws into sharper relief the continuing detention of ... Bae," she added. "... We call on the DPRK once again to pardon and grant Mr. Bae special amnesty and immediately release him as a humanitarian gesture so that he too can return home to his family." Coincidence or not, the news of Newman's release came on the day that Vice President Joe Biden was in South Korea, where he was to lay a wreath at a memorial for veterans of the war that pitted North Korea against its southern neighbor as well as the United States. Biden told reporters in South Korea that he "played no direct role" in the release. He added that his office offered to let Newman fly home with him on Air Force Two, but State Department officials said he'd take a direct commercial flight to San Francisco. "It's a positive thing they've done," said the vice president, who talked Saturday morning by phone with Newman, according to another Obama administration official. "But they still have Mr. Bae, who has no reason being held in the North (and) should be released immediately." Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has undertaken private diplomatic efforts with North Korea seemed more perturbed over Newman's detention than he was pleased at his release. "While the release of Merrill Newman is welcome news indeed, he never should have been detained in the first place. The North Koreans should also release Kenneth Bae as a humanitarian gesture," Richardson said in a statement. According to his family, Newman went on a 10-day organized private tour of North Korea in October. From phone calls and postcards he sent, the trip was going well and there was no indication of any kind of problem, son Jeff Newman said. The day before the Palo Alto, California, resident was to leave, "one or two Korean authorities" met with Newman and his tour guide, the son added. They talked about Newman's service record, which left "my dad ... a bit bothered," according to Jeff Newman. Then, just minutes before his Beijing-bound plane was set to depart Pyongyang in late October, he was taken off the aircraft by North Korean authorities. For weeks, the Pyongyang government didn't explain why they were holding Newman. An explanation came a few days ago, when state media published and broadcast what they described as the Korean War veteran's "apology." In fact, that word -- "apology" -- was written atop the first of four handwritten pages detailing his alleged indiscretions. In the note -- which was dated November 9 -- Newman talked about his having advised the Kuwol Unit, part of the "intelligence bureau" fighting against Pyongyang during the Korean War. He detailed how he commanded troops to collect "information" and wage various deadly attacks. "After I killed so many civilians and (North Korean) soldiers and destroyed strategic objects in the DPRK during the Korean War, I committed indelible offensive acts against the DPRK government and Korean people," Newman said, according to that KCNA report. The reported message also touched on his return 60 years later to North Korea, admitting that he "shamelessly ... had a plan to meet any surviving soldiers and pray for the souls of the dead soldiers." His statement ended: "If I go back to (the) USA, I will tell the true features of the DPRK and the life the Korean people are leading." This public apology -- which University of California, Berkeley, professor Steve Weber characterized as "highly scripted political theater" -- left some wondering what would happen to Newman. Would he join Bae, an American arrested in North Korea in November 2012 who last May was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor after North Korea's government found him guilty of "hostile acts" and attempts to topple the government? Or would he be released? As Weber said days ago: "When it comes to North Korea, nobody knows very much." Pyongyang has long been regarded by many as a repressive state, with its insularity, sharp restrictions on speech and other freedoms, and decades of saber-rattling primarily targeting its chief foes, South Korea and the United States. Its isolation is exacerbated by widespread uproar over its nuclear program. The East Asian nation's reported quest to create a nuclear weapon, as well as its resistance to international monitoring of its activities, have resulted in economic sanctions, compounding difficulties in getting enough energy and food for its people. But there have been some indications of change of late. Is Newman's release signal even more of an opening by Pyongyang? Will it lead to even more of a thaw? Given the ups and mostly downs in these relationships, it's hard to tell now what will happen. Still, this news affects the global political landscape, at the least it appears that the Newman family -- including Merrill's wife, Lee, who last month told CNN that "we need to have Merrill back at the head of the table for the holidays" -- should be complete once again. CNN's Jill Dougherty and Joseph Netto contributed to this report.

NEW: Newman's son confirms that the released American is on his way home . Video shows Newman smiling as he walks through Beijing's airport . The 85-year-old was detained in North Korea in October, issued a public apology . State news reports Newman was released for "humanitarian" reasons .

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By . Alexandra Klausner . A little girl, 8, suffering from a neurological disorder wrote a heartwarming letter to an injured police offer who was shot in the chest. Abby Holbrook, of Loveland, Colorado sent local police officer Garret Osilka a letter to make him feel better after he was shot during a March traffic stop. Abby suffers from an autoimmune condition similar to multiple sclerosis called transverse myeliti. At one point in her sickness, she was paralyzed from the neck down. Abby Holbrook and Officer Garrett Osilka met after Holbrook, who suffers from a disease, wrote him a heart warming letter telling him he will heal after being shot . Abby Holbrook, pictured, suffers from transverse myeliti and goes to the hospital often for brain surgeries . Abby, seen here resting in a hospital bed, must also undergo bladder surgeries and has one scheduled for next week . Though Abby did not know Osilka personally before reaching out to him, 'She wanted to give him a gift,' mother Carrie Holbrook said. Abby sent Osilka a St. Christopher medal along with the letter. 'Dear Officer Osilka, I know how it feels to hurt really bad. I'm in the hospital, and Chief Hecker is my friend, so that makes you my friend. I hope you feel better soon. I got this medal because St. Christopher will help protect you from bad guys. Love, Abby,' said the letter. 9News reports that Abby goes to the hospital for brain surgeries often and that gifts always make her feel a little bit better. In addition to painful brain surgeries, Abby must undergo bladder surgeries and has one scheduled for next week. Loveland Police Chief Luke Hecker, referenced in the letter, is a family friend of the Holbrooks, the station adds. Hecker even delivered the gifts to Osilka on Abby's behalf and told him about Abby's condition. Osilka asked if he could visit Abby, which he later did. This is Abby Holbrook's inspiring letter to Officer Osilka telling him that St.Christopher will protect him and that she's in the hospital so she knows what it is like to feel pain . Abby sent Osilka a St. Christopher medal along with her heartwarming letter . Referring to Abby, injured police officer Garret Osilka said 'In my mind, she's tougher than I am' Abby's mom Carrie Holbrook believes this will be the beginning of a long and special friendship for her daughter and injured officer Garret Osilka . 'It was very, very sweet,' Carrie Holbrook said told the station. Holbrook believes that this will be the beginning of a very long and special friendship. 'It was a super, special letter obviously,' Osilka told 9News. 'That's why I wanted to come see you afterwards.' Osilka is currently healing from his injuries, which include both the gunshot wound as well as psychological trauma. The 'bad guy' Abby refers to in her letter, who police suspect is 23-year-old Cody Powell, was charged with suspicion of attempted first-degree murder in early March. He was arrested after police linked a vehicle, either a blue or black Jeep Cherokee with temporary plates occupied by two people to the scene of the crime, Westword.com reports. Powell turned himself in at a Loveland Walmart. Osilka told 9news that even though he suffered an injury while on his sometimes frightening job, he believes that Abby is even stronger than he is. 'I kind of picked my profession,' he said. 'It's not a choice that she made. In my mind, she's tougher than I am.' A GoFundMe account to help raise funds for Abby's medical expenses is viewable here. Osilka was so touched by Abby's gesture of kindness he asked to visit her . Abby, who sent both a St. Christopher and a letter to the injured officer, has said that gifts always make her feel better . Abby Holbrook lives her life and stays strong despite having been in a wheelchair and undergoing brain surgery . Abby spends time in the hospital and shared some of her words of wisdom with an injured officer who is now her lifelong friend .

Abby Holbrook suffers from an autoimmune . condition called transverse myelitis and . at one point in her sickness was paralyzed from the neck down . Officer Garret Osilka was shot during a traffic stop in March and Abby felt she could relate . Holbrook didn't know Osilka personally but after hearing about his injury she wanted to help him by sending him a St. Christopher medal and a letter . Osilka was touched by the gifts and said 'In my mind she's tougher than I am'

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 02:12 EST, 6 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:09 EST, 6 November 2012 . An influential astrophysicist hired by DC Comics to pinpoint the location of Superman’s home planet, Krypton, has done just that. The fictional planet Krypton would have orbited a red dwarf star called LHS 2520, says Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium in New York City. As reported by SPACE.com senior writer Mike Wall, the star is 27.1 light-years from Earth in the southern constellation Corvus, also known as ‘The Crow’, says Dr. Tyson. The star is cooler and smaller than our sun. On Screen: Actor Bryan Singer in 'Superman Returns.' Star struck: Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson helped DC Comics, home of the Superman comics, find a plausible star to be the host of the superhero's home planet, Krypton. Star vision: A hypothetical terrestrial planet and moon orbiting the red dwarf star AU Microscopii. The coordinates of LHS 2520 are: . Right Ascension: 12 hours, 10 minutes, 5.77 seconds . Declination: -15 degrees, 4 minutes, 17.9 seconds . Proper Motion: 0.76 arcseconds per year, along 172.94 degrees from due north . ‘This is a major milestone in the Superman mythos that gives our super hero a place in the universe,’ DC Entertainment co-publisher Dan DiDio said in a company statement. ‘Having Neil deGrasse Tyson in the book was one thing, but by applying real-world science to this story he has forever changed Superman’s place in history,’ he said. ‘Now fans will be able to look up at the night’s sky and say, “That’s where Superman was born.”’ The man: Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium in New York City. The planetary details will be encompassed in a new Superman book titled, ‘Star Light, Star Bright,’ which comes out on Wednesday. Dr. Tyson, who has a history of applying science to entertainment, will appear in the comic, aiding Superman on his adventure. In real life, Dr. Tyson made headlines in April after getting film director, James Cameron, to alter the night’s sky as seen in The Titanic due to inaccuracies. The correction was made and can be seen in the re-release of Titanic 3-D.

Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, determines actual location of Superman’s home planet Krypton . The fictional planet would have orbited a red dwarf star called LHS 2520, 27.1 light-years from Earth . The planetary details will be encompassed in a new Superman book titled, ‘Star Light, Star Bright’

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By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 08:23 EST, 8 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:49 EST, 9 March 2014 . Dealing with Britain’s debts must not be done solely through attacks on public pending and welfare, the Lib Dems said today. In a swipe at the Tories, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said ‘there is such a thing as society’ as he warned the wealthiest must be made to pay their fair share. He also used a speech to the Lib Dem conference in York to dismiss ‘feeble’ Tory attempts to claim the income tax cut as their own policy, and signalled people who earn up to £12,500 should pay no income tax at all. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander warned the Tories against balancing the books through spending cuts alone . Mr Alexander told the Lib Dem spring conference in York that tax rises on the rich were also needed . Tory Chancellor George Osborne has said that another £25billion must be found after the election, which he wants to raise from cuts to housing benefit for young people and removing council houses from wealthy tenants. But Mr Alexander rejected the idea, insisting tax rises on the richest should also be used to balance the books. He told delegates: ‘There is still much to do in this Parliament and the next to pay down the deficit and secure the recovery. This must be done fairly. ‘And here’s where I have news for those on the right  – there is such a thing as society. ‘We cannot and will not rely only on cutting public spending and targeting welfare to finish the job. ‘That’s why we are committed to ensuring that the wealthiest pay their fair share. Mr Alexander warned the Tories 'there is such a thing as society' ‘We will find a way forward that underpins a stronger economy and delivers a fairer society.’ He warned that even with forecasts projecting the government running a surplus by 2018, ‘we will still have work to do to get our national debt burden down to safe levels’. ‘It would not be fair to leave that to our children,’ he added. ‘But we Liberal Democrats will also ensure that the state has the resources to fund the public services and infrastructure investment that our country needs. ‘And we will insist that the wealthiest make a proper contribution.’ Mr Alexander also made clear that raising the personal income tax allowance to £12,500 will be a key Liberal Democrat demand in any coalition talks after the 2015 election. In 2010 the Lib Dems promised to increase the threshold to £10,000, which it will reach in April this year. The Budget next month is expected to include a further £500 rise, which will come into effect next week, weeks before the general election. Mr Alexander said: ‘We will fight the next election with our own ideas, our own policies, our own values - no one else's. ‘And I can tell you that a top priority in any negotiation will be our aspiration to raise the personal allowance dramatically again in the next Parliament. ‘To raise it to £12,500... That would be a further tax cut for working people of £500. ‘At our first fiscal event in the next Parliament, we would deliver another tax cut of at least £100. ‘A two term Lib Dem government would then be delivering a tax cut for working people of £1200 - that's £100 a month.’ Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg applauds Mr Alexander's speech in the conference hall of the York Barbican . He claimed the rise in the tax allowance was ‘forced through’ in the face of opposition from the Tory wing of the coalition., but the Conservatives were now trying to take the credit for the policy. ‘We have had to fight for this at every Budget and at every Autumn Statement since 2010. ‘And what a fight it has been. It started in those election debates when the Conservatives said 'we cannot afford it'. ‘In 2010 the Conservatives wanted inheritance tax cuts for millionaires, we fought for and delivered tax cuts for working people. ‘In 2011 the Conservatives wanted 'shares for rights', we fought for and delivered tax cuts for working people. ‘In 2013 the Conservatives wanted a tax break for married couples that excluded millions of families, we fought for and delivered - you guessed it - more tax cuts for working people. ‘Now, belatedly, some Tories are lamely trying to claim credit. ‘Don't get me wrong, it must be hard to be a Tory in a Treasury delivering so much Lib Dem policy, so it's no surprise if some of them have gone native.’

Danny Alexander dismisses Tory plan to slash £25billion in spending . There is such a thing as society, Lib Dem Treasury minister tells party conference in York . Signals Lib Dem manifesto will promise to raise income tax threshold will rise to £12,500 .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:27 EST, 29 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:30 EST, 30 May 2012 . Facebook's stock has fallen below $30 for the first time since its much-awaited public debut this month. The stock continued its noted decrease, finishing the day on Tuesday at $28.84. The public launch of Facebook Inc. began . trading publicly on May 18, just one day before the company's founder . Mark Zuckerberg wed his longtime girlfriend Priscilla Chan, was one of . the most anticipated stock offerings in history. Zucked: Mark Zuckerberg saved $174 million by cashing out tens of millions of shares of Facebook stock early Friday when the price was above $38 a share . In spite of the troubles on the market, Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Chan went ahead with their honeymoon plans and are on holiday in Italy at present. The couple met while both students at Harvard University, which is when Mr Zuckerberg launched the program out of his dorm room. In the past eight years, the site has grown into a worldwide network of almost a billion people, was supposed to offer proof that social media is a viable business and more than a passing fad. Trouble ahead: Ms Sandberg and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg rings the Nasdaq's opening bell for the company's initial public offering . Facebook's initial public offering of stock priced at $38 and raised $16billion for Facebook and some of its early investors. It had valued the company at $104billion - more than Amazon.com Inc., at $98billion, at the time. The couple have travelled to the picturesque part of Southern Italy - a part of the country so beautiful it has been declared a World Heritage Site - from Rome, where they have spent the past few days sight-seeing. Yesterday the newlyweds were spotted brushing up on some Italian architecture as they toured the Sistine Chapel. A fellow tourist snapped the Facebook CEO as he wandered around the chapel in the Vatican with a priest and tour guide, occasionally placing an affectionate hand on his new bride's back. Zuckerberg and his wife listened intently to a guide explaining the marvels of the stunning 500-year-old paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. Eschewing glitzy restaurants and stiff luxury dining, the two opted for a meal at a Kosher restaurant called Nonna Betta in Rome's Jewish Ghetto where they enjoyed a simple Italian meal of fried pumpkin flowers and ravioli in an artichoke sauce. Their bill, which was immediately posted online, revealed that the two sipped tea and water, and paid just 32 euros for their feast - a mere drop in the ocean of Zuckerberg's fortune. But the stock's public debut was marred by technical glitches at the Nasdaq Stock Market that delayed trading. And the company, along with the investment banks that led the IPO, is the subject of at least two shareholder lawsuits. They . allege that analysts at the large underwriting investment banks cut . their second-quarter and full-year forecasts for Facebook just before . the IPO and told only a handful of clients. Amid a flurry of lawsuits over . Facebook's IPO, Morgan Stanley announced in a memo on Wednesday that it . is reviewing Facebook trades and would adjust prices for some retail . customers who overpaid. The IPO mishaps have sparked numerous . lawsuits against Morgan Stanley, the Nasdaq stock exchange and Facebook . itself by shareholders who claimed they hid the social networking . company's weakened growth forecasts just before it went public. The allegations raised questions about whether top investors profited at the expense of smaller buyers. The insider spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Facebook's much-anticipated IPO was delayed by a half-hour on Friday because of technical glitches on the Nasdaq. After pricing at $38, Facebook's stock initially closed up 23 cents on Friday and has been down since. In a sign of how feeling is changing . against Facebook, some commentators have begun comparing its activities . to the most reckless behaviour of Wall Street banks. They have also coined the word ‘Zucked’, which means to get shafted on the sale of Facebook shares. Glum horizon: Priscilla and Mark continued their Italian honeymoon and took a boat ride off the Amalfi coast after touring Rome earlier in the week . Setting sail: The couple have dated since their early college years and are now in it for the long haul . Alluding attention: The couple tried to keep the spotlight away from their wedding by surprising guests by saying they were attending a graduation party for Ms Chan after she finished medical school . These . major sell-offs comes as new allegations are emerging the the . over-hyped Facebook stock sale may have been rigged against small, . every-day buyers. Two . separates lawsuits have been filed against the company and the banks . that organized the IPO, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, alleging the . executives knew second-quarter revenue would not meet expectations as . Facebook's growth slows. With the latest drop, Facebook's value is about $80 billion.

Facebook insider warned privileged clients before the IPO that revenue would fall short of expectations and that shock price would drop .

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By . John Stevens, Political Reporter . An MP who was suspended from the Liberal Democrats over claims he sexually harassed a vulnerable constituent publicly apologised to her yesterday. Mike Hancock admitted he had ‘crossed the line’ and had an ‘inappropriate and unprofessional’ relationship with the woman after she asked him for help with noisy neighbours. But in an extraordinary development last night, it emerged he will not face an investigation by the parliamentary sleaze watchdog – meaning he could cling on as an independent MP until next year’s election. Portsmouth South MP, Mike Hancock leaves his home in Fareham, Hampshire admitted that his relationship with a vulnerable constituent had 'crossed a line' The 68-year-old, who represents Portsmouth South, had repeatedly denied the allegations by the single mother, known only as ‘Annie’ or ‘AH’, during her four-year fight to obtain an apology. But yesterday as part of a High Court settlement he apologised unreservedly for any distress. The case is a major embarrassment for Nick Clegg, who was accused of turning a blind eye to the claims, and follows a string of sex scandals to engulf the Lib Dems. In a statement read at the High Court yesterday, Mr Hancock said: ‘In October 2009 you first came to me as a constituent to seek my assistance as your MP and councillor. The former Lib Dem faces an internal party investigation into his behaviour . Subsequently and over several months I came to your home on several occasions, sometimes unannounced and conducted a friendship that was inappropriate and unprofessional. ‘I understand that you felt degraded. I did not treat you with sufficient respect. I made you feel deeply uncomfortable and discriminated against and I crossed the line. As a political representative, there is a significant power differential with any constituent seeking help and particularly with your vulnerability of which I was aware. ‘You had a right to trust me. Everyone should feel safe and should be able to have confidence in their political representatives and I am sorry I made you feel otherwise. I have learnt from my mistakes and pledge not to act in the same way again.’ He added: ‘I also recognise that hurtful and untrue statements were made publicly about your motivation in bringing the claim. These statements sought to discredit and undermine you. ‘This should never have happened. I accept that you did not bring the claim for financial gain and any statements to the contrary were wrong.’ The 39-year-old woman had attempted to complain about Mr Hancock’s behaviour through the police, the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, as well as the Liberal Democrat party and Portsmouth City Council, but her solicitor yesterday said she had been ‘blocked from achieving a remedy at each stage’. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had contemplated suicide over the ‘disgusting’ way she had been treated by the Liberal Democrats. Yesterday she said: ‘I am pleased that there has finally been a resolution to what has been a long and hurtful ordeal for me. Since the incidents about which I complained happened back in 2010, my physical and mental health have suffered and I am grateful that I may now have some closure to this traumatic episode in the lives of both myself and my son.’ The woman first met Mr Hancock in October 2009 at his constituency office in Southsea, after seeking help to deal with noisy neighbours. A year later, he was arrested after she complained to a carer about his alleged sexual advances. He was never charged after police found there was no case to answer. ■ In 2011, a Russian woman accused of being a spy admitted having a four-year affair with Hancock while she worked as his researcher. Ekaterina Zatuliveter (right) revealed the relationship in court in 2011 as she successfully fought deportation after it was claimed she  targeted the MP as part of a ‘honeytrap’ operation. During her time working with Hancock, she even moved into his London flat. ■ Earlier that year, Hancock admitted having a ‘close and affectionate relationship’ with a 17-year-old girl. The pair met at his office when she inquired about undertaking work experience. ‘It was a very affectionate relationship – it was strong but not sexual,’ he said. ‘There was contact between us – a kiss and cuddle but no more than that.’ ■ In 2010 it was claimed that Hancock had helped another Russian woman, 25-year-old Ekaterina Paderina, to stay in Britain after she ran into visa problems in the Nineties. Miss Paderina’s ex-husband said the MP went out of his way to help the blonde after she paid several visits to his office. ■ Hancock was also accused of having two affairs with colleagues during the Eighties and Nineties. The marriage of Liz McCann (right), a Lib Dem councillor and a mother of three, broke up as a result of their relationship. ‘I had heard about his reputation for women which goes before him in the party,’ she said. Hancock was also said to have had a six-year affair with Daphne Sparshatt, his constituency secretary. She told a newspaper: ‘He’s no great looker, he’s not God’s gift to women, but he charms his way in.’ ■ There have also been allegations that Hancock had a relationship with Daniela Aura Dobre, 20, whom he met during an aid trip to a village near Bucharest in October 1990. She claimed: ‘We were very close. I miss him very much. He’s a kind and charming man. He came on many trips, first in October 1990, then Christmas that year, then in January, March and April or May. I saw him each time.’ In March 2011, the woman complained about Mr Hancock to senior Lib Dem officials at the party’s Westminster headquarters, but no action was taken against him. In a letter to Mr Clegg’s office in February last year, she said Mr  Hancock had exposed himself to her, made numerous unwanted sexual advances and forcibly kissed her, but he was still not disciplined. Last night she told the Mail: ‘Nick Clegg has been negligent. He should have acted sooner and taken notice of a woman in my position.’ The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards can examine financial wrongdoing but cannot investigate claims an MP has abused their position in other ways. It means Mr Hancock could keep his seat until the next election. Portsmouth City Council did ask Nigel Pascoe QC to investigate the allegations. But his report was never published and the Lib Dem-controlled council voted to keep it under wraps. In his conclusions, Mr Pascoe wrote: ‘Making full allowances for the disclosed mental history of AH, I have no doubt that she has provided before me compelling prima facie evidence of serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour carried out towards her by Mr Hancock.’ Mr Hancock was suspended from the Lib Dems in January after the case became public. The party yesterday said a disciplinary investigation will now be re-started.

Former Lib Dem Mike Hancock admitted he had 'crossed the line' He visited her at home and conducted an 'inappropriate' friendship . Admitted: 'I made you feel deeply uncomfortable and discriminated against' Apology part of confidential settlement with woman known as 'Annie'

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Conrad Truman smiles in court on Monday before he was sentenced to life in prison for his wife's murder . A husband sentenced to life in prison for his wife's murder refused to apologize to her family in court on Monday as he insisted that he didn't kill her. Conrad Mark Truman, 32, was given 15 years to life in prison for the murder of 25-year-old Heidy Truman and up to 15 years for obstruction of justice, to run consecutively. He refused to apologize during the court hearing in Provo, Utah, claiming that he was not responsible and that his wife committed suicide. 'I did not kill my wife… I can't say sorry for something I did not do. 'I won't say sorry. It's not my fault that she shot herself,' Truman said, according to sltrib.com, during a rambling half-hour speech. The 32-year-old said he would never give up fighting his murder conviction as it was a 'big injustice', adding that the evidence was circumstantial. Mrs Truman's family were in court to watch her husband sentenced but the victim's mother, Janet Wagner, opted to leave the room while the killer made his statement. His attorney Ron Yengich said in court that his client plans to appeal. Heidy Truman was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head at the couple's Orem, Utah home on September 30, 2012. Truman had claimed that his wife either committed suicide or was gunned down by a stranger outside the home. During his trial, police officers testified that Truman's bizarre behavior following his wife's shooting raised suspicion. Heidy Truman, 25, was killed by a gunshot wound to the head at her Utah home in September 2012. Her husband was sentenced to life in prison for her murder on Monday . Defense attorney Ron Yengich comforts Conrad Truman during his sentencing where he was ordered to spend life in prison for his wife's murder . Truman had reported his wife's death during an emotional 911 call. 'There's so much blood. If they don't get here right now, she's gonna die,' he wailed in the call, which was played at his preliminary hearing in 2013. 'I don't know what happened. I really don't know what happened, I swear to God. She was in the shower, she came out of the shower and I heard a pop, and there's blood, and she's in blood. Later, he shouted on the call: 'If you don't get here quick, my wife's life is on your head. My wife.' After officers arrived, they found the home in disarray, blood spatter throughout and Mrs Truman naked in the bathroom with a single bullet wound to her head. An investigation found she had been shot at close-range. A police officer also testified during the trial last year that when officers responded to the home after the 911 call, they found Mr Truman kissing her feet and saying he was sorry . Officer Art Lopez told the court last October that Truman was threatening to kill the officers if they didn't save his wife. Officers added that Truman had allowed the couple's dogs to walk through evidence and he went to the bathroom without a police officer, the court heard. Prosecutors said that Truman killed his wife so he could collect her $878,000 life-insurance policy. Before the shooting, Truman and his wife of three years had been watching TV show Dexter and drinking whiskey. Truman's defense team argued that the reason he gave confused accounts of what had happened was because he was drunk and had just found his wife shot dead. However after giving conflicting accounts, officers later tried to question Truman - but he failed to return their phone calls and refused to speak to them at his workplace. Following an investigation into the death, he was eventually arrested during a traffic stop in July 2013, nearly a year after his wife died. Mrs Truman was found with a gunshot wound at close range at the couple's home in Orem, Utah in September 2012 after the couple had been drinking and watching TV .

Conrad Mark Truman, 32, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Heidy Truman, 25, in Provo, Utah on Monday . Truman told the court: 'I did not kill my wife, I can't say sorry for something I did not do... It's not my fault that she shot herself' The victim's mother left the courtroom has he rambled for 30 minutes . Truman's lawyer said that he will appeal the sentence . Mrs Truman was found in the shower at her home in Orem, Utah in September 2012 with a close-range gunshot wound to the head .

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With gruesome beheadings, mosques being blown up and bloodied corpses strewn across the dusty ground, it has all the hallmarks of the latest Islamic State recruitment video. But this shocking footage has been compiled by the U.S. State Department in a propaganda drive of its own to discourage would-be jihadists from joining the terror group. Its emergence comes as President Barack Obama prepares for a critical speech on Wednesday in which he intends to begin laying out his strategy for defeating the Muslim extremists. The video, which has been viewed more . than 500,000 times, was posted on YouTube with the title Welcome to the . 'Islamic State' land in a campaign called 'Think Again, Turn Away'. Scroll down for video . Social media warfare: The U.S. State Department has posted a chilling video online showing executions (above) and suicide bombings in a drive to discourage would-be jihadists from joining the Islamic State . Gruesome: The video compiles shocking images used in the Islamic State's own propaganda footage in recent weeks, including this one of prisoners being killed and crucified . Hard-hitting: The video, which has been viewed more than 500,000 times, was posted on YouTube as part of a campaign called 'Think Again, Turn Away' to dissuade U.S. citizens who may be thinking about joining ISIS . It starts with the phrase: 'Run. Do not walk to ISIS land' before showing a body being thrown off a cliff. Then, using macabre clips posted by IS in its own videos, it proceeds to show executions, crucifixions and suicide bombings - skills it says sympathizers can learn if they join the group. Many of the images are far too graphic to show. It ends with the sarcastic sign off: 'Travel is inexpensive because you won't need a return ticket!' followed by more images of blood-covered bodies slumped on the ground. Shocking: The video also contains security footage of a suicide bomber (top left) blowing up a mosque . The campaign, directed at Muslims in the United States, aims to counter the Islamic State's powerful social media machine which has been used to recruit fighters from across the world . Mocking tone: The video lists so-called 'useful skills' like blowing up mosques which ISIS sympathisers can learn if they join the group . The campaign, directed at Muslims in the United States, aims to counter the Islamic State's powerful social media machine which has been used to recruit fighters from across the world with messages and videos on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Alberto Fernandez, co-ordinator of the State Department's Center for Strategic Counter-terrorism Communications, which runs the program, has called it ‘participating in the marketplace of ideas', according to CNN. The State Department has also set up a series of anti-ISIS accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr as part of a larger social media campaign against the group’s extremism. 'Our mission is to expose the facts about terrorists and their propaganda', the State Department said on the campaign's Facebook page. As . concerns grow over the allure of ISIS to some young men, it’s hoped that . the video will steer them away from travelling overseas. At present, more than 100 U.S. citizens have travelled overseas to join the jihadist group. The video ends with the sarcastic sign off: 'Travel is inexpensive because you won't need a return ticket!' In an escalation of the offensive against IS, President Obama is expected to lay his strategy when he meets with congressional leaders from both parties at the White House tomorrow. He will then deliver a speech on Wednesday on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. Lawmakers said in advance that they would like the president to give specifics. The president should target command and control centers and oil refineries controlled by insurgents within Syria, suggested Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who sits on both the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees. Rubio, claiming that Obama has committed 'presidential malpractice in his foreign policy,' said he is eager to hear directly what Obama 'should have said months, weeks ago.' 'First, clearly explain to the American people what our national security interests are in the region' and spell out the risk that Islamic State militants pose 'for us, short-term and long-term, and why they matter,' Rubio told CBS' 'Face the Nation.' 'Clearly, he's put together a coalition of the willing - we have heard that before - to tackle this problem,' said House Intelligence Republican Committee Chairman Mike Rogers told CNN. 'That's good.' Sickening: The US State Department video is intended to shock would-be jihadists from wanting to join IS . The State Department has also set up a series of anti-ISIS accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr as part of a larger social media campaign against the group's extremism . Speaking Monday on MSNBC, Rogers said, 'I think in Congress we need to expose all members to the level of threat that those of us on the national security committees see every day.' He said Washington political leaders should not give the Islamic militants the 'time and space' to grow into a more formidable force, which he said happened with the al-Qaida terrorist network. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat who heads the Senate Intelligence Committee, said on the same CNN program that Obama needs to spell out both the diplomatic and military components of his strategy. 'Time's a-wasting, because we have now said that we're going to go on the offensive. And it's time for America to project power and strength,' Feinstein said. Obama sparked criticism, most of it from Republicans, for his remark last week that 'we don't have a strategy yet' for confronting Islamic extremists gaining both land and followers in the Middle East. His upcoming sessions with lawmakers and the speech to the nation are clearly an attempt to try to show he now has an evolving strategy in place. Summit: . US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (left) with President Barack Obama and . UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the NATO summit in Wales last week . 'The next phase is now to start going on some offense,' Obama said in an interview with NBC's 'Meet the Press.' 'But . this is not going to be an announcement about U.S. ground troops,' he . added in the session taped Saturday and broadcast Sunday. The operations will be 'similar to the kinds of counterterrorism campaigns' the U.S. has waged in the past, Obama said. 'In Syria, the boots on the ground have to be Syrian.' At the recent NATO summit in Wales, the U.S. and nine allies agreed to take on the militants because of the threat they pose to member countries. In addition to laying claim to territory, the militants have targeted religious and ethnic minority groups and threatened U.S. personnel and interests in the region. At Obama's direction, the U.S. military has conducted more than 130 airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq in the past month. In retaliation, the group recently beheaded two American journalists it had been holding hostage in Syria, where the organisation also operates. But the president has repeated his opposition to sending in U.S. ground troops to engage in direct combat with the militants, who have laid claim to large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria. Lawmakers have pressed Obama, so far unsuccessfully, to expand the airstrikes further.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT . U.S. officials post video on YouTube in bid to discourage would-be jihadists . Launched as part of social media campaign called 'Think Again, Turn Away' Shows clips of suicide bombers, executions and bodies thrown off cliffs . Message says: 'Travel is inexpensive because you won't need return ticket!' Comes as Obama plans to outline anti-IS strategy in speech on Wednesday .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:00 EST, 30 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:06 EST, 1 October 2013 . Nicholas Long stole £450 from Sainsbury's by scanning in his groceries as loose onions at the self-service checkout . As a fraudster with 20 super- market scams under his belt, Nicholas Long should have known his onions. But onions were precisely where the former international hockey player came unstuck. Long, 25, stole from Sainsbury’s 20 times in three months by fooling the self-service scanner into thinking more expensive items were onions. The debt-ridden City recruitment consultant was caught by a security guard who spotted that every item of his grocery shopping was being scanned as  loose onions. Long managed to save £450 using the ruse, which his own lawyer admitted to a court was ‘stupid’. He would take an item such as an avocado, which costs more by weight than loose onions, then place it on the scales of the scanner and declare it as the cheaper vegetable. The former under-19 hockey international dreamed up the scheme when he feared losing his job and his then-girlfriend became pregnant, the Old Bailey heard. He was also saddled with a £10,000 loan he had taken out on his father’s behalf. But his father’s firm failed soon after, leaving Long with the debt. Long was caught trying to get away cheaply with a £22 shop on August 7. He confessed to having repeatedly conned the same Central London store, which didn’t even sell loose onions, but had them on their standardised scanners. ‘It is a straightforward allegation that he went to Sainsbury’s and was seen scanning various items in at the self-service checkout’, said prosecutor Denise Murrin. Long used the scam 20 times in three months but was eventually caught by a security guard (file picture) ‘All items were being scanned as . loose onions, but the store does not sell loose onions. It was an . inexpensive way of doing his shopping.’ Long had previous convictions . for shoplifting, having taken a coat from John Lewis in 2010 and . attempted to pass off a bottle of champagne as bleach using the same . scam in 2011. He also stole a mobile phone from a handbag at a party in 2012. Angus Mathieson, defending, said Long . was driven by mounting debts and the fear of losing his job.  ‘It was a . stupid thing he has  done’, he said. ‘He was not getting a stupid . amount, not substituting champagne or anything like that, but just . getting an avocado and claiming it was an onion. ‘He had a good job at the time, but . committed an offence as he felt his job was under threat and he was . imminently likely to be made redundant. His girlfriend had become . pregnant and he was worried about money, because he had debts. ‘Part of the debts had arisen because . he had taken a bank loan out for his father, who needed money to help . his business along. He took out a £10,000 loan, but his father’s . business failed and he was saddled with the debt.’ Mr Mathieson said Long was not a . ‘manipulating and calculating thief’, and said he used his hockey . experience by voluntarily training young players at weekends. Long was given 180 hours community service after admitting fraud by false representation at the Old Bailey . But Judge Paul Worsley QC said Long . was a ‘persistent thief’ and warned him he was on the edge of a prison . sentence. He added: ‘Stealing from a supermarket is always serious. It . pushes up the cost of goods for honest members of the public who have to . pay to cover the cost of those goods lost through dishonesty. ‘You are an otherwise respectable . young man who achieved international honours in hockey, so it is sad to . see you before the courts.  But if you persist in taking other people’s . property, you will go to prison.’ Long, of Chatham, Kent, admitted a . single count of fraud by false representation. He was given 180 hours’ community service and ordered to pay £250 costs.

Debt-ridden Nicholas Long, 25, used the scam 20 times in three months . Was caught when a security guard noticed he scanned all items as onions . Given 180 hours community service at Old Bailey and ordered to pay £250 .

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By . Jill Reilly . A drunken university student stabbed three people to death and injured more than two dozen others on a packed train in Taiwan. The seemingly random attack occurred at about 4 p.m. yesterday at the start of rush hour aboard a train on Taipei's Banqiao line. Taipei Police Chief Chen Kou-en identified the attacker as a . 21-year-old second-year student at Tunghai University in the central . city of Taichung. A drunken university student wielding a knife attacked riders aboard a subway train in Taiwan's capital on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring nearly two dozen others . The seemingly random attack occurred at about 4 p.m. at the start of rush hour aboard a train on Taipei's Banqiao line, which leads to the city's southwestern suburbs . Photos showed the floor of one of the train's cars and the adjacent station platform splattered with blood and strewn with backpacks, umbrellas and other items . Those killed were a 47-year-old woman and two men, one in his 20s and the other in his 30s, police said. Chen . said the man told police he had wanted to do something 'shocking and . big' and had plotted to carry out the attack from childhood. Chen said . no other motive was presently known. Police . said the man used a 10 centimetre-long (3 inch-long) knife in the . attack, and that he was also carrying a second blade three times as . long. Photos . showed the floor of one of the train's cars and the adjacent station . platform splattered with blood and strewn with backpacks, umbrellas and . other items. The government's Central News Agency and other media outlets described panicked passengers rushing from the train when it arrived at the Jiangzicui station, shouting for those waiting on the platform to flee . The . government's Central News Agency and other media outlets described . panicked passengers rushing from the train when it arrived at the . Jiangzicui station, shouting for those waiting on the platform to flee. They said security guards quickly called for police, who apprehended the man and took him into custody. They said the man smelt strongly of alcohol. Street crime is extremely rare in Taipei, one of Asia's safest cities, and violent incidents are practically unheard of in the city's extensive and well managed subway system.

Police identified the attacker as a 21-year-old second-year student . 47-year-old woman and two men in 20s and 30s were killed . The seemingly random attack occurred at about 4 p.m. in Taipei . Police stopped the man who smelt of alcohol and took him into custody .

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By . Daniel Mills for Daily Mail Australia . Photography was the furthest thing from Holly Spring's mind when daughter Violet was struck down with a debilitating bowel condition that almost cost her her life. Born with just one hand, her right, the new born 'went blue in the face' following surgical complications to correct a bowel condition known as Hirschprung's disease. Clinging to life in an Auckland Hospital, it was at that this point her New Zealand mother realised just how incredibly important her daughter's fragile life was to her, so she began documenting it using digital photography. Holly Spring wanted to show that her daughter could live a normal childhood through her work . Using a beach backdrop, a photo of a giraffe at a zoo and a photo of her daughter Holly Spring created this digital image . Violet Spring, at just four, has had to endure a difficult upbringing due to her poor health . 'Ive always been an artist, I'm in a rock band, but digital photography didn't come until after that close call,' the 38-year-old award winning photographer said. Mrs Spring, whose daughter still lives with the debilitating condition despite surgery to remove a third of her bowel, does not know when Violet could relapse again and takes every day in her stride. 'At any time she might need more surgery or she could get a blockage...you just never know.' Combined with an inability to use her left arm, Mrs Spring wanted to show through her work that the person she describes as her 'muse' and her 'heart’ was capable of living a normal, everyday childhood. She said Violet was the reason she decided to dedicate a life to her new career, which she is now an award winner after claiming the 2014 New Zealand Portrait Creative Photographer of the Year. 'I realised I would have had no decent quality memories of her after that (possible death). 'So my husband bought me a camera, a  DSLR, and from that point on I started shooting her growing, and going from strength to strength.' Many of Holly Spring's images show her daughter's left arm with the focal point centred on her right hand . 'growing from strength to strength:' Holly has been teaching her daughter to utilise her disability for good . Holly and Violet 'role play' certain scenes to capture the best image that brings out the four-year-old's exuberant personality . Holly was awarded the NZ Portrait Creative Photographer of the Year for 10 images she submitted of her daughter . Experimenting with different digital layers, colours and other new found skills she began role playing different scenarios with her four-year-old. 'I get her to look at things around her, the wondrous things that she sees and how she interacts with them.' One of her favourite images - a shot of her daughter looking up at a Giraffe - was part of a compilation of 10 images that earned her her national photography award. Using three individual photographs, Mrs Spring layered each of the images on top of another to create the stunning affect of her daughter playing with the long-necked animal. On holiday, she shot an image of a stunning beach landscape, one of her daughter playing in the street and another of a giraffe at a zoo. She said the most important subject matter in each of her images is her daughter. To view more of her work, visit www.facebook.com/HSpringPhotography.

Holly Spring took to photography to document memories of her daughter . Violet, 4, was born without a left hand and a severe bowel disorder . Her mother cares for her full-time and photographs her when she can . Mrs Spring said her images show Violet is capable of living a normal life .

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Bad tenant: Leesa Wenman set fire to her council flat after two weeks because she 'didn't like the neighbours' A woman faces jail after she set alight her council flat a fortnight after moving in because she 'did not like the neighbours'. Leesa Wenman, 32, has been found guilty of arson after she started two fires in the bedroom of her home in Harlow causing £13,000 of damage. The local council moved her to the flat in the Essex town in late July last year but within two weeks she was having rows with neighbours. Chelmsford Crown Court heard how the 32-year-old was arrested on August 6 after her flat was torched. The court heard how neighbours called 999 when they spotted plumes of smoke coming out of Wenman's flat window. It took firefighters 30 minutes to control the blaze, which caused £13,000-worth of damage. Carolyn Gardiner, prosecuting, told the court that Wenman was 'not happy' with her new home. The court heard she started the fire shortly after she asked to borrow a cigarette lighter from a neighbour and then climbed out of a window and went to a friend's house. She told the court: 'Neighbours smelled smoke, it smelled like plastic was burning. They realised Wenman's flat was on fire. 'This defendant had motive - she had fallen out with her neighbours.' The fire service then had to break in to the flat and put out the blaze. Neighbour Kerry Roche told the court that Wenman had told her she hated living in the new house 'within a week' of moving in, saying she told her she 'did not get on with the neighbours'. Dangerous: Smoke pours from the windows of the block of flats that Wenman set fire to last year. She denied arson but was found guilty . The jury heard how two fires were started in the bedroom, with investigators finding burn marks on the floorboards and skirting board. Wenman was found guilty of reckless last Friday and faces sentencing on August 11.

Leesa Wenman, 32, started two fires in her bedroom in Harlow, Essex . Tenant was 'not happy' with flat and fell out with neighbours within fortnight . Borrowed a cigarette lighter, started the blaze, then climbed out of window . Firefighters broke in and put out the fire, which caused £13,000 of damage . Wenman found guilty of arson and could now face jail for her crime .

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Newly-obtained police reports have shown that Whitney Houston's daughter was involved in a traffic accident that injured two people days before she was hospitalized. Police in Roswell, Georgia, say Bobbi Kristina Brown was driving a Jeep Liberty on January 27 when she lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle. A passenger in the Jeep and the other car's driver were taken to the hospital. Four days later, on January 31, Brown was found unresponsive in her bathtub, and her family said she's been 'fighting for her life' since. Lost control of car: Bobbi Kristina Brown was driving a Jeep Liberty on January 27 when she lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle. She was found unresponsive on January 31. The 21-year-old is seen here in an undated selfie . Support: On Thursday, Bobbi Kristina's grandmother Cissy Houston was seen at Emory University Hospital, where the 21-year-old woman remains in a coma . By her side: Cissy Houston walks out of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday . Visiting: Bobbi Kristina's father Bobby Brown visits his daughter on Thursday . Records also show that Brown's partner, Nick Gordon, called police in July 2013 saying she had fallen and was unresponsive. The officer wrote at the time that she was disoriented and went to the hospital. The news of the car crash and the domestic call come after Bobbi Kristina's aunt said she believes Nick Gordon will '110 per cent' be charged with a crime related to Bobbi Kristina's injuries. Leolah Brown, Bobby Brown's sister, said she thinks Brown was involved with Bobbi Kristina being found face-down in a bathtub at the couple's townhouse over a week ago. No one has been charged in the incident or named as a suspect, and Gordon has not responded to the family's accusations. Bobbi Kristina has been on a ventilator in hospital since she was found, but Leolah Brown insisted she is 'doing good' and has even opened her eyes. Speaking out: Speaking to Fox News, Leolah Brown, Bobbi Kristina's aunt, has said she believes the young woman's boyfriend, Nick Gordon, should be charged in relation to her injuries . 'Fighting for life': Bobbi Kristina, who has been in a medically-induced coma for the last 12 days, was involved in a car crash just four days before she was rushed to hospital unresponsive . 'I saw this coming,' she told Fox 5 Atlanta. 'I told her not to trust anyone.' Gordon was taken in by Houston as a child and brought up as Bobbi Kristina's brother - but after Houston's death, they started a romantic relationship and last year, they claimed they had married. In the Fox interview, Leolah said she does not think Gordon has been a good influence on her niece. 'I have my reasons,' she said, without going into further detail. 'There are a lot of family reasons that have that same reason.' She went on: 'I believe Nick Gordon will be charged with this... I hope that he will be charged with this as well. Soon. I really do.' She added that she had lived with Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown and had helped them look after Bobbi Kristina, but never saw Gordon around the house. 'Signs of improvement': She said that Bobbi Kristina, pictured with Gordon, has opened her eyes and appears to be improving. Gordon has not responded to the family's accusations about his part in the incident . Scene: Gordon and a friend discovered Bobbi Kristina in the bathtub at their home in the neighborhood of Roswell, Georgia, pictured, on January 31. She has been in a medically-induced coma ever since . She also reiterated her brother's statement that the young couple are not married, despite their claims on social media last year, and hinted that they had been through some trouble. 'This is the man Krissi loved but she was a young girl,' she said. 'We stay.' Leolah also dismissed the idea that Bobbi Kristina would have hurt herself. 'Krissi would never do anything to herself,' she said. 'She loved life too much. She had too much going on. She had too much ahead of her.' As for her niece's current condition, she rubbished reports that Bobbi Kristina was brain dead. 'It's been very, very painful for everybody. Mainly Bobby, because that's his baby,' she said of her brother, Bobby Brown. But she added that they remain hopeful, especially because she has given them 'signs' that she'll recover, such as opening her eyes, she said. There is also no truth to the idea that Bobbi Kristina would be removed from life support today - the same day her mother died three years ago - she said. 'No,' she said, adding: 'Bobby's calling the shots.' The family has been at Bobbi Kristina's bedside in Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where she remains in a medically-induced coma after being found submerged in bathwater. On the scene: Max Lomas, seen in an old mug shot, was the one who found Bobbi Kristina in the bath . No one has been charged or named as a suspect in the January incident. Gordon has not commented publicly about his girlfriend's condition and has not responded to the family's accusations. Earlier this week, RadarOnline reported that bruises were found on Bobbi Kristina's body. Gordon told a friend that he caused them while performing CPR. It has also emerged that one of their neighbors reported a domestic dispute at her address the week before she was found, according to a 911 call made by her security guard on January 23. The caller told a 911 dispatcher that one of the neighbors had reported a fight at the address. They said they saw people 'hitting each other and swinging' outside the three bedroom townhouse. He did not give descriptions of how many people were fighting or who they were . The ongoing investigation and limited details being provided in Miss Brown's case have fueled speculation about her condition and the circumstances that led to her hospitalization. 'We continue to request privacy in this matter,' Bobby Brown said in a statement released through his lawyer, Christopher Brown. 'We thank everyone that supported the vigil for Bobbi Kristina. God is hearing our prayers.'

Car crash in Roswell, Georgia, was on January 27, new police reports show . Bobbi Kristina lost control of her Jeep and hit another car, police say . Her passenger and the other car's driver were hospitalized . She was found unresponsive and face-down in her bathtub on January 31 . Family have dismissed reports 21-year-old would have hurt herself . They say 'Krissi' is doing good and is opening her eyes . Bobby Brown's sister Leolah said in an interview Wednesday she believes Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend Nick Gordon will be charged in the incident .

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By . Rob Waugh . Updated: . 11:52 EST, 1 March 2012 . It is a make-or-break moment for Microsoft that will either propel it back to the forefront of personal computing or see it lag further behind its arch rival Apple. The world's largest software company gave reviewers and the public their first taste of its revolutionary new operating system Windows 8 yesterday. And, no doubt to chairman Bill Gates' enormous relief, the most radical reinvention of Windows since its 1985 launch has been met with glowing reviews. One impressed tech writer gushed: 'This is . the future of computing.' Scroll down for video . Windows 8 features blocks or 'tiles' that can be moved around the screen or tapped to go straight into an application. The tiles update in real time, so you can see if you have emails, voice messages or Facebook notifications at a glance . Windows' new lock screen, showing numbers of emails and messages: A free trial of the operating system will be available today after an official launch event. There is no official release date yet for the new tablet-friendly operating system . Windows 8 will run on tablets as well . as desktops and laptops - and is a sea-change for Windows that is seen . as a make-or-break opportunity for Microsoft. Tablets and cloud computing have made . Mr Gates' vision of ‘a computer on every desk and in every home’ seem . quaint - Windows 8 aims to adapt the iconic operating system for life in . the mobile world of tablets. Windows 8 will come in two variations . - one that works on desktops and laptops, and a new version for the ARM . microprocessors in tablets, smartphones and other portable devices. There is no set release date, but . it's widely expected to be available in autumn - offering Microsoft . Office free on tablets, which could be a 'killer app' that puts Windows 8 . machines ahead of Apple devices. In both versions, Windows 8 features a . completely new interface, borrowed from what Microsoft calls the . ‘Metro’ style of the current Windows Phone software. The free trial version is available to download here. As with other 'beta' tests, the software will cease to be available when the test period ends, and people will have to pay for the new Windows. Early reactions have been highly positive. Boy Genius Report said, ''We are now entering the post-post-PC . era, and its focus is the PC. A new, smarter, more versatile PC. This is . the future of computing.' Touchscreen compatible - the new operating system will work with tablets and portable devices. There will also be a version for PCs. Fewer windows - instead of 'stacks' of windows, as in previous versions, the OS is built around clean 'tiles' that deliver information to the home screen. Free versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint - Windows 8 will offer Office free to tablet users. Business-friendly tablets - Windows 8 will work smoothly with Microsoft Exchange email systems, so could be highly popular with business. Apps shared with phones - apps in Windows 8 will be built to work smoothly with phones (such as Nokia's) running Microsoft's Windows Phone OS. Easier passwords - users will be able to unlock PCs with a PIN, or by circling details in a picture. No Start button - instead, users will access a menu from a 'hot corner' in the bottom left of the screen. The version on test is a 'consumer preview' so will be tweaked and polished before release, so reviewers were cautious about making judgements. Wired said, 'Your desktop is dead. The next few years of computing are going to be very interesting to watch unfold. But one thing's for sure: Microsoft is at least one step ahead of Apple in putting the desktop interface to rest.' Tech site Mashable was impressed, but overwhelmed by the sheer number of ways to control the new software, 'In the end, Microsoft isn’t just asking you to get used to a different interface for Windows. It’s asking you to get used to multiple  within the same OS. I’m not sure how many people have the patience for that. Still, Metro is gorgeous enough to keep me looking forward to Windows 8′s final act.' Boy Genius Report was more effusive, 'We are now entering the post-post-PC era, and its focus is the PC. A new, smarter, more versatile PC. This is the future of computing. 'That is not to say Windows 8 is an 'iPad killer' or that media tablets are going away.While their functionality may overlap in a number of areas, light-duty tablets and full-fledged PCs will continue to coexist for some time.' It features blocks or 'tiles' that can be moved around the screen or tapped to go straight into an application. The tiles update in real time, so you can see if you have emails, voice messages or Facebook notifications at a glance. If PC and laptop users do not like the new format, they can revert to the old style with a click of the mouse. The Windows 8 release has to be good, and soon, say industry experts. More . than 90 per cent of the world's PCs still run Windows, but while . Microsoft remains profitable thanks to divisions such as Xbox, sales of . Windows have slowed. Rival . Apple, with its command of the tablet market, has gained. Microsoft's . market capitalisation is now $267 billion, less than half Apple's $535 . billion. ‘Now that the tablet market is being . defined by the iPad and the (Amazon) Kindle, if they come out with a . buggy first version, they won't get a second chance,’ said Michael . Cherry, a former Microsoft engineer who now works at independent . research firm Directions on Microsoft. ‘They can't afford to disappoint . customers.’ The new Windows 8 Consumer Preview is displayed during a presentation at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain . President of Windows and Windows Live Division Steven Sinofsky demonstrates new features of Windows 8 in Barcelona . Microsoft . has not put a timetable on the final release, but Windows unit head . Steven Sinofsky has said new versions of Windows should be no more than . three years apart, which would put a Windows 8 debut around October . 2012. Everybody will be able to download a . test version of Windows 8 that will run on PCs and laptops based on . Intel chips. But they won't get to try out Windows 8 on an ARM tablet . until later this year. A Windows tablet that works . seamlessly with Microsoft's Exchange email system and Office . applications would be a godsend for corporate technology managers, who . have been bending over backward to put their CEO's iPads - ‘executive . jewelry,’ as one analyst puts it - onto their company's email and . security systems. Microsoft's killer punch is Office. After months of silence, Sinofsky . confirmed earlier this month that the world's most popular suite of work . applications, including the newest versions of Word, Excel and . PowerPoint, will come installed on tablets running the ARM version of . Windows. Microsoft will launch an online 'Windows Store' selling apps, in a similar vein to Apple's App Store . The 'tile' interface, where a set of panels bring up 'live' information - showing, for instance, whether there are emails to read, or bring up Facebook posts - is similar to the one found in Windows Phone, and apps will work smoothly across the two . Microsoft executives in Barcelona showed off how users can use their fingertips to swipe in and out of applications, and tilt upright computer screens to a flat position so they can be used as two-person gaming boards or big drawing tablets. A slim laptop had a hinge allowing it to be turned inside out so it could be used as a tablet instead. 'It's beautiful, it's modern, it's fast, it's fluid, said Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division. 'Windows 8 is a generational change in the windows operating system.' Microsoft is also opening an Internet 'Windows Store' where users can download applications for the operating system. Applications are free for those testing out the beta version, but would include both free and paid versions after the operating system is released. The test version was downloaded by people from more than 70 countries as Microsoft gave its presentation about Windows 8, but the company didn't immediately disclose the number of downloads.

Touchscreen operating system available free to test . Will work on tablets as well as PCs . Tablet users will enjoy Microsoft Office for free . 'Make-or-break' opportunity for ageing tech company . Demo is downloaded by users in 70 countries . 'Your desktop is dead' - Wired magazine .

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By . Travelmail Reporter . They are the little darlings who look awfully cute in a photo, or when curled up asleep in a cot – but a lot less appealing at 30,000ft, crying loudly in the seat right next to you. And according to a new survey, almost . seven in ten Britons dislike flying with babies so much that they would . like to see child-free areas introduced on planes. Oh lord, please not next to me: Almost seven in ten Britons would like to see child-free zones on aircraft . Almost one in four British travellers – 39 per cent – believes that no-kid-zones should be installed as compulsory compartments on long-haul flights where people want to sleep. And nearly a third – 30 per cent – would go further and bring in such silent spaces on all flights, long- and short-haul, to ensure stress-free travels for non-parenting passengers. The survey was conducted by bookings website LateDeals.co.uk, with 1,108 UK consumers questioned as to what they hate most about air travel. And our dislike of noisy children and babies on planes runs deep, it seems. More than a third of us – 35 per cent – would pay extra to travel on a childless service. Long-haul passengers would be prepared to cough up an additional £63 to the cost of a return ticket if it meant adults only on board. And on short-haul flights, an extra £28 on the price of a return fare would be deemed good value if it guaranteed an absence of toddlers having tantrums in the middle of the economy-class aisle. Imperfect passengers: Babies on planes are the pet peeve of 43 per cent of British travellers - although passengers who invade your personal space on board are barely more popular, criticised by 31 per cent of us . However, screaming infants are not the only source of frustration for British travellers. In fact, according to the research, a . bawling baby ranks as only the fourth most irritating category of . nightmare airline passenger. 1. Drunk and rowdy travellers: 58%2. People with bad hygiene: 48%3. Seat-kicking passengers: 47%4. Crying babies: 43%5. Lack of legroom: 41%6. Overweight passengers/passengers who invade personal space: 31%7. People who hog the arm-rest: 14%8. Poor quality food: 12%9. Snoring passengers: 10%10. Rude cabin crew: 9%11. Unallocated seating: 8%12. Not enough refreshments: 7%13. Running out of meal options: 7%14. Cabin temperature: 5% . Survey conducted by LateDeals.co.uk. 1,108 British consumers were questioned, and asked to pick three options from the list as pet peeves . Asked ‘Which of the following are the most annoying on a long flight?’, well over half of respondents – 58 per cent – selected ‘drunk and rowdy travellers’ as their pet peeve. People with ‘bad personal hygiene’ and travellers who kick the back of the seat in front were also near the top of the list, causing anger to 48 and 47 per cent of us respectively. Overweight flyers who invade other people’s space were the fifth most disliked passenger, flagged as a cause of exasperation by 31 per cent of respondees. Crying babies came in at fourth on the list, a bête noire for 43 per cent of those surveyed. ‘If you run into a screaming baby – or a noisy, hyperactive toddler and its exasperated parents – on a train, you can just move carriages,’ says Kay Dixon of LateDeals.co.uk. ‘The same does not apply to a flight. ‘If you are sitting next to a family with kids that can’t settle down, there is nowhere to go. ‘While most people are sympathetic towards parents with young children, many people simply don’t want so sit next to them – which is why the majority would like to see child-free zones on planes, and more than a third even want child-free planes.’ Other causes of aggravation revealed in the survey included people who hog the armrest between seats (nominated by 14 per cent of those questioned), people who snore (10 per cent) and rude cabin crew (nine per cent).

The majority of British travellers wish to see child-free areas on aircraft . More than a third of us would pay extra to be on a flight without children . Drunk passengers and seat-kickers also feature on our flight hate lists .

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(CNN) -- Hopes soared recently when the Nigerian government said it had reached a deal with the terrorist group Boko Haram to free more than 200 girls and young women still missing after a mass abduction in April. But with each passing day, it looks less and less likely that the girls will be freed. In fact, Boko Haram has kidnapped numerous other young people in at least two incidents that have happened since the Nigerian government reported a deal. Boko Haram kidnaps 30 in northeast Nigeria . What's going on? Who and what is Boko Haram? The name "Boko Haram" translates to "Western education is sin" in the local Hausa language. The group has said its aim is to impose a stricter enforcement of Sharia law across Nigeria, which is split between a majority Muslim north and a mostly Christian south. The group was founded 12 years ago by charismatic cleric Mohammed Yusuf. Police killed him in 2009 in an incident captured on video and posted to the Internet. Boko Haram is now led by Abubakar Shekau. In recent years, its attacks have intensified in an apparent show of defiance amid the nation's military onslaught. Its ambitions appear to have expanded to the destruction of the Nigerian government. The militant group has bombed schools, churches and mosques; kidnapped women and children; and assassinated politicians and religious leaders alike. What was agreed upon in the ceasefire deal? Nigerian officials said on October 16 that President Goodluck Jonathan's government had reached a ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram after a month of negotiations. But officials provided few details about the release. Doyin Okupe, a government spokesman, did not specify when the girls would be freed. He said not all would be let go at once, but a "significant number" would be released soon. The Nigerian government had also consented to some demands by Boko Haram, but Okupe declined to provide details. Boko Haram has remained silent on the deal the government said it signed with the group in neighboring Chad last week. Nigerian officials have emphasized there is no set time line for release of the girls, which likely would happen on a piecemeal basis instead of all at once. So is there actually a deal? David Cook, who studies jihad, wrote on October 18 that he had doubts about a deal going through. "It remains to be seen whether this truce will actually materialize, whether it is merely an election ploy for Nigeria's embattled President, Goodluck Jonathan, and most crucially whether it will bring about the release of numerous captives taken by Boko Haram during the past year," he wrote in an analysis for CNN. "While Boko Haram has suffered some reverses during the recent past, there is no indication that the group has suffered any mortal damage. The most plausible interpretation of the truce is that it is a bought one (probably in tandem with the Cameroonian release of captives), and that Boko Haram is merely using it (assuming that it holds to the truce at all) as a respite in order to regroup." In an article written for CNN the day after Nigeria announced the ceasefire, Brookings' Richard Joseph wrote: "This is a case when we will actually need to see the girls emerging from their six-month confinement before we can truly believe." What has Boko Haram done since Nigeria announced the truce? Boko Haram gunmen kidnapped at least 30 boys and girls from a village in northeast Nigeria during the weekend. Last week Boko Haram militia kidnapped 60 women and girls in two Christian villages in neighboring Adamawa state, according to residents and community leaders. The heavily armed fighters left 1,500 naira, or about $9, and kola nuts as a bride price for each of the women abducted Saturday, suggesting that they would be taken as sex slaves, residents told CNN. Then on Friday and Saturday, heavily armed Boko Haram gunmen invaded the town of Mafa in Borno state and seized 30 boys and girls, local leaders said. "They took them away to their base in the bush, and we believe they are going to use them as foot soldiers," Mafa local government chairman Shettima Maina said. Mallam Ashiekh Mustapha, the local chief of Mafa who confirmed the abductions, said the kidnappers also stole 300 cows from the farming community in the raid. The Nigerian government has said Boko Haram has denied involvement in the kidnappings, but the group has issued no public statement on the issue. Are Boko Haram and Nigeria's government really interested in peace? Richard Joseph argues that "the campaign for the Nigerian presidency has effectively merged with the campaign to defeat Boko Haram." "If the government is successful in brokering a lasting ceasefire with Boko Haram and bringing home these girls, Goodluck Jonathan would undoubtedly get a significant boost in his reelection efforts." In July last year, Professor of African History and Peace Studies at the University of Ibadan Isaac Olawale Albert wrote an opinion piece for CNN in which he argued that Boko Haram had no reason to pursue peace. "Leader Abubakar Shekau and some of the group's other senior members have nothing to gain from any permanent peace -- especially as the international community has already cast them in the mold of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. As they await eventual capture, they will not mind causing more trouble," Albert said. Director of the Royal African Society Richard Dowden noted in May that President Jonathan had not commented on the schoolgirls' abduction for two weeks after the incident. The reason, Dowden argued, was that the problems of the northeast region did not matter to his government as there was no incentive to develop the region. "It produces nothing and will not vote for President Jonathan," he wrote. Why did Boko Haram abduct the girls? Shehu Sani, a human rights activist in northern Nigeria who has previously been involved in mediating with Boko Haram, told CNN in May that the mass April abduction and other recent attacks were messages to the Nigerian government that the recent arrest of Boko Haram followers in Islamic schools will be avenged. In 2012, Shekau's wife and three children were reportedly taken into military custody. Sani said he believed Boko Haram targeted the girls to force concessions from the Nigerian government -- beginning perhaps with the release of Boko Haram followers from prisons. "The fact Shekau said he would sell the girls and did not say he would kill them is a clear indication that negotiation is possible," he said. But at least some of them may be traded for ransom money. Boko Haram has begun trading hostages for cash -- most notably in the case of a French family kidnapped in northern Cameroon last year and reportedly freed for some $3 million. The international outrage sparked by the abduction also serves Shekau. "It has put pressure on the government to reach out to him," Sani said . Has Boko Haram negotiated before? Shekau is not beyond negotiating with the Nigerian government, despite his apocalyptic rhetoric and frequent denials of President Goodluck Jonathan's legitimacy. According to the International Crisis Group, negotiations in Ivory Coast a year ago were on the verge of producing "an apparent peace agreement that was to begin with a ceasefire." Then Shekau was designated a terrorist by the U.S. State Department and abandoned the talks. What are the chances of the girls' safe return? Jacob Zenn, an expert on Boko Haram with the Jamestown Foundation, a Washington-based research and analysis firm, said in May that the mass kidnapping may have been part of an effort by Shekau to reinforce the loyalty of largely uneducated recruits by providing them with "free servants or sex slaves." "Many will likely end up becoming mothers -- it's a real horror and over the next years we'll slowly hear the stories of girls few-by-few as they manage to make it out," Zenn told CNN. "Boko Haram has likely split up or sold the girls into many small groups," and they can be used as human shields in the event of an attack, he said. However, if the ceasefire announcement is real, it would appear the girls are alive, leaving hope for the chance of their return.

Ceasefire between Nigeria and Boko Haram raised hopes for release of kidnapped girls . Militants have continued their kidnappings even after the deal was reached . Some experts doubt that the ceasefire will go through . Others say negotiated release is still possible .

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By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 07:41 EST, 4 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:50 EST, 4 May 2013 . Equestrian Paralympian and gold medalist Joanne Pitt has died at the age of 34 . Equestrian Paralympian and gold medalist Joanne Pitt has died at the age of 34, it has been announced today. Ms Pitt, who had right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy, died on Thursday afternoon, the British Equestrian Federation said. Dressage rider Ms Pitt was being treated for a rare lung condition, according to a statement by the federation and British Dressage. Pitt, who had recently moved from Huntly in Aberdeenshire to Norfolk, represented Great Britain at the Paralympics in Athens in 2004 and was part of the para-equestrian dressage team that won gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. In a statement on the federation's website, Will Connell, British equestrian performance director, said: 'Jo was a stalwart of para-equestrian dressage and has fought hard over the last year to establish herself once again as a real medal contender for Great Britain. 'Jo made her Paralympic debut in Athens in 2004 and has remained part of the Equestrian World Class Programme ever since. 'On behalf of the whole of the World Class Programme, I would like to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to Jo's family, fiance and friends at this sad time. 'She will be fondly remembered and missed by the whole of the para-equestrian dressage and World Class Programme community.' David Hunter, para-equestrian dressage performance manager, said: 'First and foremost, the thoughts of everyone in the GB Para Dressage Performance Squad are with Jo's parents, her two sisters and her fiance Rory. 'It is difficult to comprehend that 10 days ago Jo was her fit and healthy self, training her horses each day and determined to make selection for the European Championships in August. 'She had started the competition season with renewed vigour and only five weeks ago was competing at a major international competition in Deauville, France. Ms Pitt (pictured here back, left), who had right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy, died on Thursday afternoon, the British Equestrian Federation said . 'She had everything going for her. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.' Amanda Bond, chief executive of British Dressage, said the dressage community was 'shocked and saddened' by the news. She added: 'Jo was someone who quietly got on with things and never let defeat or a run of bad form get her down. 'The way she came out fighting this season with renewed vigour should be an inspiration to all; her dogged determination to always improve will be a lasting memory of this special rider.' Liz Nicholl, chief executive of UK Sport, said in a statement that Pitt made a 'fantastic contribution' to her sport. She said: 'As a key member of British Equestrian's World Class Programme, we know Jo will be deeply missed and our thoughts are also with her coaches, support staff and team mates.' Jo Pitt and Estralia in the Nirvana Spa Para Dressage, Grade II at the NAF Five . Star Winter Dressage Championships,  Hartpury Arena, Gloucestershire in April this year .

Ms Pitt had right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy and died on Thursday . She represented Great Britain at the Paralympics in Athens in 2004 . Was hoping to make selection for European Championships in August .

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(CNN) -- Like a viper that slithers through the garden -- mostly unseen, menacing, dangerous -- a troubling trend is taking hold in this country, a movement to shake the foundations of what "born in the USA" means. Wendy Ruiz was born in Miami in 1992. She graduated from a Miami public high school in 2010 and applied to Florida International University, a four-year state college that required her to disclose her parents' federal immigration status. Ruiz was unable to provide this information, so she was denied admission. She then applied to Miami Dade College to complete a two-year degree. When her acceptance letter arrived, there was a catch: She would be required to pay the out-of-state tuition rate. How could this be possible when Wendy Ruiz had lived her entire life in Florida? As the law stands, all children born in the United States, including those to undocumented immigrants, are granted U.S. citizenship. There are approximately 4.5 million American children like Wendy Ruiz who are U.S. citizens by virtue of birthright, yet whose parents are undocumented for federal immigration purposes. These U.S. citizen children of undocumented parents are Americans. Many will join the military and help fight our wars to keep us safe. Most of them will someday work and pay Social Security taxes so our aging population can enjoy a comfortable retirement (perhaps even in Florida). Yet politicians seeking to brandish their nativist credentials will do almost anything to discriminate against these American children, whom they call "anchor babies." One of the most egregious examples of this blatant discrimination -- one such "viper" -- occurs in my home state. The Sunshine State is the only state that unambiguously denies in-state tuition to U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants. (Similar cases have arisen in other states, like Arizona, Colorado, California, New Jersey and Virginia.) This out-of-state classification not only denies these students the preferential treatment in the admissions process that residents usually receive, but it also affects the tuition they must pay as "out of state" students. The tuition difference is stunning. At Miami Dade College, the cost per year in the two-year associate degree programs is $2,532 for residents, compared to $9,047 for students classified as nonresidents. The cost per year in the four-year bachelor's degree program at FIU is $2,800 for residents, compared to $12,492 for nonresidents. The net effect is that these students either delay or entirely forgo a college education because they simply can't afford the higher tuition. This insidious policy excludes talented, qualified young adult citizens from pursuing higher education -- because their parents lack immigration documents. Such wrongheaded policy has not gone unnoticed. The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a federal class action lawsuit in the Southern District Court of Florida charging systemic discrimination. Last week, Judge K. Michael Moore found that Florida is violating the constitutional rights of American-born children of undocumented immigrants by requiring them to pay higher tuition rates than other students at state colleges. He said, "It is the plaintiffs who, upon graduating from a post-secondary educational institution, receive their names on diplomas, and it is plaintiffs — not plaintiffs' parents, cousins, or siblings — who are entitled to the benefits conferred by such a degree." Moore was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992 and is known not only for his keen intellect but also for his commonsense jurisprudence. Nearly 20 years ago he offered me a clerkship to work with him upon graduation from Columbia Law School and he swore in my Panamanian father as an American citizen in a private ceremony in his office. In his decision last week, his common sense and practical justice was clear; preferential in-state tuition rates for all Florida residents are simply a wise investment in Florida's future. Columbia University professor Neeraj Kaushal examined the effect of in-state tuition on enrollment rates at universities in California, New York, Texas and Utah, and compared those rates to 46 other states. She concluded that favorable in-state tuition policies resulted in a 31% increase in college enrollment rates. Also, graduates of state colleges tend to remain in the Florida workforce, where they earn more, pay higher taxes, promote the educational attainment of their own children, vote more, depend less on welfare and live healthier lives. Florida college graduates will typically earn 66% more than high school graduates over their working lives. These higher earnings mean higher tax payments at the local, state and federal levels. A college graduate will likely pay up to 80% more in taxes each year than someone with no college degree. Even during periods of high unemployment, those with college degrees re-enter the labor market sooner. Florida clearly benefits from providing an affordable post-secondary education to all its own high school graduates, regardless of their parents' immigration status. The state's lawyers argued that "by offering in-state tuition rates to the U.S. citizens of undocumented immigrants, the state would be forced to offer in-state tuition rates to all U.S. citizens." But Moore said the state's claim was based on its "flawed interpretation" of the 1996 federal welfare reform law, because the Florida students who sued the state "are not 'aliens' but rather U.S. citizens." Local Florida communities benefit, too, from students with a post-secondary education, as the increased salaries of these graduates is predicted to create more than 250,000 jobs and add $33 billion to Florida's economy over their working lifetime if the state realizes its five goals by 2016. If Florida wins, the whole country wins, because education increases the productivity of the United States, and the net effect is a rise in the gross national product. When one of the most pressing issues of our time -- education -- is seen through the lens of the worldview of those who would call Wendy Ruiz an "anchor baby," denying her what all U.S. citizens are entitled to, the terrible costs of such a vision become crystal clear. The snake in the garden has reared its head -- and fortunately, wisdom has prevailed in the form of Judge Moore's decision. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Charles P. Garcia.

Charles Garcia: A judge ruled that children of immigrants in Florida deserve in-state tuition . He says children born in the U.S. are American citizens, shouldn't be treated differently . Garcia: Give young people a chance at college and they'll boost the economy .

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Washington (CNN) -- A 5-year-old's birthday party with no cake and candles? Unheard of, except in politics. Monday marked the fifth anniversary of President Barack Obama's signing of the 2009 stimulus bill, the focus of a hyper-partisan debate over the first major legislation of his presidency. By most assessments, the $800-billion-plus spending and tax-relief program helped reverse job losses and restore economic growth, though not as fast or strong as originally predicted. Arguments based on political ideology persist over whether it helped or hurt the county in the long run. Obama and Democrats argue it was crucial to the recovery from what is now called the Great Recession, while Republicans who opposed the stimulus then still call it the wrong prescription. CNNMoney: States' unemployment rates . White House relatively silent on anniversary: For Monday's milestone, the White House took the somewhat muted approach of releasing a blog post by Jason Furman, the chairman of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, who touted a new report on the benefits from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "The economy has now grown for 11 straight quarters, and businesses have added 8.5 million jobs since early 2010," Furman's blog post said. "While far more work remains to ensure that the economy provides opportunity for every American, there can be no question that President Obama's actions to date have laid the groundwork for stronger, more sustainable economic growth in the years ahead." Vice President Joe Biden will mark the anniversary on Wednesday in Illinois, but otherwise, Furman's post and the final report on the stimulus by the council he heads accounted for the total administration commemoration on the Presidents Day holiday. No silence from the right: Republicans, meanwhile, kept up their consistent drumbeat of criticism. The Republican National Committee sent reporters a morning email headlined: "The Stimulus That Wasn't: Five Years Later, It's Clear Obama's Stimulus Was A Waste Of Taxpayer Dollars." "If you recall five years ago, the notion was that if the government spent all this money -- that, by the way, was borrowed -- that somehow the economy would begin to grow and create jobs," GOP Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said in a video. "Well, of course, it clearly failed." The differing reactions continue a pattern that pre-dates congressional approval of the stimulus law in 2009 with almost zero Republican support. CNNMoney: Where's the debt ceiling now? Republicans 'set terms' for economic debates: To Peter Hamby, CNN Digital's national political reporter, the Obama administration has been weak in communicating economic accomplishments compared to Republicans, who he said "really set the terms ... for these economic debates." That was obvious on Monday. Along with the RNC and Rubio attacks, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and two other Senate GOP leaders -- John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota -- also launched broadsides. The Republican criticism is part of GOP strategy to frame this year's congressional elections as a referendum on Obama's presidency, with the party's conservative base relentlessly hammering Democrats over still-sluggish economic growth and the Obamacare health reforms. A Pew Research poll from 2012 showed Americans divided and uncertain on the stimulus issue, with 37% supporting it, 41% registering disapproval and nearly a quarter of respondents unsure. As usual, a wide partisan divide existed, with two-thirds of Democrats in support compared to only 12% of Republicans. CNNMoney: 3 problems Congress should stop asking the Fed to solve . White House says legislative goals reached: The White House report on the stimulus released Monday said the legislation along with subsequent legislation intended to boost job growth achieved their goal. "Considerable evidence suggests the federal government's efforts to jump-start the economy were successful," it concluded, adding that the stimulus bill "provided an important and timely boost to GDP in 2009 and 2010." Obama calls for continued government investment in job creation, such as funding infrastructure projects to rebuild roads and bridges, as well as jobs training programs. Republicans say stimulus proves their point: Republicans say the legacy of the stimulus bill showed a big government approach doesn't work. "Five years later, underemployment is still too high, the number of people that have dropped out of the workforce is astounding, unemployment remains stubbornly high and our economy isn't growing fast enough — proof that massive government spending, particularly debt spending, is not the solution to our economic growth problems," Rubio's video said. In response to the fresh GOP attacks, the left-leaning ThinkProgress.org website noted that Republicans who opposed the stimulus bill in 2009 were happy to receive its benefits in ensuing years, with some claiming credit for projects funded with stimulus money they had opposed. Government intervention in response to the recession began in the final months of the Bush administration that preceded Obama, with bailouts of the financial system and auto industry. Obama continued and built on that strategy with the stimulus bill and expanded auto bailout. The stimulus plan included almost $300 billion in tax relief as well as spending on various programs and initiatives including education, medical research, health care, infrastructure, local law enforcement, energy and job training. CNN's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

White House report says stimulus bill achieved its goal of reversing downturn . Republicans lambaste the $800-billion-plus measure signed in 2009 . Five years later, it remains a partisan dispute based on differing political ideologies . Vice President Biden heads to Illinois on Wednesday to commemorate the bill signing .

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By . Chris Pleasance for MailOnline . Two men in South Africa have been arrested on suspecion of killing a farmworker by throwing oranges at him, police said today. Police Lt. Col. Moatshe Ngoepe said the suspects allegedly began throwing oranges at the victim after an argument broke out. He said: 'They started pelting the deceased with all those loose oranges, killing him on the spot.' Two men  have been arrested in South Africa after a man was pelted to death with oranges . However, he warned that an investigation was still underway and that some 'complicated' aspects of a case still had to be verified. The man was declared dead at the scene and had no 'visible injury,' suggesting he may have suffered blunt trauma, according to Ngoepe. He did not comment on the cause of the argument that led to the assault. Police and prosecutors are awaiting the results of an autopsy. The suspects, aged 27 and 30, were detained on Tuesday and later released pending charges, which could include murder. The assault happened near Tzaneen, a town in Limpopo province in northern South Africa. Police say two suspects, aged 27 and 30, have been released pending charges which could include murder .

Two men arrested in South Africa after man pelted to death with oranges . Suspects began throwing fruit after argument broke out on farm .

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New York (CNN) -- Northeast Florida State Attorney Angela Corey has made it clear that she alone will decide whether George Zimmerman will be charged in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman's attorneys termed as "courageous" her decision not to present evidence to the grand jury that the original prosecutor, Norman Wolfinger, scheduled to convene on April 10. The Trayvon Martin family was also pleased that Corey would make the charging decision. But the question remains, will George Zimmerman be charged? Tuesday, in a bizarre development, George Zimmerman's attorneys, Hal Uhrig and Craig Sonner, during a news conference held in front of the Seminole County Courthouse, announced that they had withdrawn from his representation. They said they had lost contact with their client over the previous two days and revealed Zimmerman's unusual behavior -- including phone calls to Fox News host Sean Hannity and the special prosecutor, Corey. The attorneys also said that they are concerned with Zimmerman's emotional and physical well-being and even suggested that he may be suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). In short, they said that their client had gone rogue. Clients fire attorneys every day, for no reason or any reason. And attorneys withdraw from cases around the country daily. But it is rarely done so publicly and with so much information divulged about the inner workings of the lawyer-client relationship. Rogue clients that are potential defendants spook prosecutors. It can be a nightmare to try to locate and arrest a fleeing defendant. Remember Joran Van Der Sloot. Not surprisingly, within hours of the now-infamous withdrawal, Corey issued a statement saying she would be holding her own news conference within 72 hours "to release new information regarding the Trayvon Martin shooting death investigation." Many suspect that the announcement that Zimmerman had gone rogue forced the special prosecutor's hand. By all accounts though, Angela Corey is a seasoned career prosecutor who doesn't bend to public opinion or political pressure. During her 25 years as an assistant state attorney, Corey tried hundreds of cases, including more than 50 homicides. During her three-year-plus as state attorney of the 4th Judicial Circuit, Jacksonville's Duval County jail has seen an increase in the population, despite a drop in crime in the city. Some say this is a direct result of her aggressive prosecutorial bent. But her career hasn't been without controversy. Recently she came under intense fire for charging 12-year-old Cristian Fernandez as an adult in the killing of his 2-year-old brother, making Christian the youngest person in Florida ever to be charged as an adult. Corey, a devout Episcopalian, references her faith in discussing her cases, which some would say is a no-no for a prosecutor. In a written statement she provided in response to her detractors about the Fernandez case, Corey defended her decision to charge Fernandez as an adult by stating, "We are blessed in the 4th Circuit to have a great working relationship with ... public defenders," and "We asked for prayers for our two-year-old victim, David, and for Cristian Fernandez." In discussing the investigation into the shooting death of Martin she said, "What we are asking people to do is take a step back. Pray for Trayvon. Pray for his family. Listen to their words. I believe these are wonderful people who are asking for a peaceful approach to this case, while still demanding the answers they deserve. And I look forward to meeting with them to try to help them on this journey. Our victims always have a tough plight." If she files charges against Zimmerman, it would be wise not to "overcharge" the case. Corey needs to be able to prove her case beyond a reasonable doubt. To prove manslaughter in Florida, Corey's team would have to prove that Zimmerman's acts caused Martin's death. Manslaughter would not be difficult to prove but for Florida's "stand your ground" law. Florida's law states that a person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force ... to prevent death or great bodily harm. So even if Zimmerman killed Martin, he was justified in doing so if he believed he was in danger of being killed himself or of suffering great bodily harm. It seems the Sanford Police certainly believed Zimmerman's claims. But there is an exception. If Zimmerman was the initial aggressor, he cannot avail himself of the protection of the "stand your ground" law. Former Florida State Rep. Dennis Baxley, the co-sponsor of the law, told me by phone that the law doesn't apply to Zimmerman if he pursued Martin and was the initial aggressor. And he is right. Florida's statute makes it clear that the justification is not available to a person who initially provokes the use of force against himself, unless such force is so great that the person reasonably believes that he is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm and that he has exhausted every reasonable means to escape. And that is what this case ultimately boils down to -- who started the fight. And the answer to that question is far from clear. Martin left the home of his father's fiancee on February 26 to buy skittles and an ice tea. He was unarmed. Zimmerman left his home to go to Target and was carrying a concealed weapon for which he had a permit. Martin was 17 years old, Zimmerman, 28. The police report describes Martin as 6 feet tall and 160 pounds and lists Zimmerman as 5-foot-9. Zimmerman sees Martin, deems him "suspicious" and calls the police. Zimmerman tells the dispatcher he is following Martin. The dispatcher tells Zimmerman "we don't need you to do that." Martin notices Zimmerman is following him and tells his girlfriend, Dee Dee, with whom he is on the phone. She tells him to run, and he agrees to walk quickly. Zimmerman says that he returns to his parked SUV and is attacked suddenly by Martin. Dee Dee hears someone ask Martin why he is there. Martin asks Zimmerman why he is following him. Dee Dee believes she hears Martin being tackled. Witnesses say they heard angry words, heard someone crying for help (many explain it sounded like the voice of a younger person) and then a single gunshot. The screams for help stop. Three witnesses saw Zimmerman straddling Martin in the grass. The incident happens 70 yards from the home Martin was walking to, not near Zimmerman's SUV. Martin is found dead, laying on his stomach. Zimmerman is bleeding from his nose and the back of his head and has stains on the back of his jacket. Zimmerman isn't tested for drug or alcohol consumption and is allowed to leave the police station with the clothes he was wearing that night. A tenet of our legal system is that when there is conflicting evidence, let a jury decide. I believe in our jury system. Let them decide. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sunny Hostin.

Sunny Hostin: The state attorney has made it clear that she alone will decide on charges . She says the public withdrawal by lawyers representing George Zimmerman was strange . Hostin: Zimmerman's actions may not have been covered by the "stand your ground" law . She says she believes in the jury system; it makes sense to let a jury decide .

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Diving 27 meters underwater, the light turns a deep, hazy blue. Emerging from the darkness, three ballerinas in white tutus stretch their legs on the deck of a sunken military ship. It's not a ghostly apparition but one of a series of haunting photographs displayed in the only underwater gallery of its kind in the world. The 12 sumptuous images of everyday scenes -- from a housewife hanging out washing to a teenager watching TV -- take place against the eerie backdrop of sunken ship USNS General Hoyt S.Vandenberg. The 10,000 ton ship -- located off the coast of Florida -- functions as both the backdrop in these evocative photographs and, for a time, the gallery wall on which they're hung. "Divers must have been checking their oxygen levels to make sure they weren't seeing things," said Jed Dodd, executive director of The Studios of Key West, which showed the Vandenberg Project exhibition. "Diving is already a dreamlike experience and I think these images really correspond with what people imagine an underwater world might look like." Viennese artist Andreas Franke, who worked as an advertising photographer for more than 20 years, took the powerful images while on a diving exhibition last year. Sunk just off Key West , an island in the Straits of Florida, in 2009, the Vandenberg is the second-largest artificial reef in the world, attracting a diverse range of marine animals and plant life. But before her most recent reincarnation as a divers' paradise, the historic vessel cruised the waves as a U.S. transport ship during World War II. It was this rich history that gave Franke the inspiration for his unique World War II era scenes. The 45-year-old artist used specialist underwater cameras to capture the ship, before heading back to the studio to photograph models in 1940s and 1950s costumes. The retro scenes were then superimposed over the top of the Vandenberg, creating an eerie underwater world frozen in time. "It's like bringing the Vandenberg back to life," Franke said. "It's a huge empty ship with fish swimming around -- at 27 meters below the surface, the sunlight is this beautiful blue green color. I shot the models in the studio with the same lens, so the images matched." Around 10,000 divers visited the underwater exhibition and now, after four months sitting on the ocean floor, the unique pictures have come up for air, displayed in their first exhibition on land. Despite being protected between two sheets of plexiglass and sealed with silicon in a steel frame, the images were not left completely untouched by the ravishes of the ocean. The all-pervasive sea water still left its mark, seeping into the frames and discoloring them with salt stains and algae. "When we brought the photographs to the surface we found all this growth on them -- it's a third dimension on top," Franke said. "The sea life had created new images. It's very cool, they almost look like Polaroids." The remarkable pictures, worth up to $30,000, had crossed the realm from photographs to performance art, said Dodd. "The extra layer of growth tells the story of their voyage to the bottom of the seabed," he added. "When they were first brought into the gallery and unpacked, this intense smell went through the building like a windstorm. They feel like living objects." While the Vandenberg photographs attract art lovers on land, Franke's latest underwater project is bewitching divers again -- this time off the coast of Barbados. Displayed on the sunken SS Stavronikita, the 12 new images depict Renaissance aristocracy gallivanting in a palatial underwater setting. Much like the Vandenberg, Franke superimposed the baroque scenes on top of the former 1950s Greek freighter, where they are now displayed. "The shipwreck has been down there 35 years so there's this wonderful, overwhelming growth and coral," Franke said. "If you look at the elaborate hairstyles of the models it fits pretty well with this surrounding." They may appear pristine now, but if the Vandenberg is anything to go by, the lavish ladies of the Stavronikita may not be so picture perfect when they finally come up for air. Get the latest news from CNN.com .

World's only underwater photo gallery on sunken ship attracts 10,000 divers . Haunting images aboard sunken WW2 vessel, The Vandenberg . Mother nature leaves mark on images, now displayed in gallery on land . Viennese artist launches new underwater photography project in Barbados .

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(CNN) -- It took less than 10 seconds to bring a steel, 345-ton relic of the Cold War era crashing to the ground in the Nevada desert Wednesday. The 1,527-foot-tall BREN tower was the tallest free-standing structure west of the Mississippi River. It was also the tallest structure of its kind ever demolished, according to the National Nuclear Safety Administration. The tower stood taller than the Empire State Building (1,454 feet) and the Eiffel Tower (1,063 feet). It was also taller than the iconic Stratosphere (1,148 feet) on the Las Vegas strip. Originally constructed in 1962, the BREN Tower took its name from the nuclear radiation experiment for which it was built: Bare Reactor Experiment - Nevada. BREN Tower was designed to provide a way for scientists to accurately estimate radiation doses received by survivors of the atomic bombs detonated over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The tower stood 1,527 feet tall because that was the height at which "Little Boy," the first atomic bomb used in warfare, was detonated over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. To conduct research at the time, engineers mounted a small unshielded (bare) reactor on the tower and built a mock Japanese village near the base of the tower. The mock village was intended to simulate the shielding effects that rooftops and walls had on radiation, according to Dante Pistone, public affairs manager for the Nevada National Security Site. Scientists used the research to estimate radiation doses residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were subjected to when the bomb detonated. According to the Nevada National Security Site, the data became a cornerstone of modern radiation research. The tower stood in a rural area about 65 miles north of Las Vegas on the Nevada National Security Site. The enormous proving ground is larger than the state of Rhode Island. In 1992 the U.S. government stopped full-scale nuclear testing on the site. Despite its height, in 1966 the U.S. government decided to move the tower to a different location at a cost of $380,000. The move was made so scientists could conduct further experiments using BREN Tower while not disrupting underground nuclear testing in the area, according to the Nevada National Security Site. Last used for research in 1999, in recent years the tower fell into disrepair. The beacons used to alert commercial aviation at the top of the tower had failed, and the elevator used by workers to ascend to the top was no longer safely reliable. It would have cost close to $1 million to repair the tower to its original state. Wednesday's demolition cost about half of what it would have cost to repair the tower.

BREN was the tallest free-standing structure west of the Mississippi River . Tower was used to estimate radiation doses received by WWII nuke survivors . BREN was last used for research in 1999 .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:04 EST, 5 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:08 EST, 5 September 2013 . Charged: Keelen Armstrong, 24, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of toddler Londyn Samuels . Police in crime-riddled New Orleans have arrested and charged a 24-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of a toddler who was being carried home from a park. Keelen Armstrong has been booked with first-degree murder in the slaying . of 13-month-old Londyn Samuels. He was also booked with attempted . first-degree murder in the wounding of the child's caretaker. Londyn was being carried by her . 18-year-old nanny on their way home from the park when someone opened . fire on the teen. One of the bullets entered the baby sitter's back and . then struck the toddler in the chest, killing her. The tragic shooting left the New Orleans community reeling after it happened at around 8.20pm on Thursday, August 29, in the city centre. Mayor Mitch Landrieu declared that 'enough is enough' after the shooting in a city struggling with violence. Londyn's heartbroken father, Keion Reed, 20, got a frantic call from his daughter's wounded baby sitter on the night of the shooting telling him that she and the one-year-old had been shot. 'In the back of my head, this is a bad dream I haven't woken up from yet,' Mr Reed told NBC News. Ironically, . at the time of the attack, Londyn's mother, 22-year-old Andrea . Samuels, was working at a non-profit cafe promoting anti-violence. Mayor Landrieu and his police chief appealed for . the public's help in finding the person responsible for the shooting . death of the 13-month-old girl. Innocent victim: Londyn Samuels, age 1, was shot dead while being carried by her 18-year-old baby sitter on a New Orleans street . Sunny baby: Described by her loved ones as a joy and a blessing, little Londyn was just starting to learn her to walk . ‘This . community has got to stand up and with force and power, speak with one . voice and say this is unacceptable,’ a somber Landrieu said at an . afternoon news conference. He announced plans for an evening vigil at an intersection near where Londyn Samuels was killed. The . shooting happened in the Central City neighborhood, one of the hotspots . for crime that has marred the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Police . Chief Ronal Serpas said he was surprised at the lack of tips to . Crimestoppers, which offers rewards and promises anonymity to people who . phone in information. ‘We know that people in our community know more than they are telling us,’ Serpas said. ‘We would ask the people of New Orleans that know something about this to ask yourself, “What kind of a man would shoot at a woman holding a child?” That's not the kind of person you want to protect.’ 'Persons of interest': New Orleans police released these grainy photos from a surveillance video showing people walking past the crime scene where Londyn and her nanny were shot . Stand-off: Members of the New Orleans Police Department SWAT team move toward an apartment on the 2800 block of LaSalle in New Orleans after three people refused to cooperate with the shooting investigation . The 18-year-old baby sitter and little Londyn were returning home at 8.20pm Thursday when two shots rang out near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Saratoga Street. The nanny suffered a non-life threatening wound to the back and was able to reach a neighbor's home and call for help. The motive for the shooting was unknown. Londyn's relatives described her as a happy baby who loved music and food, and was just starting to learn how to walk. ‘She was playful. She was a joy and a blessing,’ her aunt Ashley Samuels told NOLA.com. As police officers fanned out throughout the neighborhood to question local residents overnight, two woman and a man were taken in for questioning following a four-hour standoff with a SWAT team in an apartment building in the 2800 block of LaSalle Street. A $5,000 reward is being offered by Crimestoppers. Police issued images from a surveillance video that shows two people — described as ‘persons of interest’ — walking past a house in the area of the shooting. Tragic trend: Londyn, pictured left with her father and right with her aunt, is the fourth child to be killed in Central City neighborhood since 2010 . Mayor Landrieu, who made the fight against violent crime a major issue in his 2010 campaign, said the city has had some success in cutting the murder rate, noting that there have been 97 so far this year, down from 130 at the same point last year. But he said the death of child demonstrates the need for more community involvement. Since 2010, three children between the ages of one and five fell victim to gun violence in the Central City section of New Orleans. ‘It is a lifestyle of murder and death,’ said Brother Walter Umrani, a community activist who patrols the inner-city neighborhood with his New Orleans Peace Keepers, reported the station WWLTV.

Keelan . Armstrong, 24, charged with first-degree murder of Londyn Samuels and . attempted first-degree murder of toddler's 18-year-old baby-sitter . Minder and 13-month-old Londyn shot in the chest in central New Orleans . Three children aged between one and five were killed in the area since 2010 . Crimestoppers had offered a $5,000 reward for information . Police questioned three people after a four-hour standoff with SWAT team .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:40 EST, 30 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:41 EST, 30 September 2013 . Charged: Karen Worley Drake, 51, pictured, was arrested Sunday night after she failed sobriety exercises and refused to adhere to a breath test . A Florida woman has been charged with driving under the influence after police caught her half naked and stinking of booze inside her car with an empty box of booze and her dog. Karen Worley Drake, 51, was arrested on Sunday night after she failed sobriety exercises and refused to adhere to a breath test. Drake's car was parked halfway onto SW 129th Terrace Road in Dunnellon in Marion County just after 10 p.m. A sheriff's deputy noticed Drake, of Lady Lake, and her dog inside the four-door vehicle and walked over. He then asked her to open her car door. 'I could smell a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage,' the deputy said in a police report. The deputy then noticed Drake was completely naked from the waist down. He instructed her to dress herself after spotting some pants in the vehicle. When he told her that she was under arrest, the woman became aggressive, the deputy wrote. 'I advised the defendant that she was under arrest for DUI and she became uncooperative and briefly struggled with me,' he wrote in the report. Booked: The Lady Lake woman remains in the Marion County Jail, pictured, with a $1,000 bond, while the dog was placed into the custody of Marion County Animal Services . She remains in the Marion County Jail with a $1,000 bond. The dog was placed into the custody of Marion County Animal Services. According to the report, this is Drake's second DUI offense. She is next due in court on October 30.

Florida woman, Karen Worley Drake, 51, was arrested on Sunday night after she failed sobriety exercises and refused to adhere to a breath test . Drake's car was parked halfway onto SW 129th Terrace Road in Dunnellon in Marion County just after 10 p.m . A sheriff's deputy noticed Drake, of Lady Lake, and her dog inside the four-door vehicle and walked over . He then noticed Drake was completely naked from the waist down and smelled alcohol .

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(CNN) -- A number of sectarian attacks occurred Saturday in Iraq, killing dozens and wounding many more. In northeastern Baghdad, 20 people were killed and 55 others were wounded in a suicide attack that targeted Shiite pilgrims, police said. The bomber, wearing an explosive vest, detonated among Shiite pilgrims near the al-Amma bridge in the Sunni al-Adhamiya neighborhood. The victims were among thousands of Shiite pilgrims heading to the al-Kadhimiya neighborhood of northwestern Baghdad to commemorate the death of Mohammed al-Jawad, the ninth of the 12 imams in Shiism. In a separate incident in the town of Balad in the north, at least 12 people were killed and 32 others were wounded when a car bomb exploded Saturday evening outside a coffee shop, police said. The town, which is predominantly Shiite, is located in Salaheddin province some 56 miles (90 km) north of Baghdad and has been the site of previous violence. In August 2012, at least 12 people were killed and 45 others were wounded when a suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest blew himself up inside a coffee shop, police said then. It was not clear whether Saturday's attack occurred at the same coffee shop. In the al-Baya neighborhood of southwestern Baghdad, a makeshift bomb exploded Saturday evening inside a coffee shop, killing two people and wounding 10 others, Baghdad police told CNN. The area is largely Shia. On Saturday morning, gunmen fatally shot a television reporter and a cameraman who were working for al-Sharqiya, a private, pro-Sunni television station that is often critical of the Shiite-led government. The incident occurred in central Mosul in northern Iraq, police said. Also Saturday, at least two Iraqi security forces were killed and three others were wounded when gunmen attacked a security checkpoint south of Falluja, a predominantly Sunni city about 60 km (38 miles) west of Baghdad in Anbar province, police in Ramadi told CNN.

A suicide bomber targets Shiite pilgrims in northeastern Baghdad, killing 20 . 12 people are killed by a car bomb in Balad, which is predominantly Shiite . A reporter and cameraman working for a pro-Sunni TV station are shot dead .

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By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 05:17 EST, 21 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:19 EST, 21 November 2013 . More than 850 Britons are currently locked up in overseas prisons for drug-related offences and face potential jail sentences of up to 39 years or the death penalty. Offences that may carry cautions in the UK are often punished with long prison sentences overseas - and travellers don't realise it. Drugs crimes often carry the most severe sentences, and in 33 countries around the world they carry the death penalty. Foreign drug penalties: Michaella Connolly and Melissa Reid are facing a long spell behind bars in Peru after admitting smuggling £1.5million worth of cocaine . Drug mules Michaella Connolly and Melissa Reid are facing a lengthy spell behind bars in Peru after admitting trying to smuggle £1.5million worth of cocaine out of the country. Grandmother Lindsay Sandiford, 57, is facing the death sentence in Bali after being found guilty of smuggling cocaine. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the charity Prisoners Abroad are launching a campaign to show the consequences of drug use and smuggling around the world. Facing the death penalty: Lindsay Saniford, 57, a British grandmother who is being held in a prison cell in Bali . Thailand - Possession of even very small quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment. If you are found guilty of being in possession of a small quantity of marijuana you are risking a prison sentence and a heavy fine. If you are found guilty of being in possession of in excess of 20 grams of a Class A drug you would be deemed as a trafficker and could potentially be sentenced to death. United Arab Emirates - Sentences for drug trafficking for possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs can lead to a minimum four-year jail sentence. The Emirati authorities count the presence of drugs in the blood stream as possession. Peru - More than 30 British nationals are currently in prison in Peru for drugs offences. Drug smugglers face long terms of imprisonment. Indonesia - Possession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. The Indonesian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught face lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty, usually after a protracted and expensive legal process. The FCO said the zero-tolerance . approach of some countries often results in strict penalties which can . come as a shock to British travellers. Prisoners Abroad is currently supporting 80 Britons between the ages of 18 and 30 held in foreign countries for drugs offences. Two thirds of these are still awaiting trial while others are serving sentences from a year to nearly 39 years. Consular affairs minister Mark Simmonds said: 'People continue to be astonished at some of the penalties handed down for certain crimes overseas. In some countries possessing small amounts of marijuana can lead to decades in prison. 'In the last year alone consular staff handled over 650 drug-related cases. We want to reduce this number significantly.' He went on: 'Laws, penalties and sentences vary considerably around the world for the use, possession and trafficking of all types of drugs. When it comes to drugs our message is clear - don't take risks, the consequences are simply not worth it.' Prisoners Abroad chief executive Pauline Crowe said: 'In many countries, men and women find themselves without access to food, clean water and the most basic of medical care. 'We urge people to consider the unsanitary conditions, overcrowded cells and the constant threat of disease before they get involved in drugs. They may have to live through these conditions for many, many years.'

British citizens facing up to 39 years behind bars for drugs offences . Drug mules Michaella Connolly and Melissa Reid admitted smuggling £1.5m of cocaine in Peru and face a long spell in prison . Drugs offences that are only cautionable here have long sentences overseas .

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Washington (CNN) -- The United States is quickening the rate at which it is stepping back in Afghanistan. On Friday, President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai agreed to speed up the military transition in that country, meaning Afghan forces will take the lead in combat operations nationwide starting this spring. That transition was previously seen happening mid-year. "What's going to happen this spring is that Afghans will be in the lead throughout the country. That doesn't mean that coalition forces including U.S. forces are no longer fighting," Obama said. "They will still be fighting alongside Afghan troops. It does mean though that Afghans will have taken the lead and our presence, the nature of our work will be different. We will be in a training, assisting, advising role. "It will be a historic moment and another step toward full Afghan sovereignty." What's at stake in Afghanistan: 4 vital questions . The two presidents spoke to reporters in the White House East Room. The mood was cordial, belying the tense relationship of years past. Besides the accelerated timetable, Obama and Karzai agreed that the United States would hand over full control of Afghan prisoners. That demand had been a major sticking point for Karzai, who in return signaled he could be willing to consider immunity for U.S. forces beyond 2014. "I can go to the Afghan people and argue for immunity for U.S. troops in Afghanistan in a way that Afghan sovereignty will not be compromised, in a way that Afghan law will not be compromised," he said. The United States plans to pull all combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of next year. There is discussion, however, of keeping a residual force there to help train security forces and conduct counterterrorism operations against al Qaeda. Obama has been insistent on legal protections. If there is no immunity agreement, the United States might find itself in a similar situation as when it left Iraq. The refusal by the Iraqi government to extend legal protections for U.S. troops after the end of the war there was a major reason the United States left the country with no residual military training force. There are currently some 66,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The war there is the longest in American history.

Afghan forces will take the lead in combat missions starting this spring . The United States will hand over full control of Afghan prisoners . Karzai signals he could be open to immunity for U.S. forces post-2014 .

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By . Hayley Peterson . PUBLISHED: . 08:07 EST, 29 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:13 EST, 29 March 2013 . The daughter of disgraced politician John Edwards has said she maintains a relationship with her 4-year-old half sister, who was conceived out of her father's love affair with his videographer during his bid for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. 'She's my sister... she's just a really sweet, innocent little girl,' Cate Edwards, 31, said of 4-year-old Quinn Hunter in an interview with NBC's Savannah Guthrie. 'I certainly think of her as part of our family.' Quinn is the daughter of John Edwards' former mistress Rielle Hunter, whom Cate said she hasn't seen in years. Hunter has recently published a tell-all book about her romance with the former North Carolina senator. Scroll down for video . Devastated: John Edwards' daughter Cate said that her father was the one to tell her about his affair with videographer Rielle Hunter . Stepping out: Cate Edwards sat down for her first interview about her father John's affair . 'She's my sister:' Cate Edwards said she maintains a relationship with her 4-year-old half sister, Quinn, (pictured with Edwards), who was conceived out of her father's love affair . Cate Edwards said she met Rielle while she was working on her father's campaign and that she hasn't seen her since. Asked about Rielle's book, Edwards said, 'I thought it was a poor choice... that's all I can say.' Edwards said she was angry at her father when he told her about the affair, but that she eventually forgave him. 'I was devastated, and I was disappointed,' she said. 'Forgiveness is a tough thing... It was hard, but we worked through it.' She couldn't answer to whether her . father was every forgiven by her mother, Elizabeth Edwards, who died of . cancer less than three years ago at the age of 61. Siblings: Cate Edwards has two younger siblings, . Emma Claire, who is 14, and Jack, who is 12, who are now being raised . by her father . 'I think she did [forgive him],' Edwards said of her mother. 'I don't know the answer to that. 'I think . she had a mix of emotions.' Despite the affair, John Edwards wanted to be by Elizabeth's side on her deathbed. 'He called and said, "Can I come?" Cate recalled. 'I said, "Mom, can Dad come?" And she said "yes."' Looking back on their final moments . together, she said, 'The three of us, especially, have been through so . much together, so we garner a lot of strength from one another, and I . think being together during that time - and also for the kids, to have . their family together during that time - was incredibly important.' Cate Edwards has two younger siblings, Emma Claire, who is 14, and Jack, who is 12, who are now being raised by her father. She was very close to her mother, . telling NBC that she was particularly upset by her mother's absence from . her October 2011 wedding. Family: Cate was very close to her mother Elizabeth (seen here in 2008), who died of cancer in 2010, and ever since Cate has been helping raise her younger siblings Emma Claire and Jack . Big day: Cate got married in 2011, and her sister Emma Claire (right) served in the wedding party. She said that her wedding was one of the biggest days that she missed her mother . Love: Cate Edwards' husband says she's a deeply compassionate woman . But she also misses her mother in small ways every day, she said. 'I mean, I get away with bad grammar,' she said, grinning. 'I never used to get away with bad grammar.' The affair between Edwards and Hunter . began while he was campaigning for the highest office in the land back . in 2004, and he waited until it was clear that he would neither be the . presidential nor vice presidential nominee to sit down in 2008 and admit . that he had cheated on his popular wife Elizabeth. In a 2008 interview, Edwards said that he did have an affair with Hunter but he was not the father of her daughter Quinn. He later retracted this statement. Speaking out: Cate was listed as a possible witness during the trial but she was never called to the stand . Throughout the ordeal, Edwards' aide Andrew Young volunteered to pretend that he was the father of Hunter's child, and they used nearly $1million to cover Hunter's tracks, flying her across country with the Youngs and keeping her hidden in various mansions. That money was the focus of the federal trial against Edwards, where they had to prove that the money used to hide Hunter was given by personal donors who understood that it was not so much a political donation to Edwards' campaign but that it was being used to help hide the word of the affair. Cate was actually listed by the defense as a possible witness in Edwards' case, but she was never actually called to the stand. The public attention surrounding the Edwards family drama did not die down after the trial ended in May, as Hunter released a tell-all book just a few months later where she trashed Elizabeth. In her book 'What Really Happened: John Edwards, Our Daughter and Me', Hunter describes the Edwards' marriage as broken by the time she arrived on the scene. Rielle Hunter announced last summer that she and her longtime lover John Edwards are 'no longer a couple' She wrote that Elizabeth- who at the time was battling her second bout of breast cancer- was a 'witch on wheels' who belittled her beloved Johnny and was very aware that their marriage was on the outs. Hunter has faced much criticism for painting such a grim portrait of Elizabeth in her book, especially since she died in 2010 and she can no longer respond to Hunter's claims. That criticism was echoed by Cate in her NBC interview, set to air on Friday. 'I just thought it was — I thought it was a poor choice, I guess, is all I can say,' Cate said diplomatically. As for Hunter's current role in their family, it remains unclear as she said during her book tour that she and 'Johnny' had just decided to end their relationship, though that announcement came just days after they were pictured enjoying a beach vacation with Quinn for Father's Day.

Cate Edwards, 31, said she was 'devastated' and 'disappointed' when her father told her about his affair . John Edwards' affair with Rielle . Hunter, his videographer, happened during his 2004 bid for the . Democratic presidential nomination . Cate tells how her father rushed to her mother Elizabeth's bedside as she was dying of cancer, but said she's not sure if her mother ever forgave him . Edwards is speaking out as she launches a program to help underprivileged students through a nonprofit named after her mother, the Elizabeth Edwards Foundation, in Raleigh .

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Editor's note: CNN executive producer Suzanne Simons is the author of "Master of War: Blackwater's Erik Prince and the Global Business of War." Private contractor Xe flies military personnel in Afghanistan and helps train Afghan border police. The company formerly known as Blackwater, now called Xe much to its chagrin, has been at the center of the contractor debate for years. From the time four of its men were ambushed and murdered in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004, to a shooting involving a team of its men in a Baghdad neighborhood in which at least 14 Iraqi civilians were killed in 2007, the company has drawn unwanted headlines. Blackwater owner Erik Prince downsized the company earlier this year when business failed to keep pace with investment. He changed the company's name after the Iraqi government banned it from doing business there. But those who thought contractors were going away under President Obama's administration couldn't be more wrong. According to the Department of Defense, there are some 68,000 contractors in Afghanistan today and more than 132,000 in Iraq. But those numbers aren't an accurate reflection of the total number of contractors because they don't include those working for other government agencies such as the Department of State. Many of those tens of thousands are third-country nationals, meaning they were hired from a third country to go to Iraq. Many earn between $400 and $700 a month; while Americans, particularly those performing dangerous security duties, can earn as much in a day. Despite being kicked out of Iraq, Xe still does a healthy business in Afghanistan, flying military personnel from one location to another and helping train Afghan border police charged with making the country's massive, porous borders more secure. It's one of the many jobs that the U.S. military just isn't staffed to tackle on its own. In fact, the U.S. military today is beefed up by a force of nearly a quarter million private contractors. There are even cases where contractors oversee the contractors. And that's the problem. The U.S. has come to rely on them so heavily, in such a short period of time, that the government has come under fire for not managing them adequately. Even among the eight-member team that makes up the Wartime Contracting Commission, a congressionally mandated effort to review the contracting process in Iraq and Afghanistan, the question of whether the United States needs the contractors isn't even an issue. The issue, rather, is how well the government is managing this massive support force called up in the immediate aftermath of the war in Iraq. In its interim report released this month, the Commission found that "neither the military nor the federal civilian acquisition workforces have expanded to keep pace with recent years' enormous growth in the number and value of contingency contracts." The report also said, "the government still lacks clear standards and policy on inherently governmental functions. The decision has immediate salience given the decisions to use contractors in armed-security and life-support tasks for military units." One of the biggest nightmares for legislators is that the force that has grown into such a critical modern-day military support structure was for a long time operating in a legal gray zone with no clear avenue of justice should something unsavory occur. That has led to some tough work for both prosecutors and the FBI, as they take on the task of investigating allegations of wrongdoing by contractors overseas. Doug Brooks, head of the IPOA, an industry-friendly voluntary organization made up of 62 companies, spends much of his time doing outreach and making sure member companies measure up to the internal standards. "We have the power to kick people out of the association," Brooks said, but that's about where it ends. They can't prosecute anyone. But to say that there has been no progress on the legal front wouldn't be fair. Legislation has been passed that essentially holds contractors accountable for their actions under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, but with everything in this business, there was a hang-up with that, too. The legislation was written to cover contractors working in support of the Department of Defense, but there are even more contractors working in support of the State Department and other U.S. agencies. The Special Inspector General for Iraq, Stuart W. Bowen Jr. produced a report in February titled Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience. He then testified before Congress that "the United States government was unprepared and ill-equipped to mount a major contingency relief and reconstruction program in Iraq in 2003. For the last six years we have been on a steep learning curve." He also told members of Congress that the United States relies too heavily on the hired help, testifying that "outsourcing management to contractors should be limited because it complicates lines of authority in contingency reconstruction operations." Something that retired Lt. Gen. Richard Sanchez would undoubtedly agree with. Sanchez, who led the U.S. military operation in the early days of the Iraq war, has launched an information campaign aimed at bringing more accountability to the debate. He's even called for a truth commission to investigate policies regarding the interrogation of detainees. Guess what. Contractors were involved in that scandal, too. As for Blackwater, scandal, or the suspicion of it, played a significant role in its downturn. Plagued by lawsuits and federal investigations, the company now called Xe is a shell of what Blackwater was five years ago. Most of Prince's top executives are gone, budgets have been dramatically curtailed and the company has largely returned to its roots, as a training facility for law enforcement and special forces. Is Blackwater's fate a sign that things are sour in the industry? Hardly. As IPOA's Brooks puts it, they're here to stay, its about time we made it work. "I think the other conclusion that companies have come to is that we're going to be working with the private sector. Nobody wants soldiers to go back to flipping eggs, guarding gates, that kind of thing."

Blackwater, now Xe, has garnered unwanted attention over the past few years . Though kicked out of Iraq, Xe does a great deal of business in Afghanistan . Bottom line: U.S. relies heavily on private military contractors . The issue is how well U.S. government manages this support force .

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(CNN) -- Maria Sharapova remains on course to complete a career slam after she set up a French Open semifinal showdown with Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. The Russian dispatched Kaia Kanepi, from Estonia, 6-2 6-3 and now needs just two more victories to join an exclusive club in the game who have won all four grand slam titles. The world No. 2 has reached the final four at Roland Garros twice before and beat Kvitova, from the Czech Republic, in the semifinals in Stuttgart -- a tournament she went on to win. But Kvitova's only grand slam win to date came at last year's Wimbledon tournament, when she beat Sharapova in straight sets in the final. "It's nice to be in this position again," Sharapova told the WTA Tour's official website. "It's my third time in the semifinals here. "Petra's an extremely tough opponent, someone I have had good success in our last couple of meetings, but they're always tough matches. "The last one in Stuttgart was a tough two-setter for me -- she had opportunities in that second set and when she's confident, she's dangerous. It's going to be another level. I hope I can raise my level, as well." None of the four French Open semifinalists has tasted success in Paris, but Sharapova has the most major championships to her name, with three overall. The Russian never looked in any trouble against Kanepi, breaking her opponent seven times en route to a swift victory, and the 26-year-old admitted she could not live with Sharapova's power. "She attacked all the time, I didn't have any time to hit my shots and I just couldn't get any rhythm out there," Kanepi explained. "I was also very nervous and I am just sorry I didn't get to spend more time on the court. Maria is playing really well, she can win the tournament." Kvitova, the No. 4 seed, dropped the first set against qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan, who knocked out defending champion Li Na in the previous round, but battled back to win 3-6 6-2 6-4. It ended Shvedova's hopes of becoming the first qualifier ever to reach the Roland Garros semis, and propelled Kvitova closer to her second grand slam final appearance. "Every point that we played was really tough," Kvitova said in a courtside interview. "I knew that I had to change my game. "It wasn't easy and I'm really happy that my serve helped me and I played my aggressive game again." The other semifinal sees Australia's Samantha Stosur, the No. 6 seed, square off against Italian Sara Errani, the No. 21 seed.

Maria Sharapova to meet Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in French Open semis . Sharapova defeats Kaia Kanepi in straight sets to take her place in the final four . Kvitova wins hard-fought clash with qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova 3-6 6-2 6-4 . The other semifinal is between No. 6 seed Samantha Stosur and Italian Sara Errani .

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By . Ted Thornhill . Horrific footage has emerged of a cannibal eating the leg of a Muslim slaughtered by a rampaging Christian mob in the Central African Republic. The victim was hauled from a bus, battered and then stabbed before being set on fire in the capital city Bangui, according to the BBC. In the aftermath of the incident, one of his attackers Ouandja Magloire - who also calls himself ‘Mad Dog’ -  grabbed hold of his leg and then began to devour it. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Horrific: Ouandja Magloire - who also calls himself 'Mad Dog' - is seen eating the leg of a Muslim slaughtered by a rampaging Christian mob in the Central African Republic . Magloire said that his action was revenge for the murders of his pregnant wife, his sister-in-law and her baby . Magloire told a BBC reporter that his action was . revenge for the murders of his pregnant wife, his sister-in-law and her . baby. He claimed that Muslims were responsible and he was angry with them. 'They broke down the door and cut my baby in half. I promised I would get my revenge,' he said. Bloody: The charred and dismembered body is dragged through the streets with Magloire at the head of the mob . Killed: The body is dragged through the dusty streets by the cheering crowd . ‘Mad Dog’ spotted his victim on a minibus and followed him after deciding he looked Muslim. He gathered a crowd of about 20 Christian youths who forced the bus driver to stop and dragged him from the bus. Without emotion he told the BBC: 'I poured petrol over him. I burned him. I ate his leg, right down the white bone.' Witnesses did not intervene but recorded the footage on mobile phones, including the act of cannibalism. A video shows his cheeks bulging as he consumes the flesh. Witness . Jean-Sylvestre Tchya told news agency AFP: 'One of the individuals took . hold of an arm and went and bought some bread and starting chewing on . the flesh, along with his bread. 'The scene made many people vomit, and some cried out in horror.' Another witness, Alain Gbabobou, said he watched a man wrap the head up and proclaim that he would 'feast on it'. Violence: People throw stones at a car transporting two children of an ex-Seleka colonel at the 'UN crossroad' on Sunday in Bangui . Men brandish machets and knives to threaten Muslim people in Bangui . According . to The Sunday Telegraph, this may not have been an isolated incident, . with a source speaking of more than one person being eaten. An aid worker told the paper: 'They were taking machetes to people and burning the bodies and eating . them.' Sectarian violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) has been rife in the past month and flared up again following the resignation on Friday of president Michel Djotodia, the first Muslim to rule the Christian-majority nation. Shocking: A man ate the leg of a Muslim in the Central African Republic's capital, Bengui (pictured), in revenge for the murders of his pregnant wife, his sister-in-law and her baby . So far it has claimed around 1,000 lives, with the reports of cannibalism bringing to mind the macabre tales associated with Jean Bedel Bokassa, who ruled the CAR with an iron fist between 1966 and 1979. He was regarded by many as a brutal dictator and was accused of eating human flesh, incorporating it in meals for visiting officials and feeding slain opponents to animals. He died in 1996 and received a posthumous pardon in 2010. Some Christian fighters believe that human flesh makes them invincible and put chunks inside amulets that they wear.

The victim was attacked by a militia of around 20 machete-wielding men . Ouandja Magloire - also known as Mad Dog - reportedly ate part of the man . Witnesses did not intervene but filmed the attack on their mobile phones . 'The scene made many people vomit and cry out in horror,' one witness said . Sectarian violence has been rife recently in the Central African Republic .

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Police have issued a warning to online daters after a New Zealand woman, 28, was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men on Saturday night in Sydney's south. The New Zealander was on a business trip when she met up with a man from mobile dating app Tinder. The woman told police they met at a restaurant in Kings Cross - Sydney's inner city - before the pair moved on to a bar in Martin Place and was later joined by the man's friends. But she believes her drink got spiked after she felt dizzy, numb and later found herself at an unknown property. She says this was where she was sexually assaulted by the group of men. Scroll down for video . Police warned that Tinder-users should take extra caution when meeting people from online as they are of 'sexual predators out there who use modern technology to find potential victims' This comes after a New Zealand woman met up with a man at Kings Cross, Sydney's inner city, on Saturday night after speaking to him through mobile dating app Tinder . Police say the pair then moved on to a bar in Martin Place where they were joined by the man's friends . The woman was able to leave the property, believed to be in the Botany area in Sydney's south, on Sunday morning. She told colleagues about the incident before they informed police. Police warned that Tinder-users should take extra caution when meeting people from online. 'The vast majority of people who use dating websites and apps do so for the right reasons but there are a number of sexual predators out there who use modern technology to find potential victims,' Detective Inspector Michael Haddow said. He further advised that those thinking of meeting someone from dating websites or apps should bring a friend on the date. 'It's absolutely vital that people using dating websites and apps remember that how a person portrays themselves on the internet can be very different from their real life persona,' Detective Inspector Haddow said. 'With this in mind, we strongly advise people that if they decide to meet a person they have been introduced to via the internet, then ensure the meeting is in a public place and take a friend along with you. 'Having a friend there ensures that one of you can always keep an eye on your drink, and you have someone to turn to who can help you out should you feel threatened or uncomfortable. 'If it's not possible to bring a friend with you, then, at the very least, stay in regular contact with a family member or friend, keeping them abreast of how the night is going and where you may be heading to.' The man, who met the New Zealand tourist in Kings Cross, is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance. The woman was treated at a Sydney hospital on Monday but has now returned to New Zelaand where she is being supported by family. Police say they have no further information at this stage.

A New Zealand woman reported that she was sexually assaulted in Sydney's south on Saturday night . The 28-year-old was meeting up with a man from a mobile dating app . They first met at a restaurant at Kings Cross before going to a bar in Martin Place and were later joined by the man's friends . Police say the woman then felt dizzy, numb and later found herself at an unknown property - in the Botany area . The woman alleges this is where she was assaulted by a group of men . Police warn people to be careful when meeting people online and advise people to bring a friend along .

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Microsoft is developing a fitness band aimed at computer game fans, it has been revealed. One of the firm's suppliers says a band linked to the firm's hugely successful Xbox One console is set for release next year. It will be linked to games on the console, and is also expected to make use of the Kinect sensors the console has to track players. Scroll down for video . Late on the bandwagon? Microsoft has launched a device called 'Microsoft Band' (pictured) that will allow users to monitor their fitness and exercise regime. now it is believed to be working on an Xbox version. Speaking to PCR Joe Officer, head of attach at Exertis - an Xbox One supplier - said: 'The wearable market is always growing and we can expect to see Microsoft rolling out a spate of devices next year in this space,' according to PCR. 'These will be linked to the Xbox One which has loads of health and fitness apps already in it - add that to real time heart rate monitors, health bands, scales and video sensors and users will have day in, day out, real time monitoring of themselves.' The Xbox One already offers fitness games for users that can track their movements in real time. Fitbit and rival exercise bands have been around for a few years, but the world's largest . software company's has only now made its debut into the wearable technology market, launching an exercise band, smartwatch hybrid. Microsoft has revealed its device, called 'Microsoft Band,' which will allow users to monitor their fitness and exercise regime, as well as check their texts and emails. The wrist-worn device has 10 smart sensors that monitor pulse rate, . measure calorie burn and track sleep quality, Microsoft said in . a blog post. It also offers guided workouts, which are drills designed to meet a user's needs and GPS route mapping so users can see where they have run or cycled. The Kinect sensor for the Xbox can already track a  user's movements as they work out in front of the camera . 'Microsoft Band makes it easier to reach your fitness goals. You can track your daily physical activity and review your stats with a glance at your wrist,' the Redmond, Washington-based company writes on its website. 'Just like a personal trainer, Microsoft Band guides you to improved wellness by constantly learning about you, your current fitness level, and your future needs.' Unlike the forthcoming Apple Watch, people won't be able to make phone calls from the device, but like other smartwatches, such as the Motorola 360, they will be able to read texts, emails, social media updates and other notifications. 'It also helps you be more productive with email previews and calendar alerts - right on your wrist,' the company,' Microsoft said. Users will be able to talk to their device using the Cortana personal assistant, which is similar to Apple's Siri. Using Windows 8.1, users can ask Cortana to take notes or set reminders. 'She'll give you driving directions and keep you on top of traffic spots, weather and more,' according to Microsoft. The wrist-worn device (pictured left) has sensors that monitor pulse rate,measure calorie burn and track sleep quality, Microsoft said. It works alongside a health app called 'Microsoft Health' (shown on various devices) that includes a cloud service for users to store and combine health and fitness data . Fitness functions: The band is primarily a fitness band. It features smart sensors that monitor pulse rate, measure calorie burn and track sleep quality. The device also offers workouts put together by Men's Health, for example, and GPS route mapping so users can see where they have ran or cycled. Smartwatch features: The device doesn't allow people to make calls directly, but does push notifications about calls, texts and emails from a user's smartphone to their Microsoft Band. It has Microsoft's Cortana personal assistant built-in so people can talk to the device to ask it to take notes or set reminders, for example. Appearance: The band is primarily made of rubber and features a sleek colour touchscreen. Users can change the background screen's colour and design. Sensors: It has 10 sensors that monitor everything from heart rate and sleep to UV, prompting wearers to apply sunscreen. Price: $199. Availability: US only from today. UK prices and availability haven't been announced yet. Microsoft Band has a rubber strap and colour touch screen with a customisable background. It also has a UV sensor that tells wearers when to apply sunscreen. The device is designed to work alongside iPhone, Android and Windows Phone handsets, and will be available in the United . States from today for $199. UK availability and pricing has yet to be announced. It will compete with the highly anticipated Apple Watch, which was unveiled on September 9 and is set to go on sale in early 2015 for $349. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics is already selling its Galaxy Gear smart watch and Motorola and LG also have versions on the market. Microsoft also launched a health app called 'Microsoft . Health' that includes a cloud service for users to store and . combine health and fitness data. The app will collect data from the fitness . band and will work on iPhones and Android smartphones, as well . as the Windows Phone. Microsoft Health will unite data from different health and fitness devices and services such as UP by Jawbone, MapMyFitness and RunKeeper, in a single location. Data from different devices and services, such as steps, calories and heart rate will be combined, enabling an 'Intelligence Engine' to say which exercises were most effective during a workout and suggest a recommended recovery time. Over time, data can be combined with a calendar, enabling the Intelligence Machine to get smarter and offer suggestions for workouts that fit with a user's schedule, Microsoft said. As well as being a fitness tracker, the band enables wearers to see their emails, calender, texts, social media updates and other push notifications on their wrist. The device will be available in the US in limited quantities from today for $199 . Microsoft Band contains built-in GPS and 24-hour heart rate monitoring, which the company says is to help wearers reach their fitness goals. 'By combining the power of each of our sensors, Microsoft Band is able to give you real-time insights into your performance today and your milestones into the future,' the company says . Ben Wood Chief of Research CCS Insight said Microsoft's move to launch a health-tracking wearable isn't surprising and puts it in direct competition with Apple's iHealth and Google Fit as well as the plethora of proprietary health platforms from companies such as FitBit, Jawbone and Withings. 'Consumers now have an overwhelming choice of health-related cloud platforms to choose from...It's going to be a tough decision to choose whether to place their loyalty with Apple, Google or Microsoft given the immaturity of all three platforms. 'The Microsoft Band enters a highly competitive market where the company has little or no brand. At $200 Microsoft is targeting the higher tiers of the fitness band market – its going to have make a big marketing investment to raise awareness with US consumers. 'There are already numerous other products with heart rate sensors that track fitness and sleep including the new product Fitbit announced earlier this week. 'It's interesting that Microsoft is clearly positioning its product as a fitness band rather than a smart watch given it has many of the features several smart watches already support. It is banking on the fact that consumers don't want to replace their watches and that this will be what it calls the 'band for the other hand''. Fitbit has revealed a trio of new trackers this week - including a $250 smartwatch, which it hopes can take on the Apple Watch. Called Surge, the watch has GPS, heart rate monitoring and smartwatch functionality. The firm has also added a heart rate monitor to its traditional tracing wristband, now called the chargeHR. Fitbit's new range includes the $129 Fitbit charge, the $149 chargeHR while also has a heart rate sensors, and the $249 Surge which has GPS, heart rate monitoring and smartwatch functionality. Fitbit's new range: The $129 Fitbit charge, the $149 chargeHR (pictured) have a heart rate sensors, and the $249 Surge comes with GPS, heart rate monitoring and smartwatch functionality . 'Continuing our mission to inspire people to lead healthier, more active lives, we're releasing these three new innovative devices to help reach everyday, active or performance health and fitness goals,' the San Francisco firm says. The Surge watch will put the firm on a collision course with Apple - and now Microsoft. 'Surge is Fitbit's most advanced tracker to date: a sleek 'Fitness Super Watch,' designed for those looking for peak performance,' the firm said. 'Featuring 8-sensor technology that combines all-day fitness tracking with GPS, heart rate monitoring and smartwatch functionality. 'Surge is ideal for users committed to training, dedicated to health and consistently looking to improve progress.'

Firm developing a version of its $199 band for Xbox One owners . Microsoft Band has sensors that monitor pulse rate, measure calorie burn and track sleep quality to help wearers achieve their fitness goals . It also works like a smart watch, showing a user's texts, emails and diary appointments on their wrist, among other functions . Wears can talk to their device using the Cortana personal assistant .

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(CNN) -- A South Florida man killed his wife and son with a crossbow, drove 460 miles to try and kill his other son, and then slit his own throat. The violent, long-distance rampage took Pedro Maldonado Sr. from one end of the state to the other. While the Broward County Sheriff's Office continues to piece together a time line, detectives believe Maldonado shot and killed his 47-year-old wife, Monica Narvaez-Maldonado, and their 17-year-old son, Pedro Maldonado Jr., with a crossbow in their Weston townhouse sometime on Monday. Weston is located about 13 miles west of Fort Lauderdale. The sheriff's report says Maldonado, 53, then drove about 460 miles north to Tallahassee in an attempt to kill his older son, José Maldonado, who attends Florida State University. "His dad did try to shoot him with the same handheld crossbow and the arrow hit Jose's ear," Dani Moschella, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's department, told CNN affiliate WSVN. "Then his father tried to choke him, and José luckily was able to get away." José Maldonado never reported the attack to police, but it was his father's confession to a friend on Tuesday that set authorities on his trail. The Broward Sheriff's report says Pedro Maldonado called a friend in Miami and admitted to killing his wife and son. A short time later, authorities found their bodies in the South Florida townhouse. Did Montana newlywed blindfold husband before pushing him off cliff? Later in the day, authorities learned that Maldonado might be in the Lake City area, about 100 miles east of Tallahassee. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office found his SUV at a hotel. After trying to contact Maldonado for hours, they entered his room and found him dead early Wednesday. He slit his own throat, authorities said. Man kills wife, dogs in home . "I knew them. They were good neighbors. I never heard anything from the house -- no screaming, no fighting, nothing," neighbor Ana Maldonado, who is not related to the family, told WSVN. "Terrible. I don't see why parents have to get the kids involved. If you have a problem, solve it. "Do what he did far away, by himself, but leave the family alone." Cops: Husband kills wife with AK-47 . CNN's Carma Hassan contributed to this report.

Authorities say Pedro Maldonado killed his wife and son with a crossbow . He then drove 460 milles to Tallahassee in an attempt to kill his other son . Maldonado later called a friend, admitting to killing two family members . He took his life in a Lake City hotel room, authorities say .

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How are you feeling today? Chances are, not that great... Because this morning you woke up on what has come to be known as ‘Blue Monday’ - the day of the year on which most of us feel at our lowest ebb. There is indeed not much going for the third Monday of the year. Feeling blue: The third Monday of the year is the day on which most of us feel at our lowest ebb . If you struggled with travel chaos this chilly morning, that will only have added to the woes that come from feeling poorer after an expensive Christmas and minimal hours of daylight. Added to failed New Year’s resolutions, a general drop in motivation, and the summer far away in the future, you could be forgiven for not wanting to get out of bed at all. On the plus side, we are likely to be in better form tomorrow. But for the 24 hours of Blue Monday we will just have to grit our teeth and have an early night. Miserable: People have got a lot to feel depressed about at this time of year . A report suggests that a major reason for a drop in motivation comes from the continued winter darkness after the brief highlights of Christmas and New year. A survey by Anglian Home Improvements into the impact of reduced daylight over the winter months found that the vast majority of us feel it has a negative impact on our wellbeing. Their report claims 79 per cent of us feel that limited hours of daylight has a negative effect on our mood. A spokesman for the company which quizzed 2,000 respondents said: ‘The survey shows a clear link between natural daylight, mood and motivation. ‘It’s encouraging to learn that little changes, like making sure you sit near a window or somewhere with as much natural light as possible, can make a big difference to how we feel and cope with winter.’ It has been suggested that the concept of ‘Blue Monday’ was based on junk science drummed up by a travel company as a clever ploy to have us booking holidays to sunnier climes. It is thought the date was picked out by psychologist Cliff Arnall after he came up with a scientific formula based on the length of time until next Christmas, holiday debt and the likelihood of giving up New Year’s resolutions. Mr Arnall first wrote about ‘Blue Monday’ seven years ago - in a press release for Sky Travel, a now defunct British TV travel channel. He based the theory on the ‘hibernation’ effect - a time of year when people feel tired, don’t exercise, stay indoors and eat comfort food. He has said previously: ‘It is the combination of factors that make life right now particularly uncertain. ‘There is threat of job redundancy and the cost of food and fuel are going up.’ Since the idea of Blue Monday has become well known Mr Arnall, from Brecon, Wales, has admitted the idea of a single most depressing day was ‘not particularly helpful’ because it became ‘a self-fulfilling prophecy’ and that achieving happiness and being less materialistic was a year-round aim.

Woes include travel chaos, feeling poor after Christmas and lack of daylight . Major drop in motivation comes from continued winter darkness .

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By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 07:11 EST, 25 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:37 EST, 28 February 2013 . She has become 'thinspiration' for women everywhere after shrinking from a size 20 to a svelte size eight. And now former Big Brother winner and Bristol resident Josie Gibson is flaunting the body she has worked so hard to achieve. Following the launch of her first fitness DVD (and several steamy lingerie shoots), the bubbly blonde has turned her hand to designing, releasing her debut collection of clothes for online fashion retailer Goddiva.... and modelling it all herself. Showing off her hard work: Josie Gibson, who shot to fame on Big Brother, is showcasing her svelte new figure in her debut clothing line for Goddiva . Josie - who has just knocked Davina McCall off the top of the exercise video charts with her debut fitness DVD, 30 Second Slim - joined forces with the brand to create the Josie Gibson for Goddiva collection. a collection of glamorous evening-wear. The 28-year-old was approached by Goddiva due to her entertaining, flirty personality, which they were keen to integrate into a new collection. The team formed in mid-2012, before Josie's remarkable weight loss, when the label was keen to create a collection for . women of all shapes and sizes. Josie . follows in the footsteps of Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson, whose . two collections for the online retailer were a sell-out success, and the ex-BB housemate hopes her own range will be a similar hit. Bubbly: Josie was chosen to turn her hand to designing because of her fun-loving personality, which they wanted to echo through her clothes . Prints and maxis: The Josie Gibson for Goddiva collection combines Josie's love of fun prints, bodycon dresses and flattering maxis . The Josie Gibson for Goddiva collection combines Josie's love of fun prints, bodycon dresses and flattering maxis, making it an accessible collection for women of all ages and sizes. From a fitted monochrome dress with bling embellishments, to a vibrant green number with a revealing cut out panel, Josie's collection of dresses are perfect for any glamorous night out. Prices range from £42 to £55, and her dresses also include a trendy animal print dress reminiscent of Moschino's spring/summer 13 catwalk look. Girly glam: Prices range from £42-£55 and her dresses are ideal for a girl's night out . The collaboration will see Josie interacting with fans and Goddiva customers with online competitions and giveaways, as well as providing weekly style advice, creating online links between her own website and Goddiva's. In May 2012 Josie was horrified when she saw unflattering photographs of herself in a bikini on the beach, which led her to lose the excess pounds. Not only did the TV personality lose a staggering amount of weight, she did it in record time, dropping three stone in three months - and a total of six stone in just one year. A healthy new diet helped her slim down from 16st 7lb and a size 18 to 10st 2lb and a svelte size eight. Big loser: Josie went from 16st 7lb and a size 18 to 10st 2lb and a svelte size 8, and what better way to show it off? Josie Gibson for Goddiva is available now at Goddiva.co.uk .

Big Brother winner from Bristol shrunk from size 20 to size 8 in a year . Created first line of clothes for online fashion retailer . Her debut fitness DVD currently at top of exercise video chart . Has also modelled for risque lingerie shoots .

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(CNN) -- A former Florida middle school principal stabbed four people Friday at a group home for the hearing impaired, killing two of them, then struck five others with a car, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said. The suspect -- identified by the sheriff's office as Anthony Giancola -- was taken into police custody after being tracked down by K-9 unit members. He has been arrested and formally booked on two counts of first-degree murder, sheriff's spokeswoman Cecilia Barreda said. Authorities said they first learned around 10:45 a.m. that four people had been stabbed at the group home in Lealman, a community just north of St. Petersburg. One man, later identified as 27-year-old Justin Lee Vanderbergh, was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff's office said. Three women were sent to a local hospital, where one of them -- 59-year-old Mary Anne Allis -- ended up succumbing to her injuries. The other two, ages 25 and 43, suffered what the sheriff's office said were non-life-threatening injuries. All four stabbed were the only residents of the one-story home, Barreda said. After talking with witnesses, authorities identified the suspect as the 45-year-old Giancola. The suspect fled the scene and headed toward a motel in nearby Pinellas Park, where a man and woman were assaulted, authorities said. The sheriff's office said the man's injuries "appear to be life-threatening." From there, the suspect left and is thought to have spoken briefly to people outside a duplex before abruptly leaving, then returning in his vehicle -- slamming into three women and one man in the process. The women were all transported to an area hospital, while the man chose not to go. The sheriff's office said the suspect then drove west and struck another person, this time a 13-year-old boy. The child suffered only minor injuries. The suspect ended up at the Egg Platter restaurant in Pinellas Park, where he left his vehicle, entered another vehicle and fled. He was detained shortly after 1 p.m., the sheriff's office said. Barreda explained that the sheriff's office is only responsible for levying charges in certain areas, adding that Giancola could face more charges from police in other jurisdictions for the alleged assaults and hit-and-runs. He is now in Pinellas County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance. It was not clear whether he had retained a lawyer. This is not Giancola's first run-in with the law. In February 2007, when he was a principal at a middle school in Hillsborough County, he was caught buying crack cocaine from an undercover police officer -- an exchange captured on video that happened inside his principal's office while school was in session. Months later, he pleaded guilty and that June told CNN that there was "no excuse for my behavior." Giancola said at his sentencing that he hoped to become a drug counselor after being released from jail. "Before I could ever hope to go on and help anyone again, I need to help myself," Giancola told CNN. "I'm very thankful I was arrested, and it kind of brought that crazy train to an end." Then, in early 2010, Giancola was arrested again and charged on two counts -- intent to purchase cocaine and loitering -- according to online records from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. CNN's Greg Botelho and Chandler Friedman contributed to this report.

Anthony Giancola is in custody on 2 first-degree murder counts, with more charges possible . Witnesses say he stabbed 4 people at a group home for the hearing impaired, a sheriff says . The suspect is accused of assaulting two others, and hitting five more with a vehicle . Authorities caught Giancola, then a principal, buying crack cocaine in his office in 2007 .

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The Supreme Court is used to having its decisions publicly criticized, but rarely in R-rated language spouted by a federal judge, who says the justices should just "stfu." The remarks come from Nebraska-based Judge Richard Kopf, who has a reputation for provocative commentary on his personal blog. Kopf, an appointee of President George H.W. Bush, criticized the high court's ruling last week in the so-called "Hobby Lobby" case. The decision gave some for-profit businesses the right to deny birth control coverage to their employees if they opposed on religious grounds. The 5-4 decision against a provision of Obamacare was predictably divided in public opinion. The senior judge made clear his views on Saturday. "Five male Justices of the Supreme Court, who are all members of the Catholic faith and who each were appointed by a President who hailed from the Republican party, decided that a huge corporation, with thousands of employees and gargantuan revenues, was a 'person' entitled to assert a religious objection to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate because that corporation was 'closely held' by family members," he wrote. "To the average person, the result looks stupid and smells worse." And he went further. "Next term is the time for the Supreme Court to go quiescent-- this term and several past terms has proven that the court is now causing more harm (division) to our democracy than good by deciding hot button cases that the court has the power to avoid. As the kids say, it is time for the Court to stfu." Kopf helpfully linked to the Urban Dictionary to help decipher the popular acronym. It is not the first time his words have attracted attention on his blog, which he describes as enlightening "the role of the federal trial judge." During last year's budget battle in Washington and partial government shutdown, Kopf spoke for many federal judges in expressing frustration over forced furloughs and reduction of court services. But most judges hold their tongue on such matters, in an effort to appear above the fray. Not Kopf: "Tell Congress to go to hell-- all federal court employees are essential." And he was criticized for a March blog posting entitled: "On being a dirty old man and how young women lawyers dress." He later offered his regrets at the comments, saying, "The only thing bigger than my ass is my ego." There was no immediate reaction from the Supreme Court to Kopf's latest comments, and unclear whether the 68-year-old judge would be subject to some internal sanction. CNN spoke with Kopf's office, which had no comment other than to confirm the latest posting was his. Federal judges in particular have to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which says in part they "should respect and comply with the law and should act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary." Moreover, it also says they must avoid even the appearance of impropriety. This prohibition covers professional and personal conduct. The wide-ranging and often deeply personal thoughts on Kopf's blog-- which he has authored since February 2013-- reflect what he says is a desire that "federal trial judges be seen as individuals with all the strengths and weaknesses (baggage) that everyone else carries around." In the wake of the "stfu" comment, he is again rethinking his online future. He wrote on Monday: "Blogging will be light while I figure this out. While I will make up my own mind, advice (anonymous or otherwise), particularly from experienced lawyers and judges, would be welcome." Supreme Court women lash out at birth control decision .

Federal Judge Richard Kopf wrote a choice expression in his blog . He was responding to last week's Hobby Lobby decision on Obamacare and birth control . This isn't the first time Kopf has fired off prococative commentary online .

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Barcelona have announced a new global commercial partnership with Beko and have placed a corporate logo onto the sleeve of their kits. The home appliance company Beko has secured the rights to feature their design on the sleeve of both the team’s jersey and the club’s training kit, as Barcelona demonstrate their full immersion into the corporate world. Barcelona have traditionally been resistant to excessive commercialism, refusing to follow the lead of their global rivals and until 2006, they remained steadfast in their determination not to have a sponsor on their shirt. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Barcelona unveil their new kit for the 2014/15 season . Sold: The Beko logo can be seen on the sleeves of Barcelona's home kit after the deal was announced . Break with tradition: Barcelona first allowed charity UNICEF a space on their shirts . Inspired: Barcelona gained a lot of admirers for bearing UNICEF as their main sponsor . However, they finally relented and allowed the children’s charity UNICEF to occupy centre stage on their famous blaugrana shirt, before the Qatar Foundation, another charity, took pride of place from 2010. However, in 2013 many fans were left disappointed when the club made the step away from 112 years of history to allow Qatar Airways to emblazon their name across the scarlet and blue jersey in a five year sponsorship agreement. Now, Barca have not one but two sponsors on their shirt. The club are also further exploring the potential of the Catalan brand, with Beko becoming a global sponsor for the next four years. A statement read: ‘FC Barcelona and Beko announced today the signing of a new agreement which will see the global home appliance group become the club’s worldwide sponsorship partner for the next four years. The deal will see Beko’s new logo, also unveiled today, featured on the sleeve of the new team jersey and training kit – a first for any commercial brand. Commercial partner: Lionel Messi wearing Barca's kit last season with Qatar Airways as the sponsor . Pioneers: Last season the Catalan giants bore the sponsor Intel on the inside of their football shirts . Core values: Up until 2006 Barcelona were steadfast in their determination not to have a sponsor on their shirt . ‘Beko will become the first commercial brand to benefit from a permanent presence on the official team jersey’s sleeve.’ The press release added: ‘The partnership will be symbolised by the presence of the Beko logo on the arm of the first team shirt worn for all Spanish League and Cup games during the 2014/15 season, as well as for friendlies and summer tour games.’ As only two logos – one commercial and one not– for-profit – are allowed on team jerseys in the Champions League, Beko’s logo will not be seen in European competition.

Barcelona sign sponsorship deal with home appliance company Beko . Deal is further sign of Barcelona maximising corporate partnerships . Nou Camp club did not allow any sponsor names on their shirts until 2006 . But Beko logo not allowed in Champions League .

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By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:30 EST, 20 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 02:23 EST, 21 February 2014 . Two men pleaded guilty Thursday to a 2011 beating at Dodger Stadium that left San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow brain damaged and severely disabled. They were immediately sentenced by an angry judge who called them cowards and the sort of people that sports fans fear when go to games. Louie Sanchez, 31, saying he kicked and punched Stow, pleaded guilty to one count of mayhem that disabled and disfigured the victim. He was sentenced to eight years in prison with credit for 1,086 days. Marvin Norwood pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to produce great bodily injury and was sentenced to four years. His credit for time already in custody appeared to account for at least the majority of that term. Scroll down for video . Marvin Norwood, left, and Louie Sanchez even appeared to smirk as they were sentenced to several years in prison on Thursday . 'Cretins': David Stone - the father of beating victim Bryan Stow - lashed out at his attackers, and comforted his daughter Evin Collins - left . They were sentenced after Stow's family addressed the court. David Stow, the victim's father, placed a Giants ball cap on a podium. 'The years you spend in prison is what you cretins deserve,' he said. The victim's sister, Bonnie Stow, described her brother's life. 'We shower him, we dress him, we fix his meals,' she said. 'We make sure he gets his 13 medications throughout the day. He takes two different anti-seizure medications to prevent the seizures he endured for months after you brutally and cowardly attacked him.' Superior Court Judge George Lomeli called out Sanchez for smirking during sentencing. 'You not only ruined the life of Mr. Stow (but) his children, his family, his friends,' the judge said. Paramedic Bryan Stow, pictured before the attack, was suffered traumatic brain damage from the attack . He said the men only seemed to care when they will getting out of jail. 'One day you will be released,' he said, 'and Mr. Stow will forever be trapped in the condition you left him in.' The judge said he often takes his son to football games and 'my biggest fear is that we might run into people like you, who have no civility.' He concluded, 'it's only a game at the end of the day and you lost perspective.' Stow, a 45-year-old paramedic from Santa Cruz who attended the 2011 opening day game in Los Angeles between the Dodgers and the Giants, was beaten nearly to death in a parking lot after the game. He suffered brain damage and is permanently disabled, requiring 24-hour-a-day care. The beating prompted public outrage and led to increased security at Dodgers' games. A civil suit by Stow is pending against the Dodgers organization and former owner Frank McCourt. Sanchez and Norwood were arrested after a lengthy manhunt that briefly involved the arrest of an innocent man. The two acknowledged their involvement during a series of secretly recorded jailhouse conversations. Norwood was recorded telling his own mother by phone that he was involved and saying, 'I will certainly go down for it.' Stow, seen after the attack, no longer can care for himself and requires the constant attention of his family . The words the two men spoke in a jail lockup, unaware they were being recorded, were played at a preliminary hearing as they were ordered to stand trial on charges of mayhem and assault and battery. In a 12-minute conversation, Sanchez acknowledged he attacked a Giants fan, and Norwood said he had no regrets about backing him up. 'I socked him, jumped him and started beating him,' a transcript of the conversation quoted Sanchez, who also apologized to Norwood for dragging him into the fight. 'That happens, bro,' said Norwood. 'I mean, what kind of man would I have been if I hadn't jumped in and tried to help you.' Witnesses testified about the parking lot confrontation, saying Stow was jumped from behind and his head crashed to the pavement. Witnesses at the hearing said Sanchez taunted Giants fans throughout the game. Two witnesses who attended the March 31, 2011, game told of being bothered by Sanchez, who was throwing peanuts and spraying soda on a woman in the bleachers. His sister testified that Sanchez was drunk. Corey Maciel, a fellow paramedic who came with Stow from Northern California to cheer for the Giants, told of seeing his friend attacked and throwing his own body over him to prevent further harm. 'As soon as he was punched, he was unconscious and fell back on his head,' Maciel testified. 'He was unable to brace himself. I saw his head bounce off the concrete. I heard the crack.' The assailant then kicked Stow in the head at least three times and again in the torso, according to the testimony. Maciel said he heard profanities and one person say, '(expletive) the Giants. That's what you get.' 'I threw my body over Bryan's head to stop any more physical contact,' Maciel said. Another friend, also a paramedic, held the injured Stow's head to protect his spine. But he had already suffered devastating injuries. Last spring, Stow returned home after two years in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. His family said he requires constant physical therapy and remains severely disabled.

Bryan Stow was beaten nearly to death by rival fans while attending an LA Dodgers game . Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood pleaded guilty to the attack . Stow is permanently brain damaged and can no longer care for himself .

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(CNN) -- The fledgling International Premier Tennis League suffered a blow when two of the world's most recognized female athletes snubbed the event. Max Eisenbud, the agent of both Maria Sharapova and Li Na, told CNN on Thursday that neither would be appearing in the team tournament that is set to make its debut in Asia this November. Sharapova transcends tennis and has long been a magnet for sponsors -- the Russian is perennially listed as the world's richest female athlete by Forbes -- while China's Li is one of the marquee names in Asia, having captured a second grand slam title at the Australian Open in January. Li was "confirmed" as one of the entrants by the League in a press release last May. "Maria and Li Na will not be participating," Eisenbud said in an email. Mahesh Bhupathi, a grand slam doubles winner and the main man behind the project modeled after cricket's highly successful Indian Premier League, will now be hoping he can secure the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Roger Federer, the 17-time grand slam champion and still the biggest name in the sport, told Gulf News this week he generally backed the idea. The player list is expected to be revealed Friday. "Firstly, I want to see whether it takes off or not," Federer told Gulf News. "I know a lot of people have invested in it or are part of it. Anywhere where tennis grows is a good thing, so I hope it takes off and becomes very successful. "In Asia, there is enormous potential (for tennis to grow), in places like China and India due to the amount of people that live there and the excitement they have for tennis." The tournament sees five teams -- based in Mumbai, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and another city yet to be officially revealed -- play each other over a roughly three-week period. Matches are contested over five sets but will employ no-ad scoring. One set is played in each of men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, mixed doubles and legends doubles. Optimism was initially high, with Boris Becker a founding partner of the league and Djokovic -- now coached by Becker -- calling it a "revolutionary idea." However, there have been delays in the player auction and the League was originally supposed to have six teams, not five. "I think it will be great for tennis if it can be pulled off," said Eisenbud. "I just don't see how it could ever work, but I hope I am wrong," he added without elaborating. A tennis insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity told CNN he didn't know if the TV revenue was in place to fund salaries and other costs. However, Peter Hutton, CEO of MP and Silva, the firm distributing television rights, said there has been "considerable interest both in Asia and outside." "We've been waiting to see the selection of the franchise squads before finalizing any broadcast deals," he told CNN. "Mahesh's personal credibility and his contacts within the world of tennis have made people sit up and take notice, and we believe that the 'made for tv' format is a good model on which to grow audiences for tennis worldwide." Bhupathi didn't return an email seeking comment Thursday. Apart from who will show up, another question is: How can players complain about a long tennis year but then commit a chunk of the off-season to a tournament? Pros from the U.S. and Europe also face the prospect of making the long trip to Asia -- after completing the Asian chunk of the schedule weeks or a month before.

Maria Sharapova and Li Na won't be competing in the new IPTL, their agent says . Sharapova is arguably the biggest name in women's tennis and Li is hugely popular in Asia . The IPTL is hoping to be as successful as cricket's established IPL . The official player list is expected to be revealed on Friday .

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(CNN)Books, filled with prayers for peace, splattered with blood. Sacred vestments shredded by bullets and knives. Lifeless bodies in the sanctuary. The rabbis had gathered to ask God to bestow blessings upon their troubled land. Their prayers were interrupted by two men wielding butcher knives and a gun. An Israeli police officer and four rabbis were killed, including an American whose family is considered "rabbinic royalty." Combined with the site of the slaughter -- a synagogue in West Jerusalem -- the targeting of rabbis struck at the soul of Jews around the world, several Jewish leaders said Tuesday. "This is an attack on all of us," said Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld, who leads Ohev Sholom Synagogue in Washington. "Any terrorist attack is a horror. But to attack people while they are engaged in prayer, are talking to God, is a new low." In fact, both sides in the seemingly endless fight between Israelis and Palestinians have attacked people at prayer. In 1994, a Jewish extremist murdered 29 Palestinians worshiping in Hebron. In 2002, Palestinian extremists attacked a Passover Seder in Natanya, killing 30. Like those assaults, Tuesday's murders threaten to ignite another inferno of unholy violence. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, but Hamas and other Palestinians praised the terrorists, identified by police as two cousins from East Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office vowed to "respond with a heavy hand" to the killings. The attackers, identified as Ghassan Abu Jamal and his cousin Udayy Abu Jamal, were killed by police responding to the synagogue assault, authorities said. Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas, linked the attack to the discovery Sunday of a Palestinian bus driver hanged in his bus not far from the synagogue where the rabbis were killed. But relatives of the terrorists told The New York Times the men were motivated by Israel's recent closure of Jerusalem's Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary compound, a site holy to both Jews and Muslims. The site has since been reopened, but the dispute has fueled small-scale attacks by Palestinians that have killed six Israelis in recent weeks. In the United States, the horror of Tuesday's terror attack unified Jews across the political spectrum, even those who sharply disagree with Netanyahu's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. In an editorial, the Jewish Daily Forward said the frustration of Palestinians "living under occupation" is understandable. But killing innocent men at prayer is morally indefensible, the newspaper said, noting that the synagogue is in West Jerusalem, not in "contested territory." Killing innocents anywhere is detestable, Jewish leaders said Tuesday. But there is something especially heinous about killing people while they pray. "We look on our ministers, priests, rabbis and mullahs as intermediaries between ourselves in the divine world," said Peter Machinist, a professor of Hebrew at Harvard University. Within the slain rabbis' ultra-Orthodox tradition, respected rabbis are assumed to have a "hot line to heaven." "So an attack on them is a little closer to being an attack on God," Machinist said. The four rabbis killed were: Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, 58; Aryeh Kopinsky, 43; Moshe Twersky, 59; and Calman Levine. Goldberg was a dual British-Israeli citizen, and the other three were U.S.-Israeli citizens. "This was an attack by Palestinian terrorists of pure evil and would have been utterly deplorable wherever, whenever it had occurred," said Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the former chief of rabbi of Britain. "But for this terrorist attack to occur in a synagogue, deliberately targeting innocent Jews deep in prayer, is something that strikes at the soul of Jewish people around the world." Obama condemns 'horrific' Jerusalem terror attack . The Muslim Political Affairs Council also condemned Tuesday's attack. "We strongly believe that houses of worship should be a sanctuary for all people, not a place of violence as we regretfully witnessed today. Islam commands its followers to protect houses of worship," the group said in a statement on Twitter. Moshe Twersky, originally from Boston, comes from an almost Kennedy-like clan of respected scholars and rabbis. His father, Rabbi Isadore Twersky, was a world-renowned expert on Jewish theology and founding director of Harvard's Center for Jewish learning. Twersky's maternal grandfather was Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, a philosopher and professor at Yeshiva University who was considered one of the most important minds in Modern Orthodox Judaism. "It's a very prominent family in Jewish life, in Jewish scholarship, in Jewish theology," Machinist said. Herzfeld said Soloveitchik was responsible for training thousands of rabbis who passed through Yeshiva University in New York, where his legacy still burns bright. Twersky's brother, Mayer, teaches at the university. Family legacy aside, what makes Tuesday's attack all the more galling, Jewish leaders said, is that the rabbis planned to engage in the very opposite of terrorism: praying for peace. "That's what's so horrible about this," said Herzfeld. "These people were trying to do their part to bring good into this world through their dedication to God." 'Grief and outrage' at Jerusalem synagogue slayings . Other Jewish leaders noted that the rabbis likely did not expect their morning service to be interrupted by an assault. "If you are truly at prayer, you are most vulnerable," said Jane Eisner, the Forward's editor-in-chief. Worshipers are not looking around for potential terrorists; they are focused on God. During the central prayer of Jewish services, the Amidah, it is considered sacrilegious to interrupt worshipers. "Amidah" means "standing" in Hebrew, and Jews are taught to imagine themselves standing before God, asking for his blessing, said Herzfeld. By tradition, the last prayer asks for peace in Israel. It's unclear whether the rabbis had reached that point when the slaughter began.

Killing of rabbis strikes at soul of Jews around the world, Jewish leaders say . In the U.S., the horror of the attack unifies Jews across the political spectrum . Something especially heinous about killing people while they pray, leaders say . Muslims also condemn attack, saying followers of Islam must protect houses of worship .

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By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 13:43 EST, 4 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:34 EST, 5 April 2013 . A motorist caught running red lights and swerving between lanes claimed he was 'under the influence' of drum and bass music. Delivery driver Aaron Cogley, 25, said he was 'high' on the 'intoxicating effects' of his favourite music, which he said made him drive erratically. Police spotted him running two sets of red lights in Bristol and then 'cut up' another driver. Aaron Cogley was banned from driving for 12 months at Bristol Crown Court, pictured, after he admitted dangerous driving but said it was because of the 'intoxicating' effects of drum and base . Bristol Crown Court was told Cogley then rounded a corner so sharply his van rocked on its chassis. Officers pulled him over but he passed a drink and drugs test. When asked why he was driving erratically he blamed his drum and bass. Cogley, of Portishead, Bristol, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and his defence team argued he had been 'intoxicated' by the music. David Miller, defending, said: 'It was stupid. He was carried away because of the intoxicating effects of drum and bass music.' Passing sentence, Recorder Mr Kevin De Haan QC described drum and bass as 'Intoxicating for some. Very irritating for others.' Cogley was ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work, was banned from driving for 12 months and ordered to pass an extended driving test and pay a £60 victim surcharge. Mark Hollier, prosecuting, said police in an unmarked car spotted Cogley driving his Ford van in the streets near Bristol Royal Infirmary. Cogley was seen swerving between lanes and driving erratically in the roads surrounding Bristol Royal Infirmary, pictured . He 'cut up' a motorist, drove slowly through two sets of red lights before swerving from lane to lane as he headed towards a train station. Police rushed the vehicle and Cogley was arrested and breathalysed, but blew a zero reading. Mr Hollier said: 'When asked about it he said he was listening to drum and bass and was in a hurry.' Recorder Haan QC told Cogley: 'It's always serious, dangerous driving. 'Even if you only went up to 40mph you were lucky that night. 'You could have had an accident and been hurt, or worse you could have hurt someone else. Police thought you had taken something.' The court heard that Cogley would now lose his job as a delivery driver.

Aaron Cogley, from Portishead, Bristol, was stopped after running red lights and swerving between lanes . He passed a breath test for both drink and drugs . Told police he was 'intoxicated' by the music . Cogley was banned from driving for 12 months .

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The father arrested at a school board meeting after complaining about a sexually explicit novel on his daughter’s reading list said that his family was ‘violated’, describing the book as 'graphic and violent' and featuring a scene that was 'arguably an instance of date rape'. William Baer lost his temper during the meeting between parents and school officials from New Hampshire's Gilford High School. The meeting was convened to give parents the chance to discuss the appropriateness of ninth-grade students being given Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes - a novel about a school shooting that contains themes of bullying and sexual violence. Scroll down for video . Willaim Baer is led out of the school board meeting by a police officer on Monday after he complained about his 14-year-old daughter being given a sexually-explicit book as an English assignment . Mr Baer, an attorney, raised his voice at the meeting and said that he didn't believe that the school showed his daughter respect by giving her a book with sexually-explicit themes . Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult deals with a school shooting and has themes of bullying and sexual content . A two-minute time limit for speaking . was imposed on those attending the meeting and when Mr Baer exceeded . this, during a strident outburst, he was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Immediately after his arrest his . daughter, Marina, 14, railed against the school authorities. She told . them: ‘This just shows that you resort to force at the first turn of . conflict. And I'm appalled. I don't trust you and I honestly don't feel . safe around you people.’ Footage of the drama was quickly uploaded to the internet. Speaking to Fox News after his . arrest, Mr Baer said: ‘The problem is that there was no notice from the . school that this would be the assigned reading. 'I'm 50 and I'm not prude and I've . never read anything like that in my life. It is graphic. It is violent, . it is arguably an instance of date rape. I feel like my family has been . violated.' The book contains a description of . rough sex between two teenagers including the words: 'She could feel his . erection, hot against her stomach'. Mr Baer expressed his outrage that his . daughter had been assigned the reading material and when he asked to . read the concerning passage aloud, the school board refused. 'Sir, would you please be respectful of the other people?' a school board member asked. He replied: 'Like you’re respectful of my daughter, right? And my children?' Mr Baer, an attorney, was seen on . camera arguing heatedly with school authorities and a parent who . supported the book for several minutes before a police officer . approached him in the audience. The officer appeared to ask Mr Baer to . leave. He responded: 'Because I violated the two-minute rule?', . referring to his allotted speaking time at the meeting. 'I guess you're going to have to . arrest me,' Mr Baer told the police officer, who then ordered him to . stand up and led him by the arm out of the library meeting. The father was then placed in handcuffs and charged with disorderly conduct. Mr Baer told EAGNews: 'I was shocked when I read the passage, and not much shocks me anymore. 'My wife was stunned by the increasingly graphic nature of the sexual content of the scene and the imagery it evoked.' The lines which caused parents' concern in the class-assigned text: . 'Relax,’ Matt murmured, and then he sank his teeth into her shoulder. He pinned her hands over her head and ground his hips against hers. She could feel his erection, hot against her stomach. She . couldn’t remember ever feeling so heavy, as if her heart were . beating between her legs. She clawed at Matt’s back to bring him closer. 'Yeah,' he groaned, and he pushed her thighs apart. And then suddenly . Matt was inside her, pumping so hard that she scooted backward on the . carpet, burning the backs of her legs. He clamped his hand over her mouth and drove harder and harder until . Josie felt him come.Semen, sticky and hot, pooled on the carpet beneath . her. Another parent Doug Lambert told WCVB: . 'You are also cheating the kids out of being exposed to real literature . in front of them. This is garbage.' Jodi Picoult also weighed in on the debate over her book. She wrote: 'Another parent is . challenging #19Minutes bc it contains a sex scene far more vague than . anything on TV. Sad to focus on that & not bullying.' Nineteen Minutes was published in 2007 and debuted at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. Picoult's fans jumped to her defense over criticism of the novel. Jolene wernig wrote:'@jodipicoult My 2 girls went to #GHS and LOVE your books! Re-reading 19minutes this week.' Holly Soave tweeted to the writer: . '@jodipicoult as a teen, #19minutes changed my life & the way I . think about bullying & how actions affect everyone around us. I'm . grateful.' The school board apologized 'for the . failure of the school district to send home prior notice of assignment . of the novel' but added that it had been part of the school curriculum . since 2007 and there had been no complaints. Superintendent Kent Hemingway told WND . that the book was 'thematically important' because it allowed students . to explore issues surrounding a fictional school shooting. MailOnline was awaiting a comment from Mr Hemingway. The school's mission statements . include the belief that 'learning occurs best in disciplined, safe, and . respectful environments where community members are valued and expected . to play their roles in education and be accountable for their actions'. Mr Baer said the charges against him had not been dropped. A police officer approached the father because he violated the two-minute speaking rule at the school board meeting on Monday night . The police officer took Mr Baer by the arm and led him out of the New Hampshire school meeting before placing him in handcuffs . Outraged: In an interview with Fox News, Mr Baer said that it felt like his family had been 'violated'

Attorney William Baer charged with disorderly conduct at meeting in New Hampshire between parents and the school board . Mr Baer violated his 'two-minute speaking time' while discussing why his daughter should not have been given a book with sexual themes . Gilford High School made Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes required reading for class of 14-year-olds . Book about school shooting has themes of bullying and sexual violence . Passage includes the words: 'She could feel his erection, hot against her stomach.... Semen, sticky and hot, pooled on the carpet beneath her' Jodi Picoult tweeted: 'Another parent is challenging #19Minutes bc it contains a sex scene far more vague than anything on TV. Sad to focus on that & not bullying.'

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India is to send its last ever telegram this weekend, bringing to an end a 162-year-old service originally set up in the heyday of the British Raj. With one final STOP at the end, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-run telegram service, will wire its final message to an as yet unknown location on Sunday. The service, the last of its type in the world, still sends around 5,000 telegrams a day and employs 998 people in its 75 offices. All stop: A worker taps out a telegram at the Central Telegraph Office in New Delhi. India disbanded the world's last major telegram service on Sunday . Final posts: An Indian telegram messenger holds up some of the last messages to go out at the Central Telegraph Office in New Delhi . But that is a far cry from its peak in 1985 when it was relaying some 60 million messages every year and employing 12,000 people. Today the remaining customers consist mainly of local government offices sending administrative messages to remote areas which are still not covered by the phone networks. Back in the days of the British Raj, the telegram service proved an absolutely vital means of control for a colonial power ruling over a vast expanse of land. The first 27-mile stretch of line was laid by the East India Company between Calcutta and Diamond Harbour as early as 1851. To . cope with India's stifling heat and humidity, the cables used were far . thicker than those in Europe and North America and were covered with a . layer of cloth and pitch to keep out the dust and monsoon rains. Origins: A team of workers lays the underwater cable that stretched from India to Britain in 1870 . Mechanics: A museum employee in Bhopal with an 1837 telegraphy machine of the type used in the early years . The network grew exponentially. One of the most famous early messages was . sent to Lord Dalhousie in Calcutta in April 1852 announcing the fall of . Rangoon during the during the second Anglo-Burmese war. And when Indian troops rebelled in . 1857, sparking a widespread uprising against colonial rule, the telegram . is credited with playing a crucial role in helping the British mobilise . and regain control. After the uprising was quelled, Lord Dalhousie famously credited the telegram as having 'saved India for the British Empire'. BK . Syngal, former Managing director of VSNL, which had a mandate to send . telegrams overseas until 2002, told the Hindustan Times: 'The telegraph . allowed the British to relay information across large parts of India in . almost real time. Communication: Mahatma Gandhi, who led the struggle for Indian independence, relied heavily on telegrams to rally support and appeal for vital funds . 'This leap in communications proved decisive'. In 1870, underwater cables were laid between India and Britain providing a vital link between Westminster and Britain's largest and most valuable colony. But like many innovations introduced by the British, the telegram was quickly adopted by Indians for their own use. Mahatma Gandhi, who led the struggle for Indian independence, relied heavily on telegrams to rally support and appeal for vital funds. And during the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the telegram would prove a vital link between families and friends at opposite ends of the country. Santosh Sharma, who sixty-six years ago left Pakistan for New Delhi, remembers how she then used telegrams to keep in touch with her loved ones. 'Crossing the border meant risking your own life,' she told AFP, 'At that time the telegram was the only way to keep families informed, give speedy updates and reunite.' Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru also relied on the telegram famously sending British Prime Minister Clement Attlee a message to request help from London when Pakistani troops invaded Kashmir. R.K. Rai, a retired telegraph operator in . New Delhi, remembers the service in its pomp as hundreds of workers . crashed out the dots and dashes of Morse Code used on telegraph . machines. He told AFP: 'The whole office sounded like a factory,' he remembers. 'Sometimes we felt we knew every significant detail of our customer's lives. 'The word privacy did not exist in anyone's dictionary then.' The service continued to be invaluable up until the 1990s with the advent of mobile communications. Today Raj's old office, a colonial style building in the centre of capital barely sends out 10 messages a day and will soon be closed. He added: 'The new technology is so fast it just surprises me. Communication is a game of speed, the fastest will always win the game. 'Eventually the telegraph system had to face defeat.'

India's state-run BSNL network is the world's last major telegram service . It is due to send its final message this weekend . At its peak in 1985 the service was relaying some 60 million messages a year . The network was set up in the 1850s during the early years of the Raj . It proved vital for the British to maintain control of their most prized colony .

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By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 20:53 EST, 30 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 21:10 EST, 30 November 2012 . Accused: Coronation Street bad-boy Andrew Lancel has been charged with five counts of sexually abusing a child, it has emerged. He is pictured with his wife Louise . Coronation Street bad-boy Andrew Lancel has been charged with five counts of sexually abusing a child, it has emerged. The 42-year-old actor - who played Frank Foster in the popular soap - has been accused of indecent assault on a victim under the age of 16. The alleged offences are believed to date back to when he was a trainee actor called Andrew Watkinson. Speaking to The Sun, his lawyer said Mr Lancel 'strenuously denies the allegations'. Solicitor Stuart Nolan said: 'Mr Lancel was invited by police to co-operate with an inquiry by one complainant about events that allegedly took place over 20 years ago. 'He is confident his innocence will be established in the fullness of time.' It is believed that after leaving a police station in the Liverpool area yesterday, he returned to the luxury £400,000 home which he shares with his wife Louise. The actor is currently starring in the play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles in Liverpool. Last night he tweeted: . 'My lovely followers and friends. Your support means the world. Have faith. Good night. See you soon x.' Lancel's Coronation Street character Frank was killed off in March. He joined the famous soap after being in The Bill as Detective Inspector Neil Manson. Actor: Lancel is pictured as Frank Foster in Coronation Street with actress Alison King . Support: The actor is currently starring in the play Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles in Liverpool. Last night he tweeted this to his followers . A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'Merseyside Police can confirm that a 42-year-old man has been charged with five offences of indecent assault on a child under 16 under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 'Andrew Watkinson, 42, was charged with the offences today (Friday, 30 November). 'The offences are historic. He has been bailed to appear at South Sefton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 19 December.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.

The 42-year-old actor - who played Frank . Foster in the popular soap - has been accused of indecent assault on a . victim under the age of 16 . The alleged offences are believed to date back to when he was a trainee actor called Andrew Watkinson . Last night he tweeted: 'Your support means the world. Have faith.'

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(CNN) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began explosions Monday night at the Birds Point-New Madrid levee at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The explosions, near the southern border between Missouri and Illinois, marked the start of a three-stage process to intentionally breach the levee -- and, in the process, pave the way for tons of water to flood 130,000 acres of Missouri farmland -- to alleviate pressure caused by historically high water levels in the rivers. At 5 p.m. Monday, the water level outside Cairo, Illinois, was 61.44 feet -- well above the flood stage of 40 feet -- according to the National Weather Service. Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh ordered the intentional breach. "(The system) continues to be under enormous and unprecedented pressure," said Walsh, the president of the Mississippi River Commission. "Because of that ... I've ordered the district commander to operate the project." Walsh said that historic and still-rising flood waters made it imperative to begin the explosive operation as soon as possible. The multistage process is expected to continue through Tuesday. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster's office tried to block the move, challenging the Corps' authority to breach the levee. But the U.S. Supreme Court, in a ruling from Justice Samuel Alito, denied Missouri's bid. On Monday, Gov. Jay Nixon issued a statement saying he had talked with Walsh about the attempt "to relieve pressure on other parts of the levee system and save lives." He said Missouri authorities are ready for the blast and subsequent flood. "I urge Missourians to continue to cooperate fully with state, county and local law enforcement, as they have at every stage of this process," Nixon said. "Together, we will ensure that Missouri families stay safe in the coming days. And together, we will recover and rebuild." Without an intentional breach, authorities had warned of massive flooding that could wipe out Cairo. Already, Cairo's mayor ordered the city's 2,800 residents to evacuate. Walsh acknowledged the human dimension of his plan, which has irked many in Missouri, where hundreds more have been evacuated. Nixon has estimated that it will take tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars to recover property and rebuild lives as the water rushes through the floodway, including washing out farmland he described as "literally the most productive part of our continent." "It's a heart-wrenching story," Walsh said. "It takes a long time to recover from something like this." He said the fate of Cairo was just one of many factors in his decision, saying he hoped the move would alleviate issues throughout the Mississippi River system. Water levels and flooding have hit record highs in many spots, putting severe strains on systems meant to prevent uncontrolled floods and the resulting loss of life and property. With rain continuing to fall and water levels continuing to rise, Walsh said the situation would only get worse without drastic action. "Nobody has seen this type of water in the system," he said. "This is unprecedented." And he did not rule out similar moves elsewhere, including possibly more purposeful explosions at other levees along the Mississippi and its tributaries. The area, in Missouri's so-called "Bootheel," is one of four floodways along the system that could be opened up. Walsh said he expected the Birds Point-New Madrid levee breach will cause river crests to drop three to four feet "for a few days," even as he voiced concerns that water levels could very well rise again. "This doesn't end this historic flood," said Walsh. "This is not going to be over when we operate this."

NEW: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers begins intentionally breaching the levee . Water levels near Cairo, Illinois, reach 61.4 feet -- far above the 40-foot flood stage . Missouri had tried to block the decision, which will flood productive farmland .

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By . Lee Moran . Last updated at 4:40 PM on 23rd September 2011 . Killer: Robin Ligus has been detained indefinitely at a mental hospital . A convicted murderer who killed a pensioner in 1994 will be detained indefinitely in a secure mental hospital after a cold case probe found him responsible for killing two others in the same year. Robin Ligus, who was jailed for life for killing Robert Young in 1994, was told he will only return to prison to resume his original sentence if he is ever deemed 'fit and safe' to be freed from the specialist unit. The 59-year-old former painter and decorator, from Shrewsbury, was found responsible for the unlawful killings of both Trevor Bradley and Brian Coles by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court in July. The month-long trial heard that Ligus, who was desperate for money to buy drugs, killed Mr Bradley near Melverley in April 1994 by knocking him out and setting his car alight. Jurors also ruled Ligus committed the unlawful killing of Mr Coles, who was bludgeoned to death with an iron bar at his home near Whitchurch, Shropshire, in October 1994. But he was acquitted of involvement in the death of Bernard Czyzewska, whose body was found in the River Severn in Shrewsbury a month after Mr Coles’ murder. The serial killer, who watched today's proceedings via a videolink to HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire, was originally jailed for life in 1996 after admitting the November 1994 murder of Shrewsbury pensioner Robert Young. Victims: Robert Ligus was found not to have been responsible for the death of Bernard Czyzewska, left, but responsible for the death of Trevor Bradley, right . Victim: Brian Coles was one of three men found dead in 1994 . Ordering Ligus to be detained under the . Criminal Procedure Insanity Act for the unlawful killing of Mr Coles and . Mr Bradley, Mr Justice Treacy noted that both offences took place many . years ago. The judge told the court: 'They took . place in circumstances of considerable violence in the context of crimes . committed for gain... in the same timeframe as the brutal murder of . Robert Young. 'That sequence of events reveals a highly dangerous individual.' Ligus will be moved to a secure psychiatric hospital in Northampton within the next 28 days. West Mercia Police charged the father-of-three with the murders of Mr Bradley, Mr Coles and Mr Czyzewska in September last year after a cold case review into their deaths. Unusually, the defendant, who uses a wheelchair, was present in the dock for only one day of his trial, having been judged mentally unfit to take part in the proceedings. Because of Ligus's mental state, jurors were instructed to rule on whether he did the acts alleged against him, rather than being required to return verdicts of guilty or not guilty.

Court rules Robin Ligus to be held in a secure mental hospital indefinitely . Killer too mentally ill to attend his own trial .

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Mitt Romney has made millions of dollars through a tax loophole in the Netherlands, it was claimed today. The Republican presidential candidate received the money through his continued involvement with Bain Capital, the private-equity company he established in 1994 before launching his political career. Mr Romney received a severance deal when he departed the firm in 1999 that paid him in capital gains tax rather than a salary, according to a report by the website Follow The Money and Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant. This means that the GOP candidate would have to pay significantly less tax. Thumbs up: Mitt Romney greets supporters while boarding his campaign plane after a rally at Orlando Sanford international airport in Florida today. It was today claimed that he has made millions of dollars through a tax loophole in the Netherlands . It has also emerged that Mr Romney and his wife Ann were allowed to continue investing in Bain until at least 2009 and were still receiving tax-free income in 2010 and 2011. The Netherlands connection is complicated but boils down to the country offering huge tax breaks to multi-national firms such as Bain, which is reported to have avoided $100million (80million euros) in dividend taxes there. Bain managed this by, in 2004, investing in the Irish pharmaceutical company Warner Chilcott. At the time it was registered in Bermuda, but it moved to Ireland five years later after Barack Obama's administration cracked down on the island's tax breaks. In 2010, Bain moved its interest in Warner Chilcott to Dutch firm Alter Domus, which provides administrative services for multi-national companies. If a Dutch company owns more than 5 per cent of the shares in another firm, then that firm is exempt from paying capital gains tax. The report claims that there is a discrepancy between Mr Romney's tax filings in the U.S. and the tax-exempt shares worth $450,000 that he donated to his son's charity the Tyler Foundation in 2011. Big business: Mr Romney received a severance deal when he departed Bain Capital in 1999 that paid him in capital gains tax rather than a salary, it is alleged . The investigators came to their conclusions by studying Bain's tax returns, Mr Romney's own tax filings and Dutch Chamber Of Commerce documents. According to an investigation by Bloomberg News published last month, Mr Romney has benefited from a now-outlawed loophole that enables him to use the tax-exempt status of the Mormon church to reduce his own tax bill. Then the chief executive officer of Bain Capital, he set up the arrangement in June 1996, the year before Congress clamped down on the practice. As someone whose arrangements were already established, he was allowed to keep them in place. Called a charitable remainder unitrust, it is one of several strategies Mr Romney has adopted to reduce his tax bill. Such tax avoidance is legal and common among very rich people but it has been turned into an issue by the Obama campaign. In the second presidential debate, President Barack Obama slammed Mr Romney for paying 'lower tax rates than somebody who makes a lot less'. In this case, Mr Romney used the tax-exempt status of Mormon Church to defer taxes for more than 15 years. While Mr Romney will benefit, the trust will probably leave the church with less than what the law now requires, according to tax returns obtained by Bloomberg this month through a Freedom of Information Act request. Charities don’t usually owe capital gains taxes when they sell assets for a profit and trusts like Mr Romney’s permit funders to benefit from that tax-free treatment. Mr Romney has donated tens of millions of dollars to charities, principally the Mormon church.

GOP candidate receives the money through his involvement with Bain Capital, the private-equity company he established in 1994 and left in 1999 .

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A maths teacher at a £15,000 school is facing jail after being caught with an underage girl hidden under a blanket in the back of his car. Dr John Wunderle, who taught at Bancroft's School in Essex, was already on bail for alleged sexual offences with the same girl when witnesses discovered her hiding in the backseat of his car in August. The 35-year-old admitted performing a sex act on the 15-year-old and grooming her as she approached her 16th birthday at Snaresbrook Crown Court today amid other sexual offences. Dr John Wunderle was a teacher at Bancroft's School in Essex before being caught with the girl hidden in the back of his car . The court heard how Wunderle, who lives with his mother in Waltham Abbey, had also coerced the girl into performing a sex act on him. Prosecution barrister Chris Stimpson said: 'He is 35 years old and a person of good character. 'The Crown will seek time to draft a sexual offences prevention order and a restraining order.' Wunderle pleaded guilty to five charges . Judge Neil Saunders adjourned the hearing for sentencing on November 14. Former pupils at the school in Essex include Alan Davies and tennis player Samantha Smith. The teacher appeared via video link at Snaresbrooke Crown Court (pictured) to plead guilty to all charges .

Dr John Wunderle taught at the £15,000-a-year- Bancroft's School in Essex . The maths teacher was seen with 15-year-old hiding under blanket in his car . He was already on bail for sexual offences at the time of the incident . The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to five charges at Snaresbrooke Crown Court .

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Sometimes it takes a disaster to inspire innovation. There is a major drought in California. It's not the first state to face a water shortage recently, and it's definitely not the first time California has had to battle drought, but it could drag on for a decade and have a significant impact on all Americans who rely on California farms for food. Residents, the government and the agriculture industry are hoping for some high-tech solutions for a very old problem. Surprisingly, given its California location, Silicon Valley isn't a hotbed of drought and water research. Most local investors and venture capitalists aren't looking to invest in something that will take at least 10 years to pay off. They want software, cheap-to-make mobile apps that gather and monetize data about people, and consumer goods like phones, smart watches and futuristic thermostats. "Water doesn't always fit the venture capital model," said Scott Bryan, COO of Imagine H2O, a San Francisco nonprofit focused on helping water-technology companies get their ideas off the ground. As the United Nations observes World Water Day on Saturday, it's fitting that the biggest water research and innovation hubs are scattered around the globe. Australia, Singapore, the Netherlands and Israel are global leaders in the industry out of geographic necessity. In the United States, there are water-research centers clustered in Fresno and San Diego in California, and in Fort Collins, Colorado, Boston and Milwaukee. In Milwaukee, the roots of the water industry go back 100 years and are tied to the city's big breweries. Now there are 150 water-tech companies in the region, and five of the 11 largest companies in the world either have their headquarters or a major operation there. Green roofs and tree trays . Dean Amhaus runs The Water Council, which has created the Global Water Center, a Milwaukee complex with almost 100,000 square feet of research space, labs, offices and conference rooms. Researchers and entrepreneurs come together to collaborate on water-technology issues. The space houses intriguing startups such as Hanging Gardens, which builds "green" roofs that help collect storm water. There also are products that help detect leaks, waste-water treatment research, and tools for better tracking water usage and waste. Agriculture accounts for 70% of all our water usage, so much of the current technology focuses on helping farms use water more efficiently. Solutions range from the high-tech, like using big data and infrared aerial monitoring to give farmers more precise water information, to the simpler but ingenious, such as specialized plastic trays that fit around the bases of young trees. Imagine H2O's latest class has a crop of promising agriculture technology companies. WatrHub wants to be the Bloomberg Terminal of agriculture. The Toronto-based company was founded by a former Microsoft employee and a former Apple employee. They're using their experience working with big data sets to scrape together all the available information that might be useful to water and wastewater systems in North America. Getting better information is also what inspired the two founders of WellIntel. They have invented a monitor that gathers real-time data from water wells using sonar. Farms or rural homes with wells on their property can choose to keep their information private or share it anonymously with WellIntel, which uses the data to help government agencies and others see the bigger picture of water shortages. Then there's the plastic tray, the brainchild of an Israeli company called Tal-Ya which claims it can reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent. The lightweight square funnels rainwater or irrigation water toward the base of a tree and blocks sunlight, which kills weeds. It also captures any evaporating soil moisture, condensing it and trickling it back to the roots. As a bonus, the reflective surface redirects light back to the plant to aid in light absorption. All the companies have seen a recent uptick in interest in their products. "Everybody for the most part has been tuned out on water (shortages) because within the U.S. it's not really been a big issue," said Amhaus. "The situation in California has raised huge attention to the fact that we actually do have a problem." 'Forcing innovation' Companies and industrial farmers have financial incentives to test new water-saving technologies. But convincing regular consumers to change their ways is trickier. One part of public awareness means doling out practical advice on how to save water at home, such as only watering lawns at night, not running the dishwasher until it's completely full, and taking shorter showers. Oftentimes, people won't be spurred to action without some sort of incentive, or at least evidence that a lack of water has a negative impact on their lives. Eventually, the fruits and vegetables people expect to get in grocery stores won't be there, or they'll be much more expensive because they're imported from other countries. Saving money on water bills isn't going to be a big motivator, according to Amhaus. "Right now water has been cheap and it will continue to be cheap," he said. "It's not the price, it's whether its even going to be available." Christian Siems sells equipment to farms and vineyards and works with Tal-Ya. He sees first hand the steps the agriculture industry is taking to combat a looming water shortage. The drought has inspired many companies to test out new solutions. "It's forcing innovation, without question," he said. How oceans can solve our freshwater crisis .

A major drought has hit California, and new tech is springing up to address water shortages . Many researchers are focusing on agriculture, which makes up 70% of our water usage . The U.N. kicks off World Water Day on Sunday to bring more attention to water issues .

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The San Diego woman wounded in the terror attack on a shopping mall in Kenya lost two of her friends her father revealed as the first chilling pictures of the heavily armed Al Shabaab extremists who carried out the attack was unearthed today by Kenyan journalists. Pictured staggering away from Saturday's initial onslaught on Nairobi's Westgate mall covered in blood and gripping her iPhone, Elaine Dang, 26, has used social media and interviews with local Californian media to convey her relief and thanks to the Kenyan people. Despite her grief, Dang, who is an online restaurant guide manager in the Kenyan capital, said, 'I am recovering. Thank you for all the love and support—in Kenya and overseas. Terrorism knows no religion.' Scroll down for video . Rescued: Elaine Dang is helped out of the Westgate Shopping Centre where gunmen went on a shooting spree, in Nairobi on September 21, 2013. The gunmen stormed the shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday . Speaking briefly to San Diego's CBS 8 from her hospital bed, Dang, who was spending the afternoon with co-workers at the mall when approximately 15 Al-Qaeda-affiliated gunmen opened fire, said that, 'I'm okay, I'm very grateful to be alive.' However, her father Steven said today that two of his daughter's friends perished in the hail of bullets unleashed on unsuspecting shoppers at the upmarket mall. Having required surgery on wounds to her chest, arms and legs following the terror outrage that has killed at least 62 people and injured over 170 more, including five Americans, Dang added that, 'I'm also very grateful or the Kenyan people, everyone was so helpful and supportive.' Dang works for Eat Out Kenya and a photograph that she posted to Twitter yesterday shows her in her hosptial room in Nairobi along with the message, 'Proof that I am Ok - hanging out with some of my best friends in Nairobi'. Using her Instagram account, Dang offered up heart-felt messages of thanks to her friends and family following her survival from the terror outrage, which according to Kenyan sources, could have been perpetrated by up to 15 terrorists, including three possible American citizens. Recovering: Elaine Dang is kept company by her friends in a Nairobi hospital as she recovers from her injuries suffered during Saturdays initial attack on the Westgate mall . Hurt: Elaine Dang is taken away from the Westgate Mall (left) and posts a picture on social media of her wounds in the hours after . Chilling: This image shows two heavily armed gunmen prowling the Westgate mall in Nairobi and was tweeted by Mohammed Ali, Chief Investigations Editor at KTN . 'I am overwhelmed by all of the love and support from friends, family and professors!' wrote Dang. 'I will be OK, but please send your thoughts to so many injured, still held hostage. This incident has shown me people are amazing and in moments of true chaos - the impossible can happen.' Having seen her photographed as one of dozens of stunned and shocked survivors outside the mall following the shooting, Dang's father spoke to media outside his home to update them on his daughter's progress. Steven Dang told 10News he believes his daughter Elaine Dang suffered injuries to her chest, arm and leg. 'The chest … something metal came in her chest and then the arm and the leg,' he said. Restaurant Manager: Elaine Dang had moved to Nairobi in 2012 to work for Eat Out Kenya and is pictured here enjoying her life in the East African country . Life Changing: Elaine Dang surrounded by children in Africa - the restaurant manager was with friends in the Westgate mall before the attack . Dang, 26, graduated from Torrey Pines High School. According to a LinkedIn profile in her name, she went on to UC Berkeley and then taught underperforming kids through Teach for America. Asked what his emotions were when he first heard of his daughter being at the attack he said, 'I cried and then I'm afraid....Scary, but I'm happy right now...she do OK.' This comes as Mohammed Ali, Chief Investigations Editor at KTN, tweeted a picture of people that may be the attackers. It is CCTV footage of two men, carrying guns. They are not in army fatigues. If indeed it is the terrorists, it is one of the first images of the deadly attack and carries haunting echoes of the terror attack carried out in Mumbai in 2008, which left over 160 dead and injured more than 600 people. Steven Dang told 10News he believes his daughter Elaine Dang suffered injuries to her chest, arm and leg . Yearbook and Message to Media: Elaine Dang is pictured (left) in her yearbook picture and (right) a message left for the press on her family home in San Diego . Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Julius Karangi, said fighters from several countries had participated in the attack, but would not specify which ones. ‘We have an idea who they are, their nationality and even the number,’ he said, adding that the militants were ‘clearly a multinational collection from all over the world’. ‘We have also have an idea that this is not a local event,’ he said. ‘We are fighting global terrorism here and we have sufficient [intelligence] to suggest that.’ Smoke rises from the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi following a string of explosions during the third day of a stand-off between Kenyan security forces and gunmen inside the building . Volunteers run for cover after hearing a volley of gunshots at the scene of the siege . Military forces take position inside a shopping mall following the attack by masked gunmen in Nairobi . At least three of the terrorists were killed, he added, after Kenyan forces moved into the five-story complex, which was filled with some 1,200 people when it was stormed by three heavily armed groups on Saturday. Kenyans were last night bracing themselves for further terror attacks after it was claimed dozens more militants from the organization had bribed their way into the country. Telephone audio courtesy cbs8.com .

Elaine Dang, 26, was caught up in the initial attack on Nairobi's Westgate Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon . She was pictured staggering away from the scene bloodied and shocked clutching her iPhone . The restaurant manager lost two of her friends in the attack and is now recovering in hospital in the Kenyan capital after surgery to her chest, legs and arms . Pictures released that reportedly show some of the terrorists who carried out the attack were released today .

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By . Tamara Cohen . and Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . Lord Tebbit suggested sales of junk food would be higher in areas where food banks are most popular . People use food banks to get basic items free and spend their remaining cash on junk food, Lord Tebbit claimed yesterday. The former Cabinet minister said there was a ‘near infinite demand’ for anything free. The Tory peer was speaking in a House of Lords debate about food banks – which Labour claim are booming because Coalition austerity policies leave many people unable to make ends meet. But Lord Tebbit suggested more people were using them because the number of banks has increased and they would prefer not to pay for food. It follows research showing the number of families claiming they are going hungry has fallen over the past five years – as the number of food banks has risen. The peer said: ‘There is always a near infinite demand for valuable goods that are given away free. ‘One can even notice it in the catering departments of this building. If food is given away at prices grossly below the markets more is used.’ He invited environment minister Lord de Mauley to ‘initiate some research into the sales of junk food in areas where  people are living for their basic food on the food banks’. The minister declined. Earlier this month Tory welfare minister Lord Freud said the demand for food banks was difficult to understand. ‘Clearly nobody goes to a food bank willingly,’ he added. ‘However, it is very hard to know why people go to them.’ The intervention came after a series of peers in the House of Lords had called on the Government to tackle the scale of food bank usage in the UK. Lord Palmer, an independent crossbench peer, said it was a ‘scandal in today’s society that food banks have to exist at all’. Labour peers’ leader Baroness Royall . of Blaisdon said food banks in the South West gave aid to more than . 40,000 adults and 20,000 children last year. She . described it as down to ‘desperate pressing demand due to a cost of . living crisis’ and called for Lord de Mauley to visit one. Lord de Mauley said he had visited a food bank and they were run by ‘wonderful people and donated to by hugely generous folk’. The Government has repeatedly questioned whether food banks are responding to growing need . ‘They perform a very valuable service distributing food to people who really need it and they tend to operate at a local level,’ he said. ‘Britain has a great tradition of charitable giving and I think it would be a bad day when we started to interfere with that.’ Only 8.1 per cent of Britons admitted to being unable to afford food in 2012, down from 9.8 per cent in 2007 . Last . year Tory Education Secretary Michael Gove sparked outrage when he . claimed families become so poor they are forced to turn to food banks . because of their own ‘decisions’. He suggested that many cash-strapped families have brought their problems on themselves.He added: ‘I appreciate that there are families who face considerable pressures. ‘Those . pressures are often the result of decisions that they have taken which . mean they are not best able to manage their finances. ‘We need to ensure that support is not just financial, and that the right decisions are made.’ A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found Britons were among the least likely in the developed world to say there were times when they could not afford food, an international report found. Only 8.1 per cent reported this in 2012, down from 9.8 per cent in 2007 – before the economic crisis and when Labour was in power. The study, which represents industrialised nations, flies in the face of Left-wing claims that cuts in public spending are leaving thousands of families going hungry. The number of food banks has increased over the past few years, with charities claiming that more than half a million people across the country have visited them. It emerged this month that more than a third of councils are subsidising food banks at a cost of £3million to the taxpayer. While most town halls paid for support such as management and administration, some were even paying for the food.

Former Tory minister says there is a 'near infinite demand' for anything free . Latest senior Conservative to question rising numbers using food banks . Britons are among the least hungry in the developed world, report finds . Only 8.1% reported they couldn't afford food in 2012, it was 9.8% in 2007 . More than a third of councils subsidising food banks at cost of £3million .

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By . James Nye . PUBLISHED: . 15:22 EST, 6 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:40 EST, 7 November 2012 . An electronic voting machine in Pennsylvania has been removed from service after it changed votes for President Obama into those for Mitt Romney. An 18-second clip posted onto YouTube shows a voter's finger repeatedly pressing the button for Obama, but the check mark instead comes up next to Romney's name. This is the latest in a flurry of voting glitches across the country today from West Palm Beach in Florida where ballot counting machines broke down, to vast swathes of New Jersey where text alert systems for residents sent them to the wrong polling stations. Scroll Down for Video . The YouTube video clearly shows the voter's finger touching the screen to vote for Barack Obama (left) but lighting up for Mitt Romney instead (right) In comments attached to the clip, . the anonymous user named 'centralpavote' said that 'all the other . buttons worked fine' and asked voters either side if they were . experiencing similar problems - which they denied. NBC News has reported that since the clip was posted to Reddit this morning, it spread across the Internet and the offending machine has been retired from service. The video which was filmed on the YouTube users Android phone shows the potentially serious malfunction affect only a vote for the incumbent president. A vote for any other of the candidates for the presidency and vice presidency resulted in a successful choice - it was only a vote for President Obama that caused the machine to change to Mitt Romney. 'I initially selected Obama but Romney was highlighted,' said 'centralpavote' on the introduction to his video on YouTube. Christie Tipton casts her ballot using an electronic voting machine similar to the one in Pennsylvania that refused to cast a vote for Barack Obama . A school in Philadelphia has been asked to cover up a mural of Barack Obama that was on display in front of voters today . They were criticised for only using three pieces of paper to cover the mural - leading to accusations of bias from Republicans . 'I assumed it was being picky so I deselected Romney and tried Obama again, this time more carefully, and still got Romney. 'Being a software developer, I immediately went into troubleshoot mode. 'I first thought the calibration was off and tried selecting Jill Stein to actually highlight Obama. Nope. Jill Stein was selected just fine. 'Next I deselected her and started at the top of Romney’s name and started tapping very closely together to find the ‘active areas’. 'From the top of Romney’s button down to the bottom of the black checkbox beside Obama’s name was all active for Romney. 'From the bottom of that same checkbox to the bottom of the Obama button (basically a small white sliver) is what let me choose Obama. 'Stein’s button was fine. All other buttons worked fine.' The voter reported the problem to an electoral official who declared it a non issue. 'I then called over a volunteer to have a look at it,' said 'centralpavote'/ . 'She . him hawed (sic) for a bit then calmly said 'It’s nothing to worry . about, everything will be OK.' and went back to what she was doing. 'I then recorded this video.' However, . far from evidence of electoral fraud, experts have weighed in with the . theory that this is a calibration problem specific to the machine. 'It's a concern but not because of . fraud... that's an obviously miscalibrated iVotronic (ES&S) voting . machine,' said Jospeh Lorenzo Hall, Senior Staff Technologist at the . Center for Democracy & Technology to Gawker. 'We would recommend that poll workers would recalibrate the machine and everything would be fine. Bob Warhola casts his vote at a polling place inside a residential garage, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Forest City, Pennsylvania . 'Also, with some models of voting system if you place a thumb on accident while resting on the machine it can 'bias' the calibration of the touchscreen up towards the errant thumb. 'That could be happening to, if it's only for this one voter.' Further controversy over voting . continued at a polling place in a Philadelphia school where workers . ignored a judge's order to cover a mural of President Obama 'in its . entirety'. The art work . which is positioned behind voting machines contains the words 'change!' and 'hope' together with a quote from the president and a painting of . him. However, electoral . poll workers only covered up the mural with three pieces of paper - . leaving the Obama logo and quote from the serving president in full view . of all prospective voters. Seeing an attempt to influence the votes of those attending the polling place in Ward 35, Republicans were outraged. A poll worker assists a voter with the voting booth curtain before voting during the U.S. presidential election at the Penrose recreation center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania today . 'It . is an absolute disgrace,' said Shannon Royer, deputy secretary for . external affairs and elections in Pennsylvania to Fox News. 'Election . materials and electioneering inside the polling place are prohibited by . state law. This can be interpreted as trying to influence voters inside . the polling place. 'I am told discussions are going on now about covering the mural.' However, even though the voting machine whistle-blower . has kept their anonymity, other better known individuals are unwittingly . breaking the law by posting pictures from the ballot box online. Talk show host Sean Hannity didn't surprise anyone with the contents of his ballot when he tweeted a photo of it. What may be a surprise is that very act appeared to break the law. The ballot that the Fox News Channel host tweeted showed him voting for Mitt Romney on the Conservative Party line, and continuing to vote for Conservatives across the undercard. Yet New York State law says that it's illegal for someone to reveal the contents of a prepared ballot, perhaps a pre-social media era statute designed to guard against voter intimidation. It's a misdemeanor that would be up to a district attorney to prosecute, said John Conklin, spokesman for the New York State Board of Elections. Fox News host Sean Hannity apparently tweeted pictures of his ballot today. This may be a misdemeanor under New York State elections law which prohibits voters from showing a ballot after it is prepared for voting . Voters cast their votes using electronic voting machines during the U.S. presidential election at a voting location in Valley City, Ohio today . The idea of showing off a completed ballot on Twitter, Instagram or some other social media site wasn't considered by the Founding Fathers. But it was a hot topic for discussion online early Tuesday, and the website gizmodo.com published a guide of how individual state laws might affect such an act. In fact according to new data from Pew Research 22 percent of registered voters in the United States have indicated on Facebook or Twitter who they voted for today. However, the question of whether using your smartphone to photograph your ballot is illegal depends entirely on the state in which you are voting. Some states such as Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada and Texas, 'expressly prohibit the use of photographic and recording equipment inside polling places.' The state of Wisconsin is cracking down hard on those who post completed ballot pics to Facebook or Twitter - explaining that it constitutes election fraud under that state's law and is a Class I felony. A supporter of President Barack Obama, Ronald Armour delivers a message during the U.S. presidential election with a bullhorn near the Penrose recreation center polling place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . WATCH VIDEO: Voting Machine Refuses to Allow a Vote For Anyone But Obama .

Voting machine in Pennsylvania has been taken out of commission for trying to change all votes for President Obama to Mitt Romney . Whistle-blower revealed the footage online recorded today . Celebrities have been criticised for posting their election choice online for their Twitter and Facebook followers to see . A mural of President Obama has been poorly covered-up in a polling place in Philadelphia - leading to accusations of bias from Republicans .

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The 2014-15 NBA season started on Tuesday in dramatic style as defending champions San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 101-100 in the Western Conference. The Spurs, overriding favourites to defend their crown having won it in such a convincing manner last term, needed a late three-pointer from Tony Parker - who scored 23 points in total - to clinch victory. Before tip-off, San Antonio staff and players were presented with their championship rings. The inscription inside the ring was 'Good to Great', which was coach Gregg Popovich's mantra last season. Tim Duncan (right) hit 14 points as the San Antonio Spurs opened the new season with a win . San Antionio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan is fouled during the first game of the new NBA season . Tony Parker dives for the hoop as Dallas' Chandler Parsons tries to block his spectacular effort . Parker celebrates at the buzzer as San Antonio opened their season with a dramatic win . Coach Gregg Popovich receives his NBA championship ring ahead of the game with the Dallas Maveriks . San Antonio players (from left) Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Parker poses with their championship rings . The Spurs were imperious throughout the regular season last time around, boasting a sensational win-loss record of 62-20. The franchise took this form into the play-offs which culminated in their 4-1 thrashing in the best-of-seven NBA Finals series against the Miami Heat. In coach Gregg Popovich they have someone who understands when to utilise his squad and how to maximise their talents too. Criticisms of Spurs in the past have been that they are an ageing side - but the experience of Parker, Tim Duncan, Parker and Manu Ginobli is brilliantly off-set by Kawhi Leonard. The 23-year-old was the Finals' MVP last season and his qualities on both side of the floor will be a key component to a cohesive Spurs side. Ginobili (right) is experienced and impressed against the Mavericks in San Antonio on Tuesday . Before tip-off the San Antonio Spurs unveiled their latest championship banner . Spurs' likely threats in the West are likely to come from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. The Houston Rockets - who travelled to the Staples Centre to face the LA Lakers on Tuesday - are likely to struggle following the departures of two starters in Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons. Over in the East, the Conference is shaping up to be one of the most hotly-contested in years. LeBron James' (right) move back to the Cleveland Cavaliers has made them strong contenders out in the East . All of the pre-season focus has been on LeBron James' move back to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Miami Heat. The four-time MVP won successive NBA titles with Miami, in 2012 and 2013, as he formed an unbelievable trio with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. James' return to the Cavs immediately makes them a dangerous franchise to be reckoned with. In Kyrie Irving they have a star in the making alongside James, and the acquisition of Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves only makes them stronger. However, the pressure on Cleveland to deliver so soon is a season premature considering they finished outside the play-off spots last year. Miami Heat will be relying heavily on the talents of Chris Bosh (left) following James' departure . For the Heat, despite the loss of James coach Erik Spoelstra's can still rely on the talents of Bosh and Wade. Miami have contested the last four NBA Finals series and the experience within their squad should see them come at least close to matching that feat again. The additions of Danny Granger and Britain’s Luol Deng means success should continue to roll at the American Airlines Arena. Arguably the team that both the Heat and Cleveland will be most wary of is the Chicago Bulls. Derrick Rose's (left) from two serious knee injuries and the signing of Pau Gasol (left of second picture) make the Chicago Bulls strong contenders for the Eastern Conference title this season . The Bulls finished fourth in the East last season but have been strongly tipped to go all the way in the Conference this campaign. In centre Joakim Noah, they have the current defensive player of the year - and his tough-to-beat traits reflect that of coach Tom Thibodeau’s mindset. The signing of Pau Gasol adds some much needed offense but it is the return of Derrick Rose from injury that has increased expectations at the United Center. After suffering two serious knee injuries the 2011 MVP looks fit once more and ready to lead Chicago back to their Michael Jordan-inspired dominance in the 1990s. Michael Jordan (right) led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championship titles during the 1990s .

2014-15 NBA season started with three games in the Western Conference . Defending champions San Antonio Spurs beat Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers lost to Houston Rockets and New Orleans Saints beat Orlando Magic . Spurs' mix of experience and youth makes them favourites to defend their titles in the Western Conference and their NBA Finals crown . Chicago Bulls are expected to challenge out in the Eastern Conference with the return of a fit Derrick Rose after two serious knee injuries . Four-time MVP LeBron James' move from Miami Heat to Cleveland Cavaliers makes them a team to watch this season out in the East .

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Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny has conceded his side were beaten by Chelsea's 'brilliance' on Sunday, but maintains he is satisfied with the Gunners' start to the season. Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa sealed a 2-0 win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge - keeping them five points clear at the top and nine above Arsenal - with Szczesny admitting that Jose Mourinho's side's individual class shone through in the end. Szczesny told reporters: 'I thought it was a very even game but Chelsea have an ability to keep clean sheets at home and I thought they were very good, they took their chances with two brilliant moments. Wojciech Szczesny admits Arsenal were outdone by moments of brilliance from Chelsea on the day . Eden Hazard produced a classy display for Chelsea as they beat Arsenal 2-0 at Stamford Bridge . 'One, the brilliant run from [Eden] Hazard that led to the penalty. On the second goal, the ball from Cesc [Fabregas] and the finish. Sometimes you've got to take your hat off to the brilliance of the opposition. 'We've had a tough run so far. But I'd like to think that our start has been solid, not as good as we expected from ourselves but I believe that, after the international break, we can push on and get more points. 'You can't say we've played badly against Chelsea, it's just that we've come up against a very strong side, probably the favourites to win the Premier League at this point.' Arsene Wenger's side find themselves eighth in the Premier League currently with 10 points from their opening seven games whereas Chelsea lead the pack with a comfortable five-point cushion, with 19 points overall. VIDEO We were in control - Mourinho .

Wojciech Szczesny hails Chelsea after they beat Arsenal 2-0 on Sunday . The Gunners No 1 admitted that the Blues' took their chances in devastating fashion . Szczesny remains satisfied with Arsenal's start to the season . Arsene Wenger's men are nine points adrift of the leaders Chelsea .

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Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe has not had his faith shattered by his World Cup snub earlier this year and showed it by putting his latest tattoo on Instagram on Tuesday. The 32-year-old former Tottenham and West Ham star has had 'Psalm 91' inked on to his hand to show his support to Christianity. Psalm 91, featured in the Bible, explains how the Lord will guard and protect his followers. Jermain Defoe displays his new tattoo which refers to the Bible's Psalm 91 . Former Premier League striker Defoe has added to his current collection of tattoos on his arms . Toronto FC forward Defoe has scored 11 goals in 19 games for the MLS outfit so far this season . 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; . I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; . I will be with him in trouble, . I will deliver him and honour him. With long life I will satisfy him . and show him my salvation.' 'For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' Whether that refers to Defoe's 797,000 followers on Twitter remains to be seen. Defoe has scored 11 goals in 19 games in the MLS since joining Toronto at the end of February. The Canadian club's top scorer will be hoping to add to his goals tally when his side take on New England in their final match of the season on Saturday. We do not know whether he is praying for a return to the Premier League after that...

MLS star Jermain Defoe has had 'Psalm 91' inked onto his hand . Defoe has scored 11 goals in 19 games for Canadian outfit Toronto . Toronto take on New England on Saturday in final match of league season .

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A U.S. senator warned on Thursday that ISIS, the militant terror group sweeping across Iraq, aims to destroy an American population center and is working on a plan to do it. 'They're crazy out there and they're rapidly developing a method of blowing up a major U.S. city and people just can't believe that's happening,' Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe told the Fox-25 television in Oklahoma City. Inhofe, the ranking GOP member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that leaders of ISIS 'are really bad terrorists. They're so bad even al-Qaeda is afraid of them.' Rep. Jim Bridenstine, a fellow Oklahoma Republican and a committee member, told the Tulsa World that ISIS Islamists are 'cutting children's bodies in half. They're shooting them. I've never seen anything like it.' Scroll down for video . The Oklahoma senator warned that the US faces a novel and potentially catastrophic threat from ISIS, and said President Barack Obama isn't up to the task of defeating the terror group . The warnings came after a stomach-churning video released Tuesday showed the beheading of American photojournalist James Foley at the hands of an ISIS militant, and on the heels of a press briefing where Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the U.S. military's job is to 'get ready' for whatever battle might lie ahead. ISIS is 'as sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen,' Hagel said, appearing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey. 'They're beyond just a terrorist group,' Hagel said. 'They marry ideology and a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess. They are tremendously well funded. ...This is beyond anything we've seen, so we must prepare for everything.' 'It's a long-term threat,' he conceded under questioning from reporters, adding moments later that 'the president has been very clear on mission creep. And he's made it very clear that he will not allow that.' Gen. Dempsey warned that America's involvement in Iraq will continue for years to come, citing the intensity of hatred among ethnic, religious and tribal groups there. 'The conflict against those groups – most of which are local, some of which are regional, and some of which are global in nature – that's going to be a very long contest,' he said. Rep. Jim Bridenstine said if America is going to do battle with ISIS, 'we have to win' 'It's ideological. It's not political. It's religious in many cases. So, yes, it's going to be a very long contest.' Bridenstine said hours later that 'if we're going to do these kinds of operations, we have to win.' But a frustrated Inhofe said Thursday night that he fears President Obama isn't up to the task, despite the tough words he delivered Wednesday before hitting the golf course. 'Obama's lofty rhetoric is undermined by fainthearted follow-through and lack of meaningful action,' he told the World. 'The president's limited strikes in Iraq have not halted ISIS' momentum but only temporarily redirected it,' said Inhofe. 'Without sustained pressure, ISIS will regroup and continue its campaign of terror.' 'We're in the most dangerous position we've ever been in as a nation,' he told Fox-25. A top Marine general agreed on Wednesday, writing on the DefenseOne website that if the U.S. military doesn't 'eradicate' ISIS now more attacks on the West will come. General John Allen praised Obama for the ordering airstrikes on ISIS camps in northern Iraq, but he urged him to 'move quickly to pressure the organisations entire "nervous system," break it up, and destroy its pieces.' 'The U.S. is now firmly in the game and remains the only nation on the planet capable of exerting the kind of strategic leadership, influence and strike capacity to deal with IS[IS],' he wrote. 'It is also the only power capable of organizing a coalition's reaction to this regional and international threat.' ‘This group,' he wrote, 'is not a flash in the pan that will go away of its own accord or if we don’t poke at it.' General Allen praised Obama for recent airstrikes, but urged him to 'move quickly to pressure the organisations entire "nervous system"' Allen also denied that the U.S. military was war weary, saying it's fully capable of attacking and reducing ISIS. ‘We should do it now, but supported substantially by our traditional allies and partners, especially by those in the region who have the most to give – and the most to lose – if the Islamic State’s march continues.' ‘If we delay now, we will pay later.' The president told a global audience this week from his Martha's Vineyard vacation spot that the U.S. 'will continue to do what we must do to protect our people.' 'We will be vigilant and we will be relentless. When people harm Americans, anywhere, we do what's necessary to see that justice is done.' 'We act against ISIL, standing alongside others,' Obama added, hinting at his 'coalition' strategy rather than a plan to strike unilaterally with overwhelming American force. Inhofe, though, warned that without a concrete plan, Obama's words ring hollow. 'Relentless': Obama drew fire this week for golfing as an angry nation mourned the death of journalist James Foley at the hands of an ISIS militant . The video, uploaded to jihadi websites on Tuesday, shows the beginning of Foley's decapitation – and then his severed head resting on top of his prone body . 'You have to come up with something that we're going to do,' the senator said, 'because they're holding another hostage in place.' 'And the problem is, the president, quite frankly – he says all these things and he never does them.' With the right strategy, he added, the U.S. could defeat ISIS on its home turf before the threat arrives on America's doorstep. 'This idea that they're coming and infiltrating the United States – sure, some are coming in who have had an association with ISIS. But the majority of them are still over there,' he said. The senator also defended the United States government's sweeping intelligence programs that have drawn barbs from civil libertarians, suggesting that information dragnets would play a part in keeping ISIS at bay. 'You have to have an intelligence process going on to stop attacks on America,' he said.

Oklahoma senator said Obama needs a plan to crush the terror group . 'They're so bad even al-Qaeda is afraid of them,' Inhofe said . Another member of Congress said 'they're cutting children's bodies in half. They're shooting them. I've never seen anything like it' Obama draws a series of red-lines and 'says all these things and he never does them,' Inhofe claimed . His policy shows a 'fainthearted follow-through and lack of meaningful action'

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(CNN) -- Tokyo faces the possibility of being hit by a massive earthquake within the next four years, according to Japanese researchers. The University of Tokyo's Earthquake Research Institute predicts there is a 70% probability that the capital's metropolitan area will experience a magnitude-7 quake within four years and a 98% probability within the next 30 years. Nearly one year ago, a magnitude 9.0 quake struck off Japan's central Pacific coast, triggering a devastating tsunami and aftershocks that left more than 15,700 dead, according to a government report in December on Japan's recovery from the catastrophe. About 4,500 were listed as missing. Nearly 700 aftershocks registering magnitude 5 or greater followed last year's quake, the government report said. The March 11 earthquake -- dubbed "Tohoku" after the region in which it occurred -- also damaged the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power station, where three reactors experienced full meltdowns, creating a nuclear crisis for a country already grappling with disaster. The research institute cited for its findings the Gutenberg Richter Law, which states that an increase in small tremors will likely increase the number of larger earthquakes. According to another paper published in September, the institute concluded that the quake ruptured a fault area nearly 500 kilometers in length and 200 kilometers wide offshore. The fourth strongest quake recorded in history, Tohoku caused abrupt stress changes in the upper plate and triggered widespread seismic activity throughout the Japanese island. The northern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, in particular, saw a significant increase of shallow seismicity after the quake compared with the extremely low rate eight years prior, the researchers said. Should Tokyo's inhabitants be worried? The research institute's findings carry great consequences for the 42 million people who live in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Central Disaster Management Council has estimated that a large-scale earthquake in the next few decades could result in 11,000 deaths and an economic loss of 112 trillion yen (US$1.5 trillion). Its goal is to halve the estimated death toll and reduce the estimated economic loss. How precise are seismic forecasts? Gary Gibson, a seismologist at Australia's Seismology Research Centre, called the Earthquake Research Institute's findings "not at all unexpected," given the level of seismic activity and their model. "Seismologists cannot predict with certainty when, where and how large the next big earthquake will be," he wrote in an e-mail to CNN. "However, it is possible to forecast the probability of an earthquake in a particular time range (e.g. the next four years), location area (e.g. the Tokyo region), and magnitude range (e.g. greater than magnitude 7.0). "Long-term forecasts use average activity levels from all known past earthquakes, geological data from fault displacements, and data about plate movement and deformation from very precise GPS measurements and other methods to determine these probabilities." What is the government saying? The government's Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion had put a 70% probability of a magnitude-7 quake in Kanto region, which encompasses Tokyo and Yokohama, within 30 years, based on long-term seismicity and hazard studies. Scientists have already dubbed as "Tokai" an expected 8.0 quake near Suruga Bay, where large quakes have historically struck every 100-150 years, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The last one, a magnitude-8.4 quake, occurred in 1854 -- nearly 160 years ago. According to Gibson, the seismologist, the enhanced seismicity in the area affected by the Tohoku quake may fall towards normal levels and could affect the research institute's findings. Results for the six-month period after the quake would become available after this coming March 11, the quake's anniversary, he noted. Why is Japan so prone to earthquakes? The Japanese archipelago and neighboring areas rest on or around four tectonic plates -- the Pacific, Philippine Sea, North American and Eurasian plates -- whose movements account for one of the most seismically active places on earth. Can Tokyo withstand a 7.0 quake? Gibson said that while the area is a very active one seismically, building standards are high, therefore reducing the damage caused by earthquakes. Buildings in Tokyo held up well in the face of the "Tohoku" quake. Reinforced concrete and anti-seismic systems in buildings are among features that have helped absorb shocks when earthquakes occur. Watch Tokyo's quake-proof communities . "A magnitude 7.0 earthquake is very much smaller than the magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake," he wrote. "It would need 1,000 magnitude-7.0 earthquakes to release as much strain energy as the magnitude 9.0. The fault rupture size is tens of kilometers, rather than hundreds of kilometers, and the fault displacement two to three meters rather than 20 to 30 meters." Serious damage could be limited, if it occurs offshore, he added. And the shallower the quake, such as within 10 kilometers of the surface, the more localized the damage. CNN's Junko Ogura contributed to this report.

Forty-two million people live in Tokyo metropolitan area . Institute: Tokyo faces 70% probability of M-7 quake within four years, 98% chance within 30 years . Government puts 70% probability of magnitude-7 quake in region within 30 years . March 11 quake and tsunami left more than 15,700 dead, government says .

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A grandfather-of-five convicted of dangerous cycling has been left with a £3,000 legal bill for having his dog tethered to his bicycle. Ian Frankland, 54, used an extended dog lead fitted on his bicycle to take his German shepherd Mali for a walk by the river. But he was stopped by police who claimed the dog caused a traffic tailback which could have had 'catastrophic consequences' when it wandered into the middle of the road while trotting behind him. Scroll down for video . Grandfather-of-five Ian Frankland, 54 has been left with a £3,000 legal bill after he was convicted of dangerous cycling at Blackburn magistrates' court . The incident occurred in June in Clitheroe, Lancashire when Mr Frankland had used the Trixie Biker Set he bought on Amazon to take five year old Mali to the river where he planned to take pictures of wildlife . Mr Frankland was pulled over by police when Mali trotted in to the middle of the road behind him . When a police constable told Mr Frankland to pull over on the road that varies in speed limit between 30mph and 50mph, he tried to ride off before pulling out a camcorder to start filming the officer, a court was told. Mr Frankland was then detained and placed in the back of a police van when he initially refused to give his personal details. He relented when he was told Mali would be placed in kennels. He was found guilty at Blackburn magistrates' court of dangerous cycling on a public road and failing to stop when directed by a police officer and failing to give his name and address. He was fined £260, with £340 costs. He now faces a bill of £2,000 for his own defence costs. The maximum fine for dangerous cycling under the Road Traffic Act 1988 is £2,500. Today, Mr Frankland, a mechanic, said: 'The whole thing is outrageous - I've been made to feel like a bank robber when as far as I'm concerned, I've done nothing wrong. I'm not allowed to cycle on pavements so I had to go on the road and as far as I could see the traffic flowed fine. 'I wasn't going at any break neck speed, vehicles were going past and I wasn't causing any obstruction. It's ridiculous that I'm now being branded a danger to the roads. 'There are so many on the internet and when researching them they are the safest way of riding a bike with a dog. 'Everyone recommends them even the veterinary practices because it's one of the best forms of exercise. This was ideal because it was quick release and it had an expanding lead. 'I'd used it 30 or 40 times myself and my wife mainly on country roads to get some exercise and him having a runabout. Now I'm warning other people not to use it after what's happened. In my eyes I've not broken the law.' Mr Frankland was spotted cycling on Mitton Road in Clitheroe with Mali behind him when he was pulled over . The 54-year-old said he did not believe he had committed a criminal offence when he cycled along the road . The incident took place in June and Mr Frankland was detained and placed in the back of a police van when he initially refused to give his personal details - he is pictured here being brought home by police . Mr Frankland shows the extended bike lead to a police officer after he was taken home following his detention . The incident occurred in June in Clitheroe, Lancashire when Mr Frankland had used the Trixie Biker Set he bought on Amazon to take five year old Mali to the river where he planned to take pictures of wildlife. He added: 'We set off back and I wasn't holding anyone up on the road. There was nothing stuck behind me, it was 120 yards of straight road, there are no double white lines so anyone wishing to overtake me could have done. 'Traffic only stopped when the police officer pulled up in a van and told me to stop. He shouted stuck his head out of the window and said "that's inappropriate." 'I simply said I was on my way home. I dismounted but he came running down and grabbed me by the shirt and neck and pulled my bike and wanted my address. 'I got my camcorder out because I'd seen on BBC Breakfast that under no account did people need to give their details to a police officer if they hadn't committed an offence but he took me to the back of the van and threw the mountain bike into the hedge and was frisking me and patting me down. 'I said "what do you think you are doing?". He said he was searching me to make sure there was nothing that can harm me or him.' PC John Scorah told the court he was driving along Mitton Road (pictured) when he saw Mr Frankland cycling towards him . Mr Frankland said: 'For anyone to accuse me of being a bad dog owner it really disgusts me. I would give my own life before seeing my dog come to any harm' Mr Frankland said he was later kept in cells at Burnley Police station for three hours. He added: 'The prosecution kept saying if I pleaded to a lesser charge they would let the rest go and I'd have a £40 fine but my wife and I didn't think that is British justice. 'I kept saying I was was not guilty. I was literally being badgered into a situation where they wanted me to plead guilty to a lesser charge but that's not me. I can't live my life on a lie. 'My wife has told told me to sell the bike and everything with it because she is that disheartened. I'm feeling like I've been penalised for being a law abiding citizen and trying to be healthy and keeping my dog healthy. 'For anyone to accuse me of being a bad dog owner it really disgusts me. I would give my own life before seeing my dog come to any harm. 'I was very disappointed at the verdict. I thought we are meant to have the best justice system in the world. Even my own barrister said he had never come across this. I've driven motorbikes, wagons, motor homes and cars - why should I be victimised for something like this?' A court heard Mr Frankland was close to the kerb but his dog, Mali (pictured here as a puppy), was near to the central white line and there were a queue of cars behind him . In court PC John Scorah told the court he was driving along Mitton Road when he saw Mr Frankland cycling towards him. Mr Frankland was close to the kerb but his dog, Mali, was near to the central white line and there were a queue of cars behind him. PC Scorah said: 'I had never seen anything like it in 25 years of policing. I stopped and shouted out of my window for him to stop. 'There is no way a dog should be running or walking down the centre of the road, let alone tied to a bicycle. If there had been a reaction to a cat or a person or anything like that the consequences could have been catastrophic.' PC Scorah said he had to run after Frankland and take hold of his bike to make him stop. He said: 'He pulled out a camcorder and started filming me. I didn't want to arrest him and would probably have dealt with the whole matter with a caution if he had co-operated.' After the case Nick Lloyd, of The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), said: 'Riding with your dog may act as a visual distraction and has the potential to affect your balance. Even animals that are well-trained may be distracted. RoSPA would not recommend cycling and leading a dog in a road environment.'

Ian Frankland convicted of dangerous cycling and left with £3,000 legal bill . 54-year-old used extended lead to take German shepherd, Mali, for a walk . But was stopped by police when Mali wandered in to middle of the road . Grandfather-of-five from Clitheroe said the ordeal was 'outrageous' Said he would give his own life before seeing his dog come to any harm . But officer said he had never seen anything like it in 25 years in the job .

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By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . The average age of new mothers has hit 30 for the first time. Women choosing to delay starting their families until later in life mean the average age when giving birth has risen by four years since the 1970s. Experts said it was a sign of women opting to concentrate on their careers before settling down, while also a sign of ‘how seriously couples take the responsibility of having children in the 21st century’. Last year there were 698,512 births in England and Wales, down by 4.3 per cent since 2012. However, the average age of mothers rose to 30years, compared with 29.8 years in 2012. It is the first time the average age has surpassed the three-decade mark since records began in 1938. The Office for National Statistics said: 'The average age of mothers has been increasing since 1975, with increasing numbers of women delaying childbearing to later ages. 'This may be due to a number of factors such as increased participation in higher education, increased female participation in the labour force, the increasing importance of a career, the rising opportunity costs of childbearing, labour market uncertainty, housing factors and instability of partnerships.' Fertility decreased among all age groups last year, but the biggest fall was among women aged under 20 and 20-24, down by 13 per cent and 8.9 per cent respectively. The ONS added: ‘In most developed countries women have been increasingly delaying childbearing to later in life, which has resulted in increases in the mean age at first birth and rising fertility rates among older women. ‘Although fertility rates for women aged 40 and over have been rising fast, fertility among women in their forties is still considerably lower than for women in their thirties. Women aged 30-34 currently have the highest fertility of any age group.’ Ann Furedi, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said: 'The average age of mothers in this country has hit 30 for the first time as many women are deciding to start their families later in life. UK mothers are now on average older than women elsewhere in the world when they have their first baby. 'There may be many reasons for this, including the time it takes to achieve educational and professional development, as well as financial security - and it may also be a reflection of how seriously couples take the responsibility of having children in the 21st century. 'We need to support women's choices to have children at the age that is right for them. We certainly need policies in place that enable women to better combine family and working life, and in particular ensure that younger mothers don't suffer setbacks. 'While pregnancy and birth in older women may present slightly different challenges for healthcare professionals, the answer is not to cajole women into having babies before they are ready but to ensure our family planning and maternity services are set up to cater for the changing needs and choices of women today.' Almost half of all babies (47 per cent) were born outside marriage, up from 41 per cent a decade ago. In 1938, when records began, just 4.2 per cent of babies had parents who had not tied the knot. The percentage of babies born in England and Wales to mothers from outside the UK also reached a record high, hitting 26.5 per cent compared with 25.9 per cent in 2012 and 11.7 per cent when these records were first collected in 1969.

98,512 births in England and Wales, down by 4.3 per cent since 2012 . Average age of mothers rises by four years since the mid-1970s . Over a quarter (26.5%) of live births were to mothers born outside the UK . Almost half of babies were born outside marriage, says ONS .

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By . Ian Ladyman . Follow @@Ian_Ladyman_DM . David Moyes and his Manchester United squad flew home from Germany to uncertain futures on Thursday as the Barclays Premier League champions faced up to a season that is effectively over with one month left. The United manager ducked out through a side door to avoid camera crews at Manchester airport as the official charter plane arrived home from Champions League disappointment in Munich. Moyes knows he must somehow end the domestic season in positive fashion but faces a potentially embarrassing return to his old club Everton in United’s next league fixture on Easter Sunday. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch the players heading for Old Trafford exit . Strong finish: David Moyes will have to lift United after losing last chance for silverware this season . Last chance: David de Gea sees Thomas Muller's shot fly past him as United are beaten 3-1 in Munich . Saving face: United's next game is against Moyes's former club Everton - who won at Old Trafford in December . As for United’s players, there are as many as 10 with genuine question marks over their future and midfielder Darren Fletcher warned last night that it is up to them to prove that they are worthy of being retained beyond this summer. Fletcher, whose own future is far from secure, said: ‘We now have five league games left with nothing really to play for. That is a unique experience for us and we are  disappointed and hurting, but we have to go into these games and we have to win them. ‘He (Moyes) will definitely look back . on this season and realise it was a disappointment, but I fully expect . there to be some signings. It is time to show the manager that you . deserve to be at this club.’ Half century: Moyes' first 50 games in charge are still better than Alex Ferguson's early record . Rally call: Darren Fletcher (right) has challenged players to show they deserve to play for the club . United’s 3-1 defeat in Bavaria came with honour attached but nevertheless Moyes’s team are now facing up to no Champions League place next season and must finish at least one place higher than their current seventh to be sure of Europa League football. Some United fans are wondering why the board seem to be tolerating a  season of such disappointment. However, there was no word from United on their current malaise on Thursday as chief executive Ed Woodward stayed in Germany to talk to Bayern Munich officials about a possible summer deal for midfielder Toni Kroos. Moyes believes United’s reduced status will not deter summer  targets from joining United but he must decide which of the current crop to retain. Incoming? United's Ed Woodward stayed in Germany to discuss a potential move for Toni Kroos . On their way? Shinji Kagawa (right) could be one of up to 10 players surplus to requirements at Old Trafford . It now seems certain that left back Patrice Evra will join Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Anderson on the way out, while question marks remain over the likes of Alex Buttner, Nani, Ashley Young, Shinji Kagawa and Tom Cleverley. United gave Bayern a scare,  taking the lead through Evra. But the Germans seemed to possess a killer instinct United don’t have. ‘We need to rise to that standard, said Fletcher. ‘I don’t think we are as far behind as some people think. Whoever the manager signs, they will hopefully help us bridge that gap. If we end up in the Europa League, we can try and win it.’

United's last hope of winning silverware this season ended in Munich . David Moyes faces a challenge motivating players in the remaining games . As many as 10 players will be fighting for their Old Trafford futures . United chiefs remained in Munich to discuss a move for Toni Kroos . Moyes has a better record in his first 50 games than Sir Alex Ferguson .

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By . Michael Zennie . Residents of a Chicago suburb say their quiet city is being taken over by thousands of snakes that are finally emerging from hibernation after the long, bitter winter. Dozens of slithering serpents have been spotted in parks, on sidewalks and yards in Naperville, Illinois. One resident, Nancy Quigley, said she's found them on her door step and discovered six of them in her bushes in a matter of days. Scroll down for video . Skin-crawling: This northern water snake was spotted near a river walk path in Naperville, Illinois - part of an influx of serpents in the city . Experts say the snakes, a gartner snake in a bush seen here, are harmless - but that doesn't stop residents from being unnerved by them . 'They're twice as big as they were last year. They’re not afraid of me anymore,' she told WBBM-TV. Naperville Animal Control says the serpents are harmless garter and water snakes. There are four species of venomous snakes in Illinois, including two kind of a rattlesnake, but none of them have been found in the suburb west of Chicago. They manage to freak residents out nonetheless. Like Mrs Quigley's deliveryman. 'He'll walk up to the house and see one, drop it and run,' she told WBBM. 'My friends said they're going to stop coming over.' One resident created a meme for the problem - a play on the 2006 Samuel L. Jackson movie 'Snakes on a Plane' The issue has become bad enough that someone even created a meme for it - playing off the 2006 Samuel L. Jackson movie 'Snakes on a Plane.' David Drake, the snake expert at Aquarium Adventure in Chicago, told WBBM that the influx of snakes is simply a sign that they are finally emerging from their slumber and beginning their summer feeding frenzy. Recent heavy rains are making them more visible by flooding them out of their homes, he added. Mr Drake said the snakes are nearly all harmless, but cautioned against approaching them unless they can be identified first - in the unlikely event that one turns out to be a venomous species.

Snakes have begun showing up en masse on sidewalks, in parks and on doorsteps and bushes in sleepy Naperville, Illinois . The city's animal control department says they are simply harmless garter and water snakes .

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End it like Beckham. One of the most iconic football stars of his generation, David Beckham is to retire at the end of the season to bring down the curtain on a glittering career. As well as winning over 100 caps for his England and lifting 19 trophies in two different continents, it was his ability to maximize the power of the "Beckham brand" that allowed the footballer to transcend his sport and appeal to a worldwide mass audience. Beckham's marriage to former Spice Girl and fashion designer, Victoria, probably helped as well. "Brand Beckham is dead, long live Brand Beckham!" sports business expert Simon Chadwick told CNN. "Beckham's transition from athlete commodity to sporting statesman and entrepreneur is now complete." This year, Beckham became the first ever sportsman from outside of China to be invited to become the ambassador for the sport in the country. He is estimated to be Britain's wealthiest sportsman, earning in excess of $46 million a year, according to France Football magazine. "I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family," said Beckham in a statement. "I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams. "I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period." Beckham's decision to retire comes days after the 38-year-old won his latest title with French club Paris Saint-Germain. "I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," added Beckham. The Englishman, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 1999, also won league titles with Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy before arriving in the French capital earlier this year after signing a short-term contract. "If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy," said Beckham. "I'm fortunate to have realized those dreams." Despite playing for some of the world's top clubs, Beckham singled out captaining his country as one of his "proudest achievements". "I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country," said Beckham, who won 115 caps for England. "I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch. I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. "I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.'' Beckham had the chance to join PSG in January 2012, but opted to stay in the U.S., ending his American mission with his second MLS Cup title before announcing that he would not fulfill the second year of his contract extension. "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely excited about what lies ahead," said Beckham. "I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back." Many of Beckham's former teammates and managers spoke of the positive impact his professionalism had on the clubs he played for. "He was a great teammate and a role model for young players," said LA Galaxy Bruce Arena. "He had achieved so much, but wanted to keep on achieving." But former PSG winger David Ginola told CNN that he had had a conversation with Beckham a few weeks ago when the Englishman confided he had begun to question his fitness to play at the highest level. Not that Beckham's playing career is quite over -- yet. French Champions PSG's last two games are against Brest at the Parc des Princes in the French capital on Saturday and at Lorient the following Sunday. Meanwhile on Twitter, messages of congratulations poured in from some of his former teammates and clubs and even politicians. "Best wishes as David #BeckhamRetires His magical free kicks for @MUFC and England will live long in the memory of all football fans," tweeted British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Former England captain David Beckham retires from football . The midfielder played 115 times for his country between 1996 and 2009 . Beckham played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy . The 38-year-old most recently played for French champions Paris Saint-Germain .

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BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (CNN) -- Three hours before the game, the car park outside the rugby stadium in Bloemfontein, seems to be filled with more "braais" (barbecues) than cars. Black players such as Bryan Habana typify the new multiracial Springboks. It is a typical, even iconic, white South African scene. At first glance, off the field, it might appear that nothing has changed in South African rugby -- the sport that came to symbolize white domination -- since the days of Apartheid. Most of the spectators are white, Afrikaans and guzzling brandy and coke. On their "braais," they are cooking the local favorite "boerewors" -- a distinctive local farmer's sausage. But appearances can be deceiving. On the field, history is being made. South African rugby has changed. And the game's most ardent fans -- in the heart of Afrikaner country -- don't seem to mind. Facing Wales, South Africa's rugby team -- the reigning world champions -- took to the field with a new black coach, Peter de Villiers, and seven black players out of a team of 15 --- the most black players ever. Fourteen years after democracy, it seems South Africa's messy post-Apartheid race relations are slowly being worked out on the sports field. "This is a new era. It changes the face of rugby. Historically and politically it's always seen as a white preserve. But the appointment of Peter de Villiers is a huge change in terms of mind set," South African rugby president Oregan Hoskins told CNN. Is South African sport doing enough to tackle the legacy of Apartheid? Have your say . The man at the heart of this rugby revolution is easy to miss. Amid the thick necks and even thicker thighs of a Springbok training session, de Villiers is the short, slight man who seems to have perfected the art of disappearing into the crowd. In fact, the largest thing about him is his bushy moustache. It took us months to pin him down for an interview and he already has a reputation for dodging the media. I couldn't figure out if he was nervous or just deeply suspicious of the press. But when I met him, I realized he doesn't really care what people read or write about him. He's deeply religious. The whole interview is peppered with references to God or the Bible and he makes a point of saying that his life is certainly not going to be defined by him being the Springbok coach. That said, he admits that "since my childhood I've wanted to be a Springbok. To be a part of the set-up. But politics didn't allow us." He says he was a good player -- but as a colored man he was barred from the white rugby set-up. In fact, during Apartheid, black and whites were not allowed to play sport together or against each other. The races were separated in all spheres of life. Fourteen years since those days, has the sport managed to transform itself from white domination to a multi-racial institution? Yes, say the fans. White, Afrikaans and by now tanked up with brandy and coke, we could not find one person who resented the new black Springboks. One group of burly men who were braai-ing Springbok meat on kebabs, told us: "It is our team, we have to support them -- Don't think it bothers anyone as long as we can see them win." And that's probably the point. South Africans are a competitive hard-nosed bunch; they hate to see their side lose. So as long as the world champions are winning, the supporters will love them -- white or black. To complicate matters further, three of the Springbok's black players are Zimbabweans. Not South Africans. But nobody seems to mind the "foreigners" either.

In South Africa, rugby union was once symbolic of white domination . South African rugby team now features seven black players -- the most ever . Peter de Villiers is South Africa's first black coach . Rugby fans say they care more about winning than color of players' skins .

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By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 08:32 EST, 22 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 22 October 2013 . A unique archive charting the wartime development of the jet engine by the pioneering engineer Sir Frank Whittle is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at auction next month. Sir Frank, a British RAF engineer air officer, is credited with single handedly inventing the turbojet engine - one of the major technological developments of the 20th century. The archive, which consists of around 220 drawings, blueprints, specifications, memoranda and letters, effectively tells the story of how it was developed during the crucial period in the early years of the war. A unique archive charting the wartime development of the jet engine by the pioneering engineer Sir Frank Whittle is expected to fetch up to £30,000 at auction next month. This sketch of how the engine would work (pictured) is among the papers for sale . It will be sold at Bonhams' sale of Books, Maps, Manuscripts and Historical Photographs in London on November 12, when experts expect it to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000. Bonhams specialist Matthew Haley said: 'This is one of the most important and complete archives on a technological development which has shaped all our lives. 'It is a fascinating insight into the often tortuous way in which an idea takes shape and progresses through trial and error against the backdrop of the misunderstandings and professional frustrations common to any project.' Sir Frank, a British RAF engineer air officer, is credited with single handedly inventing the turbojet engine - one of the major technological developments of the 20th century . The development of the jet engine influenced not only the course of World War Two but underpinned the huge expansion of commercial aviation in the post war period. It enabled planes to fly at high altitude and at speeds of over 500 miles per hour for the first time. A 2002 BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons ranked Sir Frank at number 42. The archive is contained in a 'special file,' which belonged to Henry Nathan Sporborg, who was senior director and chief engineer of British Thomson-Houston. The archive, which consists of around 220 drawings including this one, blueprints, specifications, memoranda and letters, effectively tells the story of how it was developed during the crucial period in the early years of the war . The company manufactured the engine for Frank Whittle and Power Jets Ltd, under contract from the Air Ministry, between January 1940 and June 1941. Sir Frank had been working on his idea of a jet engine since 1930 and with financial backing, had established the company, Power Jets Limited, to develop the idea further. He attracted no interest from the War Ministry, however, until the late 1930s when the combination of the threat of war and the technological advances which Whittle was able to demonstrate changed official minds. The development of the jet engine influenced not only the course of World War Two but underpinned the huge expansion of commercial aviation in the post war period. Pictured is a letter from the Ministry of Aircraft Production . By 1940 the Ministry was writing to Mr Sporborg emphasising the importance of the work. One extract from the papers that will be sold, said: 'I hope that if you are fully aware of the great importance that the Air Ministry attach to the development of this Whittle engine you will take all steps in your power to ensure that no unnecessary delay occurs in the completion of these engines and that you will do all in your power to assist Power Jets Limited in their work.' Sir Frank's genius lay in realising that propeller engines, with their hundreds of complicated working parts, were approaching the limit of their capacity. Another intricate drawing by Sir Frank Whittle showing the workings of the jet engine. His genius lay in realising that propeller engines were approaching the limit of their capacity. To enable planes to fly at speeds of over 500 miles per hour he proposed using a variant on the internal combustion engine with the hot gases used for propulsion . To enable planes to fly at high altitude . and at speeds of over 500 miles per hour he proposed using a variant on . the internal combustion engine, which directly heats the air by . combusting fuel, with the resultant hot gases used for propulsion. With far fewer components than propeller engines this also had the advantage of being much simpler to maintain. Sir Frank is reported to have said: 'Reciprocating engines are exhausted. They have hundreds of parts jerking to and fro and they cannot be made more powerful without becoming too complicated. 'The engine of the future must produce 2000 horsepower with one moving part: a spinning turbine and compressor.' His work was developed some years earlier than that of Germany's Dr Hans von Ohain who was the designer of the first operational jet engine. Each worked separately and knew nothing of the other's work. Whittle was the first to register a patent for the turbojet engine in January 1930, while Mr von Ohain was granted a patent for his turbojet engine in 1936. However, Mr von Ohain's jet was the first to fly in 1939 - Sir Frank's jet first flew in in 1941. Sir Frank, who was born in Earlsdon, Coventry, retired from the RAF in 1948, was a founding member of the Royal Academy of Engineering and received a knighthood. He later relocated to America and died in 1996 at his home in Columbia, Maryland. Sir Frank's work was developed some years earlier than that of Germany's Dr Hans von Ohain who was the designer of the first operational jet engine. Whittle was the first to register a patent for the turbojet engine and his jet flew in 1941. This image shows a telegram telling the engineer to proceed with production of the engines .

Sir Frank Whittle, a British RAF engineer air officer, is credited with inventing the turbojet engine that influenced the course of World War Two . A collection of 220 drawings and letters that detail the development of the engine will be sold at Bonhams auction house on November 12 . The archive is contained in a 'special file' and is said to be one of the most important and complete archives of a technological development .

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Two girls accused of carrying out a robbery posed for a selfie while wearing balaclavas and brandishing a knife. Police arrested the pair and found the picture of them on a mobile phone together in front of a mirror. The girls, who are cousins, are accused of stealing 2,420 kronor (£240) during the robbery at a fast food restaurant in Halmstad, Sweden. Selfie: The two girls are seen wearing balaclavas and brandishing a knife in this picture police found on a mobile phone after they were arrested . The pair allegedly threatened workers with a large kitchen knife and said 'give me the money otherwise I'll stab you'. It is claimed the shopkeeper replied 'calm down,'I'll open the till' during the robbery in March, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported. Only one of the two girls, who is aged 17, is old enough to be reported, Gawker reported. Police arrested the pair when they raided the property that they share with their grandparents. Investigation: The robbery happened in a fast food restaurant in Halmstad in southern Sweden .

Girls allegedly threatened fast food restaurant workers with knife . Thieves fled with £240 following the robbery in Halmstad, Sweden .

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By . Rose Parker and Ted Thornhill . UPDATED: . 09:14 EST, 2 September 2011 . Thin-haired with a large nose and deep-set eyes, it is the unremarkable face of a man who may be the most notorious murderer in history. Astonishingly, it is also the first time anyone has attempted to put together an e-fit of Carl Feigenbaum, one of the men most likely to be Jack the Ripper. The 54-year-old German merchant seaman went to the electric chair in New York in 1894 after the brutal murder of his landlady Juliana Hoffman. E-fit: Carl Feigenbaum was a German sailor who expert Trevor Marriott believes was Jack the Ripper . SIR JOHN WILLIAMSHe was an obstetrician, someone who specialises in pregnancy and women’s reproductive tracts, and treated Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Beatrice. One of his descendants, Tony Williams, put him forward as the Ripper in 2005 book Uncle Jack, which he co-wrote with Humphrey Price. Their argument is that he killed the women as part of his research into infertility. ROBERT MANNHistorian Mei Trow points the finger at mortuary attendant Robert Mann. He was well educated in anatomy, lived locally and came from a poor background. The first two victims, Polly Nichols and Annie Chapman, are known to have been delivered to his mortuary. PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR . He killed the women after being driven insane by syphilis, according to an article in The Criminologist in 1970 by Dr Thomas E A Stowell. MONTAGUE JOHN DRUITTDruitt was a barrister who came under suspicion because he committed suicide just after the final murder. However, he lived in Kent – and most Ripper experts believe the suspect was local to Whitechapel. DR THOMAS NEILL CREAMCream, a doctor specialising in abortions, was hanged in 1892 for several murders he committed in London and his last words were reportedly ‘I am Jack…’. A psychopath with a self-confessed penchant for mutilating women, even his own lawyer believed he was the Ripper. Now, to mark the 123rd anniversary of the first murder, Ripper expert Trevor Marriott has composed his portrait from a detailed description made when he was admitted to prison. And if the former murder squad detective is correct, it may finally put a face to this most elusive of murderers. Mr Marriot put together the picture for a BBC documentary which airs tonight and identifies Feigenbaum as the man most likely to be Jack. He comprehensively reviewed the five key murders of prostitutes Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly. He then got on the trail of his suspect after investigating groups of people who may have been in Whitechapel at the time of the killings, which took place between August and November 1888. These included sailors as the district - famed for its prostitutes and taverns - is just a short distance from London's docks. Mr Marriott began examining crew lists for ships that were in dock in the autumn of 1888. It was then he had a breakthrough. Feigenbaum, already among 200 names in the frame, had been aboard a boat called the Reiher, which had been in the East End in the critical period. For Mr Marriott, the puzzle began to piece itself together. Gaps in the killings indicated the perpetrator had been a traveller. Feigenbaum had admitted he was overcome by the desire to mutilate women. And then there was his lawyer's dramatic statement after his execution at Sing Sing jail. 'I believe that Carl Feigenbaum, whom you have just seen put to death in the electric chair, can easily be connected with the Jack the Ripper murders in Whitechapel, London,' William Lawton told reporters. 'I will stake my professional reputation that if the police will trace this man's movements carefully for the last few years their investigations will lead them to London and to Whitechapel.' He detailed a confession Feigenbaum made late one night. 'I have for years suffered from a singular disease, which induces an all absorbing passion,' the prisoner told him. 'This passion manifests itself in a desire to kill and mutilate every woman who falls in my way. 'At such times I am unable to control myself.' Brutal: Mary Ann Nicholls, left, had her throat cut while Annie Chapman, right, had her womb removed . Gruesome: Catherine Eddowes, left, had her stomach ripped open and . Elizabeth Stride, right, had an artery severed on the right-side of her . neck . Lawton believed his client had . intended to mutilate landlady Mrs Hoffman, 56. But she screamed so much . as he cut her throat that, fearing he would be caught, he fled. Police quickly captured him. He was put to death on April 27 1896 but the execution was not without drama. Officials gave him three huge bolts of . electricity, administering the final burst as they did not believe he . was alive - but neither were they convinced that he was dead. There are many, however, who doubt that Feigenbaum was actually Jack the Ripper. Little is known about his life beyond the thinnest of details and prosecutor Vernon M.S. Davis described him as a 'cunning fellow, surrounded by a great deal of mystery'. Grisly: A drawing of Feigenbaum being electrocuted, left, and right, a 19th century version of the wanted poster depicting the Ripper attacking one of his victims . The most concrete information is his physical description, catalogued so carefully on the Sing Sing remand form. He had  grey eyes, dark brown hair and . a 'medium sized head' with a hat size of 6 7/8 or 7, stood  5ft4½ tall . and weighed 126lbs. The prison official noted he had thin hair on the top of his head and a slim neck. 'Eyes small and deep-set,' he noted. 'Eyebrows curved. Forehead high and heavily arched. 'Nose large, red and has raw pimples. Teeth poor and nearly all gone on left sides. 'Anchor in india ink on right hand at base of thumb and first finger. 'Round scar or birthmark on right leg below left knee.' Feigenbaum appears to have had a number of aliases, living as an itinerant seaman across Europe and America. And it is his relatively humble profession that make many believe he could not possibly been the Ripper. It . has usually been presumed that the surgical precision of the . mutilations indicated a killer with intimate knowledge of the human . anatomy. However, Mr Marriot . argues that the removal of the women's organs may actually have taken . place in at the mortuary, the body parts reserved for medical training.

German merchant seaman, 54, had penchant for mutilating women .

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By . Toby Harnden . PUBLISHED: . 18:42 EST, 16 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:42 EST, 17 July 2012 . Mitt Romney has attempted to shift attention away from the controversy over when he truly left Bain Capital by accusing Barack Obama of favouring political donors with government contracts in a form of cronyism that ‘stinks to high heaven’. Appearing on Fox News, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee said: ‘This is a tough time for the people of America. But if you’re a campaign contractor to Barack Obama, your business may stand to get millions or hundreds of millions in cash from the government.' In a conference call with reporters, Romney advisers said they were gathering examples of Mr Obama's ‘Chicago-style politics’ to prove to voters there was an insidious ‘pattern’ of contracts being awarded to donors. Crony capitalism? President Obama has been accused of giving government contracts to campaign donors . Under fire: Mitt Romney has found himself under attack for his record at private equity firm Bain Capital . The Romney campaign also released a new internet ad using a clip of Mr Obama singing Al Green's Let's Stay Together to insinuate suggest ties between donors and the Obama administration. It was also a retort to an Obama television commercial featuring Mr Romney's off-key rendition of America the Beautiful. Ed Gillespie, a senior Romney aide, said: ‘There are countless examples of this over the past three and a half years, whether it’s the Department of Energy or the stimulus bill, or the Department of Health and Human services and the Obamacare bill, and over the course of the next few days we're going to be highlighting some of these examples of how the Obama economy works.’ The Romney campaign has highlighted Solyndra, a California solar energy company that went bankrupt, and Westly Group, a venture capital firm whose affiliated companies have received federal loans and grants. Steve Westly, the company's founder, is a major Obama campaign fundraiser. But the Romney campaign said it would not release details of its campaign ‘bundlers’, as Mr Obama has done. The decision provides further ammunition to Democrats, who have accused Mr Romney of a lack of transparency. Mr Romney has said he will not release any tax returns beyond those for 2010, which have already been made public, and 2011, which are still being finalised, despite pressure from Democrats and some Republicans to do so. Accusations: The Romney campaign is keen to highlight Mr Obama's support of failed company Solyndra . Protest: Democrats and campaigners are pushing Mr Romney to release more details of his tax returns . Mr Gillespie told Laura Ingraham, a conservative talk radio host, that the Obama focus on Bain was designed to distract from the President’s poor economic record. ‘What we’re seeing here is what Barack Obama warned about in 2008 in his acceptance speech in Denver, when he said, you know, when you don’t have anything to run on, you try to make big elections about small things.’ Pressed on the issue of tax returns, Mr Gillespie said that Mr Romney wasn’t budging. ‘He’s releasing 2010 and 2011 and we’re happy to talk about those. ‘But the fact is what we really want to talk about are the Romney plans for creating jobs in our economy, for turning this economy around, getting it moving again, stopping the excessive regulation, the mandates and the onslaught of taxes and debt. That’s what the American people want to talk about and the constant effort to hold up shiny objects and distractions – we’re going to keep focused on what the voters care about and what matters to them. ‘It’s not Mitt Romney’s tax returns. It’s their tax returns and are they able to have income to file a tax return? Do they have a job? We have over half a million people – fewer Americans working today than when Barack Obama took office.’ Swing state campaign: Mr Obama travelled on Air Force One to an airport near Cincinnati, Ohio . Mr Romney has found himself on the defensive over federal documents filed by Bain Capital that conflicted with his statements about when he left Bain Capital. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in February 2001, Bain Capital listed Mr Romney as the company's ‘sole shareholder, sole director, chief executive officer and president’. It said Mr Romney's ‘principal occupation’ was as Bain's managing director. Mr Romney's campaign, backed up by a number of independent fact checkers, has repeatedly said Mr Romney had almost nothing to do with the company's operations after February 1999, when he began work on the imperilled 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The significance of the period from 1999 to 2001 is that it covers the time when Bain oversaw investments that either sent jobs abroad or filed for bankruptcy. It is also when Mr Romney stated in federal disclosure forms that he was not active in Bain Capital. Mr Romney has said that neither Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican nominee, nor Senator John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee, released more than a years' worth of tax returns as candidates. But the Obama campaign has been successful in making Mr Romney’s estimated wealth of at least $250million a key focus of the campaign, for the time being at least. Mr Romney also faces difficulties explaining his secrecy over his tax returns because his father Governor George Romney of Michigan released 12 years of tax returns when he ran for president in 1968.

Romney campaign accuses Obama of giving government funds to donors . Attempt to deflect attention from attacks on candidate's business record . Calls for Romney to release more details of tax returns .

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By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 13:00 EST, 28 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:25 EST, 28 January 2013 . What could be the site of the largest mass human sacrifice in the bloody history of Mexico's ancient civilisations has been discovered. Archaeologists working at the site near to Mexico City have so far unearthed 150 skulls with just one or two vertaebrae attached - suggesting they were hacked off the victims. Dated to between 600 and 850AD, the skulls were found in an area miles from the nearest large city of the day, and researchers say the discovery could challenge existing notions about the area's ancient culture. An ancient skull found near to Mexico City: Researchers have found what could be the the site of the largest mass human sacrifice in the bloody history of Mexico's ancient civilisations. This skull is from an earlier find . 'It's absolutely remarkable to think about this little nothing on the landscape having potentially evidence of the largest mass human sacrifice in ancient Meso-America,' said Christopher Morehart of Georgia State University. He is co-author a study detailing the findings published this month in the journal Latin American Antiquity. Dr Morehart, an archaeologist at Georgia's anthropology department, and colleagues stumbled across the site while using Google Earth to investigate ancient waterworks surrounding the ancient kingdom of Teotihuacan. That mysterious city, home to the famous Pyramid of the Sun, flourished from 200 to 650AD but, to date, the civilisation that built it remains unknown. It was in the now-drained Lake Xaltocan, which was at the time surrounded by nothing more than rural farmland, that Dr Morehart discovered a site which showed evidence of looting, LiveScience reported. Closer investigation revealed the skulls, as well as a shrine with water-deity statues, incense burners and agricultural pottery like corncob depictions, which researchers said suggested a ritual purpose tied to farming. Dr Morehart told LiveScience that carbon dating of the skulls suggested they were at least 1,100 years old. Most were from men. The find is similar, but much earlier than, the discovery of 50 decapitated skulls and 250 jaw bones beneath Mexico City reported in October last year. Archaeologists excavating the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, on the site of the modern-day Mexican capital, found the 500-year-old remains around a sacrificial stone in the city's Sacred Precinct . But while the provenance of that burial site was quickly ascertained, there is no clue as to how assembled the Lake Xaltocan cache of skulls. Bloody history: The find is similar, but much earlier than, the discovery of 50 decapitated skulls and 250 jaw bones beneath Mexico City reported in October last year. This picture is from that discovery . The team chose not to release photos of these latest skulls because the sacrificial victims may be historically tied to indigenous people still living in the area. Destiny Crider, an archaeologist with Luther College in Iowa who was not part of the research team said that the findings could lead to a revision of historical accounts of the region. The site is not associated with Teotihuacan or other regional powers, she told LiveScience, and its location is unlike the great pyramids within cities where such sacrifices usually took place. She also suggested that the shrine and the fact that most of the victims were male suggest they were carefully chosen and not simply the result of indiscriminate slaughter of locals. Many researchers believe the kingdom of Teotihuacan fell as a result of a disastrous drought, and there followed a period of warfare as smaller regional powers competed for supremacy. Dr Crider suggested the political instability could have spurred merciless innovation in the region's bloody sacrifice rituals. 'Maybe they needed to intensify their activities because everything was changing,' she told LiveScience. 'When things are uncertain you try new strategies.'

Find could challenge the conventional account of Meso-American history . The 1,100 year old skulls found in an area miles historical cities . Archaeologists stumble across them while surveying on Google Earth .

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By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 2:42 PM on 9th December 2011 . Plastic manhole covers are being trialled in a drastic move by a local authority after scrap metal thieves stripped an area of the traditional road coverings. Councillors in North Somerset have ordered the trial after scores of the covers were stolen earlier this year. The move comes as scrap metal theft reaches almost epidemic proportions across the UK. Plastic replacement: The cheaper covers are being tested in North Somerset following a spate of thefts . Nineteen manhole and drain covers, which are made out of wrought iron and cost an average £4000, were stolen in just 48 hours across North Somerset in March. The new plastic replacements cost only £400 and are built to last for 15 years where their metal counterparts require replacement after five years. North Somerset Council is now working with motorcyclists in the Nailsea area to determine whether the plastic anti-skid cover are a safe alternative. North Somerset Council spokesman, Nick Yates, said: 'We are trialling a new type of cover in one location in Nailsea. It is made of plastic and is anti-skid. 'We are now working with a local motorcycle group to monitor and get feedback from the group into the performance of the cover over the coming months. Metal target: Manhole and drain covers are being stolen countrywide as the cost of scrap metal rises . 'The new covers are also less likely to be stolen as they have no scrap value. We are trialling one of the plastic covers and if this proves successful, we would hope to use them in other areas across the district.' Local residents have also complained that the covers at Church Lane in Backwell have yet to be replaced despite them being stolen  nine months ago. The council has cordoned off the area around the missing covers to warn drivers and pedestrians, but residents say work needs to be done urgently to replace them. Some councils have reported the theft of manhole covers, wheelchair ramps and even children's playground equipment. Rail . companies are having power and signalling equipment stolen on a daily . basis across the network with British Transport Police admitting number . of thefts 'is huge'. As . police admit they are failing to keep up with the thefts around the . country sparked by the global rise in metal prices there is growing . pressure on the government to reform the 1964 Scrap Metal Dealers Act. The . coalition is considering licensing scrap metal dealers, banning them . from dealing in cash and giving police powers to close rogue traders . down. Ministers are considering the crackdown on the industry worth £5bn a year to the economy. It is thought that more than 15,000 tonnes of metal is stolen in the UK each year. One resident said: 'There is no street lighting to speak of along Church Lane and to have these open manholes surrounded by barriers in the middle of the road is a safety hazard. One of the cordons is just around a blind bend and when you come around the corner you are on top of it before you have noticed. 'I wouldn’t have thought it would have taken more than six to eight weeks to order replacements and get them fitted. 'I believe there are some concerns about the fitting of these manholes because of the utilities which may be under the road. 'But other companies seem to manage to carry out work without these problems, so why can’t North Somerset Council. I am concerned that nine months on, these covers have not been replaced.' Mr Yates said the covers were being replaced but there had been delays because surveys needed to be carried out first. The metal covers need to be drilled into the road surface and sometimes cables and pipes lie underneath. The council is also appealing to anyone who sees anything suspicious to report it immediately to the police.

Thieves stripped area in Somerset in under 48 hours . Plastic costs only £400 and will last three times as long as metal drain covers . Council testing replacements with motorcyclists .

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Empty shell casings found near the body of a man Aaron Hernandez has been accused of fatally shooting and one removed from a rental car the former NFL star returned were fired from the same weapon, a police officer said in court on Wednesday. Microscopic examinations of the six shells, including five from the crime scene and one from a dumpster at a rental car agency, showed to a reasonable degree of ballistic certainty they were fired from the same unknown .45 caliber Glock handgun, Massachusetts State Police Sergeant Stephen Walsh testified. 'It's consistent with having been fired from a Glock,' Walsh, a ballistics expert, said repeatedly at Massachusetts Superior Court in Fall River, referring to several of the shell casings, as well as bullets recovered from the crime scene. Ex-Pats player Aaron Hernandez appears to check the time on the clock as he beside his attorney Charles Rankin, right, during his murder trial in Fall River, Massachusetts on Wednesday . hayanna Jenkins, fiance of former football star returned to court on Wednesday after several days absence to support her fiancée . Investigators have not found the gun used to kill Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional football player who was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée. His body was found by a teenaged jogger on June 17, 2013, in an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez's house in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. Lloyd, 27, had been shot five times at close range. Also on Wednesday, prosecution witness Vanessa Sanchez took the stand. She told jurors that she and her boyfriend had met the football player and his fiancée, Shayanna, along with another couple at the South Street Cafe in Providence, Rhode Island on June 16 at 11pm - around four hours before Odin Lloyd was killed. Hernandez and Shayanna left around midnight, Miss Sanchez said. Providence is about a 30 minute drive from the couple's home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Prosecutors contend Hernandez and two friends, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, picked up Lloyd at his Boston home about 2.30am, before driving him to the North Attleboro industrial area where his body was found. All three men have pleaded not guilty. Hernandez, 25, had a $41 million contract with the New England Patriots when he was cut from the team shortly after being charged with Lloyd's murder in June 2013. He also faces various firearms charges . On Tuesday, a woman who cleaned Hernandez's home testified that his fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, was visibly nervous and spent time on the telephone, looking out the window and crying after hauling away a large trash bag in the trunk of a car the day after Lloyd was killed. Hernandez faces a second trial later this year on separate charges that he killed two Cape Verdean men outside a Boston nightclub in 2012. Hernandez's lawyers have said their client is innocent. Prosecutor William McCauley, left, questions Vanessa Sanchez, right, during testimony at the murder trial of Hernandez .

The six shells, including five from the crime scene and one from dumpster at a rental car agency, showed to a reasonable degree of ballistic certainty . They were fired from same unknown .45 caliber Glock handgun .

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By . Sarah Dean for Daily Mail Australia . and Leesa Smith for Daily Mail Australia . Jyah Divall, 12, has been found after he went missing from a Sydney train station more than 24 hours earlier. The boy from Penrith in southwestern Sydney was last seen leaving a train at Redfern Railway Station in Sydney's inner-city just after 6.30pm on Thursday and had not been seen since. However, Jyah was located in the neighbouring suburb of Waterloo at 8.45pm on Friday. Police thanked the community and the media for their assistance in the search for Jyah who was found safe and well . Police had expressed concern for his welfare after his disappearance because he was believed to be without money or food and only wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Jyah Divall, 12, has been found safe and well after in the Waterloo area more than 24 hours later . Jyah was last seen at Sydney's Redfern station at 6.30pm on Thursday before found in a neighbouring suburb on Friday night .

Jyah Divall has been found after going missing on Thursday evening . He was last seen getting off a train at Redfern station at 6.30pm . The 12-year-old boy was located in neighbouring suburb of Waterloo . Police said the boy was safe and well .

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Wolfing down an entire box of chocolates is enough to make anyone feel a little full. But for Booster the dog, who was rushed to the vet after eating a tin of Quality Street with the wrappers still on, the binge was just the start of his discomfort. For once taking a peek at the Alaskan Malamute's stomach, vets were shocked to discover the animal had also eaten five rubber toys. Booster the Alaskan Malamute was rushed to the vet by owner Guy Kelly after eating an entire tin of Quality Street. There, X-rays revealed he had in fact also swallowed five rubber balls (pictured above) X-rays showing five toys in Booster's stomach. The dog has since had an operation to have them removed . It came after his owners Jackie and Guy Kelly from Plymouth, Devon, found the dog severely bloated and writhing in pain after eating the chocolates that had been left over from Christmas. 'We came downstairs one morning and he was the size of a cow,' said Mr Kelly, a builder. 'He was really bloated and didn't look well - we could see he had eaten a 750g tin of Quality Street so we took him to the vets.' After spending two days in vets' care, Booster was sent home but still seemed to be in pain. When Mr Kelly returned to weeks later, an X-ray revealed the pet had swallowed five rubber balls that were lodged in his stomach. 'He takes them off other dogs in the park and tends to chew them up, so we try to keep him away from balls,' Mr Kelly, 55, said. 'But we never thought he would eat one, let alone five.' Mr Kelly said in the past he had tried to keep Booster away from rubber balls as he had a tendency to chew them up . The dog owner knew something was wrong with his pet after finding him writhing in pain and bloated 'to the size of a cow' one morning after Christmas . Adam Coulson, of Plymouth Veterinary Hospital where Booster was treated, said the dog's pain came after gases from the chocolates stopped his blood flow. 'His immediate problem was that all of the gas blowing up his stomach was preventing blood from flowing back to his heart, and so his circulation was failing.' It was only weeks later Mr Coulson discovered the toys lurking in his stomach. 'X-rays showed some very strange shadows in his abdomen and exploratory surgery yielded two balls and three toys from his now slightly sagging stomach. 'However, not a Quality Street in sight. 'Booster has recovered from his surgery with further care at the hospital and on examination this week has returned to his old, noisy and slightly cantankerous self. 'We still don't know where the toys came from and how long they had been inside his stomach. 'They only seemed to cause him a problem after his chocolate eating antics. We are hoping for no repeat performances and are very glad that Mr Kelly had him insured for all of his life saving treatment.'

Booster the Alaskan Malamute ate an entire tin of Quality Street chocolates . His owners found him bloated 'to the size of a cow' and writhing in pain . After having stomach washed, the eight-year-old animal was still unwell . X-rays later revealed he had at some point swallowed five rubber balls .

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By . Hannah Roberts . PUBLISHED: . 16:18 EST, 6 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 16:25 EST, 6 February 2014 . A British jihadist fighting with the mujahideen in Syria has confessed that he misses Coco Pops and wants to open a milkshake shop after the war. The 19-year-old, who claims that he walked across the border with Turkey to join a group fighting Bashir Assad's forces last night took part in a live web Q&A with wannabe jihadists. During the online livechat he incited children as young as 16 to 'put their faith in Allah' and join the holy war. It didn't matter if you are weak and scrawny he said, although 'it helps' if you are good at jogging. (File picture) A British teenager - who claimed to be a jihadist - tried to recruit youngsters on the site ask.fm . The teenager responded to questions on the social media website askfm, using the alias Abu Dujana. During the insightful question session, he described wages for jihadists - $40 a month plus $40 for each family member - and detailed some of the hardships of war, the scarcity of food on the frontline and going to the toilet in a hole in the mountain. He said he had flown to Turkey, several months ago, and crossed the border easily before joining his group. If caught by authorities 'just say you are a journalist', he counselled. The young mujahideen said he accepts he cannot return to Britain on pain of jail, but so far he did not miss life back home. He said: 'Saving lives is better than a red passport', adding, 'I only miss my family, nothing else. Ok I miss coco pops, i admit that...' He explained: 'What motivates me is that the muslims of sham are being killed, tortured and raped and as muslims we must believe that they are also family.' The British Muslim admitted that his family had suffered as a result of his decision. The jihadist claimed one of the things he missed while in Syria was Coco Pops . Ask.fm is a site where users can ask each other questions and get answers . In one post describing his mother's anguish he said: 'She found it very hard but in sha Allah, Allah will help her cope. Many parents change their minds after a while as they look into Jihad and begin to understand.' One doubtful young potential recruit asked if he had to be strong and fit to join up. But the 19-year-old soldier said anyone could serve. He said: 'Im weak also. There are skinny brothers, fat brothers, even disabled. Everyone is accepted. 'You dont need physical strength, just be good at jogging. but even if you cant jog much no problem'. Another asked: 'How can i come i am in america and only 16' and was told 'Put your trust in Allah and come to Turkey border'. The social media site ask.fm which shields the identity of the person asking the questions has previously attracted negative publicity for inciting several teenage girls to commit suicide. The alias Abu Dujana may refer to a companion of the prophet Mohammed who was renowned as a fearsome warrior and died on the battlefield, or it could be a reference to an Indonesian terrorist serving 15 years for two fatal bombings in Jakarta in 2003 and 2004.

The 19-year-old Brit was speaking on ask.fm's online livechat . He incited children as young as 16 to 'put their faith in Allah' It didn't matter if you are weak and scrawny, he said . During the chat he also detailed some of the hardships of war .

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(CNN) -- Dutchman Edgar Davids has lifted the European Champions League trophy, won league titles in Italy and the Netherlands and played in a World Cup semifinal against Brazil in 1998. So why has a soccer star like Davids, who won 74 international caps for the Netherlands between 1994 and 2005, decided to become joint head coach of Barnet, who are currently rock bottom of the lowest tier of professional in England. "I'm happy to explore my possibilities and share my knowledge and experience with Barnet Football Club," the 39-year-old told the London club's official website. "I am very excited about the challenge ahead." Blog: Does international soccer need a shake up? After a playing career which spanned two decades and saw Davids strut his stuff at the San Siro and the Nou Camp, the one-time midfield dynamo will now be pacing the touchline of Barnet's 6,000-capacity Underhill Stadium in north London. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Davids also hopes to make a playing return for "The Bees" as soon as possible. Barnet would be the third English team Davids -- who was nicknamed "The Pitbull" in recognition of his fiesty playing style -- has turned out for following two years with Tottenham Hotspur between 2005 and 2007 and a brief spell with second-tier Crystal Palace in 2010. A spell in English football's lower reaches is in stark contrast to previous stages of Davids' career, following stints with Ajax, AC Milan, Barcelona and Juventus. "I am delighted to welcome Edgar to our club," said Mark Robson, the current Barnet head coach who will now job share with Davids. "His experience as a player throughout his illustrious career will be a massive benefit to all our players and I look forward to forming a strong partnership with him". Davids is also known for the goggles he sports while playing, a necessity due to him suffering from the eye disease glaucoma. Barnet has spent the majority of its history at the lower end of English football, winning the Conference -- the division immediately below England's top four professional leagues -- on two occasions.

Edgar Davids becomes joint head coach of English club Barnet . London-based Barnet are currently bottom of the Fourth Division . Nicknamed "The Pitbull", Davids has played for AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan . Davids also intends to become a member of Barnet's playing squad .

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Police have released images of three Chelsea football fans they believe were involved in an allegedly racist incident on a Paris Metro train. The Metropolitan Police are appealing for help to identify the trio, who they think were among a group of Chelsea supporters who pushed a black man off the train and chanted a racist song while on the way to a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital on Tuesday. Friday's appeal comes as Chelsea suspended another two people from Stamford Bridge following investigations into the incident, taking the total number to five. Chelsea fans were filmed chanting 'We're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it' while on the train . Chelsea fans stopped a black man getting on the train before their side's match with Paris Saint-Germain . The man was twice prevented from getting on the carriage as the fans pushed him back on to the platform . The Metropolitan police released images of three men they are keen to speak to following the incident in Paris . The three singled out by the Met in images taken from the Metro are not the same as the trio initially suspended by Chelsea. The club reiterated its promise to ban for life anyone proved to have been involved in the racist altercation and is helping police in the UK and Paris. Footage captured by a bystander appears to show a commuter, identified in media reports as French-Mauritian Souleymane S, being pushed back on to the platform amid chants of 'we're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it'. The club had already suspended three men while its investigations continued, and on Friday evening announced that two more people would be barred. 'Chelsea Football Club has suspended a further two people from Stamford Bridge as a result of ongoing investigations into the incident on the Paris Metro on Tuesday evening. This makes a total of five to date,' a statement on the club website said. 'If it is deemed there is sufficient evidence of their involvement in the incident, the club will issue banning orders for life.' A club spokesman revealed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich (right) is 'disgusted' by the incident . Chelsea insist they have apologised in writing to Souleymane and invited him and his family to London to attend the second leg of the European clash against PSG on March 11, while a spokesman stated that owner Roman Abramovich is 'disgusted' by the incident. In an interview given to BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday afternoon, Souleymane argued that Chelsea hold a degree of liability for the conduct of their fans and has yet to receive any contact from Stamford Bridge. 'Chelsea are partly responsible and I have brought a complaint. They have partial responsibility because it's their supporters,' Souleymane said. 'Chelsea need to call my lawyers and they haven't done that yet, unlike PSG. Their director general has called my lawyer and he called me. I haven't had any reply from Chelsea. Nothing.' Mourinho, speaking about the incident for the first time, has revealed his own anguish but stresses that the men involved should not be viewed as genuine fans of the club. 'We feel ashamed but maybe we shouldn't because we - I - refuse to be connected with these people,' Mourinho said. 'I'm connected with Chelsea and the many good things this club defends and represents. I left Chelsea in 2007 and I couldn't wait to come back. 'I felt ashamed when I knew what happened, but I repeat I'm a proud Chelsea manager because I know what this club is. 'I feel ashamed to have been connected with this sad episode that happened and I have no more words.' Jose Mourinho (left) admits he feels 'ashamed' by the racially-motivated incident involving Chelsea fans . Mourinho, who wants Souleymane to visit Stamford Bridge because he 'probably has the wrong idea about Chelsea', confirmed that his views are shared in the dressing room. 'The reaction of the players is the same reaction that we all have,' said Mourinho. 'I have a squad at Chelsea where 12 or 14 players have African nationality or an African connection. 'Our dressing room has always had big principles of equality over everything - race, religion, everything. 'So the dressing room reacted in the same way I did, with disappointment and obviously condemning the situation and supporting the gentleman involved. 'But there is also the feeling that while we feel ashamed, maybe we shouldn't because we are not this and these people don't belong to us. 'Since minute one we have done absolutely everything because we have zero tolerance to this. We have to keep feeling our club is a great club and has no space for people like this.' Branislav Ivanovic gives Chelsea the lead on Tuesday night in their Champions League last 16 tie with PSG . The Chelsea team applaud their travelling fans at the Parc des Princes stadium on Tuesday night . Mourinho's weekly press conference ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Burnley at Stamford Bridge was dominated by discussion of the racist abuse witnessed on the Paris underground. A club spokesman opened proceedings with a statement in which he said Chelsea were 'appalled by what we saw', branding the incident as 'unforgivable' and declaring that 'the people involved do not represent Chelsea football club'. When Mourinho was asked how offensive it is that the supporters used the name of club captain John Terry to justify their actions, the spokesman intervened by saying: 'We're not interested in any excuses or stories to try and cover these actions'. Terry was given a four-match ban and fined £220,000 in 2012 after being found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Chelsea fans let off a flare inside the Parc des Princes during the last 16 first leg encounter on Tuesday night . Chelsea fans are kept back by police after the final whistle of the Champions League match on Tuesday night . Mourinho was also referred to his comments relating to last October's calls to introduce the 'Rooney Rule' when he declared 'there is no racism in football'. 'I was asked about players choosing players or managers or not choosing them because of their race. Maybe I am naive, but I think that no club refuses a top manager or player because of his race,' he said. 'This is what I said. I did not say there is no racism in football. This not football, this is society, it is public transport. Maybe the people with Chelsea scarves don't even like football or Chelsea. I don't know.' Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck met with Kick it Out chairman Lord Ouseley on Friday as a demonstration of club's commitment to fighting discrimination and racism. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Group of Chelsea fans filmed chanting racist songs on the Paris Metro . The supporters were filmed denying a black man entrance to a train . Chelsea have suspended another two fans taking number up to five . The suspensions could become permanent if there is sufficient evidence to prove their involvement in the incident .

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A Russian military intelligence plane nearly collided with a commercial passenger jet south of Sweden on Friday, the Swedish air force chief said Sunday. The incident in international airspace forced the passenger flight en route from Denmark to Sweden to change course, Maj. Gen. Micael Byden said. But the Russian Defense Ministry refuted the notion that one of its warplanes nearly collided with a passenger jet. And a spokesman for Scandinavian Airlines said reports of danger to the plane or passengers were "blown out of proportion." Knut Morten Johansen said the flight wasn't forced to change course, but that the pilot took normal advice from air traffic control. "No security borders were breached," he said, adding that it was a "totally safe flight." Byden said Swedish fighter jets were immediately deployed to identify the aircraft and later determined it was a Russian intelligence plane. He said the Russian military aircraft's transponders were turned off to avoid commercial radar. A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman maintained the flight was a safe distance from civilian aircraft. "No prerequisites existed for an air accident related with a flight of a Russian warplane in the international air space over the Baltic Sea on Friday," Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Sunday, according to Russia's state-run TASS news agency. "The flight was being made strictly in compliance with international air space rules, not violating borders of other countries and at a safe distance from traffic routes of civilian aircraft," he said. Konashenkov said the Russian plane was more than 70 kilometers (44 miles) from the flight route of a passenger jet. NATO jets scrambled more than 400 times this year for Russian intercepts .

An airline spokesman says reports of danger were "blown out of proportion" A Swedish air force official says a flight from Denmark to Sweden had to change course . Russia says its plane was more than 70 kilometers from the path of a passenger jet . Sweden says Russian plane had its transponders turned off to avoid commercial radar .

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(CNN) -- The Hillsborough County, Florida, sheriff on Wednesday offered a personal apology to a disabled man who was dumped onto the floor from his wheelchair while in deputies' custody. Brian Sterner has been using a wheelchair since a 1994 wrestling accident. "I am personally embarrassed and shocked by the horrific treatment Mr. Sterner received," Sheriff David Gee says in a statement on the department's Web site. A video now making the rounds on television networks and various Web sites shows a deputy tipping Brian Sterner, 32, out of a wheelchair at the county's booking center in Tampa on January 29. "I cannot and will not even try to offer an explanation for what is seen on the video, other than to say, that once it was brought to my attention, I immediately initiated an internal investigation," Gee said. Sterner had been picked up by sheriff's deputies on a warrant for a charge of fleeing and attempting to elude police in an incident in October of last year, his attorney said. "This deputy ... she looked at me, she didn't believe that I was a quadriplegic, I guess, and she walked behind me with those handles on the back of that hospital-grade wheelchair and she just dumped it straight forward," Sterner told Tampa television station WTSP. Watch the incident on tape » . As Sterner lay crumpled on the floor, two female deputies frisked him. "I told them how to pick me up and put me back in the chair, but without sensation -- I don't feel anything from my chest down -- so I didn't know they were broken then, my ribs," he added. John Trevena, Sterner's attorney, said the sheriff denied that his client's ribs were broken, saying that X-rays showed no fractures. Sterner spent five days in the jail's infirmary before being released on $2,000 bond, Trevena said. The deputy responsible for dumping Sterner from the chair has been suspended without pay, Gee said in his statement. The three supervisors who were on duty during the incident have also been suspended, but with pay, the sheriff's public information office told CNN. "The incident involving Mr. Sterner was not caused by a lack of training or procedure," the sheriff's statement said. "It represents aberrant behavior that is totally out of context with policies, practices and standards of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. "Last year over 72,000 inmates were processed through central booking, more than 230 of them came to jail in wheelchairs," he added. Gee said he offered his personal apology to Sterner for "the treatment he received." "I want to assure him, and the public at large, that this incident is not indicative of the behavior of the over 3,500 men and women of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office who perform their duties with pride and professionalism on a daily basis," he said. Trevena said his client would likely not file a lawsuit in the matter, because Gee has pledged to "make it right." Watch a legal analyst discuss the incident » . "He was very apologetic, very contrite," the attorney told CNN in a phone interview Wednesday, referring to a conversation he had with the sheriff Tuesday. "I don't believe a lawsuit is going to be necessary. He said he will do anything and everything to make it right." Trevena said Gee is handing the matter over to the state's attorney to review for possible criminal charges. The lawyer said the arrest was a complete surprise to Sterner, who had received only a ticket after police stopped him in his hand-pedal-controlled car for failing to yield in October. At the time, the attorney said, Sterner also submitted to a blood test and no illegal substances were found in his blood. Sterner became disabled in a wrestling accident when he was 18, Trevena said. Sterner took his story to WTSP a few days after he was released from custody, his attorney said, and the station obtained the booking video from the sheriff's department. E-mail to a friend .

Surveillance footage shows Brian Sterner being dumped from his wheelchair . Sheriff David Gee: "I am personally embarrassed and shocked" The deputy seen in the video has been suspended without pay . Three supervisors who were on duty during the incident have also been suspended .

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(CNN) -- Henrik Stenson's accountant must be grinning from ear to ear after the Swedes's incredible winning streak last year. But the world No. 3 isn't getting carried away. "Like someone said: 'Money is only paper,' right? It's not really going to make you much more happy or extremely sad if you lose a bit," Stenson says. Easy to say, perhaps, after netting a cool $20 million in prize money in 2013. But it's not the fiscal peaks that have helped shape the 37-year-old's apparently easy-going attitude to money as much as one spectacular loss. Stenson was a victim of the convicted fraudster Allen Stanford and reportedly lost several million dollars in the Texan's $7 billion Ponzi scheme, which was uncovered in 2009. The Swede said it wasn't so much the scale of the losses but rather the way in which the money went. "It was probably more about, you know, how you lose something when you think something is a safe investment when it turns out it (isn't)," Stenson told CNN's Shane O'Donoghue. "That's got to be more disappointing than taking it to the casino -- you lose, but you know what the risks are. That was probably more what upset me the most about the whole thing. "I guess I was in a position where I can make up for it in a pretty short space of time. Other people wouldn't be so lucky. For me, it's like a closed chapter. I moved on long ago, but I keep getting reminded of it now and again," he says, before breaking into a smile. Getting up and down . He can afford to smile after becoming the first golfer to win both the PGA Tour's FedExCup and the European Tour's Race to Dubai in the same season. Stenson claimed the $10 million prize for winning the FedExCup after winning the season-ending Tour Championship at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Club in September before storming to a six-stroke victory in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai eight weeks later. It was an unprecedented end to a season which saw Stenson return to golf's top table after recovering from a debilitating and prolonged slump. After winning golf's "fifth major," The Players Championship at Sawgrass in May 2009, Stenson looked set to join the sport's elite with strong showings at the U.S. Open (ninth place) and the U.S.PGA Championship (tied sixth) later that season. A tie for third in the Open Championship at St Andrews the following year only seemed to confirm his status as a serious contender for a major title. But things fell apart in the second half of 2010 before completely unraveling in 2011 with a succession of missed cuts and only one top 10 finish all year. As if the loss of form wasn't sickening enough, Stenson then picked up a waterborne parasite on holiday in November 2011 which led to a bout of viral pneumonia. "He lost what we call the ground force because physically he was poorly," says Pete Cowen, Stenson's long-time swing coach. "If you lose your physical strength you lose all your control." That lack of power sent Stenson tumbling down the rankings from a career high of world No. 5 in 2009 to 230th. It wasn't the first time Stenson had gone from golden boy to nowhere man. A year after clinching his maiden European Tour victory in 2001 (at the now defunct Benson and Hedges International Open) the Swede missed 14 cuts and won just over €40,000 ($55,000). "It was big slump. They were really tough times," he recalls. "I was really lost with my game, I lost my confidence." On course for recovery . The second, more recent reverse was less to do with any technical deficiencies than with "frustrations," he says at not being able to compete like he used to. "The most important thing I did with my old sport psychologist (Torsten Hansson) was to start working on the long-term planning. When you are down and out, it's so easy (to go for) short-term solutions," Stenson said. "The quick fixes don't work. I think you've got to put a plan in place and work towards it -- slow but steady progress -- and eventually you will get to the point where you want to get." With a new physical and psychological regime in place, Stenson started to see the green shoots of recovery with victory at the South African Open in November 2012. "That was hugely important, especially the way I won it because I held the lead for most of the weekend and then dropped back on Sunday and I managed to come back on the back nine. That was huge for the confidence ... after three-and-a-half years without a win." Stenson's season-ending victories may have grabbed all the headlines but his comeback year also included his best-ever performance at a major championship -- second to Phil Mickelson in the Open Championship at Muirfield -- backed up by a third- place finish at the U.S.PGA Championship. A major breakthrough? So can he break his duck in 2014 and become Sweden's first major winner? "If my game is in good shape and it's my week, I definitely think so," he says. Cowen can also see his pupil of 13 years clinching that elusive prize. "He's a complex person," says Cowen. "One day he's up, the next day he's down. When he's up, he's very, very good, but when he's down, you know ... but that's what the best players are like. "I would think Henrik is one of a few players who can win tournaments on ball striking alone. He's certainly got the game. There are quite a few players who deserve to win majors, but unfortunately you have to win them." Stenson will get his first chance at Augusta National in April, but before that will be lining up at Dove Mountain, Arizona for the WGC Match Play Championship on February 19 -- a tournament that he won in 2007. Whatever happens this coming week and for the rest of the season, Stenson appears well equipped to deal with what comes his way. "You know, you are going to have your ups and downs. I might have had two (downs) that were deeper than most, but the belief never went away. "What we learn is to never give up. If you keep at it, if you keep the belief, you can achieve great things." Read more: Snow golf: driving off piste in Swedish Lapland .

Henrik Stenson seeking first major title after a spectacular return to form in 2013 . Swede became first golfer to win FedExCup and Race to Dubai in same season . Stenson reportedly lost several millions dollars in Allen Stanford Ponzi Scheme . Two-and-a-half year slump saw 37-year-old drop from world no. 5 to no. 230 .

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Smoking during pregnancy can affect the growth of a woman’s future grandchildren, a new study has warned. Researchers have found that if a maternal grandmother smoked during pregnancy, her grandsons became heavier than expected during adolescence, . But the study also found those grandsons had better cardiovascular fitness. However when both the maternal grandmother and the mother had smoked, girls had reduced height and weight compared with girls whose mothers, but not grandmothers, smoked. Scroll down for video . Smoking during pregnancy can affect the growth of a woman’s future grandchildren, according to a new study (file picture) In non-smoking mothers whose paternal grandmothers smoked during pregnancy, granddaughters tended to be taller, the report claims. And both granddaughters and grandsons tended to have greater bone mass and lean muscle mass. The study was carried out in Britain and published in the American Journal of Human Biology and suggests the effects of smoking during pregnancy can span generations. Senior . author Professor Marcus Pembrey said: ‘These likely transgenerational . effects from the grandmothers' smoking in pregnancy need to be taken . into account in future studies of the effects of maternal smoking on . child growth and development. ‘If replicated, such studies could be a useful model for the molecular analysis of human transgenerational responses.’ NHS . guidelines warn that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of a baby being . stillborn, make it more likely that it will be born early and make it . less able to cope with any birth complications. In nonsmoking mothers whose paternal grandmothers smoked during pregnancy, granddaughters tended to be taller, the report claims (file picture)

Smoking in pregnancy can affect growth of future grandchildren, study finds . Teenager boys heavier when maternal grandmother smoked while pregnant . But they may also have better cardiovascular fitness, researchers claim . Girls whose mother and maternal grandmother smoke had reduced height and weight, British scientists found .

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Prime Minister Tony Abbott has released the G20's final plan for economic growth, pledging to work with world leaders to deliver real outcomes. In his final address as G20 chair, Mr Abbott on Sunday thanked world leaders for attending the most influential gathering of world leaders in Australian history. He said there had been a strong spirit of cooperation and moments of candour between the leaders, and a commitment to actually implement their 'action plan'. Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks at the conclusion of the G20 summit in Brisbane on Sunday . US President Barack Obama waves before boarding his flight home after attending the G20 Summit . 'We have published these growth strategies so the world can see what we are committed to and the world can hold us to account,' he told reporters in Brisbane. 'People right around the world are going to be better off and that's what it's all about.' The overarching G20 goal was to boost global economic growth by 2.1 per cent by 2018, which if translated would add $2 trillion to economic activity. Barely had the official G20 summary been released, the leaders were already dashing home, with US President Barack Obama in the air after the summit wrapped up on Sunday. President Obama was spotted boarding his helicopter Marine One at Victoria Park in Bowen Hill before arriving at RAAF Base Amberley, south-west of Brisbane on the outskirts of Ipswich to board his Air Force One plane home. While Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't even hang around that long, citing the need to get back to Moscow and catch up on his sleep as he headed to the special G20 airport in Brisbane before proceedings had even finished. President Obama was exiting his helicopter as he arrived in Ipswich of Brisbane to board his flight home . Russia's President Vladmir Putin waving goodbye as he jetted out of Australia at Brisbane airport on Sunday . China's President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan wave before departing Brisbane Airport on Sunday . Meanwhile, Mr Abbott said in his final statement that a working session on trade, which he described as one of the most productive of this G20 weekend, had delivered a unanimous agreement that expanding global trade would directly benefit countries and people right around the world. 'Trade is a key driver of growth, perhaps the key driver of growth, and we're focused on domestic reforms to facilitate trade as well as the importance of a strong global trading system.' He also said a global infrastructure hub would be launched in Sydney as part of a wider initiative to address a global $70 trillion gap in infrastructure by 2030. It would be funded by government and private sector contributions, he said. South African Prime Minister Jacob Zuma is farewelled as he departs Brisbane on Sunday . Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Azizof waves as he departs Brisbane on Sunday . Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel as she departs Brisbane Airport at the conclusion of the G20 Summit . Energy ministers would meet for the first time early next year to take work forward on a G20 energy efficiency action plan, Mr Abbott said. 'Energy I'm pleased to say is now at the heart of the G20's agenda,' he said. The communique from the Brisbane summit also included specific mention of climate change. Mr Abbott said all leaders had voiced support for strong and effective action to address climate change. 'Our actions will support sustainable development, economic growth and certainty for business and investment and, of course, we will all work constructively towards the climate change conference in Paris next year.' Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (pictured centre) departs with Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott (pictured front right) after attending a ceremonial welcome in Sydney on Sunday . Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel inspects an honour guard during a ceremonial welcome in Sydney . German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Tony Abbott stand on a podium during a welcome ceremony in Sydney . The G20 leaders committed backed a global crackdown on tax avoidance by multinational companies. 'If banks get into trouble taxpayers should not be bailing them out,' Mr Abbott said. 'And big business must pay its fair share of tax and it must pay its fair share of tax in the jurisdiction where they earned the profits.' It was put to Mr Abbott that there had been some disagreement among leaders on the extent to which climate change featured in the communique, and that US President Barack Obama had argued strongly against the prime minister's position on the use of fossil fuels. Mr Abbott has pledged to work with world leaders to deliver real outcomes . Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks to the media during a press conference at the conclusion of the G-20 summit in Brisbane on Sunday . 'As for coal, without going into the details of who said what to whom and exactly what intervention was about what subject, I should remind everyone that right now there are 1.3 billion people right around the globe who have no access whatsoever to electricity,' Mr Abbott said. 'And not only was the communique drafting process constructive and collegial but the discussion in the room today was very constructive and collegial. 'I just want to make that absolutely crystal clear, that from the very beginning, climate change was in the draft communique.' U.S. President Barack Obama gestures as he answers questions during his news conference on Sunday . President Barack Obama, Tony Abbott and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands at the start of their meeting at the G-20 Summit in Brisbane on Sunday . The prime minister said labour market reforms were also crucial, of which lifting female participation was the 'principal commitment'. He said that if female participation was closer to male participation in every country of the G20, 'billions if not trillions of dollars in additional growth' would be unlocked. Meanwhile, Brisbanites will soon get their city back as the riot fences are removed and special laws that made it illegal to carry reptiles on some streets expire. Police declared it a triumph, with no major incidents reported from the 6000 officers deployed to patrol the often empty streets in the city's CBD and south bank areas. The mercury soared, with snipers atop Brisbane rooftops reporting extreme temperatures beyond 60 degrees Celsius. Protests were numerous, colourful, but peaceful. Inside the giant Brisbane convention centre, 3000 journalists from across the globe bunkered down to cover the G20 proceedings. In the end the business side of the two-day spectacle was distilled into an unassuming three-page communique. G20 leaders - the heads of the world's largest developed and emerging economies - pledged to do their bit to grow the global pie. Barely had the official G20 summary been released and the leaders were already dashing home . President Barack Obama, Tony Abbott and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at their meeting on Sunday . The world leaders also discussed the fight against the terrororist group ISIS as well as the Ebola epidemic . The overarching goal is to achieve more than two per cent economic growth in the bloc above business as usual by 2018. The real test will be whether countries come good on their promises, but that's really for the next G20 host - Turkey - to oversee. There were also commitments to crackdown on tax avoidance, bolster financial markets from shocks and shore up the banks deemed 'too big to fail'. But despite the Abbott government's wish for a narrow agenda under its G20 presidency, there was much more to the G20 than just jobs and growth. Climate change and the Ebola outbreak were hot topics, dominating talks on the sidelines of the main event. Tony Abbott and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe talk as they wait for President Obama to arrive . President Obama shakes hands with Mr Abbott as Shinzo Abe looks on ahead of a trilateral meeting . President Obama, Mr Abbott and Shinzo Abe at the start of their meeting at the G20 Summit in Brisbane . Other highlights were the 'family' photo of G20 leaders - a potentially tense diplomatic exercise - and the awkward hand gestures shared by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Mr Putin. The mantle now gets passed to Turkey, who assumes the G20 presidency in December and will host next year's leaders' meeting. For Australia, the fun and games continues. Indian president Narendra Modi, Chinese president Xi Jinping, French president Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hang around a few days for non-G20 events. Mr Modi and Mr Xi will have the honour of addressing federal parliament in Canberra this week.

The G20 has wrapped up after two days of talks between world leaders . Tony Abbott has released the G20's final plan for economic growth . He has pledged to work with world leaders to deliver real outcomes . Mr Abbott thanked world leaders for attending the most influential gathering of world leaders in Australian history . Barely had the official G20 summary been released and the leaders were off . While Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and Mr Abbott attended a ceremonial welcome in Sydney on Sunday afternoon .

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(CNN Student News) -- February 4, 2011 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . • Washington, D.C. • Egypt • China . Transcript . THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. SHANELL, CNN STUDENT NEWS IREPORTER: Hi! I'm Shanell. AMANDA, CNN STUDENT NEWS IREPORTER: And I'm Amanda. SHANELL: And we're from Colby, Kansas. AMANDA: And this is Carl Azuz with today's CNN Student News! CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: Very nicely done, ladies, getting us off to a galloping start. That was awesome, just like Fridays! Wonder if those horses were neighbors. Whether you live next door or halfway around the world, we welcome all of our viewers to CNN Student News. First Up: Roof Collapse . AZUZ: So, let's say you're a Steelers or Packers fan. You're heading to the Super Bowl in Dallas, Texas to get away from the cold weather in your hometown. But when you show up in Texas, the wind chill is 10 degrees below zero! Believe that! That's what it felt like in Dallas yesterday. Throw in several inches of snow and ice, parts of the city just shut down. One Packers player said it was funny to see everything closed. He said in Green Bay, this would've been a normal day. What we're about to show you, though, is not normal. Watch this. That's the power of this snowstorm. The roof of the building in Massachusetts completely collapsed under the weight of all the snow. Luckily, everyone who was inside got out safely ahead of time. Prayer Breakfast . AZUZ: The National Prayer Breakfast has taken place in Washington, D.C. every year for nearly six decades. During yesterday's prayer breakfast, President Obama gave a very personal speech about his religious faith. He talked about how his faith sustains him and how he asks God for strength. The president wasn't the only speaker at the event. U.S. astronaut Mark Kelly -- he is the husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords -- gave the closing prayer. He also talked about his wife's recovery from a shooting attack in Arizona. The president also talked about violence that's taking place in a different part of the world. U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: We pray that the violence in Egypt will end, and that the rights and aspirations of the Egyptian people will be realized. And that a better day will dawn over Egypt and throughout the world. Egypt Unrest & Social Media . AZUZ: People who support and people who are against Egypt's government continued to fight against each other in the country's capital of Cairo on Thursday, though the fighting wasn't as intense as it was the day before. In an interview with Christiane Amanpour of ABC News, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who's the main focus of these protests, said he was very unhappy about the fighting. He also said that he would leave office right away, but that he didn't want to risk plunging his nation into chaos. Political protests certainly aren't a new idea. They've been happening for centuries. But as Karen Caifa explains for us now, there is a very modern twist to these protests in Egypt. (BEGIN VIDEO) KARIN CAIFA, CNN CORRESPONDENT, WASHINGTON, D.C.: Pictures that speak a thousand words. Protests fueled by 140 characters. The unrest in Egypt targets the 30-year tenure of leader Hosni Mubarak, protests led by a generation that's come of age and found their voice in the era of social media. NASSER WEDDADY, AMERICAN ISLAMIC CONGRESS: You have a generation right now, an entire generation that was born under the Mubarak rule, that has taken to the streets and they want him out. CAIFA: While the percentage of Egyptians engaging in social media is small compared to that in the United States, like young Americans, it's young Egyptians making the most use of it. So before they took to the streets, they took to Twitter and to Facebook to mobilize, organize, to share their anger with each other and with the world. But at points during the height of the unrest, those tools went dark, with reports of the Egyptian government cracking down on Twitter and Facebook use, and cutting off internet access. A move criticized by the White House. ROBERT GIBBS, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: We believe that the people of Egypt have a right to freedom of expression and freedom of speech, and that includes the use of the internet. CAIFA: And even with postings from within Egypt limited, the events stayed among the top trending topics on Twitter, piquing the interest of social media users worldwide using a number of hashtags. WEDDADY: The demonstrations that you're seeing right now in the streets, that's an example of online activism going back into the real world. (END VIDEO) Health Care Debate . AZUZ: An effort to overturn the controversial Health Care Reform Law will not be moving forward in the U.S. Senate. Senate Democrats blocked the move by Senate Republicans on Wednesday in a 51-to-47 vote that was right down party lines. Two Democratic senators didn't vote. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to overturn the law last month. But with the Senate vote on Wednesday, this debate may be over in Congress. But it's not over in the courts. Earlier this week, a federal judge in Florida ruled that the health care law is unconstitutional. Another judge has ruled the same way. But two other federal judges have said the opposite. All this, what this means, this will probably end up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. So there's a good chance we haven't heard the end of this health reform law debate. Shoutout . TOMEKA JONES, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Today's Shoutout goes out to Mr. Linser's social studies classes at Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Washington! On the Chinese calendar, what year has just begun? You know what to do! Is it the Year of the... A) Rabbit, B) Ox, C) Snake or D) Tiger? You've got three seconds -- GO! The Chinese calendar has just kicked off the Year of the Rabbit. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout! Chinese New Year . AZUZ: All right. The Chinese calendar is lunar; it's based on the moon. And in a 12-year cycle, every year is assigned a different animal from ancient times. Astrologers describe the rabbit as kind and gentle, so maybe this will be a year of calm in China. Who knows? One thing we do know. These Year of the Rabbit celebrations are hopping, and they're going to go on for two weeks. The new year kicks off a fifteen-day Spring festival. There are parades, like this one. A lot of fireworks and festivities. And we're not just talking about things that happened in China. These celebrations happen in cities all around the world. Digital Dating Abuse . AZUZ: There was a time, when you wanted to ask someone out, you'd pass them a note that said "Do you want to go out with me? Check yes or no." And you'd really, really hope she didn't say maybe. These days, dating, of course, as you know, is a lot more high-tech. But the technology can also be used in harmful ways. We have a report now about some of the potential problems of dating in a digital world. (BEGIN VIDEO) CINDY SOUTHWORTH, NATIONAL NETWORK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: What else makes digital dating abuse, do you think? CAIFA: Inside this classroom at Jefferson Middle School in Washington, D.C., lessons about the technology that connects teens, but also brings new challenges. Many parents are aware of cyberbullying. But others may not know the signs of digital dating abuse. And a recent survey found that more than half of teens know someone who's been a victim. PATRICIA PRIDE, JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: A lot of the things that happen on Facebook, on MySpace, on the social networks on the weekends, we see filter into the school on Monday morning. CAIFA: Digital dating abuse includes things like excessive or harassing text messages or emails, accessing or manipulating a boyfriend or girlfriend's Facebook or MySpace page, or "sexting" with racy photos, all by simply using a mobile phone. SOUTHWORTH: It doesn't necessarily cause dating abuse. You can take the phone away and there's still going to be a controlling relationship, but it's definitely playing out through the technology. CAIFA: So, "Love is Not Abuse," a nationwide coalition that teaches teens about the dangers of domestic violence, now has a bigger focus on the role of the internet and social networking, during and after a relationship. SOUTHWORTH: You're texting a lot, and it's a good thing and both people are happy. But what if you try to break up and the texting keeps happening? CAIFA: The students here were the first to take part in the new curriculum, a kickoff to February's National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. It will soon roll out across the country, a campaign to help students understand that abuse is real, even if it's in the digital realm. In Washington, I'm Karin Caifa for CNN Student News. (END VIDEO) Before We Go . AZUZ: Before we go today, we're taking you to an obstacle course where the obstacles are alive! It's at an alligator farm in Florida. And it includes a zip line that takes you right over the gators! The woman on the zip line's thinking, "cool, gators!" And the gators are thinking, "cool, lunch!" Fearless flyers are strapped onto safety lines at all times. And in truth, you're zipping along about 50 feet over the reptiles' reach. Goodbye . AZUZ: Still, you'd think they would put up a gator something. Maybe these are helpful animals. Maybe if you fall in their pit, they'll just offer you gator-aid. I think that's one of the best one's we've done in awhile. Today's sign-off line from Facebook.com/CNNStudentNews comes from Lindsey, who says a bicycle can't stand alone because it is two-tired. You can send us your sign-off lines at Facebook.com/CNNStudentNews. We look forward to 'em. Today's last suggestion came from Philip, Lauren, Bailey and Gemma. Here it comes: [Carl throws pillow at camera] .

Witness the power of a winter storm stretching across the U.S. Explore the role of technology in the political unrest in Egypt . Consider some potential problems of dating in a digital world . Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News .

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President Obama followed through on his threat to 'isolate' Russia for sending troops into the Ukraine against his wishes, suspending all military relations between the two countries on Monday. All scheduled military exercises, meetings and port visits are now cancelled in light of what Mr Obama considers a violation of international law. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent . troops into the Ukrainian sovereign region of Crimea over the weekend, . claiming he was trying to protect ethnic Russians from . 'ultra-nationalistic forces' in the country. 'We call on Russia to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and for Russian forces in Crimea to return to their bases, as required under the agreements governing the Russia Black Sea Fleet,' Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement. Kirby added that while there has been speculation in the media about U.S. ship movements in the region, the Pentagon has not changed 'military posture in Europe or the Mediterranean'. Meeting with Israel: Mr Obama answers questions about the ongoing in situation in Ukraine while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office Monday . President Obama is currently working to rally Western allies in a united front against Russia's recent incursion on the Ukraine. 'I spent the weekend talking to leaders across Europe, and I think the world is largely united in recognizing that the steps Russia has taken are a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, their territorial integrity,' the president said. Russia justified its invasion of the Crimea to the UN Security Council on Monday, with Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin saying 'legitimately elected officials' had asked Russia to intervene. But U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power shot back, saying the move was 'not a consensual intervention...it is an act of aggression'. Defending the move: U.N. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin speaks during a meeting of the U.N. Security Council meeting on Monday . Calling out: U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power responded to Churkin's statements, saying it was not a 'consensual' incursion but an 'act of aggression' Russia's invasion of the Ukraine has been in response to the 2014 revolution which resulted in the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Moscow. President Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he sent troops into the Crimea to protect the ethnic Russians in the region from 'ultranationalistic forces'. About 60 per cent of those living in Crimea are ethnic Russians. But Russian forces seem to be acting as more than just peace keepers in the region. Armed men took control of two airports in the Crimea region on Friday in what Ukraine's government described as an invasion and occupation by Russian forces, stoking tension between Moscow and the West . Tensions rising: A Russian soldier on an armoured personnel carrier halted on a road in Ukraine around 20 miles from Sebastapol, where there is a large Russian military presence . Putin sent troops into the Crimea, going against President Obama's request that he not intervene. Above, Armed Russian navy servicemen surround a Ukrainian border guard base in in the Crimea region on Friday . On Monday, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Maksim Prauta announced that four Russian navy ships were blocking an anti-submarine warship and command ship and had ordered the crews to surrender or face seizure. Russian authorities have denied the incident. A source at the Defense Ministry told Interfax that the deadline to surrender was 5am Tuesday, but another source said no assault was planned and 'this is complete nonsense'. If true, a U.S. State Department spokesman said this would be a 'dangerous escalation' on Russia's part, for which they would be held accountable. As of 6am local time Tuesday, there had been no military action by the Russian forces, according to the Kyiv Post. Surrender? Ukrainian navy ship Slavutich is seen in Sevastopol harbor. Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials say that Russian forces have ordered them to surrender the ship and another an anti-submarine warship by 5am Tuesday. Pictured above on Monday . Ukrainian seamen stand guard on the Ukrainian navy ship Slavutich at harbor of Sevastopol, Ukraine, which has allegedly been ordered to surrender by Russian forces . Escalating: Russian navy ship minesweeper 'Turbanisit' is seen in the Ukrainian harbor of Sevastopol on Monday. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says Russian ships are blocking two of their warships in the harbor . Symbol of the nation: The Ukrainian flag flies over warship Slavutich, one of two that has allegedly been blocked by Russian ships in the port . 'Not true': Russian authorities deny that naval forces have ordered the surrender of the two Ukrainian warships. Above, Ukrainian seaman stand guard aboard the Slavutich on Monday . Watching and waiting: People stand on board the Ukrainian navy corvette Ternopil at harbor of Sevastopol, Ukraine on Monday . Back at the White House, Mr Obama said he believes Russia is on the wrong side of history, and should prepare itself for the consequences if it decides to proceed with military action in Crimea. 'But what cannot be done is for Russia, with impunity, to put its soldiers on the ground and violate basic principles that are recognized around the world,' Obama said. 'And I think the strong condemnation it's received from countries around the world indicates the degree to which Russia's on the wrong side of history in this.' President Obama said he is currently looking into ways to 'isolate' Russia including economic sanctions and restrictions on travel for Russian officials. 'What we are also indicating to the Russians is, if, in fact, they continue on trajectory that they're on, that we are examining a whole series of steps — economic, diplomatic — that will isolate Russia. and will have a negative impact on Russia's economy and its status in the world,' President Obama said. He is also calling on Congress to approve an aid package for the Ukrainian government. A united front on Ukraine: Secretary of State John Kerry (left) and Vice President Joe Biden (right) listen to President Obama's talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday at the White House . 'One thing they can do right away is work with the administration to help provide a package of assistance to Ukraine, to the people, to the government,' Mr Obama said. 'At this stage, there should be unanimity among Democrats and Republicans … We should be able to come up with a unified position that stands outside of partisan politics. My expectation is that I'll be able to able to get Congress to work with us in order to be able to achieve that goal.' But allies such as France believe there are few options beyond that. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Russia's control of Crimea would not be easy to resolve. President Obama's latest comments come as he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this week. Tomorrow, Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Kiev, where he will further relay Mr Obama's message of Ukrainian sovereignty. The president spoke with Putin on Friday for 90 minutes, but his Russian counterpart did not  take Mr Obama's advice to stay out of the region. So far the U.S. has suspended prep meetings for the upcoming G-8 Summit in Sochi, Russia and declined to send a delegation to the Paralympic Winter Games - also in Sochi. Hotline: Obama had a 90 minute phone call with Putin to discuss the situation on Friday .

The Pentagon announced Monday the cancellation of all scheduled military exercises with Russia in light of the Federation's incursion on the Ukraine . In a press conference at the White House, President Obama said Russia was on the wrong side of history for sending troops into Crimea . Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine this weekend, justifying the move as an attempt to protect ethic Russians in the region . Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the UN, said that 'legitimately elected authorities' had asked for Russian intervention in the region . U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power shot back, calling the action an 'act of aggression' in the Monday Security Council meeting . President Obama is also calling on Congress to approve an aid package to the Ukrainian government . Mr Obama's latest comments come as the president meets with Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Natanyahu at the White House this week .

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A Brazilian Michael Jackson superfan used acid to lighten his skin and spent about £2,000 on a series of cosmetic procedures to look like his hero. Antonio Gleidson Rodrigues, 32, the self-proclaimed number one Michael Jackson impersonator in Brazil, has had rhinoplasty in order to imitate the King Of Pop and spends around four hours each day rehearsing his dance moves. Gleidson Jackson, as he likes to be known, had his first operation five years ago when he had his nasal septum corrected to allow him to reach higher notes when singing. Antonio Gleidson Rodrigues, the self-proclaimed number one Michael Jackson impersonator in Brazil, has used acid to lighten his skin and spent £2,000 to look like his hero. He is pictured, right, without his make-up in 2009 . He said: 'I wasn't able to reach notes like Michael before but after surgery I can now sing some notes in falsetto.' Following his first bid at surgery, Gliedson, of Fortalenza, continued in his mission to imitate the world famous pop star by having hyaluronic acid injected into his face, which had a whitening effect, and botox injections to enhance the area under his eyes. The former drama teacher also had surgery to close the gaps in his teeth and his eyebrows tattooed. Gliedson is now hoping to raise enough money by imitating Jackson to have even more surgery. He said: 'If I can afford it in the future, I am thinking of working on my cheekbones so I can get rid of the wrinkles along my mouth - I also want to have my eyebrows arched. 'I would like to have my forehead tattooed and have my nose made even slimmer.' Gleidson Jackson, as he likes to be known, spends about one and a half hours applying make up before showtime . The impersonator also spends around four hours each day rehearsing his dance moves . He was encouraged to become a Michael Jackson impersonator when he was just 19 after his drama students suggested he looked like the pop star. He said: 'It was tough, they teased me for around 15 days and the mothers of the children even got involved. 'By the end of it I was caught up - I had the bug.' Gleidson now says his act and the dedication he has put into improving it is the greatest tribute he can pay to his idol. He said: 'In my concerts I always say that no copy will ever be as good as the original. 'But I can always say that I will always try my best to achieve perfection - just like Michael.' Gleidson, pictured relaxing at his home, was encouraged to become a Michael Jackson impersonator when he was just 19 after his drama students suggested he looked like the pop star . The former drama teacher now says his act and the dedication he has put into improving it is the greatest tribute he can pay to his idol . His aunt Maria Doriane Bastos de Souza, however, worries about the impersonator. She said: 'He is obsessed, sometimes he will spend hours on the internet looking for things related to Michael Jackson. 'I worry for his health - I want him to come downstairs and eat a sandwich. 'I also worry when he goes into surgery, I never want him to feel disappointed and sometimes surgery doesn't work out the way you would want it to.' Jackson's death in June 2009 rocked the world but there were few who felt it quite as much as Gleidson. Gleidson's aunt Maria Doriane Bastos de Souza, worries about the impersonator, saying he is 'obsessed'. Gleidson is pictured, right, with his mother in June this year . He said: 'My reaction was absurd - I started to cry right away, I still don't understand how this could have happened to Michael Jackson. 'He was a guy who used to drink juice and avoid energy drinks - how could he have died of an overdose. 'In my opinion, to lose that man - the greatest artist of all times - is a real tragedy for the world. 'There will never be another one like him - but I can try my best.'

Antonio Gleidson Rodrigues, 32, is the self-proclaimed number one Michael Jackson impersonator in Brazil . He has had rhinoplasty to imitate the King Of Pop and spends around four hours each day rehearsing his dance moves . He had his first operation five years ago when he had his nasal septum corrected to allow him to reach higher notes when singing .

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By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 14:42 EST, 5 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:43 EST, 7 June 2013 . A popular Jeep off-roader favoured by thousands of British school-run families is at the centre of a major fire safety row after U.S. officials blamed it for more than 50 deaths. Car bosses have refused U.S. government demands to recall nearly three million of the 4X4s over 'deadly problems'. Defiant Chrysler is refusing to recall about 2.7 million of the Jeeps which safety officials says are at risk of a fuel tank fire in a rear-end collision. The siting of the 4X4s fuel tank is a 'defect' which poses an 'unreasonable risk to safety,' say safety chiefs – a charge which Chrysler rejects. Some 23,511 of the Jeep Grand Cherokees made between 1993 and 2004 are still on the road in the UK . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has now sent Chrysler a letter asking that the company voluntarily recall Jeep Grand Cherokees - which were also sold in Britain – between 1993  and 2004. Some 23,511 of the Jeep Grand Cherokees from this period are still on the road in the UK, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders. The recall request also affects the Jeep Liberty built between 2002 and 2007, which was not sold in the UK. NHTSA found at least 32 rear-impact crashes and fires in Grand Cherokees that caused 44 deaths. It also found at least five rear crashes in Libertys, causing seven deaths. The fire row between Chrysler, its parent company Fiat, and government safety chiefs was the lead item on prime time news broadcasts in the U.S., including ABC News. Chrysler Group LLC, which is now majority-owned by Italy's Fiat SpA insisted in a statement on Tuesday that the Jeeps are safe and it 'does not intend to recall the vehicles'. Such a refusal by a car company is rare. And though the NHTSA can order a recall but needs a court order to enforce it. David Strickland, the safety agency's administrator, said in a statement that he hopes Chrysler will reconsider its decision. Will it be recalled? The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited . Chrysler Group LLC, which is now majority-owned by Italy's Fiat SpA insisted in a statement on Tuesday that the Jeeps are safe . 'Our data shows that these vehicles may contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety,' he said. U.S. car safety chiefs opened an investigation into the Jeeps in August 2010 at the request of the Center for Auto Safety in Washington. They found that the Jeeps' fuel tanks can fail when hit from the rear, leak fuel and cause fires if there's an ignition source. The positioning of the tanks behind the rear axle and their height above the road is a design defect,  it said in a letter to Chrysler dated Monday. Chrysler moved the fuel tanks on the Grand Cherokee ahead of the rear axle in 2005, and did the same thing with the Liberty in 2007. NHTSA said the older Jeeps performed poorly when compared with all but one similar vehicle from the 1993 to 2007 model years: 'Particularly in terms of fatalities, fires without fatalities, and fuel leaks in rear-end impacts and crashes.' The agency calculated that the older Grand Cherokees and Libertys have fatal crash rates that are about double those of similar vehicles. It asks Chrysler to recall the vehicles and 'implement a remedy action that improves their performance in rear-impacts and crashes'. Car-makers  usually agree to a recall request, partly to avoid bad publicity. In the last three years, Chrysler has conducted 52 recalls. But Chrysler insists  its review of nearly 30 years of data shows a low number of rear-impact crashes involving fire or a fuel leak in the affected Jeeps and that the the recall request  is based on an 'incomplete analysis of the underlying data'. Chrysler Group LLC chairman and chief executive Sergio Marchionne insisted: 'The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. 'All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles.' The row comes as Chrysler prepares to launch the latest new generation of its Jeep Grand Cherokee which is unaffected by the safety scare. 'NHTSA seems to be holding Chrysler Group to a new standard for fuel tank integrity that does not exist now and did not exist when the Jeep vehicles were manufactured,' the company said. The dispute leaves owners of the affected Grand Cherokees and Libertys waiting for government or court action. It also leaves Chrysler open to the risk of big liability if there are more crashes and injuries linked to the fuel tanks, said Logan Robinson, a University of Detroit Mercy law professor and former Chrysler corporate counsel. Lawyers could argue that if Chrysler had recalled the Jeeps, people wouldn't have been hurt, he said. But that liability would be limited if Chrysler beats NHTSA in court and a judge rules the company didn't sell defective vehicles, said Robinson. Chrysler called the older Grand Cherokees and Libertys 'among the safest vehicles of their era'  saying they met all federal safety standards in effect when they were built. NHTSA's letter concedes this but adds: 'The existence of a minimum standard does not require NHTSA to ignore deadly problems.' Chrysler has until June 18 to respond to the safety administration's letter. NHTSA has the authority to fine companies if slow to provide data or recall vehicles. The agency fined Toyota Motor Corp. a record $66million for failing to quickly report problems and for delaying a recall. Toyota paid the fine without admitting it violated the law.

Car bosses refuse demands to recall nearly three million 4X4s . Officials say are at risk of a fuel tank fire in a rear-end collision .

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Zintan, Libya (CNN) -- In all his years in power, Moammar Gadhafi has never been portrayed as anything but regal in paintings and statues scattered throughout Libya. Until now. Six months into Libya's war, some artists in rebel strongholds are arming themselves with fresh paint. Their belief? A brush can be as mighty as the Kalashnikov in the fight against the strongman. "Everybody supports the revolution in some way," says Mohammed Zamoul, formerly a bulldozer driver. "Some people fight, I use the brush." In Tripoli, a massive mural of Gadhafi remains intact. Zamoul's work is far less flattering. His caricatures of Gadhafi sucking on his country's oil reserves, pinned down by a rebel flag and being launched out of Libya on a bomb -- are everywhere around his hometown of Rujban in the country's western mountains. "Building owners welcome it," he says. "Not one single person said no. I get a lot of support." Several miles away in the rebel-controlled city of Zintan, Masoud Baji is also using art as weapon. He was a calligrapher before the uprising began in Libya last February. Now, he revels in his new career. Each of his paintings, he says, expresses Gadhafi's persecution of the Libyan people. One portrays Gadhafi as a vampire sucking the wealth of the people. "He has not left anything for them, he kept us illiterate, without education," Baji says. "He kept everything for himself." Some of the paintings are humorous. Some make strong political commentary. All are new in a nation where freedom of expression was an unknown under Gadhafi. "Now we can express ourselves freely, thank god," Baji says. "The chains have been lifted. Everyone can express themselves. Even a simple painting about the tyrant, now we can paint. Before the revolution we could not do that, he would arrest and in some cases kill us." Zamoul and his assistant, calligrapher Abdul Aziz, bear sizzling daytime temperatures to create their latest fresco -- "The Lady of the Sea" beckoning rebel fighters to come and join her in Tripoli. "What I have inside I can now express and put it on the walls," Zamoul says. In this particular expression, he has, perhaps, captured the heart of the Libyan rebels, fighting bitterly to make it Tripoli.

Political art is springing up in rebel-held areas of Libya . Artists are expressing their opposition to Moammar Gadhafi . The paintings show Gadhafi as a ruthless dictator . "Some people fight. I use a brush," says one artist .

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By . Chris Brooke . PUBLISHED: . 07:26 EST, 8 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:38 EST, 8 May 2012 . Evil: Clappison, pictured outside Hull Crown Court today, was said by a judge to have 'blighted the lives of her children' A mother who abused her two children and kept them locked in bedrooms that were so cold her son caught frostbite was jailed for 18 months yesterday. Over a five-year period they were beaten, starved, forced to do manual labour instead  of going to school, given cold baths and shut up in the dark. Both children had to sleep in their underwear without bedding or a mattress in an unheated room, Hull Crown Court was  told during Linda Clappison’s cruelty trial. However, the 46-year-old mother managed to fool social workers by getting out toys and snacks  during a visit, and ‘made it look like happy families’. Son Andrew Clappison told the court he endured the living hell between the ages of ten and 16 and even attempted suicide. The daughter, who is now 13 and who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered similar treatment between the ages of six and 11. She also had her head shaved five times by her mother and was ordered to lie about it being her own idea ‘because she wanted to look like Britney Spears’. Mother-of-four Clappison, of Keyingham, East Yorkshire, was convicted of child cruelty last month. The treatment came to light when the girl went to school and told teachers she did not want to go home to her mother. Passing sentence yesterday, Judge Michael Mettyear paid tribute to the young victims, who he described as ‘the sort of children that any parent would admire’. He told Clappison: ‘Custody is inevitable. You have blighted the lives of these children.’ Andrew, 18, told the court he was ten when his mother changed after his father left home because she had had an affair. His elder brother and sister also left when the abuse started. He was kept off school half of the time but, when he did go, as soon as he returned home he was locked in his dark bedroom. Andrew said his mother punched, slapped and kicked him, beat him with a leather belt and banged his head against a wall for no reason. House of hell: The semi-detached house in Keyingham, East Yorkshire . where Linda Clappison subjected her children to a 'living hell' The worst punishment, he said, was being given a cold bath and dunked under the water. He said: ‘I was scared of her. I had to have my tea in my room. She would not let me come downstairs. I was treated like a dog.' Abused: Andrew Clappison, now 18, was beaten and starved by his mother from the age of 10 to 16, and even attempted suicide. In January 2010, Clappison removed his mattress when she caught him trying to keep warm under it. Toys and the lightbulb were also taken out. He said: ‘I was sleeping in the cold all the time. The boiler was working but I had no radiator. ‘I used to wake up with blue feet. My feet got frostbite.’ Andrew was treated for frostbite on . all his toes on one foot and the big toe on the other. He was told to . lie and say it was from playing outside. The only time a social worker visited the house she was fooled into believing the children were being cared for properly. Andrew recalled: ‘She got my toys out. ‘She made me come downstairs, put biscuits out and made it look like happy families.’ He told the court he became weak and . thin from a diet of chocolate spread sandwiches – while his mother . cooked hot meals for herself. He said: ‘It was so unhealthy it was stupid. ‘At one point I was sick until she gave me something to eat. I got to starving point. I was shaking. I wished I was dead.’ His sister endured similar punishments. She said: ‘Some days she would not give us anything to eat.’ Andrew said that when his mother . befriended a gipsy fortune teller he was then forced to work unpaid with . travellers on a market stall and at a fair, sometimes until midnight. His sister also had to work on the stall, cleaning dogs and sweeping up. Before Clappison was jailed for . cruelty, the court was told that, according to her probation report, she . had no wish to be reconciled with her children. Mother-of-four Clappison was jailed at Hull Crown Court after being convicted of child cruelty last month .

Linda Clappison, 46, abused two of her four children and made their lives a 'living hell' Clappison had claimed her behaviour changed when she fell under the spell of a fortune teller . She shaved the head of her young daughter to 'stop her looking pretty' Mother also 'treated children like dogs' during abuse .