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cnndm-1 | A flickering rainbow of colours came with the March solar storm that made the Northern Lights even more remarkable than usual, and Italian photographer Giovanna Griffo was in Iceland to capture them in all their glory. Griffo, 42, who is based in Latina, led a group of her students to Vik and Hella in the south of Iceland where they were fortunate enough to be blown away by what is said to have been the strongest geomagnetic storm in the current solar cycle. While Giovanna takes and edits all manner of photographs, she has a particular affinity with the night sky - and not just the spectacular Aurora Borealis but locations in her own country too. Scroll down for video . Italian photographer Giovanna Griffo's mesmerising images of the Aurora Borealis during the blue hour near Hella, Iceland . In March, the Northern Lights were even more remarkable than usual and Griffo was in Iceland to capture them in all their glory . This images of the night sky being illuminated with stunning yellow and pink was taken from a road outside Vik in Iceland's south . 'These shots have been taken in different locations in Italy and Iceland,' Griffo tells MailOnline. 'You can find amazing nightscapes almost everywhere, I started collecting night scenes near my home town and went always further and further trying to capture iconic places all around the world. 'The Northern Lights were one of my dreams, so I went some weeks ago to Iceland hoping to be lucky enough to get one! 'I have to say I have been so much more than just lucky, since I got one the most powerful solar storm in the last three years that made an incredibly Aurora visible in Germany too!' Griffo, the daughter of two artists, teaches photography and post-production in seminars all around Italy and is also the editor and founder of the photo community www.maxartis.i. Not a bad view for the residents of this home near Hella where the Northern Lights shone even brighter than usual last month . Griffo shot this stunning image of a man (right) admiring the sky over Molveno Lake in The Dolomites, Italy, and this pair (right) in Iceland . A man shines a torch but his light his overshadowed by the stars above Circeo National Park in Latina, Italy . These stunning night skies were immortalised from Val d'Orcia near in Siena in the Tuscany region of Italy . Griffo, the daughter of two artists, teaches photography and post-production in seminars all around Italy . A keen photographer since she was six spending time in her father's dark room, she still considers developing films and printing a form of 'magic' to this day. But you are in control of some elements of the craft and there are ways to maximise your chances to capture something as wonderful as these examples, and a lot of it comes down to the location. 'Scouting places in your own country is definitely simpler than when you are abroad,' she says. 'In any case it is important to scout them during day time. It is extremely difficult discover a good place during night time, so usually I come back just before darkness in order to be able to frame the picture and studying the right composition.' Another stunning shot from Circeo National Park in Latina, which Griffo scouted out in daylight before returning before sundown to set-up . A keen photographer since she was six spending time in her father's dark room, she still considers photography a form of 'magic' And patience is a virtue that cannot be underestimated. 'Night photography is always tricky and full of issues to overcome! It is difficult managing your gear in complete darkness and often you are in very lonely places where it is not so safe to stay. You can find dangerous wildlife or even people with bad intentions. You have to pay a lot of attention and be prepared to stay many hours at very low temperatures.' 'You need to scout a location with clear sky during a night rather with no moon. Try to use a fast lenses (f/2.8 is better), a shutter speed between 8 and 15 sec (it depends how fast the aurora moves) and ISO between 1600 and 2500.' | Italian photographer Giovanna Griffo, 42, shares her talents with images of the Northern Lights and other locations . The teacher of photography and post-production teaches courses all over Italy and recently visited Iceland . She reveals some tips on the best way to capture the Northern Lights and night skies in all their glory . | 4ab4bb5edcb0a9b97b87a0c4a9a721984210c2f4 |
cnndm-2 | Ed Sheeran surprised a fan in hospital for her birthday after she had to give up her tickets to his concert when she was diagnosed with cancer. The British singer, who is currently touring New Zealand, took time out of his schedule over the weekend to help Jess Knight celebrate her 20th birthday in Auckland Hospital. An ecstatic Ms Knight said she 'couldn't stop smiling' following the memorable visit. 'He was just the nicest guy. So humble and down to earth,' Ms Knight told Daily Mail Australia. Scroll down for video . Ed Sheeran, who is currently touring New Zealand, took time out of his schedule over the weekend to help Jess Knight celebrate her 20th birthday in Auckland Hospital . 'We were so excited to meet him. We all had butterflies and a few of the girls had the shakes.' Ms Knight had planned on being at Sheeran's concert in Auckland having bought tickets back in October, but just two weeks later she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The teenager had to endure countless chemotherapy treatments and a bone marrow transplant, which meant she was forced to give up her tickets. With the help of her friends, Ms Knight launched a social media campaign to catch Sheeran's attention and beg him to visit her in hospital. Ed Sheeran crashed Jess Knight's hospital birthday party and happily posed for selfies with her friends and family . The British singer visited Jess Knight in Auckland Hospital after she was forced to give up her concert tickets due to her cancer treatment . Ms Knight's friend, Anna Strong, set up the Ed Visit Jess Facebook page last month, while family and friends spruiked the hashtag #KiaOraEdPlsVisitJess to get Sheeran to visit. It was a long shot that eventually paid off. Sheeran ended up crashing Ms Knight's birthday party in hospital in between shows over the weekend. 'When I was told he was coming we all felt a bit shell-shocked. It was something we'd hoped would happen but it was such a long shot,' Ms Knight said. The 20-year-old said she had butterflies in her stomach when she first met him and described his as 'humble and down to Earth' With the help of her friends, Ms Knight launched a social media campaign to catch Sheeran's attention and beg him to visit her in hospital . 'The whole experience has been so surreal. The New Zealand and international support has been incredible. We never expected it to go as far as it has.' 'And for the record, no we did not plan to colour coordinate my beanie to his shirt. We both have great style.' The British popstar spent half an hour with an awestruck Ms Knight as they spoke of food, films and his upcoming visit to South America. Sheeran is currently touring New Zealand after a string of shows across Australia. Ms Knight had planned on being at Sheeran's concert in Auckland (pictured)having bought tickets back in October, but just two weeks later she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia . Sheeran is currently touring New Zealand after a string of shows across Australia . | Jess Knight, 20, was surprised by Ed Sheeran at Auckland Hospital . She had planned on being at his Auckland concert at the weekend . However, Jess was diagnosed with leukemia two weeks after buying the tickets last October . She launched a social media campaign to beg Sheeran to visit her . British singer spent 30 minutes with an ecstatic Jess and her friends . | ac1b0180881c97d9f0d57d403c0bbc21fe29dd3c |
cnndm-3 | It’s been one of the most indulgent shopping sprees in Hollywood history. In just eight weeks, Lily James, the British star of Disney’s new blockbuster Cinderella, has worn more than £300,000 worth of frocks, shoes and jewellery designed by the glitziest names in fashion as she’s promoted her film. From £3,000 Jimmy Choo shoes to a £35,000 gown and a £40,000 necklace, Claudia Connell and Eliza Scarborough reveal how Downton Abbey star Lily’s very special wardrobe would be a stretch even for Prince Charming’s bulging wallet. Scroll down for video . Luxurious: In just eight weeks, Lily James, the British star of Disney’s new blockbuster Cinderella (pictured), has worn more than £300,000 worth of frocks, shoes and jewellery . On February 13, the beautiful Lily James who is famous for playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey goes braless in Berlin in a creation by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou (£5,400). With Jimmy Choo sandals (£595). Price: £5,995 . Hours later Lily wears a silk dress by Christian Dior (£20,000), De Beers diamond studs (£7,200), an eternity line necklace (£40,300) and Jimmy Choo shoes (£3,070). Price: £70,570 . Stunning: The Downton Abbey star went braless in Berlin in a creation by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou worth £5,400 (left) before donning a £20,000 silk dress by Christian Dior hours later (right) Next it is on to Moscow on February 17, where Lily picks a dress by British designer Nicholas Oakwell (£20,000) and silver Asha sandals by Chelsea Paris (£475). Price: £20,475 . And the next day in Milan, Lily favours local designers Gucci, opting for a dramatic, red halter-neck dress (£1,640), which she teams with Christian Louboutin Viennana sandals (£695). Price: £2,335 . Globetrotter: She showed off British designer Nicholas Oakwell's £20,000 frock in Moscow (left) on February 17 and a red halter-neck dress worth £1,640 made by Gucci in Milan the next day . Also in Milan the following evening, Lily selects a floral dress (£4,200) that even the Dowager Countess of Grantham would have approved of by British designers Erdem. The sandals are Jimmy Choos (£475). Price: £4,675 . Classy: Also in Milan the following evening, Lily selects a floral dress (£4,200) that even the Dowager Countess of Grantham would have approved of . In LA, Lily wore an Elie Saab gown (£30,000) on March 1. Her Christian Louboutin shoes cost £3,000. Diamond studs (£5,000) and a diamond and platinum ring (£9,000) by Kwiat finished the look. Price: £47,000 . She attended a promotional event in LA the very next day wearing a shimmering pistachio dress by Singapore born designer Prabal Gurung (£2,310). Price: £2,310 . Glamorous: In one of her most expensive ensembles, Lily wore a £30,000 Elie Saab gown with £3,000 Christian Louboutin shoes and platinum ring worth £9,000 by Kwiat in LA (left) - and a £2,310 gown made by Singapore-born designer Prabal Gurung the very next day (right) A second function in LA on the same day and another Elie Saab dress (£30,000) is called for as Lily meets mini Cinderellas at the Disneyland Resort. Price: £30,000 . Another day, another premiere. This time in Mexico City on March 5, where Lily wears an ice-blue Prada dress (£8,000) and Anya Hindmarch clutch (£995). Price: £8,995 . Meeting the fans: A second function in LA on the same day and another £30,000 Elie Saab dress as Lily meets mini Cinderellas at the Disneyland Resort . Cinderella: Lily attends another premiere on March 5, time in Mexico City where she wears an ice-blue Prada dress worth £8,000 . Still in Mexico the following day and another Mary Katrantzou dress (£3,450), worn with Alexandre Birman shoes (£635). Price: £4,085 . Attending a screening in New York on March 8, Lily sports this macrame and leather dress by Dolce & Gabbana (£3,000), with strappy Stuart Weitzman platform sandals (£355). Price: £3,355 . Frantic: Still in Mexico the next day (left), Lily wore another Mary Katrantzou dress - this time worth £3,450 - before wearing a £3,000 Dolce & Gabbana dress at a screening in New York (right) An event at internet giant AOL’s HQ and she wears an ensemble by British designers Camilla and Marc (£405), Stuart Weitzman sandals (£295) and a Jennifer Fisher necklace (£500) the next afternoon. Price: £1,200 . Unveiling a new window at Manhattan store Saks Fifth Avenue later that day. Lily’s trim waist is emphasised in this Christian Dior two-piece (£6,100). Sandals (£660) are by Roger Vivier. Price: £6,760 . Lily wears a stunning backless dress by French designer Thierry Mugler for the David Letterman show (£1,600) that night. Her sandals are by Dolce & Gabbana (£500). Price: £2,100 . Busy: Lily began a frantic March 9 with an ensemble by British designers Camilla and Marc (left), before unveiling a window at Manhattan store Saks Fifth Avenue in a £6,100 Christian Dior two-piece (right) Superstar: The Downton Abbey star then attended the David Letterman show that night in a Thierry Mugler worth £1,600 (pictured) Another fresh look for Lily as she visits a New York TV studio the next day. Her pleated Christian Dior dress (£3,500) is teamed with Stuart Weitzman sandals (£295). Price: £3,795 . Lily picks a Thirties silk and wool dress by Dior (£3,550) at the Canadian premiere. She’s holding an Olympia Le-Tan Cinderella book bag (£1,100) and wearing Aquazzura shoes (£475). Price: £5,125 . Beauty: Lily visited a New York TV studio the next day in her pleated Christian Dior dress worth £3,500, teamed with Stuart Weitzman sandals (left) before sporting a Thirties silk and wool £3,550 dress by Dior at the Canadian premiere (right) Sleek, daring and modern is the order of the day at the London premiere on March 19. Lily wears a strapless Balenciaga gown (£35,000) and Balenciaga shoes (£475), while she is also decked out in funky ear cuffs and rings by Repossi (£12,000). Price: £47,475 . Surrey-born Lily dresses down for the official Cinderella exhibition in London’s Leicester Square the following day. Her shirt and skirt are by New York-based label Altuzarra (£995) with Jimmy Choo heels (£475). Price: £1,470 . Glowing: Lily was daring and modern at the London premiere on March 19, wearing a strapless Balenciaga gown worth £35,000 (left) but she dressed down in a £995 Altuzarra shirt and dress for the official Cinderella exhibition in London’s Leicester Square the following day (right) Lily flashes her shapely legs in a moons and stars Valentino mini dress (£2,500) at the Tokyo press conference for Cinderella on April 7. The gold, T-bar sandals are also Valentino (£650). Price: £3,150 . Statuesque: Lily flashes her shapely legs in a moons and stars Valentino mini dress (£2,500) at the Tokyo press conference for Cinderella . And she chooses the Tokyo premiere to unveil her most ‘Disney princess’ look yet with this Elie Saab gown (£30,000). The peach creation features acres of frothy layers that could well look like a doll loo-roll cover on anybody not as young and pretty as Lily. Price: £30,000 . Her eight-week dress-extravaganza culminated in the Tokyo premiere where she revealed her most 'Disney princess' look in an Elie Saab gown worth a staggering £30,000 . | Lily James, the British star of the upcoming Cinderella film, has traveled the world promoting the Disney fairy tale . Downton Abbey star's 20 stunning outfits included £70,000 silk gown by Christian Dior and even a £40,000 necklace . Attended premieres in Mexico, Canada, London and Tokyo - where she revealed her most 'Disney princess' look . | 8f3a478ae49dfe072a204b60c2577c2375341628 |
cnndm-4 | The Block’s up market South Yarra apartments are set to go under the hammer later this month with listing agents claiming the lavish apartments are worth between $1.3 million and $1.5 million. Thousands of fans will finally get the opportunity to see the four trendy Darling Street apartments for themselves when Channel Nine opens the doors to the public over the weekend. Although the show’s producers are remaining tight lipped about the reserve prices, realtors have been running VIP showings since construction wrapped up to give genuine buyers a feel of the renovated homes before the hammer falls on April 28. Scroll down for video . The trendy South Yarra apartments have been valued between $ 1.3 million and $1.5 million by listing agents . After last year's bitter disappointment Darren and Dea are hoping they've created a sophisticated apartment that potential buyers will like . The controversial pair made a return for 'Triple Threat' after winning only $10,000 on the 'Glasshouse' auction day . Jellis Craig agent Andrew McCann is telling potential buyers to expect Darren and Deanne’s chic apartment to sell for around $1.5 on auction day, reported Domain. He said the couple’s upmarket wine cellar and generous terrace had parties excited to return for a second look. The controversial pair made a return for 'Triple Threat' after winning only $10,000 on the 'Glasshouse' auction day. Darren and Deanne blew the judges away with their classy master bedroom . The couple were always praised for their 'simple' and 'beautiful' styling which was featured throughout their breathtaking en suite . Although this was Josh and Charlotte's first crack at the renovation reality show 'The Block' they have become fan favourites after putting plenty of work into the renovation of 'Apartment 1' Josh and Charlotte produced a beautiful wine cellar for their luxe three bedroom apartment . Josh and Charlotte's apartment has garnered a lot of attention with 750 prospective buyers having already inspected the property . Since the apartments were listed on the market last week, Josh and Charlotte's apartment garnered a lot of attention with 750 prospective buyers having already inspected the property. The agent taking care of Josh and Charlotte’s campaign, Hocking Stuart agent Mark Konishi, took 17 couples through the apartment on Easter Saturday and said the pair’s light-saturated apartment impressed buyers. Although the couple were disqualified from the Master bedroom reveal, despite a 'perfect score' from the judges, agents are confident the high ceilings and exposed beams will be a big draw card for buyers. Fresh and clean: Mr Konishi said buyers were impressed with the couples 'light filled' apartment . The Block's judges praised the couple for their 'thoughtful' styling and clean grey palate . Tim and Anastasia are confident that they will come out on top when the apartments go on sale next month . Tim and Anastasia's sophisticated apartment has been valued at around $1.3 million . Real estate agents said potential buyers were impressed with the property and thought it looked much better than on television . Tim and Anastasia’s apartment is being sold by Russell Cambridge and Doug Doyle of Biggin and Scott. Mr Cambridge said the property has been well received by potential buyers who think the property looks a lot better in person than on TV. Three contracts were issued after Mr Cambridge showed the property to over over 30 groups. He is telling prospective buyers the ‘sophisticated’ apartment will sell for upward of $1.3 million. After realtors showed around 30 groups through Tim and Anastasia's property, three contracts were issued. Ayden and Jess are facing stiff competition however their realtor valued the property at around $1.3 million, the same figure as Tim and Anastasia . When it goes under the hammer next month Ayden and Jess hope that the effort they put into their 'Scandanavian' apartment will be rewarded . Adam Joske from Gary Peer’s is running Ayden and Jess’s campaign and he said there has been a lot of interest coming from online buyers. The first time renovators on the Block won the very first room reveal of the season and received positive reviews over the course of the program. Mr Joske told prospective buyers the 'Scandinavian' styled apartment will go sell around $1.3 million at auction. Judges think Ayden and Jess' bright apartment will appeal to a younger buyer . This was also Ayden and Jess' first shot at the Block with the judges giving the couple good reviews over the course of the series . All four apartments have been marketed without featuring the kitchen, stairs or terrace of the apartments as they haven’t been formally revealed on the reality series. This has given realtors ample opportunity to spark interest in the million dollar properties before auction date without disappointing dedicated fans who tune in each week for ‘room reveal’. Teams will be hoping to do better than The Block Glasshouse duos after three couples only pocketed between $10,000 and $40,000 for months of hard work and time away from their family. Contestants keep any money made over their reserves and the team that makes the most receives a $100,000 bonus. This season only registered bidders, buyers advocates and a small group of media will be present at the filmed auctions. The winners will remain a secret until the auctions are aired during the season finale. Channel Nine are opening the doors of 'The Block' apartments this weekend with around 40,000 fans expected to show up . | The Block’s four apartments are now on the market with the auction date set for April 28 . Listing agents say the apartments are worth between $1.3 million and $1.5 million . Apartments will be open to the public on April 11-12, with thousands of people expected to turn up for a look . Contestants keep any money made over their reserves and the team that makes the most receives a $100,000 bonus . Agents have started showing potential buyers through the chic three-bedroom properties in trendy South Yarra . | 3f87b31923a09bf2248f7b3bc3303bb0c9ebdbe4 |
cnndm-5 | (CNN)Recently, a New York judge issued an opinion authorizing service of divorce papers on a husband completely via Facebook. What exactly is "service of process"? Serving people with legal papers is an industry and its own body of law premised on one guiding principle: if you are going to sue someone, you should at least let them know about it. Sounds simple, right? In theory it is. In practice, it turns out people don't like being sued. It also turns out that, to many defendants, procrastination of a lawsuit is a viable defense. Just as you may avoid bad news in life, defendants tend to avoid process servers. Once a defendant has been served, that means the judicial proceedings begin. Unfortunately, that means defendants have an incentive to go "off the grid". Although every state is different, the law of service of process has evolved this way: the ideal and fairest way to notify a person of a lawsuit is to have another human hand the papers to the defendant in person, and have some proof that the person was the defendant. In-person service is not always possible, for obvious reasons. So, the law had to develop methods of alternate service, but carefully balance a defendant's right to have notice of a lawsuit, against a diligent plaintiff's access to court if a defendant is avoiding the inevitable. As reliable as the U.S. mail is, regular mail is not a reliable form of serving papers. Not because the postmen can't be trusted; they can. Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night, will keep them from delivering those papers. Instead, it's defendants -- no wait, all of humanity -- that can't be trusted. Every one of us has ignored mail or even pretended we didn't get it. Defendants are no different. One form of alternate service is "nail and mail" service. This means that you take a hammer and nail, and nail the papers to the defendant's front door. The problem with that is that many defendants are nomadic by nature. Just because you find a house that a defendant stayed at, doesn't mean he'll be back there anytime soon. Another, even odder form of "service" is service by publication. This is an almost laughable legal fiction. If you can't find a defendant, a judge might let you serve by publication. That means that a plaintiff can take out an ad in five point font for a week in an obscure publication, on the off chance you are reading the classified ads of the Secaucus Law Journal looking for lawsuits against you. As laughable as serving someone by tweeting it sounds, it's at least more rational than this antiquated method. At first blush, the idea of service by Facebook seems to offend traditional notions of ensuring notification of a defendant of a case against him. When it comes to serving papers, however, "traditional" doesn't necessarily mean "good." Service by publication or nailing paper to the door of an empty apartment is hardly reliable; it's just service of last resort. For those people who are concerned that being served papers will become a Facebook announcement in a news feed, along with the photos of dinner or kittens, to be "liked" by all your gawking "friends," we're not quite there ... yet. While the older forms of alternate service were public, most electronic service takes the form of email. Where email isn't available, it is Facebook private messaging, which should be as private as email. That's the form of service authorized by the court here. So for now, we're not quite putting lawsuits on Instagram ... but I wouldn't rule it out in the future. Online service may be a new frontier, but it's not unheard of. Most of us exist more online now than we "live" in a particular condo, or Mom's basement. Virtually everyone has a phone or access to the Internet. Not everyone has a lease or a mortgage. Plus, online service has the added benefit of tracking. Believe me, somewhere, some computer has already logged the fact that you read this article, how long you read it, and even how far down you scrolled before you got bored and bailed on the article (thanks for still being here, by the way). In a way, maybe online service is long overdue. You can outrun a process server for a while, but sooner or later, all of us have to go back online -- and no human can outrun an email. | A court allowed a wife to serve divorce papers via Facebook . Danny Cevallos: Why not let people be found via social media? | 8610ead0a43054be202a1fc756620415a6d572fe |
cnndm-6 | David Cameron, wearing notably clean new work boots, today set out seven key Tory policies which he said would help get people on to the property ladder . A million people will be able to realise the dream of home ownership by 2020, David Cameron claimed today as he donned hi-vis to tour a building site. The Prime Minister said seven key Tory policies would help get people on to the property ladder by building more homes and cutting the cost of saving for a deposit, moving house and paying off mortgages. The Tory leader, wearing notably clean new work boots, as he chatted to house builders, insisted 'dream of home ownership is alive'. Mr Cameron used the launch of the Conservative party manifesto yesterday to promise voters 'security at every stage of your life'. He said the 'greatest sunshine that there can possibly be' included helping more people but their own home, as well as getting a job and having dignity in retirement. Today the Tory leader set out a seven point plan which he claims will help build more houses and making it easier for first-time buyers, claiming it will help a million people become homeowners over the next parliament. Mr Cameron said: 'The Conservative Party is the party of working people, offering you security at every stage of your lives. 'At the heart of that is helping people onto the housing ladder. It comes back to our values. We believe if you work hard, save up, and do the right thing, you should be able to buy your own place. 'The plans in our manifesto will open home ownership to a million more people. With us, the dream of home ownership is alive. 'And it's why we can look the working people of Britain in the eye and say we are with you. That's why we are setting out a seven point plan to help build more houses, and help more people get a home of their own.' The seven point plan includes the Help to Buy ISA, announced by George Osborne in last month's Budget, which will help first-time buyers save for a deposit. For every £200 someone puts towards a deposit, the government will add £50 up to a maximum of £12,000, meaning a bonus of up to £3,000. Savers will be able to earn hundreds of pounds in interest before paying tax. The Tories say it is effectively a tax cut for first time buyers, and will be available from this autumn. The second policy is a pledge to will build 200,000 starter homes which will be sold at a 20 per cent discount on the market value to first time buyers under the age of 40. Thirdly, the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme has been extended to 2020. For first-time buyers who have saved a 5 per cent deposit, the government will offer a loan of 20 per cent, with the remaining 75 per cent covered by a mortgage. The Tories expect the extension to help people buy at least 100,000 new build homes over the next five years. The Tory leader, visiting the Weston Homes Aura building site, Edgware, boasted that with him in charge, the 'dream of home ownership is alive' The fourth policy is the funding of 75,000 shared ownership homes by 2020 and the fifth is the abolition of the hated slab system of stamp duty, so it rises steadily based on the value of the home. It means stamp duty has been cut for 98 per cent of the people who pay it. For example, someone buying a house costing £275,000, would pay £4,500 less in tax. Mr Cameron announced the two final policies in his speech yesterday. It includes a new £1 billion Brownfield Regeneration Fund, to help councils clear derelict or contaminated land which can be used to build 400,000 extra homes over four years. He also announced a massive extension in the Right to Buy scheme to 1.3million housing association tenants. The existing Right to Buy allows tenants living in council-owned properties local authority tenants to buy houses and flats at a discount of as much as 70 per cent up to a maximum of £102,700 in London and £77,000 across the rest of England. Mr Cameron announced a massive extension in the Right to Buy scheme to 1.3million housing association tenants . The Conservatives plan would extend the scheme to people living in properties owned by housing associations - not-for-profit bodies that receive public money and loans from the private sector to provide low-cost homes. Around 500,000 housing association tenants currently have no purchase rights and 800,000 who qualify only for much less generous discounts of £16,000 or less. Local councils will be required to sell off their most expensive properties as they become vacant, in order to raise an estimated £4.5 billion a year to fund the scheme. Some 15,000 houses and flats are expected to become available in this way each year, but Tories stressed that no-one will be forced out of their home. | Tory leader sets out seven point plan for boost home ownership dream . Plans to boost construction with thousands of new affordable homes . Help with cutting the cost of saving for a deposit and paying off mortgage . | 4167bd6b8e14cf6daaca651c74d2e3422a687283 |
cnndm-7 | Fulham will sound out Brentford manager Mark Warburton about taking over at Craven Cottage with owner Shahid Khan planning to release a budget of £20million to spend on new players. The Championship strugglers are deliberating over the future of Kit Symons who replaced Felix Magath in September but has won only one of his last eight games. Khan, a billionaire who also owns NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars in America, has given his new chief football officer Mike Rigg the power to choose Fulham's next manager and he is looking at different options despite a good personal relationship with Symons. Fulham will sound out Brentford manager Mark Warburton about taking over at Craven Cottage . Warburton's impressive record at west London rivals Brentford has made him a leading contender alongside Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy. Warburton got Brentford promoted from League One and they have been surprise play-off contenders in The Championship this season doing the league double over Fulham along the way. It has already been announced he will be leaving The Bees at the end of the season with QPR also interested in his services along with assistant David Weir. But Rangers, who have 14 players out of contract and face a huge fine if they are relegated, won't have the same spending power to offer Warburton as The Cottagers. Waburton (right) signals to his players during Brentford's 1-1 draw with Derby County on Saturday . Symons wants to be given the chance of signing his own players and having a full season at Craven Cottage with them, but recent results are going against him. Fulham are conscious of FPP rules and with parachute payments from the Premier League due to run out, they feel the next transfer window may be the last opportunity to spend big to get them back into the top flight. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce could also be a shock contender with Khan prepared to invest to get Fulham back in the Premier League. Allardyce's current deal at Upton Park runs out in the summer but he would like to stay in London. Meanwhile, FA Cup semi-finalists Aston Villa have joined West Brom in the chase for Wolves winger Bakary Sako who is a free agent at the end of the season. The Championship strugglers are deliberating over the future of Kit Symons (centre) | Fulham are planning to swoop for Brentford boss Mark Warburton . Owner Shahid Khan is planning for next season . Warburton has led Brentford to seventh in the Championship . | a49d93ce755fde8e1fccf160da0c03432fa89c3a |
cnndm-8 | When Gareth Silk let his five friends plan a stag do, he might have imagined it would involve pranks, costumes and drinking - but denim hotpants and heels were far from his thoughts. Little did he realise his friends from Cwmbran, south Wales, were inspired by the hilarious Money Supermarket advert, featuring a man dressed in shirt and jacket from the waist up and tight booty shorts and stilettos from the waist down. When the men in their matching outfits walked down the street in Benidorm, Spain, they earned cheers, clapping and even policemen driving past waved and laughed. David Rowles snaps the gang, from left to right: Steve Harvey Taylor, Gareth Edwards, Michael Groves, groom Gareth Silk and his father Andrew Silk . David Rowles, 38, who filmed the stag stunt, said: ‘We were in our local pub planning the stag weekend. ‘We decided that whatever the first advert was that came on the TV, that was what we were going to do.’ The Money Supermarket advert featuring 'Dave's epic strut' came on. David said: 'Everyone thought it would be a head-turner.’ The next step for the group was to buy some high heels, and David admitted the men asked their other halves for help in purchasing the right shoes. Each of the men dress in high heels and the video maker noted that some of them were walking 'too well' Michael Groves channels Dave's 'epic strut' from the original ad that quickly went viral . He added: ‘A couple of them were walking a bit too well in their high heels. It looked like they had been practising.’ Wearing heels earned them blisters along with laughs and attention from the crowds . The group of six - which included the groom-to-be Gareth Silk and his stags Gareth Edwards, Steven Harvey Taylor, Michael Groves, dad Andrew Silk and David Rowles - descended on the promenade of the Spanish resort on March 29. David captured them strutting their stuff on his camera phone. They each wear suits from the waist up with braces over their shirts and denim hot pants and high heels from the waist down. In the video, the men mimic the advert, walking towards the camera in a line of five, with groom Gareth in the middle, pulling a variety of humorous poses from the TV commercial. Later in the video the stag do can be seen garnering much attention from locals, holiday goers and even the police. Mr Rowles said: ‘The whole promenade was at a standstill. People were cheering and clapping and all different nationalities stood around to watch and take photos. ‘A police car went past and I was trying to get them to beep their sirens. They waved and laughed – they were fine. ‘I’ve been on many stag weekends and this was probably one of the best. We couldn’t believe the attention.' The stag do garnered a lot of attention from locals, other holiday goers and even the police . Unfortunately for the group however, who wore their outfits from 1pm until 7pm, there were repercussions and the men each had sore feet to contend with for the rest of the trip. ‘We joked before we left saying that someone was bound to break their ankle. Luckily no one did, but they all got blisters,’ said David. According to the filmmaker, the group have already made plans to go on a fishing trip to Ireland in the near future. The original ad stars American Michael Van Schoick, who has been forced to deny he's had buttock implants, insisting his bottom is all natural. In the ad he struts and twerks to the Pussycat Dolls' hit Don't Cha. | New video shows stag do strutting in denim hotpants and heels . Hilarious homage to TV ad that got them cheers and applause in Benidorm . Preparations for weekend included getting shoes stretched . After wearing heels from 1pm to 7pm, the six men had painful blisters . | 31baad8663dc16ee1422a0e1658fa4a3924d0e3b |
cnndm-9 | An Ohio police officer who jumped on the hood of a car and fired the final 15 rounds of a 137-shot barrage that killed a pair of unarmed suspects is claiming that he doesn't remember doing it. Michael Brelo goes on trial on Monday charged with two counts of voluntary manslaughter for the deaths of Timothy Russell, 43, and Malissa Williams, 30. He is the lone officer among the 13 who fired their weapons that night who is charged criminally because prosecutors say he stood on the hood and opened fire four seconds after the other officers had stopped shooting. A rookie cop told the same investigators Michael Brelo spoke with that the 31-year-old Cleveland officer talked about it in the days after the November 2012 shooting. Brelo's footprints were also found on the hood of the beat-up Chevy Malibu where Russell, 43, and Williams, 30, died. Scroll down for video . Cleveland officer Michael Brelo is facing charges after two unarmed suspects were killed in this Chevy Malibu . Brelo faces two voluntary manslaughter charges after firing the final 15 rounds of the deadky 137-shot barrage . Malissa Williams (left) and Timothy Russell (right) were both unarmed when they were killed in November 2012 . The car was strafed by police gunfire and its two unarmed occupants were killed after a high-speed chase over streets and freeways in and around Cleveland. When Brelo was questioned by investigators two weeks after the shooting, he told them he didn't recall what happened. He said: 'It's possible because I was so terrified that I was going to get run over.' 'But I don't recall that, sir.' Rookie officer Brian Sabolik who was assigned to the same district as Brelo, told investigators he stopped firing after 'someone' jumped on the hood of the Malibu. Officer Sabolik said he later learned it was Brelo. Asked how he found out, Sabolik said: 'Because [Brelo] was talking about it.' While Brelo claimed not to remember jumping on the hood, prosecutors have evidence to show that he did. Investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation found footprints on the hood of the Malibu that matched a set found on the trunk and roof of a police car that Brelo had climbed on top of to fire from behind the light bar. Brelo is currently suspended. Photos released by the Office of the Ohio Attorney General show a Cleveland cruiser sitting next to the Chevy . Brelo goes on trial Monday on two counts of voluntary manslaughter for the deaths of Russell and Williams. He is the lone officer among the 13 who fired their weapons that night who is charged criminally because prosecutors say he stood on the hood and opened fire four seconds after the other officers had stopped shooting. A judge - not a jury - will decide whether Brelo is guilty or innocent. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years if convicted. Brelo's defense team has argued that all 49 rounds Brelo fired that night, including the last 15, were lawful. The threat from the pair didn't end until Brelo reached into the Malibu and removed the keys to prevent the suspects from using the car as a weapon, according to his defense. Russell and Williams were each shot more than 20 times. The chase started with a failed traffic stop on the edge of downtown by a plainclothes detective who never reported to dispatchers that he'd lost sight of the vehicle. Russell then sped past Cleveland police headquarters, where his car backfired. Officers and witnesses standing outside were certain they'd heard gunshots and a police radio call for shots fired triggered an adrenaline-fueled rush by officers to join the chase. Brelo and his partner were two of the first officers to join the pursuit that ultimately included more than 60 police cars, 104 officers and reached at least 100mph. In this forensics picture, bullet trajectories from the deadly shooting are marked off on the Chevy Malibu . After driving into a school parking lot more than 20 minutes after the chase began, Russell turned the car around and tried to flee again - sideswiping a cruiser before coming to a stop. Another officer, who said he feared for his life, opened fire, prompting others including Brelo to do the same. Brelo and his partner fired 15 rounds through their own windshield and told investigators they saw dark objects in Russell's and Williams' hands. Brelo said he left his cruiser because he said he was afraid the Malibu would hit him, even though he then crossed in front of the car to climb on top of another cruiser and open fire again. He told investigators: 'I had leapt trying to get out of the way of this car so it doesn't run me over and kill me.' Investigators found footprints on the hood of the Malibu (left) that matched a set found on the trunk and roof of a police car (right) that Brelo had climbed on top of to fire from behind the light bar . Investigators eventually concluded that neither Russell nor Williams had a gun. An exhaustive search was conducted along the route of the pursuit, including the use of a dive team to look in bodies of water, but no gun was ever found. Regardless of the trial's outcome, the after-effects of the chase and shooting will likely endure for years to come. The incident helped spur a US Justice Department probe that concluded Cleveland police officers have shown a pattern and practice of using excessive force. The city and federal authorities are negotiating a consent decree to reform the police department that will cost the city millions of dollars to implement and enforce. Cleveland has already paid $3million to the families of Russell and Williams to settle a lawsuit. | Cleveland, Ohio, officer Michael Brelo is facing two counts of manslaughter . Timothy Russell, 43, and Malissa Williams, 30, killed during 2012 shooting . Brelo's footprints were found on hood of Chevy Malibu where they died . Rookie said he learned about hood 'because [Brelo] was talking about it' Judge will decide Brelo's fate and he faces a max sentence of 25 years . | cbc64c655c402c0753653742f3a4ee2538206620 |
cnndm-10 | NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing emergency heart surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on Thursday, April 16. Abdul-Jabbar, 68, had quadruple coronary bypass surgery after being admitted to the hospital earlier in the week with cardiovascular disease. The successful surgery, which was performed by cardiac surgery chief Dr Richard Shemin, cleared a major blockage from the Hall of Famer's heart. Scroll down for video . NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underwent emergency heart surgery at UCLA Medical Center on April 16 . Abdul-Jabbar (No. 33) shooting his patented sky hook while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 . After retiring from the NBA, the 19-time All Star and six-time MVP starred in Game of Death with Bruce Lee . UCLA Health issued a statement at the request of Abdul-Jabbar. It read: 'At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received. 'He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon. 'He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest.' The 7-foot-2 player led UCLA to three consecutive titles and was named the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA tournament for three straight years. Abdul-Jabbar, who was known for his patented sky hook, won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks before moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers and winning five more rings. Abdul-Jabbar, who was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, adopted his Muslim name in 1971 at age 24 . Abdul-Jabbar won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers . The successful surgery was performed by the hospital's (pictured) cardiac surgery chief, Dr Richard Shemin . After retiring, the 19-time NBA All Star and six-time MVP starred in Game of Death with Bruce Lee, wrote nine New York Times best-sellers and was appointed to be the US Cultural Ambassador by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2012. He also beat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia after being diagnosed in 2008. His documentary, On the Shoulders of Giants: The Greatest Team You’ve Never Heard Of, earned him two NAACP Image Awards in 2013. Abdul-Jabbar, who was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, adopted his Muslim name in 1971 at age 24. Jeanie Buss, the executive vice-president of the Lakers, tweeted out her support for the Los Angeles legend . | NBA's all-time leading scorer had quadruple coronary bypass surgery . Six-time league champion admitted this week with cardiovascular disease . Surgery was a success and 68-year-old is expected to make a full recovery . Abdul-Jabbar was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2008 . Appointed as US Cultural Ambassador by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2012 . | cb828165c7e801450b9af805888e12e568132f13 |
cnndm-11 | Despite the continued rumours about his future at Manchester United, Radamel Falcao seems unperturbed. Falcao has been unable to hold down a regular first-team place at Old Trafford, and has admitted to becoming tearful over his lack of game time. But the Colombian striker seemed to be coping better after the international break, enjoying an evening out in Alderley Edge on Thursday, before picking up his £100,000 Porsche Panamera from a Waitrose car park. Radamel Falcao gets into his £100,000 car after a meal in Alderley Edge with a friend on Thursday . The Manchester United striker will consider his Old Trafford future at the end of this season . Falcao scored a penalty against Kuwait on Monday, his third goal for his country in two games . Falcao has only scored four goals since signing for Manchester United but found his form again with three goals in two games for his country. The player has admitted he does not know whether he will be staying at Old Trafford next season, but claims he 'has faith' that he can remain at the club if he gets the playing time to prove himself. 'I have faith about that and when the season finishes I am going to sit down and think about my future and what is the best for my career,' he said after scoring against Kuwait on Monday. 'I think when I score it's always important and that gives me confidence,' he added. 'I said before, I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here in the national team I have had the opportunity. I gave my best and I scored and I now return to Manchester with more confidence. Falcao has only scored four goals for United this season but managed three this for his country in two games . Falcao had admitted to being upset by his lack of game time at Old Trafford but wants to stay in England . 'We have the last eight games, I will give my best to have the chance to play as many minutes as possible. 'I have said before I need to play, I need minutes and I am confident about me, about my fitness. I am confident.' Falcao's former club River Plate are among those who have expressed an interest in signing the on-loan Monaco forward if he decides to leave. 'We dream of Falcao Garcia,' said vice-president Matias Patanian. The doors are open.' The Colombian (left) celebrates with his international team-mates during the 3-1 win over Kuwait . The striker's former club, River Plate, said they would love to sign him again but it would be complicated . | Colombia striker spotted out and about in Manchester on Thursday . Radamel Falcao scored three times in two games for his country . Falcao has not found his best form, but wants to stay at Old Trafford . | 5e2ae9243093a7e3758226802f03852a631d38d2 |
cnndm-12 | The family of a teenage burglar left seriously injured when he fell through a roof during a school break-in have been left with a £150,000 legal bill after trying to sue the council for not doing more to secure the premises. Thomas Buckett plunged 15ft on to a concrete floor after friends dared him to jump on a glass skylight, and sustained life-changing head injuries as a result. A court heard the group of teenagers had broken into the school’s tuck shop before scaling the roof on a Sunday in May 2010. Defeat: Thomas Buckett, 21, faces a huge legal bill after unsuccessfully suing Staffordshire County Council . Injuries: Mr Buckett had to undergo invasive surgery when he fell through the roof of a school after breaking in to the tuck shop and stealing food and drink . It was originally claimed that Thomas climbed on the roof of Clayton Hall Business and Language College in Newcastle-under-Lyme to fetch a football. But the court heard that a police officer who investigated the break-in wrote an email of support to the council, stating that he had made the family aware ‘this incident was the fault of Thomas and his friends messing around’. PC David Stubbs added: ‘I have made the family aware that if any claims are made against the school my report will show the school is not at fault.’ Judge Peter Main told Telford County Court: ‘There were few measures, reasonably achievable within the likely school budget, [which] it could have taken to prevent all acts of trespass outside school hours.’ He acknowledged that the school should have risk-assessed the likelihood of youths gaining access to the flat roof. However, he ordered the Buckett family to pay the council an interim payment of £150,000 in costs by May 4, a figure which could climb as high as £260,000 after further assessment. School: The bungled break-in took place at Clayton Hall Business and Language College in Stoke-on-Trent . Happier times: Thomas Buckett with mum Mandy. The family faces financial ruin after they were left with a £150,00 legal bill after failing to sue the council . Teenager: Mr Buckett, who was 16 at the time, is pictured left in his school uniform and right while he was recovering in hospital . TaxPayers’ Alliance spokesman Jonathan Isaby welcomed the court’s ruling, saying: ‘It’s good to know that despite our ever-creeping compensation culture it is still possible for vexatious cases like these to be thrown out.’ Thomas spent two weeks in a coma following the fall and suffered ten skull fractures. Doctors removed half his skull and repaired it ‘like a jigsaw’ in a revolutionary procedure involving specialists from Italy. He lives with his mother, 48, who is now his full-time carer, father Andrew, 50, a supervisor for a maintenance firm, and older brother in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Mrs Buckett said her son had suffered life-changing brain injuries, although she declined to elaborate on the extent of his recovery yesterday. However, Thomas, who is now 21, was listed as a ‘protected person’ on court paperwork, a term used to describe somebody who lacks capacity to conduct proceedings for themselves. His mother was listed as his ‘litigation friend’, somebody with the power to make decisions about the case on behalf of the protected person. Mrs Buckett said the family had funded both the legal action and her son’s care. Asked if she may have to sell the family’s bungalow to pay the council’s costs, she said: ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen yet. I need to speak to my solicitor.’ She declined to comment further. Recovery: Mr Buckett had to undergo a pioneering procedure which allowed him to walk and talk again . Fan: Mr Buckett as a teenager posing with former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis . The family sued the council under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, which covers the duty of care owed by a landowner or occupier of premises to persons on site ‘other than their visitors’, who suffered injury as a result of the ‘state of the premises’. Lawyers argued the council had ignored a long-term problem of trespassing at the site during weekends and holidays. Judge Mann acknowledged that Thomas had been ‘very seriously injured as a consequence’ of his actions, but said he had to be guided by evidence, not sentiment. Staffordshire Police said two other teenagers were cautioned for burglary and criminal damage in connection with the college break-in, but no other charges were brought. The county council defended its decision to pursue the legal challenge to court. Chief executive John Tradewell said that defending the case was ‘about fairness to the taxpayer’. He added: ‘The county council will continue to help Thomas access the care and support he needs to live as fulfilling a life as possible.’ The Bucketts’ lawyers did not return calls for a comment. | Thomas Buckett, 21, broke in to tuck shop at school in Stoke in May 2010 . He fell through the roof after friends dared him to jump on skylight and suffered horrific head injuries . Family sued county council saying they should have protected the building . But after a judge threw out their claim they face legal bill of up to £260,000 . | 2321ca166f9ca8a7bcf32d188d8b9ca86778fe67 |
cnndm-13 | A young woman has revealed details about her lengthy battle with a rare condition that left her unable to eat anything for a year and a half – despite the fact that she still felt desperately hungry. Kyli Wilfson, a self-confessed ‘food person’, was 26 when she first started experiencing agonizing pain – which made her feel like she had been ‘kicked in the abdomen' – whenever she ate, a symptom which doctors initially brushed off as being due to a mild pancreatic problem which would ‘resolve itself’ in a matter of days. Kyli, now 29, was eventually diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, and the North Carolina resident found herself looking at a lifetime spent on a feeding tube, as the disease, which effects less than .01 per cent of people, would only get worse. Within months she had dropped to a startling 80lbs, she revealed to Cosmopolitan.com, and had to postpone her wedding as she spent more and more time in hospitals. Mystery illness: Kyli Wolfson, pictured, had trouble getting a correct diagnosis when she woke up in excruciating pain in October 2012; her illness left her unable to eat for a year and a half . At first, doctors faced difficulties even diagnosing Kyli; though she'd had digestive problems for years, her rare disease wasn't initially considered. Instead, doctors at her local ER insisted that she had acute pancreatitis, a condition that commonly effects heavy drinkers. However, Kyli's pain continued to return every time she tried to eat anything — even soup — leading her to visit two more hospitals in search of a new diagnosis and a cure. 'It never even changed,' she said, explaining that when she tried to eat, it felt like she was burning on the inside. 'It was still ten-out-of-ten pain.' Three months after her first visit to the emergency room, she was finally diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, a condition she had likely had since birth but was only found after doctors put a camera down her throat to her pancreas — a potentially life-threatening procedure that was only tried after all other options had been exhausted. Literally starving: Still maintaining an appetite but unable to eat without pain, Kyli was constantly hungry — leading her fiancé Dustin Wood to feel bad eating in front of her . Rapid weight loss: Kyli's weight, which is normally at around 110lbs, dropped to 80lbs when she was at her lightest . Sufferers of the illness, which is characterized by an inflammation of the pancreas, have to be fed through a feeding tube because the condition never improves, and eventually leads to permanent damage. Kyli spent a year and half abstaining from eating entirely, which was an incredibly trying ordeal for both her and her fiancé Dustin Wood. 'We're food people,' she said. 'We [love] to bake, order takeout. Now he felt bad eating in front of me.' Luckily, Kyli found a support group for people who have chronic pancreatitis on Facebook, some of whom said they found a way to eat: a risky surgical procedure to remove the pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, appendix, and duodenum, which allows the pancreas' cells to be transplanted into the liver, enabling it to function as a pancreas. So Kyli flew to a hospital in Minnesota that specializes in the 14-hour surgery, and scheduled her procedure for January 2014. Enduring love: Kyli's wedding to fiancé Dustin is back on, now scheduled three years after she first went to the emergency room with stomach pain . After her surgery, Kyli spent another two and a half weeks using a feeding tube before being told to try food again. 'I was excited, but nervous, since it had been so long since I'd eaten,' she said. 'Sure enough, I had chicken broth and juice and it didn't affect anything. It was amazing.' She soon began enjoying ice cream, lobster, and pizza, and was able to return to her normal weight of 110lbs. 'The number one thing that helped was the support group I joined and knowing other people going through it,' she said. 'They saved me and gave me hope.' Now feeling healthy and grateful for the transformative surgery, Kyli was able to reschedule her wedding to Dustin. She will walk down the aisle in October. | Kyli Wolfson, 29, felt severe pain whenever she ate thanks to the disorder, which developed in October 2012, when she was 26 . She dropped to just 80lbs and doctors told her she would likely need a feeding tube for the rest of her life . Diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, Kyli's only hope was to undergo a 14-hour surgery to remove her pancreas . | 580662fa7ac3a8a73698e40b3f9f7dc148256470 |
cnndm-14 | This is the 24-year-old mother who was allegedly shot dead by her Marine veteran husband in an Alabama doctor's office after he wrote a chilling Facebook post saying he was going to 'die today'. Leaj Jarvis Price was reportedly gunned down by Eric Heath Price, the 25-year-old father of her six-year-old son, on Monday after she ran into the surgery in Jemison screaming 'call the police'. Price then returned to their nearby home and staged a standoff with around 40 police officers for several hours, authorities said. When police fired tear gas into the house, he came outside. He was taken to hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. His condition remains unknown. He has since been charged with the murder of Mrs Price, who was a nursing student. Scroll down for video . Shot dead: Leaj Jarvis Price (right), a nursing student, was allegedly shot dead by her Marine veteran husband, Eric Heath Price (pictured, left, kissing Mrs Price) in an Alabama doctor's office on Monday . Tragic: Mrs Price (pictured with the couple's six-year-old son) was reportedly gunned down by her spouse, 25, after she ran into the office in Jemison screaming 'call the police'. Price then had a stand-off with police . On the day of the shooting, Price apparently posted on his Facebook page: 'I'm sorry everyone, its been real, good bye and i love you all' and 'I dei [sic] today.' The page was taken down shortly after. Mrs Price, who lived next door to the doctor's office with her family, is believed to have got into an argument with her husband, before running to the center, run by Dr Jay Patel, in a bid to get help. Court records show that the couple had been in a long-running custody battle over their son, who was at school at the time of the shooting and features in many of Mrs Price's Facebook photos. When Mrs Price arrived at the doctor's office, she screamed for help. Six or seven doctors rushed out to help, but when the suspect got inside, he allegedly pulled the gun and shot her in the head. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jemison police chief Shane Fulmer said: 'There never was an active shooter, no hostages. The individual was shot inside the doctor's office.' He added: 'The first thing [Mrs Price] said when she came in was, "Call the police".' Charged: Price (left) was taken to hospital with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head following the standoff. He has since been charged with the murder of Mrs Price (pictured, right, in a Facebook photo) Chilling post: After the shooting, Price (believed to be be pictured being taken to hospital) apparently posted on his Facebook page: 'I'm sorry everyone, its been real, good bye and i love you all' and 'I dei [sic] today' After shooting his wife, Price then returned to the home and staged the lengthy standoff. At the scene, there was a series of loud pops near the house. Within moments an ambulance pulled up. Emergency workers could be seen loading a person into the back of the ambulance. The ambulance then left with its siren on. Police, however, confirmed that no shots were fired. Price remains in hospital under police guard. The house, meanwhile, has been cordoned off. A relative of the gunman confirmed to AL.com that Price was ex-military but insisted he did not have a history of violence. However, Price had experienced 'issues' in the past, the relative said. 'I don't know that there were any diagnosed issues or anything like that,' they said. A relative of the gunman confirmed Price was ex-military but insisted he did not have a history of violence. Left, Mrs Price with her son several years ago, and right, a police officer points a weapon at a nearby home . The pair are believed to have gotten into an argument at this house before the victim ran into the doctor's office, asking those inside to call the police . James Russell Curl, who manages a McDonald's restaurant 200 yards from the doctor's office, said he had heard a gunshot and police began arriving within moments. 'It's a little scary,' Curl said. Meanwhile, Jose Arreola, the owner of Chico's tire shop, situated across the street from the doctor's office, described seeing Mrs Price frantically trying to open the front door of the clinic. 'The guy was trying to get her,'' he told AL.com. 'The doctors came out to help her but he pulled a gun and shot her.' He added sadly: 'She was laying there a long time.' Price will be taken to Chilton County Jail following his release from hospital. An investigation is ongoing. Kristie Brasher, right, cries next to a friend in the aftermath of the shooting. The shooter is believed to be in custody and the district attorney's office is preparing to file murder charges . | Leaj Jarvis Price, 24, ran into a doctor's office in Jemison, Al, on Monday . She screamed 'call the police', prompting doctors to run out to help her . Seconds later, she was allegedly shot dead by husband, Eric Price, 25 . Price then staged standoff with police at their home and 'shot himself' Taken to hospital in unknown condition; has been charged with murder . Court records show pair had been locked in custody battle over their son . | 7747e7c57e6baaa024723573bf263c288d0c437a |
cnndm-15 | Frozen salt and vinegar crisp, anyone? We all know freezing is a great way of preserving foods. But believe it or not, the process can make some things taste even better. From cakes to curries, freezing brings out more of their flavour and boosts the texture. Here, Tessa Cunningham puts a host of our favourite foods to the frozen test . . . CAKES . If you think nothing beats the gooey deliciousness of a home-made cake fresh from the oven, think again. Resist the temptation to cut that first slice straight away and, instead, put your cake into the freezer. Scroll down for video . The gooey deliciousness of a cake fresh out of the oven is unbeatable but they can dry out and get stale very quickly. Freeze your cake for 24 hours straight from the oven and the sponge will be bouncier than ever . After being frozen for 24 hours, the sponge will be even bouncier because this process boosts the moisture, so you get an even creamier and softer centre. Let your cake cool entirely, then put it into the freezer without a wrapping. Once frozen solid, wrap it in clingfilm, and it can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to tuck in, defrost for up to three hours, until thawed. HERBS AND SPICES . Keeping fresh herbs in the freezer will intensify their flavour because they take on moisture during the freezing process. Once defrosted, it also makes them softer, so all their lovely juices seep out more readily and the flavours are more potent. Tough herbs such as rosemary and thyme preserve the best, but ginger, lemongrass, garlic and chilli will last up to six months when frozen. By keeping fresh herbs in the freezer you will intensify their flavour because they take on moisture during the freezing process . Just pop stems in a plastic container and freeze. You can sprinkle frozen chilli, garlic and ginger into stews, fishcakes or curries. Frozen herbs are also brilliant in pies, pasta and pestos. You can even freeze them in ice cube trays with a drizzle of water. That way, they can go straight into a stew or soup — no defrosting needed. CRISPS . Left out for just a few hours, crisps will start going stale and soggy. But even wrapping left-overs in clingfilm to seal out the oxygen won’t keep them super crunchy. Crisps have a tendency to go stale and soggy once they have been left out for a few hours but this problem can be solved if you simply pop them in an airtight back and put them in the freezer . So if you’ve ever found yourself scoffing a big bag just so that they aren’t wasted, stop right now. Pop the crisps in an airtight bag and place them in the freezer. They will stay fresh for at least two months. By extracting air, freezing makes the crisps crunchier and they can even be eaten straight from frozen. NUTS . Once you open a bag of nuts, the clock starts ticking. As nuts have a high oil content, they go rancid very quickly. Now, you have a solution — freezing will preserve the flavour and texture instantly. Due to the high oil content of nuts, they go rancid very quickly but freezing them will preserve the flavour and texture right away . To freeze peanuts, walnuts, pecans, macadamias, cashews, hazelnuts and almonds (shelled or unshelled), wrap them in clingfilm, then place them in a resealable bag. They will keep for up to a year and, when you want to eat them, they’ll defrost in less than an hour. TOMATOES . Fed up with struggling to peel the skins off tomatoes? Freeze them first then, once thawed for two hours, the skin will come off easily. That’s because the freezing process loosens the skins. While you probably won’t want to use frozen tomatoes in salads, as it makes the flesh slightly squishy, it does intensify the flavour. Peeling the skin off tomatoes can be really tricky, but if you freeze them and let them thaw for a couple of hours the skin will come off much more easily . So, once defrosted, you can use your tomatoes to make richer sauces for pasta and stews, or as a topping for pizzas. Alternatively, before freezing, roast your tomatoes at a gentle temperature with garlic, fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for up to four hours. When cooled, transfer them to freezer bags. Use in chilli or home-made tomato sauces. CURRY . Curries don’t only have to be enjoyed the first time round — you can freeze the leftovers and reheat when needed. Freezing a curry is a great way to make the most of leftovers especially because as the curry cools the flavours and aromas combine to create even better seasoning . And hey presto!, they taste even yummier. That’s because, as the curry cools, the flavour and aroma compounds mingle together, developing more seasoned notes. The individual flavours you tasted the first time around, such as cinnamon, garlic and nutmeg, are still there. But the effect is more mellow. RASPBERRIES . Frozen raspberries are great scattered on muesli, added to ice cream or whizzed in smoothies. While freezing may make the berries a bit softer, it accentuates their sharp, fresh flavour, too. Frozen raspeberries can be delicious when sprinkled through muesli, added to ice cream or whizzed into a tasty fruit smoothie . Place your berries in a single layer on a baking tray and put the tray in the freezer. Once they are frozen, you can put them into an airtight bag or plastic container and store in the freezer. They will stay good for up to a year. BANANAS . Fancy a healthy, guilt-free ice cream? Then tuck into a frozen banana after dinner. Bananas have a high pectin content, which gives them a creamy, rich texture when frozen — just like ice cream. When bananas are frozen they adopt a creamy, rich texture which makes them a great guilt-free ice cream . To freeze, peel a ripe banana and chop into thin slices. Put into an airtight container and freeze until solid (around two hours). Decant the slices into a blender or food processor and whizz. In seconds, your frozen banana will look just like ice cream and taste every bit as yummy. Scoop into a bowl and enjoy. For an indulgent treat, add chocolate chips or nut flakes. | Everyone knows freezing is a great way of preserving different foods . But there are a few types of food you may not have thought of freezing . Here, Tessa Cunningham puts a host of our foods to the frozen test . | 89032b4863372f8fe898211187bbdd4466bfed96 |
cnndm-16 | Financially-troubled CSKA Sofia's Latvian goalkeeper Maksims Uvarenko has not been paid for three months and has had to ask his parents to send him money to pay his rent. But despite the financial problems, Uvarenko, who joined the Bulgarian club on an 18-month contract in January, has been impressed by the 'unique' fans and their passionate support. 'The lack of money is the biggest problem I've faced at CSKA, Uvarenko told local media on Wednesday. 'I still haven't received any salary and I've been at the club for three months. Goalkeeper Maksims Ukarov has not been paid by CSKA Sofia since joining the club in January . 'My wife and I are expecting a child and we can't afford to stay without money. I was forced to accept some cash from my parents to pay the rent on our apartment in Sofia.' Debt-ridden CSKA have already issued a desperate plea to fans to provide emergency financial backing to avoid expulsion from the Bulgarian top division over debts. Supporters and fan clubs based overseas have made donations in the last few days and CSKA chairman Alexander Tomov said The Reds will meet the Bulgarian Football Union's (BFU) licensing criteria. 'CSKA fans are unique,' Uvarenko said. 'I am impressed by their temperament and support. Every game is a big thrill for me.' CSKA have faced a series of financial problems since Bulgarian tycoon Vasil Bozhkov, considered one of the richest men in the Black Sea state, decided to sell the club in 2006. A general view of CSKA Sofia's home ground, the Bulgarian Army Stadium, during a league match in 2012 . Bozhkov angered CSKA fans by sacking Serbian coach Miodrag Yesic and that decision was followed by frequent disputes between the supporters and the club management. Nine years after Bozhkov's departure, CSKA are beset by financial problems after paying large transfer fees and high wages for players and coaches while not settling debts to the National Social Security Institute and National Revenue Agency. In happier times, CSKA reached the semi-finals in two European Cup campaigns (1967 and 1981) and the now defunct European Cup Winners' Cup (1989). The 31-times Bulgarian champions, who are one of the two most popular clubs in the Balkan country alongside city rivals Levski Sofia, are second in the standings with 45 points from 23 matches, three points behind champions Ludogorets. CSKA visit Ludogorets on Saturday with several local businessmen announcing that the CSKA players would receive tempting bonuses if they beat the Razgrad-based side, who have won the title for the last three seasons. | Maksims Uvarenko revealed he has not been paid for three months . The CSKA Sofia goalkeeper asked his parents to send him rent money . The Bulgarian club are struggling with financial problems . | 3da318564d11fd53813e99b23053378fb8aefd30 |
cnndm-17 | Whether it's a chocolate bar that no longer satisfies your appetite or washing powder which now runs out before your next shop, many of our big brands are shrinking their products. The latest casualty are boxes of Cadbury's Fingers which, it was announced yesterday, will contain two fewer chocolate fingers from now on. They join Creme Eggs, PG Tips teabags and even John West tuna in the ever-increasing list of goods getting smaller. Scroll down for video . Shape changer: The rounded chunks look nice - but they give you 14 per cent less Dairy Milk chocolate . Even if maths isn't your cup of tea, it's easy to see you're now getting fewer tea bags per pack of Blend of Both . Good old Bessie? Not so - she's nicked 50g of your homestyle chips that are cooked in a 'crispy batter' But while it may be better for your waistline, it's not better for your pocket if manufacturers and supermarkets don't pass on the cost saving to consumers. When John West shrunk its No Drain Tuna Steak In Brine from 130g to 120g, the price stayed at £1 in Morrisons. And there was no change in the £5 cost of Surf with Essential Oils Washing Powder when it dropped from 2kg to 1.61kg. It's seemingly part of a strategy across the retail industry that enables manufacturers to increase profits without putting up prices (and thus risk losing customers). It's now so common, it's even got a name: 'shrinkflation'. In its latest issue, consumer watchdog Which? reveals a host of products that have been shrunk, from Surf washing powder and Cif spray to Hovis Best Of Both bread, while the price remains the same. 'Shrinking products can be an underhand way of raising prices because pack sizes shrink but the prices don't. Consumers will feel angry that they are being short-changed by some of their favourite brands,' says Which? executive director Richard Lloyd. 'It's time for action on dodgy pricing practices that stop people from comparing products to find the cheapest.' It's fiendishly difficult to compare prices properly nowadays because special offers mean they change frequently. Indeed, very often a negative story about a product shrinking in the media will lead to its price magically shrinking. For example, after being featured in Which? this month because it had dropped from 750ml to 700ml but stayed at the same £2 price in Asda, the supermarket giant discounted Cif Actifizz Lemon Multi Purpose Spray to £1.75. F ood industry commentator Martin Isark believes the shrinking ploy is becoming more widespread. 'It's now common practice among the big confectioners and their argument is that they reduce the size so they don't have to put the prices up,' he says. 'Ping-pong prices going up and down almost daily confuse the shopper so the brands can reduce the size without the customer ever realising. 'Most of us buy on price, which is why they get away with this.' Other confectionery goods that have gone the same way as Cadbury's Fingers include Mars Bars (down from an original bumper 58g to 48g since 2013), Kit Kat Chunky (down from 48g to 40g earlier this year) and in 2011, the tins of Cadbury's Roses chocolates shrank from 975g to 850g, the equivalent loss of 11 chocolates. Sometimes, changes are obvious, such as Cadbury altering the shape of its chocolate. On other occasions, the clues are more subtle — a pasta sauce taking less time to warm suggests you are getting less of it. The new version of Tesco's Tomato and Mascarpone sauce is a minute quicker to cook - as you get 25g less . Whoever heard of a pack of FIVE eggs? It seems Cadbury has when it controversially took an egg out the box . Angus Kennedy, editor of trade magazine Kennedy's Confection, says one of the worst examples of shrinkflation was Cadbury's reducing the number of Creme Eggs in a box from half-a-dozen to five in the run-up to Easter (both sizes cost £1 at Iceland). 'If these companies said: 'We're sorry but we have no choice but to do this because cocoa is now in short supply,' then I think the British public would be much more understanding,' he says. 'What we don't like is feeling duped when we realise what the companies are up to.' Especially when they're still paying £1 for a sharing bag of Maltesers that's down from 140g to 120g (in fact, Cadbury's fingers have gone up from £1 to £1.50 in Sainsbury's this year despite the shrinkage). Confectionery companies have argued that a reduction in the size of their bars is not all about rising production costs but is also an attempt to support the Government's drive to help people lose weight in the face of an obesity epidemic. Mr Kennedy disputes this, saying that as the bars get smaller, people are likely to just buy and eat more. Manufacturers often claim that, when they reduce the size of a product, they pass on savings to shops but cannot guarantee that they will, in turn, bring down retail prices. Firms that were approached by Which? were unwilling to go into specifics, saying the information was 'confidential'. Spreading it thinly: Philly is down 10 per cent. But at least it's healthier with less fat and salt... Going down: Cadbury has snatched two chocolate Fingers from its famous packs – reducing the number to 22 . Now 114 grams: Cadbury chocolate Fingers have come down by 11g - the equivalent of two chocolate Fingers . Vince Bamford, buying and supply editor of The Grocer, says shrinkflation has taken off because suppliers are under pressure to maintain profit margins to keep shareholders happy and believe consumers prefer smaller products to price increases. 'When we were in recession, suppliers and retailers were very wary of raising prices,' he says. 'But I don't think it would do them any harm to be more honest with consumers. To say: 'We're having to pay 10 per cent more for our products and we're having to pass some of that cost on to you.' ' Instead, customers are left feeling short-changed. 'Food and drink pricing always reflects the economic climate of the day, whether that's the impact of changing utility prices or ingredient costs, which can be volatile,' says a Food And Drink Federation spokesperson. 'Businesses seek to offset these costs wherever possible through improvements in efficiency and productivity, but these actions can only go so far, and in some cases companies will reduce the pack size rather than increasing the price for consumers.' However, it's the underhand way in which these product changes appear to be introduced that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of so many. | Boxes of Cadbury's Fingers will contain two fewer chocolate fingers . Joins Creme Eggs, PG Tips and John West tuna in goods getting smaller . Strategy allows manufacturers to increase profits without raising prices . Food industry experts believe shrinking ploy is becoming more common . | 68d6d194be629e10834fe4d945533952cf22ebb6 |
cnndm-18 | A man who shot himself in the head while waiting in a Las Vegas hotel buffet line sent a 270 page letter to a local newspaper explaining his shocking public suicide. In the angry and emotional package delivered to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday, John Noble, 53, said he was going to kill himself because he lost his lifetime free pass to the M Resort's buffet for harassing female employees in 2013. Included in the detailed package was a two hour DVD in which a clearly upset Noble addresses the camera and a letter entitled 'The Curse', wishing harm on the women he blames for having him banned from the casino. Scroll Down for Video . Explanation: John Noble sent a 270 page package to the Las Vegas Review-Journal complete with two hour DVD to explain why he shot himself on Easter Sunday at the M Resort . Grevience: John Noble (pictured here with an employee of M Resort) was reportedly upset because he had lost free buffet eating privileges he'd won from the casino in a suburb of Las Vegas . Revoked: This the Biggest Winner free buffet ticket that was taken away from Noble after he allegedly harassed female members of staff at the M Resort after the death of his mother . 'Today, I end my life due to the M Resort Spa Casino and its employees,' said Noble, who included a huge dossier on the members of staff at the resort he blamed for having his free food pass revoked. On Sunday afternoon at around 4.50pm,. Noble shot himself in the head in front of stunned hotel guests at the resorts famed Studio B Buffet after setting his car on fire in the parking lot. Inside the package that Noble sent to the Review-Journal are reams of notes and documents including a table of contents, photographs and his video bemoaning the loss of his free buffet access which he won in September 2010. 'In this video, you will learn the reasons why I, John Noble, one-time Biggest Winner, was suicidal on Easter Sunday.' During his video, Noble demonstrates encounters he has had with the M Resort staff who all try to patiently explain to him why he cannot be granted access anymore. Explanation: An agitated Noble included videos of his futile interactions with employees at the M Resort as they tell him he can't eat at the buffet . Ominous: At the end of his DVD recording, Noble flashes text that reads 'The End' and heralds his own suicide . Fury: This is the Facebook posting from Easter Sunday in which Noble attacks staff members at M Resort for taking away his free buffet for life pass . 'You gotta fight for what you believe in and I believe that I was unjustly kicked out, cause if they do have a policy that team members aren't allowed to fraternize with customers and guests then they broke the policy.' Becoming increasingly agitated, Noble begins to lash out at people for not helping. 'That's the trouble, people do not get involved,' says Noble. 'That's why this world is so screwed up.' On Easter Sunday, just hours before he took his own life, Noble uploaded a furious invective to Facebook attacking the women he believes got him banned from the casino and the buffet. He writes, 'If you noticed on my friends list are a few lawyers & judges I been trying the past few years to find an attorney to represent me against the lies and slander the M Resort has falsely made about me, even though a few attorneys I met say it’s a good case trying to find one on contingency or pro bono has been a difficult task.' Angry, Noble writes that everyone at the M Resort are 'hateful' and pathetic' and says, 'It is sad that this is what our society has become. I’ve been destroyed because I told the truth, I never thought any type of backlash would be so brutal to destroy me in this way. I’m a genuine person proved by my inability to properly deal with everything that happened.' He then goes onto give address and names of the women he says got him barred, which the Daily Mail Online is not publishing. In the disturbing and detailed package sent to the Review-Journal, Noble mentions a prior suicide attempt from Easter Sunday 2013 just after he lost his pass, which also happened to be three weeks after the death of his beloved mother, Norma. According to a Henderson police report included by Noble, he was accused by an employee of the casino for stalking, which is believed to be the reason they revoked his pass and banned him from the premesis. Indeed, after the police arrested him for stalking he spent three days in a state psychiatric hospital after presumably suffering a breakdown. Devastated: John Noble's mental state appeared to deteriorate after the death of his mother, Norma (pictured) which appeared to set in motion the chain of events that led to him losing his buffet pass . John Noble said the M Casino Resort and Spa gave him a free lifetime gift of daily buffet meals in September 2010 but revoked it in 2013 over alleged harassment of female restaurant employees, according to newspaper accounts . After he recovered sufficiently, Noble began to contact local media in the hope they would tell his story and even met a reporter from the Review Journal in a Las Vegas Starbucks. The reporter has said that Noble was paranoid and nervous talking about the hotel and repeatedly attacked its employees and management during their conversation. Noble's death set off panic at the casino, as people dined at the packed Easter buffet around 5pm on Sunday. The Las Vegas man apparently described his plans for the suicide in a letter to the Las Vegas Review Journal , which was received by the newspaper Monday. Michael Hengel, the editor of the newspaper, confirmed the package was from John Noble. Police spokeswoman Michelle French said the Review-Journal contacted Henderson police reporting the package and that investigators will meet with the newspaper to review it. Police said a 53-year-old man was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted wound and that a car fire in the parking garage is linked to the shooting. The death set off panic at the casino, as people dined at the packed Easter buffet around 5 p.m. Sunday . The incident happened at the M Resort Spa and Casino in Henderson, Nevada on Easter Sunday . On Sunday, Noble wrote in a Facebook post 'I been trying the past few years to find an attorney to represent me against the lies and slander the M Resort has falsely made about me.' The message also included the addresses and names of several women who apparently were casino employees. Both employees and the casino were targets of Noble on social media for some time, the Review-Journal reported. Marina Rizk, a 21-year-old college student from Los Angeles, said in a telephone interview she was with three people on Sunday evening and had waited an hour to get into the buffet. They had just finished eating and were outside of the restaurant when people shouted about a man with a gun in the line. 'There were people in Easter dresses,' she said. Rizk described a chaotic scene. As she ran out of the casino, she said she warned others before going to hide in the bushes outside. 'I remember this one little boy. I remember telling the family, "Get the baby. Run. There's a guy with a gun,"' she said. 13-year-old Sierra Abanilla told the Review-Journal while on a buffet line '[Me and my family] heard this loud boom, and it sounded like a balloon that popped but it was too loud to be that. 'I was in shock...I couldn't think, hear, or feel. It was like my senses just stopped working.' No one else was shot but two people suffered minor injuries. One person was taken to the hospital after a fall and another was checked out at the scene. A spokeswoman for the casino did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment from Daily Mail Online. To speak to a counselor, contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255 . | John Noble, 53, took his own life waiting in line at the M Resort buffet . Shot himself in the head because his free buffet pass had been taken away . Had been awarded the Biggest Winner pass for the Studio B Buffet in 2010 . It was revoked in 2013 after he was accused of harassing female employees . The pass was confiscated three weeks after his mother passed away . Noble sent a local Las Vegas newspaper a 270-page suicide note and DVD . Posted increasingly rambling Facebook posts prior to suicide pledging to discover 'the truth' | be02d9741cadb3a42e4440ab885f8d9094d6deee |
cnndm-19 | John Carver knows only too well that a Tyne-Wear derby can make or break a manager. His first in the dugout was as assistant to Ruud Gullit in August, 1999, when on a sodden night at St James' Park the Dutchman left out Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson and paid for his selection with his job after a 2-1 defeat. Carver is now fighting to win the head coach position beyond the end of this season and knows what impact a victory – or a loss – could have on Sunday afternoon. John Carver is relishing the chance to take charge of his hometown club against Sunderland on Sunday . Gullit controversially decided not to start star players Duncan Ferguson and Alan Shearer in 1999 . Carver was assistant to former Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit who managed the club between 1998 and 1999 . His memories of Gullit's downfall remind him of such consequences. 'We were at the old training ground at Durham Cricket Club and I was in the room with Steve Clarke and Ruud,' recalls Carver. 'All of a sudden, he started talking about what the team was going to be against Sunderland. I said, 'Sorry Ruud, what did you say there?'. 'He said he was going to leave out Alan and Duncan. I said, 'Do you know how important this game is?'. 'He said, 'I have played in some massive derbies. I've played in them in Holland and London and I played in the Milan derby too'. 'I said, 'Yeah, but you haven't played in one like this Ruud'. 'And then we just walked out of the room. He seemed set on the fact that was what he was going to do. 'I talked about it being a motivation for the opposition seeing Alan and Duncan on the bench. But he had no concerns whatsoever. 'I actually thought, 'If we don't win it, he's gone'. I said to Steve, 'Is he writing his resignation before the game?'. Gullit's selection gambit did not pay off and Newcastle ended up losing 2-1 to Sunderland at St James' Park . 'We actually went 1-0 up but they turned it around and then the heavens opened. It was a dreadful night.' The following morning Shearer went to see Gullit, only Ferguson had beaten him to it, knocking the door off the hinges, legend has it. By the end of the week he had quit. Carver was also by Alan Pardew's side during the last four derby defeats, a factor the former manager admits did him little favours with the Toon Army. In that respect, Carver knows how much a positive result could aid his chances of landing the job on a permanent basis. 'In the eyes of the fans, if you win a derby game, it's massive,' he said. 'I'm not saying everything else is forgotten, but it certainly helps your case. If I come off and it's not been a football match but we win 1-0, I'll be delighted with that. 'We had a good football match last weekend (2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal) and got nothing for it. At the end of the day, it's all about getting the win.' Carver was also assistant manager to Alan Pardew, who lost four successive games against Sunderland . | Newcastle boss John Carver is relishing the chance to take charge of his hometown club against Sunderland in the Wear-Tyne Derby . Carver has been part of the coaching staff for previous Newcastle managers Alan Pardew, Sir Bobby Robson and Ruud Gullit . He was Gullit's assistant when Newcastle were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland after the Dutchman benched Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson . Carver insists that he will not make the same mistakes as his predecessor . | 4511bb7f000f7781a94fd4ee9acc88b65a984cd6 |
cnndm-20 | Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has offered encouragement to a six-year-old fan he beat to the job. Charlie Pye, from Leamington Spa, applied for the Villa hotseat after Paul Lambert was sacked in February. The Villa fan wanted a chocolate bar as a win bonus and would have agreed terms for a signed claret and blue football, a WWE wrestling figure and some sweets. Sherwood wrote Charlie a letter congratulating him on his credentials, despite missing out on the job. Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood (centre) showed his softer side by replying to 6-year-old Charlie Pye . He wrote: 'From your letter it is clear to see that you would indeed be an ideal candidate for the job due to your knowledge of the game - and your very capable backroom staff, of course! 'Hopefully you're not too disappointed at missing out and I'm informed that I just managed to pip you to the post so you were very close to being offered the job. 'Our chief executive Tom Fox has informed me that the club would like your permission to keep the letter on file 'just in case' - although I'm hoping I will be successful at this great football club. The youngster applied for the role when Paul Lambert was sacked but was pipped to the post by Sherwood . 'I will certainly be aiming to make you and all the other supporters happy. 'In terms of your football career, I want to wish Norton Lindsey every success this season. Well done on being appointed captain. I was a captain during my own playing career - it's a special honour.' Sherwood has guided Villa six points above the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League after Saturday's 1-0 win at former club Tottenham and taken them to Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Charlie had written to chief executive Tom Fox after Lambert was sacked with Villa in the relegation zone earlier this year. Pye is captain of Norton Lindsey and got a special message from Sherwood about being a captain . He wrote: 'I would appoint my mum and dad as assistant managers so they can drive me to the training ground each day. My mum is also very good at making bacon sandwiches for the players if that helps.' Charlie told the club's official site: 'I never expected a letter from the manager but I was absolutely delighted to get one. 'What he wrote was brilliant - it meant a lot to me. Even the stuff about congratulating me on being a captain was really special.' The 6-year-old would have appointed his parents as assistant managers if he had been offered the dream job . | Tim Sherwood took time to reply to Aston Villa fan Charlie Pye . The 6-year-old applied for the Villa job when Paul Lambert was sacked . The youngster wanted his mum and dad to be assistant managers . Sherwood admitted that he just pipped Pye to the post for the hotseat . CLICK HERE for all the latest Aston Villa news . | 4211eade6a7fe201eb44f86521d35f9acd835bcd |
cnndm-21 | (CNN)No prostitutes. No ifs, ands or buts -- and yes, that includes when and where prostitution is perfectly legal. That was the message Friday from Attorney General Eric Holder to members of the U.S. Justice Department, which includes the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other agencies. "The solicitation of prostitution threatens the core mission of the department," Holder wrote in a memo to all personnel in the department he heads. "... Regardless of whether prostitution is legal or tolerated in a particular jurisdiction, soliciting prostitutes creates a greater demand for human trafficking and a consequent increase in the number of minor and adult persons trafficked into commercial sex slavery." Holder doesn't mention specific cases of federal agents and prostitution in his memo. Nor is he dictating a new policy; the attorney general said only that he wanted "to reiterate to all department personnel, including attorneys and law enforcement officers, that they are prohibited from soliciting, procuring or accepting commercial sex." Agents behaving badly overseas . The directive comes a few weeks after a Justice Department inspector general report found DEA agents in foreign postings attended sex parties with prostitutes paid for by drug cartels, among other indiscretions. That report, by department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, cited light punishments and poor handling of sexual misconduct cases at DEA and other Justice Department agencies. Justice Department employees don't have a monopoly on such stories: In 2012, a group of agents and officers in the Secret Service -- which is part of the Department of Homeland Security -- and officers sent to Colombia ahead of President Barack Obama were relieved of duty and returned home amid allegations of misconduct that involved prostitution. That prostitute visit was arranged for by a DEA agent stationed in Colombia, according to Horowitz's office. If someone from the ATF, FBI, Federal Bureau of Prisons or a federal prosecutor is caught with a prostitute they'll be suspended or fired, according to Holder's memo. "This rule applies at all times during an individual's employment, including while off duty or on personal leave." | Attorney General Holder reiterates Justice Department policy on prostitutes . Soliciting prostitutes is banned, even in places where it's legal, Holder says . His memo comes weeks after a report involving DEA agents and prostitutes . | be5d8524bf21d485e203425d764ed60a3bf71b8d |
cnndm-22 | There were scenes of jubilation in the Dutch city of Dordrecht today, as flag-waving locals turned out to welcome King Willem-Alexander and his glamorous wife Maxima today. The visit, which kicked off with a pageant aboard a flotilla of boats on the local canal, was part of Willem-Alexander's 48th birthday celebrations. Koningsdag - or King's Day - is a public holiday in the Netherlands and is traditionally marked with a royal procession either in the capital Amsterdam or in one of the country's major cities. Happy family: The Dutch royals celebrated King Willem-Alexander's birthday in Dordrecht . Warm welcome: The Dutch royal couple were all smiles as they meet well-wishers in the trading city . Today, it was the turn of Dordrecht, a city in the south-west of the country, which was once a major trading port, as well as a military hub. Signs of its martial past were thin on the ground today, however, with the streets filled with a sea of joyful humanity, most of whom cheered and waved as the royals floated past. Taking centre stage was Argentina-born Queen Maxima, who opted for a typically eye-catching ensemble of a raspberry pink coat and hat enlivened with a pair of chunky crystal earrings. Also aboard the royal barge, the Dordtevaar, were the couple's three daughters: Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, 11, Princess Alexia, nine, and Princess Ariane, eight. Willem-Alexander's brother Prince Constantijn, 45, was also aboard, as was his 48-year-old wife, Princess Laurentien, who opted for a tailored dress in patriotic bright orange. Is that it? Eldest daughter Princess Catharina-Amalia, 11, cuddles up to her mother during the event . Round of applause: The Queen and the princesses join in with a round of applause for Willem-Alexander . Big arrival: The couple and their three daughters travelled through the city by barge . Family affair: The couple was joined by Prince Constantijn and his wife Laurentien who wore bright orange . Looking good: Maxima looked wonderful in her summery raspberry pink get-up . Matching: The Dutch queen completed her look with a slick of bright pink lipstick and chunky earrings . All smiles: The 43-year-old appeared to be enjoying the occasion and smiled brightly throughout . Echoing their parents and uncle, all three girls smiled and waved at the crowds, most of whom seemed to be enjoying the bright spring sunshine while watching the procession go past. Others used the royal day off to make some extra money, with one enterprising soul setting up a stand that offered selfies with cardboard versions of the Dutch royals for €1 apiece. Koningsdag is a long-standing Dutch tradition that began in 1890 with Queen Wilhelmina who celebrated her birthday on the 31st August. When her daughter Juliana became Queen, the date was moved to the 30th April - a tradition maintained by her daughter Beatrix, even though her real birthday is the 31st January. Since April 2013, when Willem-Alexander took the throne following his mother's abdication, the holiday has taken place his birthday, the 27th April. The celebrations, which kick off the night before with King's Parties, also include vrijmarkts - flea markets - in most towns and mass consumption of a delicious orange pastry called the tompouce. A right royal selfie! A well-wisher snaps a selfie with the Dutch King and Queen . Royal wave: King Willem-Alexander waves at the crowds during a walk through the city with his children . Enjoying the sunshine: Both royals and revellers made the most of the beautiful sunshine . Big hug: Queen Maxima hugs her two youngest daughters, Princesses Ariane and Alexia . Speech! King Willem-Alexander talks to the crowds during his visit to Dordrecht . Enterprising: This little girl decided to add to her pocket money by selling selfies for €1 apiece . On the water: The canal pageant was swelled by orange-clad well-wishers on their own boats . Turn out: Willem-Alexander's birthday is a public holiday which meant everyone had the day off . Throng: Huge crowds turned out to see the royal barge drift past . Patriotic: Dutch flags were flying all over the town while many revellers came dressed in patriotic orange . | King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is celebrating his 48th birthday . Took part in a water-borne procession along a canal in Dordrecht . Was joined by his glamorous wife, Queen Maxima, and their daughters . The 43-year-old Queen was resplendent in a cheerful raspberry get-up . King's Day - or Koningsdag - is a national holiday in the Netherlands . Celebrations include 'King's Parties' and eating lots of tompouce pastries . | 47312d43c3adbfd8a713020d7e96ad08646a3004 |
cnndm-23 | West Ham United's on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song has picked his #one2eleven of stars he played alongside throughout his career, on The Fantasy Football Club on Sky Sports. Song, who has also played for Arsenal as well as representing Cameroon at international level, has picked a mixture of talent in his squad. Watch #one2eleven every Friday evening on The Fantasy Football Club, Sky Sports 1 or catch up On Demand. GOALKEEPER: CARLOS KAMENI . He could have played at one of the top teams in the Premier League. When I was playing for the (Cameroon) national team he would just say, 'just score and I will do the rest'. For me he is the best 'keeper. Alex Song believes Cameroon goalkeeper Carlos Kameni could have played in the Premier League . RIGHT-BACK: DANI ALVES . This guy is unbelievable. He plays like a joke. He makes things look so easy when he is going forward and his delivery is unbelievable. CENTRE-BACK: CARLOS PUYOL . He is a character player because he never gives up. Every time you need character, you want players to be like him. When he says 'vamos' at training, that's it, you have to wake up. He gives you motivation to come to training and is such a great professional. He is a captain and a leader. CENTRE-BACK: RIGOBERT SONG . He has the same character like Puyol. When I was young I was always watching him play. When you have this guy behind you, you don't have a lot of room. You will have a very bad night. Every time you would play for the national side people would say, 'you have to play like Rigobert Song' because they know he never gives up and shows a fighting spirit. Song believes Rigobert Song is a similar character to Carlos Puyol so makes his Fantasy Football Club XI . LEFT-BACK: JORDI ALBA . Jordi is like a small bike because he never stops running. He's very good with the feet as well. Every time he looks (to go) forward and attack . MIDFIELER: XAVI . Xavi is an unbelievable player. He gives you the tempo of the game. When you have this guy in the middle he sees everywhere (on the pitch) and always plays a good ball. He also knows how to slow the game down. MIDFIELER: ANDRES INIESTA . Iniesta is the magician. For one player it could be hard, but for him it's easy. I see him training every single day, he was unbelievable. When I went to Barcelona I was training with him but I couldn't get the ball off him. Song has room for Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta in his side for the magician's magic touch . MIDFIELDER: CESC FABREGAS . He is one of the most clever players I have played against. For him, he sees everywhere and gives a good delivery. I know he is a quality player. He's done it at Arsenal and Barcelona so I was not surprised to see him come back to the Premier League with Chelsea. STRIKER: NEYMAR . He's just 23 and he has achieved so much at this age. When he came from Brazil people didn't think he would adapt to European football, but for him it's easy. I think he is doing very, very well. He is fast and knows how to dribble. I'm sure he will do well in the Premier League as well because he has the ability. Barcelona's Brazilian winger Neymar has earned himself a starting spot in Song's Fantasy Football Club XI . STRIKER: THIERRY HENRY . Thierry is the king. We played away against Real Madrid in the Champions League and he scored that goal. STRIKER: LIONEL MESSI . Messi is the best player I have seen in my life. There is nothing to say because he is just a genius. He is just 27 and has a lot of time to achieve so much more. When he comes into training, he just doesn't lose the ball. And when he loses in training, he is upset and that's what makes him such a special player. Song poses with his Fantasy Football Club XI which includes a whopping NINE Barcelona players . | West Ham's on-loan Barcelona ace has picked his Fantasy Football XI . Cameroon midfielder has picked a whopping nine Barcelona players . Carlos Kameni and Rigobert Song are the only two non Barca players . | 4660106122eebd9efd05af95ae09fd5ad3538a6d |
cnndm-24 | Bali Nine ringleaders Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan will today find out if their last-ditch legal appeal against their death row sentence will be allowed to proceed. A Jakarta court is due to decide whether the pair’s lawyers can challenge Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s decision to deny the two Australians clemency. The unusual appeal in the state administrative court is likely the pair's last legal avenue to save them from the firing squad for their part in the 2005 Bali Nine heroin smuggling bid. Sydney men Chan, 31, and Sukumaran, 33, are currently awaiting execution on the death island of Nusakambangan with seven other prisoners after they were transferred from their home of almost ten years – Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison – in a dramatic show of force, over a month ago. Scroll down for video . Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran will find out if their last-ditch legal appeal against their Indoesian death row sentence will be allowed to proceed on Monday . Shackled and handcuffed: Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran cut sad figures as they were escorted by four faceless Indonesian police officers across the tarmac after being taken from Korobokan prison in Bali to their final destination, Death Island . The court in February rejected their legal challenge for clemency, determining the decrees by President Widodo were not within its jurisdiction. If it overturns this decision on Monday, lawyers will then argue Mr Joko did not fulfil his obligations when he issued a blanket rejection of clemency to Chan and Sukumaran, as he plans to do to more than 50 other death row drug offenders. If the court upholds its earlier decision, it's not known what move the lawyers will take next in their efforts to spare the men. Lawyer for Chan and Sukumaran, Leonard Arpan, last week said they had done their best for their Australian clients. President Joko Widodo previously rejected the Australian pair's clemency bids . The pair are currently being held in isolation on the prison island . Family members of Australian death row prisoners Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran leave Nusakambangan prison island after visiting the two prisoners on March 9 . On Sunday, Jakarta's Catholic Archbishop, Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, told reporters he was saddened by Indonesia's use of the death penalty, which he described as a "failure of humanity". Also distressing for the archbishop was the severe treatment of Chan and Sukumaran when they were moved last month from their Bali jail cells to Nusakambangan, which involved a fighter jet escort. "These men were handcuffed, was it necessary to be guarded by Sukhoi?" he told reporters after his Easter Sunday service. A smiling Djoko Hariutomo, the police commissioner of the Balinese capital of Denpasar, poses for a photo with his hand upon the shoulder of condemned prisoner Andrew Chan inside the plane before take off for the Australian Bali Nine kingpin's final flight to the island where he will be executed . Surrounded by armed police officers officers and on the road of no return, 33-year-old Australia Myuran Sukumaran looks up at Bali police commissioner Djoko Hariutomo who posed with the two condemned Australians before their take off from Denpasar airport for the two hour flight to 'death island' "For me that's not strictness, for me that's very saddening because it's obvious that power wants to show itself and human dignity is not cherished." Jakarta is awaiting all of the 10 prisoners in line for the firing squad to run out of options for court appeals before setting a date for their executions. Sukumaran and Chan are facing execution alongside Filipino woman Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, French citizen Serge Areski Atlaoui, Ghanaian citizen Martin Anderson and the only Indonesian citizen among the group Zainal Abidin bin Mgs Mahmud Badarudin. Also facing the firing squad with the two Australians is Raheem Agbaje Salami, a Nigerian holding a Spanish passport, Brazilian citizen Rodrigo Gularte and Nigerian citizens Sylvester Obiekwe Nwolise and Okwudili Oyatanze. Seven of thE convicted criminal are (top row from left) Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan, Frenchman Serge Atlaoui and Brazilian Rodrigo Gularte (Bottom row from left) Nigerian Raheem Agbaje Salami, Filipina Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, and Nigerian Silvester Obiekwe Nwolise . | The two Australians are currently in isolation on death row in Indonesia . Were moved from Bali jail to the island they will be executed on last month . A Jakarta court will decide whether they can challenge clemency ruling . They are battling to overturn Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to deny the pair clemency . | 94439cd94f4fb5ba4daba5ab386ee9dc701aee97 |
cnndm-25 | They're the best of friends who work and play together, so it's hardly surprising that Gigi Hadid has picked up some words of wisdom from Kendall Jenner. The 19-year-old model took inspiration from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star when it came to learning how to deal with negative feedback, particularly on social media. Speaking to Style.com, Gigi said: 'From Kendall I learned how to deal with the haters. She has a really good sense of when to stand up [on social media] and when to back off.' Scroll down for video . Gigi Hadid has credited her best friend Kendall Jenner, right, for helping her deal with social media haters . And it's not only Kendall, 19, who Gigi has taken social media tips from as she believes former Victoria's Secret model Karlie Kloss is comfortable with her social media persona. She added: 'I think she does such a good job of showing who she is. She lets her personality really shine in her Instagram.' While Kendall Jenner is taking the fashion world by the storm, she has her fair share of haters. The fledgling model's meteoric rise as a professional runway model reportedly sparked the ire and resentment of some of her colleagues, according to a report. At New York Fashion Week, Kendall was allegedly bullied by her fellow models, who even went so far as to put cigarettes out in her drink. In another incident, Lexi Boling, along with fellow model Binx Walton, left cruel comments on a pre-show image of Kendall shared on Vogue Germany's Instagram feed. The 19-year-old model took inspiration from the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star when it came to learning how to deal with negative feedback . Gigi said that Kendall has a really good sense of when to stand up [on social media] and when to back off . Lexi, 21, tagged her friend Binx, 20, in the comment: '@binxwalton she's never looked better,' with a crying with laughter emoticon. Teen Vogue cover star Binx replied: 'That's f****d up,' with the same animated laughing face. The two comments have since been deleted from the Vogue Germany photo, but followers' horrified responses remain. Lexi has since apologised for the comment. In a statement issued via a representative to E! News, she said: 'I wasn't thinking and made a silly comment. Kendall's had a killer NYFW. A big congrats to her!' Gigi, centre, is best friends with fellow supermodels Cara Delevingne, left, and Kendall, right . The latter remark is certainly true. Kendall is unarguably one of the world's most in-demand stars. Her appearance in a Chanel fashion show in New York City on Tuesday was case in point. Kendall and her best friend Cara Delevingne were linked as they closed the Paris-Salzburg 2014/15 Metiers d'Art Collection at Park Avenue Armory in two very unique and elaborate ensembles - Kendall in black, Cara in white. And shadowing the young beauties was the designer himself, Karl Lagerfeld. Gigi, Cara and Kendall looked delighted to be reunited at Wednesday night's Chanel event . Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne mid rise jeans . Buy at Nordstrom . Visit site . BFFs Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner were back together again at Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel cruise, but it wasn't the only reunion of the night. Kendall was kitted out in a pair of monochrome printed trousers but Cara opted for her favorite super distressed skinny jeans by Frame Denim. We've spotted her in them several times before and it's easy to see why. They've got a great snug fit, are mid-rise which is easy to wear and of course all that on trend shredding makes them a must have. Unfortunately you can't buy these exact design anymore but click right to Neiman Marcus now to get a similar design from Neiman Marcus. Style like Cara with some lace up boots and a sports luxe sweater. Or work a simple tee and heels for fashion editor edge. Price putting you off? Then get the look for a lot less with our high street edit below. Topshop ripped black jeans at Nordstrom . Visit site . Missguided Brigitte ripped jeans . Visit site . Boohoo Chloe ripped black jeans . Visit site . Joe's Jeans Finn ripped jeans . Visit site . | Kendall, 19, helps Gigi learn how to deal with negative feedback . Gigi, 19, says Kendall has a really good sense of when to stand up . Kendall has been bullied on Instagram by fellow models . | 8a1c6030b595fd050577d367d2c09959e7f6abc2 |
cnndm-26 | The Duchess of Cambridge has the power to send sales of high-street designs sky-rocketing, so it's little surprise that her offspring have the same effect. As Kate and William prepare to welcome their second child, there's no doubt that the royal couple's favoured childrenswear brands are hoping to cash in on the arrival. Indeed, one children's clothing company that became known around the world when Prince George was photographed wearing their garments has released a very regal new range - fit for a Prince... or a Princess. Anything Prince George has been seen wearing has gone on to sell out, such as this £32 Cath Kidston tank top... and one clothing company that the tot is reported to have been wearing has released a new range in time for the second royal baby's arrival . London-based Trotters, who describe their clothing as 'exclusive, yet affordable: stylish yet traditional', has unveiled the 'New Born Baby Collection' just in time for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's imminent arrival. The range includes boy's T-shirts and romper suits, complete with Bearskin hat-wearing soldiers, and pretty smocked dresses and pink cardigans for girls. There are even pink or blue rabbit booties. Sophie Mirman, founder and CEO of Trotters, said: 'As a small family business, it is not only a great honour but also a great morale booster for my staff and the manufacturers for Trotters. 'Clearly the commercial impact is considerable and it is wonderful that Her Royal Highness supports British businesses.' It was reported that Prince George wore a bodysuit from Trotters at a Plunket play group event at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand in 2014 . According to Hello! magazine, the Duchess of Cambridge purchased this £14.99 top, left, and this £34.99 navy sweater, which is described as being the perfect choice for 'afternoon tea with the Queen', right, for her first-born son . The children's clothing company that became known around the world when Prince George was photographed wearing their garments have released a very regal new range fit for a Prince . As well as boy's T-shirts and romper suits, there's pretty smocked dresses and pink cardigans for girls . Sophie Mirman, founder and CEO of Trotters, said: 'As a small family business, it is not only a great honour but also a great morale booster for my staff and the manufacturers for Trotters' Trotters, based on the King's Road, has unveiled the 'New Born Baby Collection' just in time for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's imminent arrival . The store's CEO said: 'Clearly the commercial impact is considerable and it is wonderful that Her Royal Highness supports British businesses' The term 'The Prince George effect' was coined just three days after his birth in July 2013 when the £20 printed white aden + anais cloth in which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped their baby son before leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital sold out almost instantly. Within 48 hours of being seen for the first time, the £44.95 wrap had sold out, while traffic to the brand's website shot up by 1,960 per cent. And it didn't stop there. Following the family's portrait for Mother's Day in 2013, when the prince sported a baby blue number with 'George' emblazoned on his chest, personalised baby clothes retailer My1stYears.com sold 1,200 jumpers in just four hours. Then, the family's tour of Australia and New Zealand in April last year, on which Prince George played a prominent role, sent brand's into a frenzy. The term 'The Prince George effect' was coined just three days after his birth when the £20 printed white aden + anais cloth in which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped their baby son before leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital sold out almost instantly . Following the family's portrait for Mother's Day in 2013, when the prince sported a 'George' emblazoned jumper, personalised baby clothes retailer My1stYears.com sold 1,200 jumpers in just four hours . Designers of the clothes the nine-month-old wore over the fortnight reported a huge surge in sales and the royal tot became something of a fashion icon. One . such example is the Les Petites Abeilles romper suit he wore on his arrival in . Sydney - a similar design totally sold out immediately and then had a shipping time of two months. The young prince looked . dapper in the nautical-style romper suit as he disembarked an . Australian Airforce jet. He . was blissfully unaware of the furore he caused, but within seconds of . the royal trio arriving in Australia, Twitter was awash with commentary . about his ensemble. On a playdate in New Zealand, the tiny tot wore a stylish smocked romper from Rachel Riley, a British luxury brand for children, which retails at £77 (AUD$125). The family's tour of Australia and New Zealand in April last year, on which Prince George played a prominent role, sent brand's into a frenzy. A similar version of the Les Petites Abeilles romper suit he wore on his arrival in Sydney, left, sold out immediately and the Rachel Riley smock, right, sold out in minutes online . The classic tailored dungarees with a sailboat smocked design on the front panel sold out immediately in the six month and 12 month sizes on the company's website. Ahead of the new royal baby's birth, brands are already stocking memorabilia. Birchbox launched Royally Good - two boxes (one in blue and one in pink) that the monthly beauty subscription service think any Royal would love. Indeed, Blue Almonds, one of Kate's favourite shop's, has launched The Royal Collection 2015. Due to the success of the first collection, and inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge's latest expectancy, the new collection features a moses basket based on the designs store owner Iza Minkiewicz had while pregnant with her own son, Filip. Izabela Minkiewicz, said: 'Kate has already had a major impact on the fashion market with the dresses that she’s pictured in flying off the shelves as soon as they hit stores so she’s destined to have the same effect on the baby wear market, too. 'When Kate was photographed in Blue Almonds whilst pregnant, interest in Moses baskets definitely increased and sales of similar infant beds also boomed.' Blue Almonds, one of Kate's favourite shop's, has launched The Royal Collection 2015 inspired by Prince George . Birchbox launched Royally Good - two boxes (one in blue and one in pink) that the monthly beauty subscription service think any Royal would love . Style and brand expert Nick Ede added: 'It’s refreshing to see that he’s not too trendy he’s just the perfect English gent. The George effect is due to him wearing clothes that are not designer labels but are wearable, affordable, on-trend colours and perfect for the royal spotlight. 'A style icon is someone who creates a trend and with his nautical stripes, dungarees and baby grows with royal blue piping he certainly doing that.' And dressing baby sons around the world is clearly popular - the young royal even has his own style blog, What Prince George Wore, dedicated to all things baby style. But while the Duchess of Cambridge might still be a dab hand at selling out whatever she wears, even she cannot compete with her son when it comes to sheer selling power. From £44.95 swaddling wraps to knitted tank tops, the royal baby effect shows no sign of petering out - much to the excitement of childrenswear designers and eBay entrepreneurs contemplating another year of buoyant sales to come. Here's to a fashionable future for baby number two! | London-based Trotters has unveiled the 'New Born Baby Collection' Range includes boy's T-shirts and romper suits and smocked dresses . Kate apparently shopped at King's Road store for George . George effect has boosted high street copy-cat sales . Royal baby number two, who is due next week, is likely to do the same . | 7f67e68699adccb32f054c3fd12c87ac407170f2 |
cnndm-27 | Daniel Sturridge's season of frustration looks set to continue as he faces a race to be fit to lead Liverpool’s attack at Wembley. The England striker failed to train again on Thursday as Brendan Rodgers stepped up preparations for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa, meaning Sturridge hasn’t been involved in any outdoor work since before the quarter-final replay against Blackburn. Liverpool still have two more sessions before they travel south but Sturridge, who missed Monday’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United with tightness in his hip, would have to involved in at least one to stand any chance of starting at Wembley. Daniel Sturridge faces a fight to be fit for Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Sunday . Striker Sturridge was left out of the squad against Newcastle on Monday after being taken off at Blackburn . It would even appear touch and go as whether Sturridge will be fit enough to make Rodgers’ 18-man squad, given how tormented he has been with fitness issues this season. Liverpool will give Sturridge every chance to prove his fitness but the signs at present are not encouraging. The injury is a continuation of the problem he sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on March 22. Sturridge missed England’s games against Lithuania and Italy with what England manager Roy Hodgson called ‘a small tear’ in his hip. Sturridge admitted last week he will not be back at his sharpest until next season and he will be glad to see the back of this campaign, having missed more than five months with a combination of thigh and calf problems. Steven Gerrard could return at Wembley after seeing out the last game of his suspension against Newcastle . Liverpool captain Gerrard holds a '96' balloon at the Hillsborough memorial service on Wednesday . If, as appears likely, the 25-year-old is forced to play a minor role, it would leave Rodgers a decision to make with regards his starting line-up, as Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is available having served a three-match suspension. Gerrard, whose 35th birthday falls on the same day as this year’s FA Cup final, missed several games in February and March with a hamstring problem but when he was fit for matches against Swansea and Manchester United, Rodgers decided to use him from the bench. He will be desperate to play at Wembley and Rodgers, who will be without cup-tied winger Jordon Ibe, must decide whether to keep faith with his current midfield of Lucas Leiva, Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen or alter his system to fit Gerrard back in. Rodgers will be without Jordon Ibe who is cup-tied having represented Derby in the FA Cup this season . Joe Allen says playing in these type of games is why he joined Liverpool from Swansea . Playing at Wembley will be a new experience for a number of Liverpool’s squad and Allen says a positive result against Villa is required to enhance their development. Liverpool are favourites to reach the final but the Wales international maintains there is no complacency in the group. ‘It’s the reason you join a club like this — the dream of competing for the top prizes and potentially getting some silverware,’ said Allen. ‘There’s a huge incentive for every player here. Villa had a great result on the weekend so they will be raring to go just like we will be. ‘That will make for a great game at a historic venue. Every single player wants to ensure we get ourselves back there for the final. Everyone is ready to make that leap. We are generally a young squad who are gathering experience and getting better all the time.’ | Liverpool face Aston Villa in FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday . Daniel Sturridge is suffering with a hip injury and is a doubt for the clash . England striker has not trained this week and is in danger of missing out . | c715c8dcc0fc22a9ac17ef6fc7f4110d30b0475b |
cnndm-28 | An Ohio woman has spoken out in a Reddit Q&A about why she and her Catholic husband made the painful decision to have a legal abortion at 23 weeks. When the couple learned that their unborn daughter had a chromosomal defect 'incompatible with life outside the womb', they decided that terminating the pregnancy was the best course of action. 'I am pro-choice because I am pro-life,' the woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said. 'My little girl would never have [had] a life, and attempting to give her that could take mine away in the process.' Sad decision: After an amniocentesis, the Ohio woman found out that her unborn daughter found out that her daughter wouldn't survive outside the womb, and she chose to get an abortion . The anonymous couple was happy to learn that they were expecting last December. In March, they were looking forward to the 20-week anatomy scan. But the woman had a gut feeling something wasn't right. At about five months along, she wasn't showing yet, and though her family assured it was just because she had an athletic body, she explained: 'Things just felt wrong, felt off.' Her fears proved to be right. On April 1, she and her husband went to her OB-GYN for the planned anatomy scan. They found out they were having a girl - but at the same time discovered that the fetus was much smaller than it should have been at that time. She was referred to another hospital with a specialized fetal medicine center where, two weeks later, an amniocentesis test showed that the fetus had Triploidy, a chromosomal defect that is 'incompatible with life outside the womb'. They learned that their unborn daughter had 69 chromosomes instead of the normal 46, an abnormality that also resulted in Dandy Walker Syndrome. The fetus also had a diaphragmatic hernia and severely stunted growth, weighing 8oz when she should have weighed just over a pound. These major health issues also meant there were risks for the mother. The fetus was so small that it could have died in the womb without the woman knowing, which could have resulted in an infection. The mother was also at a higher risk for preeclampsia, a blood pressure-related pregnancy complication that can be fatal. She also noted that her placenta could have ruptured, leaving her to 'bleed out in my bathtub faster than anyone could help me'. With the knowledge that her health was at risk and her child would be unable to live, the woman and her husband made the decision to terminate the pregnancy. It wasn't an easy choice. The couple had already picked out a name, Gwendolyn Renee. And the woman added that the decision was especially hard for her husband, who grew up Catholic. Still, he agreed, carrying the child to term wasn't worth the risk to his wife's health. In their state of Ohio, abortion is legal until 24 weeks - but that doesn't compel all doctors to perform them. At the age of 23 weeks, the average baby is the size of a large mango. The woman tracked down the only doctor in her city who offered abortions. But because he practiced within a Catholic institution, he had to seek special approval from the CEO and the ethics board, explaining that that the woman's child wouldn't survive and that there were dangers in letting the pregnancy progress naturally. She was approved for the abortion, and quickly started taking steps toward having the procedure. 'My doctors were honest and clear about the situation,' she said. 'They used explicit terms and didn't dance around the issue. During the different procedures they walked me through exactly what they were doing, but at the same time, they were very empathetic and understanding.' First, she had to have three to four sticks of laminaria, a form of kelp, inserted into her cervix to begin dilation, which she describes as 'pretty uncomfortable'. After going home for the night, where she experienced cramping, the woman went back to the clinic with her husband the next day to have the 45-minute procedure under general anaesthesia. '[Our baby] passed painlessly inside me and was never alone,' the woman said, adding that their daughter will be be cremated, and the ashes will be spread over garden at hospital. Also called Triploid Syndrome, Triploidy is a chromosomal disorder characterized by having three of every chromosome - so infants affected have a total of 69 chromosomes rather than the standard 46. Babies with Tripoidy are often lost through miscarriage. Those that survive usually die within the first five months of life. The rare disorder also causes babies to be much smaller than average, and often results in birth defects. Source: WebMD . The woman said that she and her husband are still grieving and experience bouts of 'spontaneous sobbing'. She wonders how Mother's Day, which is on May 10, will feel and how she'll cope on the baby's due date, but she knows that she and her husband made the right decision. 'I don't regret it,' she said. 'My other option was to wait for her to pass naturally, but the risks were too high.' She does, however, wish people would stop telling her that 'the next baby will be just fine'; she explained that though she and her husband do plan to try again, they are still dealing with the loss of this baby. 'I'm facing this head-on and telling people about it no-holds-barred,' she expained, because she knows she is not the only woman to go through this. 'Because it does happen, a lot, and we shouldn't be afraid to talk about it.' | The Ohio woman revealed on Reddit that her unborn daughter's dangerous condition would have left her unable to live outside the womb . Potential complications from the pregnancy put the anonymous mother's life in danger . She and her Catholic husband had to get special approval for a doctor at Catholic hospital to perform the procedure . Though she is still grieving over the loss of the child she named Gwendolyn Renee, she 'doesn't regret' her decision . | 356034a1a986380eb0a3012c5e234fc1c45a97d3 |
cnndm-29 | A poll of 2,000 Britons found that 68 per cent had hurt themselves doing odd jobs or decorating. But many admit they know where they are going wrong . If you are thinking of attempting some DIY this weekend watch out – nearly seven in ten of us end up injured. A poll of 2,000 Britons found that 68 per cent said they or their partner had hurt themselves doing odd jobs or decorating. Two in five had injured their back, one in five had cut themselves and one in ten had suffered side effects from inhaling chemical fumes. A careless one in 30 suffered after getting paint or chemicals in their eyes and eight in 100 had fallen off a ladder, said research for the makers of pain relief brands Deep Heat and Deep Freeze. But a significant number of hapless handymen and women know where they're going wrong. One in 10 said they failed to follow instructions or research the right way to do the job, while one in five came to grief taking a shortcut. Men are a third more likely than women to try to cut corners when doing a job. Top of the nation's to-do list is DIY and decorating, with eight in 10 Brits catching up on everything from odd jobs to major makeovers round the home . However, it seems DIYers are failing to prepare properly for a weekend of exertions. More than a third confessed they did not prepare their bodies for the physical demands of their day of DIY. A similar number admitted they weren't used to physical work or were too out of shape for hard graft. Reassuringly, seven in 10 of those surveyed had a first-aid kit and of those did, four out of five had treatments specifically designed for muscle problems or injuries. DIY expert Grant James Crossley said: ‘There may be no escaping DIY and other household chores, but with a little preparation there’s a lot you can do to escape morning-after aches and muscle pain.’ The poll found two in five people had injured their back, one in five had cut themselves and one in ten had suffered side effects from inhaling chemical fumes - and men are more likely than women to cut corners . | A new survey found seven in 10 people end up injured while doing DIY . Poll of 2,000 people found 68% say they or their partner have ended up hurt . Two in five said they injured their back and one in five had cut themselves . | c40d4e46a7aeb1fa2baa699de024f4e2c1a8ffea |
cnndm-30 | (CNN)"It really depends what you want. Boy? Girl? Young? Old?" The man on the phone was offering us young children with the casualness of a market trader. After a week of back and forth phone calls, his initial caginess had given way to greed. He'd heard my foreign accent and clearly decided I would pay more than the domestic rate. "We can get," he said. We'd been put in touch with the man through a contact on the ground. We were told he was one of the men running this "unofficial" displaced camp -- one of the many that has mushroomed in the town of Yola as the influx of people fleeing Boko Haram has grown beyond the capacity of the official camps. It had all been heartbreakingly simple. We'd asked who had children available to "foster" -- a catch-all code word designed to conceal the true intent of those offering up the orphaned children. The man on the phone was the end result of those inquiries. When our colleague want to see them, he was shown a group of children and asked which one he wanted to take. One, two maybe? He escaped by saying he needed to check with his "madam" -- me. I called. The man picked up and began referring to me as "sister." I told him we wanted to know what we'd need to do, if we decided we did want to "foster" the children. He told me, "Sister, Jesus will reward me," so the "fostering" was free, he said. No need for any pesky paperwork -- just a reassurance from me that the children, if I chose to take them, would "live in my heart." If I could also then find it "in my heart" to donate to those still in the camp, then that would be "God's work." In spite of the harsh measures the Nigerian government has put in place to punish human traffickers, by the government's own admission, 8 million children are currently engaged in forced labor. The Global Slavery Index says Nigeria has the highest number of people in modern slavery of any sub-Saharan country. Paradoxically, the group also rates Nigeria's anti-trafficking agency, Naptip, as one of the strongest government responses on the continent -- but it's clearly overwhelmed by the realities of working in what is now a zone of military operations, Nigeria's north. As the insecurity in the region has spiraled, the worry is that more and more children are falling through the cracks. And as Boko Haram increases its reliance on child suicide bombers, concerns are growing that orphaned children could end up in the hands of the terror group. At the camp where we finally met the man face to face, there was no attempt at subterfuge. We spoke in normal tones in full view of the children playing. I could have had one of them, I was told, but because I'd specified a younger child, they'd only identified one so far -- a 3-year-old. Did I want to consider an older girl? A 12-year-old maybe? She could look after the 3-year-old, and cook and clean. Either way, two girls would be ready tomorrow, he said. I could see them then. Our last phone conversation revolved around what an appropriate "donation" would be in exchange for the children. He couldn't, he said, bargain for it. He then proceeded to do just that, laughing down the phone at my first tentative guess of $200. Laughing again at $300. We finally found a figure he didn't find funny -- $500. I put the phone down and we traveled back to the capital that day to show Naptip what we'd found. | CNN team finds a man at "unofficial" displaced camp willing to provide children to be "fostered" He says he can't take money for them, but eventually demands $500 for two girls . | 05e2fc1c692fdbe83cf0f83f6f50251345e9f3cd |
cnndm-31 | Dani Alves insists he is yet to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club following rumours that the Brazilian is set to quit Barcelona this summer. The 31-year-old's agent revealed last week that Alves has rejected Barca's latest contract offer with the likes of Manchester United reportedly interested in his signature. Alves, however, has since claimed that he is not thinking about leaving the Catalan club. Dani Alves insists he is happy at Barcelona and is yet to sign a deal with another club . The Brazilian defender is out of contract this summer, sparking rumours about his future . He told beIN Sports: 'I am very happy at Barcelona and I have not signed with anyone. 'In life, you have to be thankful. Barca are a club that changed my life, made me realise all my dreams. I'll get to the end of my contract with the same ambition as when I came here.' 'If the club asks me to look for another alternative, then I'll look at the other options. But for now, this is not the case. I stay focused on the end of the season because I'm still a competitor. A decision will be made at the end of the season.' The likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in signing Alves . Speaking last week, Dinorah Santana, the player's agent and ex-wife, said at a press conference that her client had rejected the offer of a three-year contract extension, which was dependent on the player taking part in 60 per cent of matches for the club. 'The negotiations are over,' she said. 'If they say this is the final offer, then they (negotiations) are over. 'It doesn't make sense. It's very hard that we get to April and Barcelona haven't thought about renewing Dani's contract. | Barcelona star Dani Alves is out of contract at the end of the season . Brazilian defender is yet to agree a new deal with Luis Enrique's side . 31-year-old insists he hasn't agreed any deal with another club . READ: Will Dani Alves be at Man Utd next season? CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news . | ef283a5c71c6d6c7fcb8e7329089abcbf43fc162 |
cnndm-32 | The reserve deputy who shot a suspect dead after firing his gun instead of his Taser was investigated in 2009 over his questionable training and erratic behavior in the field. Robert Bates, 73, appeared in Tulsa district court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter over the death of Eric Harris, who was killed during a botched sting on April 2. Since the incident there have been allegations Bates was not properly trained and it is now emerged that when previously confronted by other deputies over his behavior, he told them he could do whatever he wanted. Scroll down for video . Heading to court: Robert Bates, left, is seen walking to court on Tuesday morning with his attorney Corbin Brewster, right, before he entered his not-guilty plea in the death of Eric Harris earlier this month . 'Mistake': The 73-year-old reserve deputy claims he mistakenly pulled out his gun instead of his Taser and shot dead the man as he fled the scene of an undercover operation on April 2 . In 2009, the Tulsa Sheriff's Office concluded after an internal investigation that Bates had received special treatment during training and while working as a reserve deputy, CBS News reports. The investigation found that other deputies raised concerns about Bates' behavior in the field, almost from the start of his tenure. He was said to have used his personal car while on duty and made unauthorized vehicle stops. The inquiry came to the conclusion that high-ranking officers created an atmosphere where employees were intimidated about reporting violations of department policy. Dan Smolen, the attorney for Eric Harris, claimed that if the investigation's findings had been acted on in 2009 Harris might still be alive. He told CBS News: 'I think there are so many people who look on at so much corruption it's more than just a couple of people.' Charged: Bates (left in his mug shot) shot Harris (pictured right) and faces four years in prison if convicted . A spokesman for the Tulsa Sheriff acknowledged that some type of internal review was conducted, but that there was no further action taken. Sheriff Stanley Glanz said this week he believes that Bates received his required training. Bates, a Tulsa County volunteer, shot Harris, 44, after the man was confronted during an undercover gun-sale operation and ran past him. Video of the incident shows Bates chasing after Harris. In an attempt to subdue him, Bates went to grab his Taser, but was unaware he had actually pulled out his gun instead. In the disturbing clip, which was released by the sheriff's office, Bates can be heard shouting 'Taser! Taser!' When the gunshot goes off, he says: 'I shot him! I'm sorry.' The fatally-wounded father can be heard saying: 'Oh my god, he shot me! He shot me! He shot me, man' before adding: 'Oh, my god. I'm losing my breath!' Earlier this week the Harris family expressed their anger after learning that retired insurance executive Bates, who is out on $25,000 bond, would be allowed to take a month-long vacation to the Bahamas. A statement released by the family read: 'Whether intended or not, Mr. Bates' vacationing in the Bahamas at this time sends a message of apathy with respect to the shooting and Eric's life,' they said. Shooting: This photo shows a deputy bending down to pick up Bates's dropped gun following the accidental shooting in Tulsa earlier this month. Harris is being held down on the ground, out of shot, by other deputies . Terrified: The fatally-wounded man, who is being held by his neck and back by the deputies (pictured), says: 'Oh my god, he shot me! He shot me! He shot me, man.' He then adds: 'Oh, my god. I'm losing my breath' 'At a time when we are still mourning the death of a loved one that he shot down in the street, Mr. Bates will be relaxing and enjoying his wealth and privilege.' It is not clear when he is leaving for the holiday but Bates will next appear in court on July 2. He has previously visited the Bahamas with the sheriff, Stanley Glanz, and another reserve deputy and paid for part of Glanz's trip. In separate news conferences on Monday, the county sheriff and lawyers for Harris' family disagreed on whether the reserve officer should have been allowed to conduct police work. Sheriff Stanley Glanz said Bates, his long-time insurance agent and former campaign manager, had been properly trained and passed annual firearms certifications required by the state. Dan Smolen, the lawyer for Harris' family, said the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office violated a number of its internal policies by letting Bates carry his personal handgun after training with another weapon. Smolen also said the department failed to keep a permanent record of Bates' training, in violation of local policies. Records Bates released during the weekend showed that the volunteer officer was trained on a .45, not the weapon used in Harris' death. Bates, who sold his insurance business for $6 million in 1999, was trained to be a Tulsa Police Department patrolman in 1964 but left in 1965. He was out of law enforcement for 35 years, returning for volunteer work in Florida in 2000 before joining the Tulsa County force in 2008 and making a number of donations to the agency. He also was Glanz's campaign manager during the 2012 election. Anger: Harris' son Aidan Fraley (pictured right with his uncle Andre Harris a week after his father's death), has said the police officers who allowed Bates to become a cop should be held accountable for his death . Confusion: An image shows a Taser and a handgun similar to the weapons Bates was carrying. He mistakenly thought he was holding a Taser, not his handgun, when he fatally shot Eric Harris . During an appearance on the Today show last week, he apologized to Harris' family. 'First and foremost let me apologize to the family of Eric Harris,' he said. 'I rate this as number one on my list of things in my life that I regret... I still can't believe it happened.' He also insisted that, despite keeping his gun and Taser on different parts of his uniform, it was easy to confuse the two. 'This has happened a number of times around the country, I have read about it in the past,' Bates said. 'I thought to myself after reading several cases, 'I don't understand how this can happen'. You must believe me - it can happen to anyone.' Harris' son responded by saying that the volunteer deputy was too old to be on the police force. 'He should have been in a retirement home, not out there on the scene killing my dad,' Aidan Fraley said, NBC reported. During an appearance on the Today show last week, Bates apologized to Harris' family . | Tulsa reserve deputy Robert Bates investigated in 2009 over his behavior . Concluded that he got special treatment and received questionable training . He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter over death of Eric Harris, 44 . 73-year-old killed the father after drawing gun instead of Taser during sting . | e0899e1b017634c66815988009ca2513fc33b2d5 |
cnndm-33 | Defeated: Napoleon (illustrated) lost at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 . Guests attending a service in London to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo have been told not to act in a 'triumphalist' way – to avoid upsetting the French. Invitations to the service at St Paul's Cathedral advise that it will avoid glorifying the Duke of Wellington's historic victory over Napoleon in 1815. But last night the move was criticised by politicians, who said it 'took political correctness to an absurd new degree'. The invitation to the Waterloo 200 event says: 'The service, although related to a military victory, is not in any way glorifying war, nor must it be seen as triumphalist.' Instead, the service – to be attended by members of the Royal Family and senior political and military figures – will focus on the 'pan-European' implications of the battle and the century of peace that followed. Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg, who is bidding to be re-elected as a Somerset MP, said: 'Waterloo was a triumph of good versus evil. Napoleon was responsible for between three million and 6.5 million deaths. 'Two hundred years on, it is ridiculous to spare the blushes of the French by not celebrating the battle for what it was. What next? Will we ask France to apologise for the Battle of Hastings?' The service of commemoration, to take place on the 200th anniversary of Waterloo on June 18, will be the centrepiece of a series of events to mark the battle. Waterloo 200 chairman, Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, defended the 'no triumphalism' theme. Asked if it looked as though the service was designed to avoid embarrassing the French, he said: 'Some people may read it like that but it's not how we look at it.' He added that the enemy at Waterloo was Napoleon – not France as such. The commemoration was highlighting the effect of the battle on Europe, not the military campaign or the battle itself. 'What Waterloo brought in was an extended period of peace in Europe after a particularly horrible 20 years of war,' Sir Evelyn said. 'The commemoration looks forward to the European harmony that followed it.' Colin Brown, author of Scum Of The Earth, a new book about Waterloo, said Wellington would not have objected to the non-triumphalist tone. He added: 'The Duke strongly believed in the restoration of the status quo after the battle, including the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy in France.' The commemoration was highlighting the effect of the battle (illustrated) on Europe, organisers said . | Guests attending Battle of Waterloo anniversary service told not to gloat . Invitations to the event said it must not be seen as 'triumphalist' The move was criticised by politicians as 'absurd' political correctness . | 1321d777dcf4c9e9793f2ba850548dcdee0720c1 |
cnndm-34 | The state of Oklahoma has removed protection for gay people who use ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft. Initially, the Oklahoma Transportation Network Company Services Act included language that prohibited the companies from discriminating against customers based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, Sen. Jason Smalley has revealed he rewrote the bill to eliminate that language and allow private businesses to establish their own policies regarding discrimination. Controversy: Uber drivers in Oklahoma now have a right to refuse gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender customers who use the ride-sharing app . 'I believe if a private business owner wants to serve or not serve an individual, they have that purview right now,' said Smalley, a Republican. The new version of the bill faced fierce criticism from Sen. John Sparks, a Norman Democrat who tried unsuccessfully to amend the measure. He attempted to add requirements that any driver who wishes to discriminate against a customer based on sexual orientation or gender identity must advertise their intent on their vehicle and on the company's website. 'Why should you be able to discriminate?' Sparks said. 'We're talking about a level of civil conduct in the marketplace. Society has figured out that when you enter the marketplace, you should have an expectation of being treated fairly.' Uber and Lyft, among the most popular ridesharing programs, already have policies in place that prohibit discrimination against customers based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 'Uber's policy is to serve every neighborhood, every driver and every person who needs a ride,' company spokeswoman Jennifer Mullin said. Rewritten: Republican Sen. Jason Smalley (pictured) rewrote the bill to give drivers the option to discriminate . The company will continue to enforce its current terms of service, 'which make clear that discrimination in any form is not tolerated and will result in removal from the platform,' she said. Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom of Oklahoma, said in a statement that the group does not 'understand why a member of the Oklahoma Legislature wants to remove protections for [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] Oklahomans from a bill that is specific to an industry that already protects them, in their corporate policies. Oklahomans do not believe in discrimination, and it is time for ideological law makers to quit trying to distract from the real problems of our state by attacking the LGBT community.' | Initially, the Transport bill included language that protected LGBT users . But Senator Jason Smalley rewrote the bill to allow drivers to discriminate . | 908b9fd282a829f7c648bf6d643c14cf7d31b6ec |
cnndm-35 | Raheem Sterling was told in no uncertain terms by Liverpool supporters that they expect him to remain at the club this summer on the day he was parading the club's new home kit at Anfield. The new gingham design, presented to supporters at Anfield on Friday, is the first offering from US sports brand New Balance, who struck a record-breaking £300million four-year kit deal to replace sister company Warrior as Liverpool's suppliers. The message was 'Hold Nothing Back' as Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Martin Skrtel and Simon Mignolet unveiled the new home strip to fans in the Centenary Stand on Friday afternoon. Raheem Sterling (2nd r) models Liverpool's new kit alongside (l-r) Adam Lallana, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho . The Liverpool stars, including goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in his new jersey, made their way to Anfield to present the kit to the fans . Sturridge uploaded these photographs to his Instagram account as he posed with Sterling, Mignolet and Skrtel at the launch . New Balance struck a record-breaking £300million four-year kit deal to replace sister company Warrior as Liverpool's suppliers . It looks like (l-r) Skrtel, Mignolet, Sterling and Sturridge will all remain at Liverpool this season after unveiling in the new strip . Fans pack into the Centenary Stand on Friday afternoon to catch a glimpse of the New Balance strip . Raheem Sterling (left) and Daniel Sturridge (right) sit on stage while a Q&A is conducted at Anfield . The players arrive at Anfield as they prepare for the launch of the 2015/16 strip . Only a week ago, Sterling held nothing back with his stunning interview after rejecting a new £100,000-a-week deal at Liverpool. He also sensationally revealed that he was flattered to be linked with Arsenal to cast a huge question mark over his future. But Liverpool are adamant that the 20-year-old, who has two years left to run on his contract, will not be quitting this summer and are putting their shirt on him to stay. One fan shouted 'make sure we see you in that next season' at Sterling , and the heckle was greeted with applause. Sterling told an expectant audience: 'The fans are great. It's a massive boost when you come out of the changing room and hear them sing that song. You can't get better than that. While players also turned their attention to the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley next weekend. 'It's special to play at Wembley, especially because it's my home town,' Sterling said. And Sturridge added: 'Winning the FA Cup would be huge for everyone - players, fans and staff. We all want to have some success and we hope it's this season. Winning the Cup could be a platform for more success in the future. 'It's great to play in front of these fans. It's an unbelievable feeling. It's a cliche but it's true, they are our 12th man. every week we try to get 3 points for the fans. they mean a lot to us. ' (l-r) Sturridge, Emre Can, Martin Skrtel, Simon Mignolet and Coutinho pose with 'Hold Nothing Back' the message in the background . The memorial flame and number 96 is also on the shirt in tribute to the casualties at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 . Liverpool's 2015/16 home kit (left) and the home goalkeepers jersey (right) have been designed by sponsors New Balance . A close-up of the new Liverpool kit for 2015/16, which is US Sports brand New Balance's first for the club . Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush (left) were also at the launch of the kit at Anfield . Sterling is seen here wearing the new kit inside the club's home dressing room alongside team-mates Sturridge, Henderson, Adam Lallana and Phillipe Coutinho. Brazilian Coutinho was the hero in midweek as he helped Brendan Rodgers' side bounce back from last weekend's bruising Barclays Premier League defeat by Arsenal with a fine finish to book Liverpool a semi-final showdown with Aston Villa at Wembley next Sunday. Although departing captain Steven Gerrard won't be around to model Liverpool's new kit next season, his dream of bowing out in the FA Cup Final on his birthday, May 31, remains alive. The new shirt features all white branding — the New Balance logo, the Liverbird and the Standard Chartered logo, whilst there is an all-new style of collar. Skrtel said: 'It's a great design, I just hope it will bring us some luck and success.' The full home kit which Brendan Rodgers' players will be wearing at Liverpool during the 2015/16 season . Raheem Sterling told the BBC that he had rejected a £100,000-a-week contract at Liverpool prompting talk that he could leave the club . | Raheem Sterling poses with kit alongside Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana . Midfielder has been linked with a move away from Liverpool after refusing to sign new £100,000-a-week contract . New Balance struck a record-breaking £300m four-year kit deal to replace sister company Warrior at Liverpool . Captain Steven Gerrard did not model new strip as he prepares to leave for LA Galaxy in the summer . | ba9ef506bf1b44a03b9f6e45c879bd1cbb8ae133 |
cnndm-36 | A father who is feared to have fled to Syria with his partner and four young children was a member of a banned extremist group, it was reported last night. Asif Malik, 31, his partner Sara Kiran, 29, their daughter Zoha, seven, and their three sons Essa, four, Zakariva, two, and Yahya, one, were all caught on camera on a cross-Channel ferry. They left their home in Slough, Berkshire, without mentioning any holiday or travel plans to family members, which is out of character, police said. Scroll down for video . Detectives have released CCTV footage of Asif Malik, 31, his partner Sara Kiran, 29, and their four young children, who have been reported missing from Britain, at a busy ferry port as they apparently head to Syria . Police say Mr Malik (pictured with one of his young children) had told his family he wanted to 'go and live in a Muslim country' and the family left without mentioning any holiday or travel plans to relatives, it is claimed . Members of Mr Malik's family tonight said they had been left 'completely devastated' and issued a desperate plea for the six to return home. In a statement, they said: 'We are totally distraught, upset and in shock' Police have warned that the Muslim family, who were last seen in Slough, Berkshire on April 7, may be heading to Syria. They are pictured at Dover port before catching a ferry to Calais, France on April 8 . The family, from Slough in Berkshire, are believed to have boarded the Dover to Calais ferry just after midnight on April 8 before travelling south through Europe including to Budapest in Hungary on April 12 . Protest: Malik, seen holding the 'hands off Muslims!' sign, outside Regents Park Mosque last year - next to him is Abu Rumaysah who jumped bail to flee to Syria . But radical preacher Anjem Choudary said yesterday Malik was a member of the banned group Al-Muhajiroun and a 'champion for sharia' who regularly attended the group's demonstrations. Neighbours said the family were known to police and had been questioned on suspicion of terrorist involvement four years ago. Uniformed police waited for the family for three days before talking to them, they said. There will now be questions for police after they failed to stop a suspected extremist from slipping out of the country with his family. Choudary said Malik remained 'very influential in the community' after Al-Muhajiroun was banned five years ago. 'Back in the day he was a member until the group was banned. He was still part of our demonstrations and lectures but I hadn't seen him for a few months,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'Asif is a very good friend of mine. I haven't seen him for a while but from what I gather in the reports he and his family have left the country.' He added: 'He is a very studious man, a very good Muslim character. He was always a champion for sharia and is very influential in the community.' Choudary also criticised the Government for trying to restrict British Muslims from travelling to Syria. 'I think they want to live under sharia and escape the oppressive life they have in this country and under this government,' he added. Asif Malik (left), 31, and his partner Sara Kiran (right), 29, were reported missing from Slough, Berkshire, after their childrenl failed to show up to school and their grandmother became worried about their whereabouts . Zoha Malik (left), seven, and Essa Malik (right), four, are among the family's four children who are missing . The family were last seen on Tuesday, April 7, and were captured on CCTV boarding a ferry from Dover to Calais on Wednesday, April 8. They are believed to have travelled south through Europe by train and were seen in Budapest on Sunday, April 12, before making their way to Turkey. Relatives reported them missing to police on Thursday and officers are concerned they may be seeking to travel to Syria. Last night, Malik's family said they were 'completely devastated' by the family's sudden decision to leave Britain. 'All we wish for is your safe return and especially the return of the children. We are not angry with you, we are just heartbroken,' they said in an appeal to him. Zakariya Malik (left), two, and Yhaya Malik (right), one, were last seen with their family in Berkshire on April 7 . Mr Malik and Miss Kiran's last known address in Slough was in this block of flats (pictured on the left, above) Neighbours said today that police had broken down the door on Thursday night to enter the family's home . Thames Valley Police's Acting Deputy Chief Constable, John Campbell, said it was a 'real concern' they had reached Syria. 'I'm not suggesting for one moment that they are intending to join Islamic State,' he said. 'At the same time we know that [relatives] have voiced some concerns about the family's intentions. There's been a suggestion that [Malik] in the past has said that he would like to live in a Muslim state.' Acting deputy chief constable John Campbell (pictured at a press conference in Kidlington today) said Thames Valley Police is 'extremely concerned for the safety of this family, especially the four young children' The alarm was raised when some of the children failed to attend Claycots Primary School in Slough . Yesterday, the family's next-door neighbour said they had been in trouble with the police four years ago. He added: 'People were saying that they were extremists and that police were listening in on their phone calls. I think they were under surveillance. 'The police sat in the stairwell for three days waiting for them. 'It's such a shame. Those kids are now in danger because of what their parents believe in.' | Asif Malik, 31, Sara Kiran, 29, and their four children last seen on April 7 . Left Slough, headed to Calais by ferry and then took train across Europe . They have three boys aged one, two and four, and a seven-year-old girl . Thames Valley Police 'extremely concerned for the safety of this family' Anyone with information should call Thames Valley Police quoting reference 342 (19/4). | 86d58dc06cfd6515d087ecd6d128c41682062e1d |
cnndm-37 | Pep Guardiola was left purring at Bayern Munich's first-half performance against Porto as the club put a turbulent week behind them to storm in to the Champions League semi-finals. A 3-1 first leg defeat in Portugal last week followed by the dramatic resignation of long-serving club doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt had turned the spotlight on Guardiola heading in to the tie. But the Bayern boss reminded the watching world why he is considered by many to be the best manager in the business as his side raced in to a 5-0 lead before half-time on Tuesday night. Bayern Munich players celebrate in front of their fans after the 6-1 demolition of Porto on Tuesday night . Pep Guardiola looks animated as he issues instructions from the touchline at the Allianz Arena . 'It's easy to love my players now,' said Guardiola. 'I am the coach of extraordinary players. I didn't expect such a first half.' Typical of the man though, Guardiola found faults in Bayern's second half performance as Porto pulled back to 5-1 before Xabi Alonso added a late sixth. 'We can still play better,' he added. 'We lost the ball here and there and we can improve on that. We had a few problems in the second half. 'They had only a few chances but you should never relax in the Champions League.' Guardiola talks to captain Philipp Lahm (third right) as Mario Gotze (far left), Thiago and Thomas Muller listen in . It is believed that Muller-Wohlfahrt and his team resigned as they felt they were blamed for the first-leg defeat, though neither the doctor, the club or Guardiola have said as much in public. Bayern find out their semi-final opponents on Thursday with Guardiola's former club Barcelona already through to the last four and the winners of Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid and Monaco v Juventus to join them in the draw. Guardiola celebrates as Robert Lewandowski scores Bayern's fifth goal in the first half . | Bayern Munich beat Porto 6-1 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night . Result gave them a 7-4 aggregate victory in Champions League last eight . Bayern manager Pep Guardiola hailed his players after the match . READ: Luis Enrique 'happy' to see Pep Guardiola prove doubters wrong . | c84d155542c35f1f886090d0010a77a089bec29c |
cnndm-38 | A sign of Raheem Sterling’s tender years can be seen inked into his forearm. The image of Wembley, which overlooked his estate growing up, is clear amid a cluster of tattoos. Rather than those two famous towers, synonymous with the national stadium for 77 years, it is the arc, unveiled in 2007, that is unmistakable. Back then, Sterling was a young kid dreaming of a career in professional football, playing jumpers for goalposts on streets and in parks. Raheem Sterling has turned down a new deal with Liverpool and put off contract talks until the summer . Sterling has revealed that he will wait until the summer before making a decision on his future . The 20-year-old scored for England in their 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley last Friday night . Sterling impressed as part of England's front three but he has been used at wing back by Liverpool . Sterling pictured in Liverpool training on Thursday at their Melwood headquarters . Sterling and Daniel Sturridge share a joke in Liverpool training on Thursday at their Melwood base . The forward trains with his team-mates as they prepare to take on Arsenal on Saturday . He is still just 20, but much has changed. Sterling is now in position to reject contract offers of £100,000 per week from Liverpool, confident enough to express his views to the BBC without the knowledge of his club. ‘I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old,’ says the player aware of his value as much as his age and how those two factors are linked. He knows, with two years left on his £35,000-per-week deal, he holds the cards in discussions with one of the biggest clubs in English and European football. It has been quite a remarkable rise for Sterling since his days looking up at Wembley with hope in his heart and a ball under his arm; rapidly progressing along the ground and through the ranks. Sterling arrives at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Thursday morning . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hands out some instructions during Thursday's training session . The Liverpool manager prepares his team to take on Arsenal on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium . Sterling's current £35,000-a-week deal at Liverpool has two years to run at the end of this season . Neil Ashton broke the Sterling contract story on Monday - CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE . He was born in Maverley, Kingston, a tough Jamaican community where gun crime is rife and drug gangs rule, before moving across the Atlantic aged five to join his mother Nadine in north London along with three siblings. Living on the St Raphael’s estate meant the sounds of gunshots were never far away. Police labelled the adjoining Stonebridge estate a warzone in 2005. Rival gangs engaged in tit-for-tat shootings. ‘They were all dealing in crack cocaine and it was a fight for territory,’ said Detective Inspector Stephen Horsley in 2009. Sterling had his football and his mother, a source of inspiration and guidance. But he failed to settle in a mainstream primary school because of behavioural problems, finding escape at the Vernon House Special School, which he attended for three years. A decade ago he began to take his sport seriously. The English youngster spent seven years at Queens Park Rangers before moving to Liverpool in 2010 . He joined QPR's Centre of Excellence aged 11, and within three years was starring for the Under 18s . He joined Queens Park Rangers’ Centre of Excellence aged 11, and within three years was starring for the Under 18s. Mark Anderson and Frank McParland, Liverpool’s youth scout and academy director respectively, spotted Sterling star in these games and began their pursuit. At this time Sterling was taken under the wing of Tom Walley, a veteran youth coach who has worked with Ashley Cole and David James. Sterling’s pay has rocketed since he left QPR, where he would have been earning around £400 per week. After his move north, his first pro contract at Liverpool was worth £2,000 per week and his current deal earns him £35,000 per week as previously mentioned. Michael Calvin details in his book, The Nowhere Men, how Sterling would take part in pick-up games organised by Walley on a pitch in the back garden of the home of Tim Sherwood, then Tottenham’s technical co-ordinator. NEIL ASHTON: Just after 6pm most weekdays, Christian Nanetti counts his tips and rushes out the door of the new Soho eaterie Estado. Nanetti is a waiter now, blending into the London crowds as he heads for the Tube station to make his way out to Ashford, Kent, to train with his new club Dover Athletic. Four years ago Nanetti was an internet sensation, beating Raheem Sterling in Soccer AM’s iconic Skill Skool challenge in their battle over three rounds at QPR’s Harlington training centre. CLICK HERE to read on... A young Sterling poses for the camera during Soccer AM's Skill Skool in 2010 . Sterling's former team-mate Chris Nanetti (left) is now a waiter and plays for Dover Athletic . Sterling (right) performs some tricks as his academy pals and Nanetti (left) look on . Calvin writes that Spurs turned down the chance to sign Sterling for £200,000 because academy coaches were in disagreement over his long-term potential. Fulham were assured of his talent and had Sterling in their building before Liverpool swooped to take him to Merseyside aged 15 for £500,000. Shortly before travelling north, Sterling took part in Soccer Am’s Skill School challenge, facing another promising youngster Christain Nanetti. He is most recently of Dover Athletic, a tale of just how tough it is to make the kind of ascent Sterling has managed. He is close to completing his third full season as a Liverpool first-teamer having become the club’s second-youngest debutant aged 17 years and 107 days. Sterling has made 120 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in a 2-1 defeat by Wigan in 2012 . Sterling signs his £35,000-per-week contract with Ian Ayre (left) and Brendan Rodgers in 2012 . Rodgers points in the direction of Sterling during following a pre-season training session in 2012 . Both youthful and experienced, Sterling won the first of 14 England caps in November 2012. That call-up came three months after Brendan Rodgers admonished his player for uttering the word ‘steady’ during a pre-season training debrief. ‘You say steady to me again when I say something to you, you’ll be on the first plane back,’ said a pointing Rodgers in remarkably candid footage captured for Fox documentary Being: Liverpool. Sterling found himself in trouble with the law in August 2013, arrested on suspicion of assaulting girlfriend Shana Halliday. The Reds boss was angered by a comment from Sterling which the young forward denied . Rodgers warned the young players they must improve their attitudes during the exchange with Sterling . Sterling in action for the England Under 21s during an international friendly against Scotland in August, 2013 . Sterling maintained his innocence and the following month the case collapsed at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. A previous charge of common assault was dropped in May when a witness failed to show. Another of Sterling’s tattoos is the face and name of his daughter, Melody Rose, born in 2012 following a brief relationship. There were rumours Sterling had fathered more children by different mothers. This time last year he referred to those suggestions as ‘silly’, confirming he only has one child. The youngster embraces Rodgers after scoring for Liverpool in a 3-2 victory against Norwich in 2014 . The 20-year-old flew to Jamaica in January after being giving a mid-season break by Liverpool . This latest interview with the BBC was another attempt to set records straight. It did that, but perhaps not in the manner intended. No lines were drawn under his current contract talks, those stories will rumble on. Rather, his words illustrated a player fully comprehending his situation at Liverpool and in the market place. It has been a quick climb. Rodgers must convince Sterling to sign a deal that could be one of the biggest in club's history . Sterling scored a brilliant solo goal during Liverpool's 1-1 Capital One Cup semi-final draw with Chelsea . The Liverpool forward has now played 14 times for Roy Hodgson's England side . | Raheem Sterling turned down a £100,000-per-week offer from Liverpool . Sterling has two years left to run on his existing £35,000-a-week contract . The 20-year-old began his career at Queens Park Rangers in 2003 . He signed for Liverpool in 2010 after seven years with QPR . Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to England . Liverpool attacker wants to be known as 'a kid that loves to play football' | c039ee4295263d8d2411f82be1388320a8465725 |
cnndm-39 | Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao will be the biggest fight of all time financially and the most significant this century. Evaluating the greatest ever fights is a complex variable of several factors including not only the quality and excitement of the action but the political, social and cultural undertones, the scale of expectation and outside influences. Where Money Man vs PacMan comes to rank among the most important fights in ring history will depend upon what happens that coming night in the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Here is the second of my 12 most significant fights in boxing’s history. THE FIGHT AGAINST THE NAZIS . Yankee Stadium, New York . June 22, 1938 . Joe Louis vs Max Schmeling . Joe Louis (left) knocks out Max Schmeling in the first round to win the heavyweight title on June 22, 1938 . Although Herr Hitler was trumpeting Max Schmeling as a hero of the Third Reich following his knock-out victory over Joe Louis two years earlier, the German was anti-Nazi and remained so during World War II which was imminent at the time of the re-match. Louis had come back from that shock to win the world heavyweight title by defeating James J Braddock but announced he would not consider himself the true champion until he avenged the loss to Schmeling. The fight was billed as a political war between an America struggling to emerge from the Great Depression and a Germany provoking armed conflict in Europe by annexing Austria. Yet such was Schmeling’s distaste for being exploited by Adolf Hitler’s propaganda machine – and his loyal refusal to sack his Jewish manager – that his wife and mother were refused permission to travel to New York to support him in case he defected to the U.S. The social picture was clouded further by black America’s belief in Louis as a high-profile campaigner for Civil Rights. Louis is carried by his supporters ahead of his 1938 re-match with Schmeling . A poster for the rematch (left) while Louis and Schmeling shake hands at the weigh-in ahead of their fight . Jack Johnson vs James Jeffries . Louis, who had complacently trained on the links rather in the gym for the first fight, gave up golf and women in serious preparation for the return bout. President Franklin D Roosevelt invited Louis to the White House and told him: 'Joe, we need muscles like yours to beat the Germans.’ Louis would say: ‘The whole damned country was depending on me.’ Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Gregory Peck were among Hollywood celebrities in the 70,000 crowd, along with FBI boss J Edgar Hoover. Louis is pictured jumping aside as Schmeling falls after the knock-out . Louis had been tactically out-thought in their first fight so decided to go for broke from the first bell. A barrage of left hooks followed by a right to the body had Schmeling doubled-up in pain and referee Arthur Donovan gave him a standing eight count. Louis switched his attack to the head, dropping Schmeling twice, and Donovan called a halt only two minutes and 40 seconds into the fight. Louis, the Brown Bomber, had fractured Schmeling’s spine with his body attacks. As the man from Brandenburg was taken to hospital the ambulance passed through Harlem and he recalled later: ‘I could the noise of crowds dancing. Bands had left the bars and were playing on the sidewalks. Everywhere was filled with celebrations and saxophones.’ Louis goes on the attack against Schmeling as he gains revenge after defeat two years earlier . Schmeling would be forcibly conscripted as a German paratrooper war but served only briefly and his resistance to Hitler made him a hero in his country for a second time, after the war. He invested in successful businesses and lived until shortly before his 100th birthday, in 2005. Louis lost his money and became a greeter at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. His old friend Schmeling visited him there once every year until his death in 1981, when he acted as a pall-bearer at Louis’ funeral. | Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao's fight will be the richest ever . Sportsmail's Jeff Powell is counting down the ring's most significant fights . Joe Louis' 1938 re-match with Max Schmeling is the second in the series . | 1693d9d6a25bacfac15bdf2e9f2dbbbe94a705ba |
cnndm-40 | A part-time worker had the shock of her life after she was ordered to pay more three quadrillion pounds in pension contributions. The blunder at the pensions office in Essen, in the North Rhine-Westphalia area of Germany saw a letter sent out the woman asking for £3,351,978,728,190,661. The bill is more than a thousands times than the whole of Germany's annual gross domestic product. How much is one quadrillion? This graphic shows what one quadrillion pennies would look like stacked on top of each other. The block would dwarf the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Empire State Building and London's Shard . The £3.35 billion is also enough to pay the UK government debt nearly 2,000 times over. In fact, the customer's real contributions should only have been around a few hundred pounds. A quadrillion, is a thousand times one trillion, (a million times a million) in the American system. So a quadrillion is ten to the power of 15 or 1,000,000,000,000,000. In the British system, one quadrillion is ten to the power of 24 or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. However, in most English speaking countries, including the UK, the American system is the accepted. A spokesman for the office said the mistake was made when a pensions office worker accidentally copied a customer number into the form, rather than the amount outstanding. 'Yes, the letter did in fact go out like that,' pensions office spokesman Wolfgang Buschfort confirmed to The Local on Wednesday. 'As far as I know, this is the only time anyone has been called on to make such a large incorrect payment. The error was spotted before the office attempted to debit the massive sum from the bank account of the woman, from the Schwarzwald in Baden-Württemberg. Mr Buschfort added that with 26,000 employees working at the pensions office, mistakes were inevitable. The only evidence of the blunder that remained was the eye watering 16 figure demand letter. A part-time worker had the shock of her life after she was ordered to pay more three quadrillion pounds in pension contributions . | A woman was accidentally ordered to pay £3.35 quadrillion to her pension . Massive sum is more than the entire Gross Domestic Product of Germany . Blunder by pensions office was discovered before any money was taken . | 4fd303aaa415e7d70c3a9e135df0c28dbd1891bf |
cnndm-41 | As family infighting continues, Bobby Brown has visited his stricken daughter Bobbi Kristina in hospital. On Monday, as the 22-year-old's loved ones were split over whether she had awoken from her coma as her father had claimed, the 46-year-old signer spent time at the DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, where his daughter is being cared for. The daughter of Whitney Houston was recently moved from Emory University Hospital - where she had been treated since being found unresponsive on January 31 - so she could be provided with long term care. Scroll down for video . Continued dedication: As family infighting continues, Bobby Brown visited his stricken daughter Bobbi Kristina at the DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, Georgia, on Monday . While over the weekend Bobby claimed his daughter was awake, her maternal grandmother Cissy Houston clarified to People on Monday that her granddaughter 'is no longer in a medically induced coma' but is not awake nor expected to ever fully recover. Despite this, Bobby looked in good spirits as he visited his daughter flanked by friends and family members. The New edition frontman took time out with one of the medical staff, who spent some time talking to him outside of the hospital. 'She's watching me': Bobby Brown shocked fans on Saturday by revealing that 'Bobbi is awake,' during a Dallas concert on Saturday . Fight for her life: Bobbi Kristina was found unconscious on January 31 (pictured in October 2012) The hospital staff member, appeared to be doing most of the talking as Bobbi listened. After their chat, the musician gave the woman a big hug before sparking up a cigarette and pacing outside of the hospital. Bobby, shocked fans on Saturday by revealing that 'Bobbi is awake,' during a Dallas concert on Saturday. And on Monday, the former New Edition hitmaker released an official statement about his child writing: 'Bobbi Kristina's condition has changed and there has been improvement.' Looking for answers: The New edition frontman (front right) took time out with one of the medical staff, who spent some time talking to him outside of the hospital . Trying to understand: The hospital staff member, appeared to be doing most of the talking as Bobbi listened . Status not confirmed: It is understood Bobbi underwent a tracheotomy (which the staff member appeared to be discussing) and while she can breath on her own, doctors have kept the trach tube in . While Bobby remains adamant his daughter is awake, his ex-wife's 81-year-old mother has insisted her one time son-in-law is being far too optimistic, saying that even though Bobbi is no longer in a coma, she is irreversibly brain damaged and said that only a miracle could save her. In a new statement, Cissy said: 'I have just returned from visiting my granddaughter Bobbi Kristina in the hospital and while she is no longer in a medically induced coma, she has a tracheotomy and according to the doctors she has global and irreversible brain damage and remains unresponsive. Being well cared for: After their chat, the musician gave the woman a big hug . Still stressed: The singer sparked up a cigarette and pacing outside of the hospital after his chat with the hospital staffer . 'Meeting with the doctors and understanding that she can live in this condition for a lifetime truly saddens me. 'We can only trust in God for a miracle at this time. Keep us in your prayers.' A family source told TMZ: 'They have no idea where Bobby Brown is getting his information that Bobbi Kristina is awake, not do they know why Tina said she's awake and no longer on life support.' The other side: Bobbi's grandmother Cissy Houston (pictured in June 2012) said that her granddaughter is not awake but is 'is no longer in a medically induced coma but has global and irreversible brain damage and remains unresponsive' Sad update: 'Meeting with the doctors and understanding that she can live in this condition for a lifetime truly saddens me' (pictured in April 2013) Bobby's lawyer Christopher Brown said in a statement: 'Bobbi Kristina’s condition has changed since moving from Emory University Hospital and there has been improvement. Doctors have indicated that she will have a long life. 'However, Bobbi Kristina is presently embarking on a rehabilitation process and the quality of her life will not be known for years to come. We thank everyone that supports Bobbi Kristina and God is hearing our prayers.' On Monday, Bobby's second wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown - who is currently pregnant with the couple's second child - also released a statement about Bobbi Kristina. By her side: The 46-year-old singer and his second wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown released official statements about Bobbi Kristina on Monday (pictured together leaving Emory University hospital on February 6) 'My husband made an attempt to correct the negative comments he must endure on a daily basis from both family and the public regarding his daughter’s medical condition. He is encouraged by the steps that Bobbi Kristina has made since her hospitalization on January 31, 2015. 'She has made it out of ICU, opened her eyes, and started a rehabilitation that will be long and hard. We will hold on to all the blessings GOD gives us to help her at this time and we look forward to her having a relationship with her unborn sister as our family grows in love and faith.' Adding: 'I just wish my husband could deal with this most painful and difficult time with people surrounding him who fully support and pray for Bobbi Kristina’s recovery and only her recovery. Life is the most precious thing that we all have.' 'My husband made an attempt to correct the negative comments': Alicia - who is currently pregnant with the couple's second child - tried to clarify Bobby's statements (pictured April 16) Brown family: Bobbi Kristina's aunt Tina Brown took to her Facebook page echoing a similar statement of Bobby's on Saturday, that has since been taken down . Bobbi Kristina's aunt Tina Brown took to her Facebook page echoing a similar statement of Bobby's on Saturday, that has since been taken down. 'So many messages, sorry can't answer them all right now but I will get to them later..just allow me this time with my family,,yes,she woke up and is no longer on life support!!!!!:):)God is good!!thanks for your prayers,,still a process,but she is going to be ok (sic).' In March, the only daughter of Whitney and Bobby was moved from Emory University hospital - where she stayed for two months - to a rehabilitation facility in Atlanta. Her legacy: Bobbi Kristina is the only child of the late icon who was found face down and unresponsive in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 11, 2012 (pictured just days before her death) In late February, her doctors attempted to take out of her medically induced coma but she began having violent seizures and was placed back on life support. Bobbi Kristina's mother Whitney was found face down and unresponsive in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 11, 2012. Autopsy concluded that the 48-year-old icon had accidentally drowned and listed heart disease and cocaine as contributors to her death. | Bobby Brown has maintained his daughter is awake from her coma . Maternal grandmother Cissy Houston updated fans clarifying that her grandchild is 'no longer in a medically induced coma' But Cissy explained that her granddaughter is irreversibly brain damaged and unresponsive . The hospitalised woman's 46-year-old father told fans at a Dallas concert on Saturday that 'Bobbi is awake. She's watching me' On Monday, his wife Alicia tried to clarify Bobby's statement saying 'she has made it out of ICU and opened her eyes' A source close to the Houston family shared that they 'have no idea where Bobby is getting his information' The 22-year-old only child of the late Whitney Houston was first hospitalized on January 31 after being found face down and unconscious in a bathtub at her Georgia home . | 6fcec5c5df13821cfb8d9aabdd9bacd6bdfd4b7d |
cnndm-42 | Ed Miliband has explicitly ruled out allowing another Scottish independence referendum, as he bids to ease voters' concerns about the prospect of any future SNP-Labour alliance. The Labour leader said a second independence poll 'ain't going to happen' even if he becomes Prime Minister with the support of SNP MPs next month. Mr Miliband's intervention came as the former prime minister John Major warned that the SNP was 'merely waiting for a good excuse to put separation back on the agenda'. Labour leader Ed Miliband, interviewed on the BBC this morning, explicitly ruled out allowing another Scottish independence referendum . Mr Major said the SNP would break their pledge not to hold another referendum 'for a generation'. He said the SNP were 'determined to prise apart the United Kingdom'. Former foreign secretary William Hague added that SNP could be 'calling the tune' if Ed Miliband became PM on the back of SNP support. He said this would mean: 'The people who want to break up the United Kingdom will be running the United Kingdom.' But Mr Miliband this morning accused the Tories of 'threatening the integrity of the United Kingdom' by talking up the prospects of Scottish nationalists in the May 7 General Election. The Labour leader insisted there would be no coalition with the SNP and flatly ruled out holding another referendum. He told BBC1's Breakfast that he had 'fundamental differences' with the SNP – including on a second independence referendum within five years. He said, adding: 'I'm not having that.' The Labour leader said a second independence poll 'ain't going to happen' even if he becomes Prime Minister with the support of SNP MPs next month . Labour party leader Mr Miliband addresses an audience during a campaign stop in Manchester this morning . Mr Miliband said Mr Cameron had been 'talking up' the SNP in the hope that it would take votes and seats from Labour north of the border and allow him to 'crawl back' into 10 Downing Street. 'I think David Cameron is playing fast and loose with the United Kingdom,' said the Labour leader. 'This is somebody who has given up hope of winning a majority. He is trying to boost the SNP. 'I think David Cameron is now threatening the integrity of the UK with the games he is playing. And I think Conservatives are now ashamed of what he is doing.' Mr Miliband cited Conservative former Cabinet minister Lord Forsyth who has warned that the party's tactic of targeting a Labour-SNP link-up was 'short-term and dangerous' and could ultimately damage the Union. In a BBC interview last night, the Labour leader insisted he would not be dictated to by the nationalists, even if he had to govern without an overall majority in the new parliament. But Sir John Major said that, in practice, Mr Miliband would be forced to accede to the SNP's demands or face the collapse of his government. 'If Labour were to accept an offer of support from the SNP, it could put the country on course to a government held to ransom on a vote-by-vote basis,' he said. Mr Miliband's intervention came as the former prime minister John Major warned that the SNP was 'merely waiting for a good excuse to put separation back on the agenda' Sir John added: 'Labour would be in hock to a party that - slowly but surely - will push them ever further to the left. And who would pay the price for this? We all would. We would all pay for the SNP's ransom in our daily lives - through higher taxes, fewer jobs, and more and more debt. 'This is a recipe for mayhem. At the very moment our country needs a strong and stable government, we risk a weak and unstable one - pushed to the left by its allies, and open to a daily dose of political blackmail.' The former premier pointed to the way that Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy has already suggested that funds raised from the party's planned 'mansion tax' in England could go to Scotland. 'If a Labour leader asks for that, how much more will the SNP demand?' Sir John is expected to say. 'And if this is the way Labour intends to behave towards England, how can they say no to the SNP? And if Labour did say no, the SNP could withdraw support and bring down the government at any time.' SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon addressed the Scottish Trade Union Congress during a campaign visit to in Ayr this morning . MsSturgeon poses for a selfie with supporters during a campaign visit to in Ayr today, after launching the party's manifesto yesterday . With the opinion polls pointing to a hung parliament with the SNP holding the balance of power as the third largest party, the threat of a nationalist link-up with Labour has emerged as the main Conservative line of attack in the election campaign. The tactic has caused misgivings among some Tories. Lord Forsyth - who served as Scottish secretary in Sir John's government - warned that building up the SNP to undermine support for Labour in England could ultimately damage the Union. 'We've had the dilemma for Conservatives, which is they want to be the largest party at Westminster and therefore some see the fact that the nationalists are going to take seats in Scotland will be helpful,' he told the Guardian. 'But that is a short-term and dangerous view which threatens the integrity of our country.' He said Mr Cameron's call for 'English votes for English laws' in the aftermath of last year's Scottish independence referendum vote had 'shattered the unionist alliance against the break-up of the United Kingdom'. Labour MP David Lammy this morning admitted that the party would strike a deal with the SNP after the election . Meanwhile, former Labour minister and London mayoral contender David Lammy suggested that the party could 'do business' with the SNP after the election. 'I think we can win this election. But clearly, after the General Election, you would forge common alliance with parties that you can actually do business with and the SNP must be part of that story,' he told ITV News. 'I still think Labour can form the next government and that's what I am fighting for. But, yes, there is common ground with other parties and the SNP would be included in that and we may need to enter into discussion after the General Election.' | The Labour leader said he would not grant the SNP a second referendum . His remarks come amid growing warnings over an SNP-Labour alliance . John Major said the SNP were 'waiting for a good excuse' for a second poll . | cc762fe5020dc71c9470bc50bc168ce4aab65ca1 |
cnndm-43 | Players' chief Gordon Taylor insists Raheem Sterling is not being disloyal to Liverpool by putting any further talks about a new contract on hold until the summer. The 20-year-old England player has been made what manager Brendan Rodgers described as 'an incredible offer', believed to be £100,000-a-week, but negotiations have ended in stalemate. Sterling has insisted he is not a 'money grabber' and Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, believes waiting until the season is over before resuming talks could be a wise move. Raheem Sterling admitted in a TV interview that he is not ready to sign a new contract at Liverpool . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described the £100,000-a-week contract offer as an 'incredible offer' PFA Chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended Sterling for postponing contract negotiations . Taylor said: 'I don't think it's meant to be a sign of disloyalty to Liverpool. 'Even Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool man all his career, had to think about his situation from time to time when there was a great deal of interest in him from other clubs. 'As a player with two years left on his contract he's obviously entitled to consider his options. 'It is a little bit untidy however when the negotiating is taking place in the full glare of the media. 'It's the nature of the game now and it is not necessarily a bad thing for both the club and the player to concentrate on football and leave things on the contract until the end of the season. Sterling has been linked with a move to Arsenal and leading clubs in Spain . Sterling scored for England in their Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania on Friday evening . 'They will want to focus on the run-in, the race for the top four and the Champions League places, and the FA Cup as well, and sometimes contract negotiations are the last thing you want to be worrying about.' Taylor added that he was confident Sterling was aware of what he owed to Liverpool and Rodgers. He said: 'Raheem has got to feel very close to Liverpool and he will be aware that they have looked after him, that the manager Brendan Rodgers has put his faith in him and given him his opportunity.' | Sterling's talks with Liverpool over new deal have ended in stalemate . England star, 20, insists he is not a 'money grabber' after turning down £100,000-a-week contract offer tabled by Liverpool . PFA boss Taylor says resuming talks in the summer is a wise move . The rise of Raheem Sterling: From £60 a day at QPR to knocking back £100,000-per-week contracts at Liverpool . Liverpool FC press conference: As Raheem Sterling hints at possible exit, find out what Brendan Rodgers has to say . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news . | 140c44e0ccb97404edfeb10078bf0917efa07da5 |
cnndm-44 | A new diet could more than halve a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. Experts said the diet, known by the acronym MIND, could reduce the risk of the illness even if it not meticulously followed. The 'Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay' (MIND) diet includes at least three daily servings of wholegrains and salad – along with an extra vegetable and a glass of wine. The new diet could more than halve a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, new research has found, and even has an effect when a person doesn't follow it meticulously . These 'brain-healthy foods' lowered the risk of Alzheimer's by 53 per cent in those who stuck to the diet rigidly. For those that followed it moderately well, it lowered the risk by about 35 per cent. Professor Martha Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist of the Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, said: 'One of the more exciting things about this is that people who adhered even moderately to the MIND diet had a reduction in their risk for Alzheimer's disease. 'I think that will motivate people.' Professor Morris and her colleagues developed the MIND diet based on years of past research about what foods and nutrients have good and bad effects on the functioning of the brain. This is the first study to relate the MIND diet to Alzheimer's disease. 'I was so very pleased to see the outcome we got from the new diet,' she said. The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, both of which have been found to reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions, like high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Wine is a 'healthy brain food', researchers said . 10 HEALTHY BRAIN FOODS: . Green leafy vegetables . Other vegetables . Nuts . Berries . Beans . Wholegrains . Fish . Poultry . Olive oil . Wine . 5 UNHEALTHY BRAIN FOODS: . Red meats . Butter and margarine . Cheese . Pastries and sweets . Fried or fast food . Some researchers have found that the two older diets provide protection against dementia as well. In the latest study, the MIND diet was compared with the two other diets. People with high adherence to the DASH and Mediterranean diets also had reductions in Alzheimer's disease— 39 per cent with the DASH diet and 54 per cent with the Mediterranean diet. However, the diets had negligible benefits when people only adhered to it moderately. Professor Morris added that the MIND diet is also easier to follow than the Mediterranean diet, which calls for daily consumption of fish and three to four daily servings of fruits and vegetables. The MIND diet has 15 components, including 10 'brain-healthy food groups' — green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine. It also has five unhealthy groups that comprise red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast food. The MIND diet includes at least three servings of wholegrains, a salad and one other vegetable every day — along with a glass of wine. It also involves snacking most days on nuts and eating beans every other day or so, poultry and berries at least twice a week and fish at least once a week. Dieters must limit eating the designated unhealthy foods, eating less than one tablespoon of butter a day and eating cheese, fried or fast food to less than once a week. Limiting these foods is essential to have a real shot at avoiding the devastating effects of Alzheimer's, according to the study. Berries are the only fruit specifically to make the MIND diet. Professor Morris said: 'Blueberries are one of the more potent foods in terms of protecting the brain,' adding that strawberries have also performed well in past studies of the effect of food on cognitive function. The diet suggests 10 brain-healthy foods including wholegrains, salad, vegetables, berries, nuts, beans, olive oil, poultry and fish . The MIND diet was not an intervention in this study, however; researchers looked at what people were already eating. Participants earned points if they ate brain-healthy foods frequently and avoided unhealthy foods. The one exception was that participants got one point if they said olive oil was the primary oil used in their homes. The study enlisted volunteers already participating in the ongoing Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), which began in 1997 among residents of Chicago-area retirement communities and senior public housing complexes. An optional 'food frequency questionnaire' was added from 2004 to February 2013, and the MIND diet study looked at results for 923 volunteers. The diet advises limiting butter to one tablespoon a day and limiting cheese, pastries, sweets and fast or friend food to once a week . A total of 144 cases of Alzheimer's disease developed in this group of people. The disease, which takes a devastating toll on cognitive function, is not unlike heart disease in that there appear to be 'many factors that play into who gets the disease,' including behavioral, environmental and genetic components, Professor Morris said. She continued: 'With late-onset Alzheimer's disease, with that older group of people, genetic risk factors are a small piece of the picture.' Past studies have yielded evidence that suggests what we eat may play a significant role in determining who gets the illness and who doesn't, Professor Morris added. When the researchers in the new study left out of analysis of participants who changed their diets somewhere along the line — say, on a doctor's orders after a stroke — they found there was a stronger link between the MIND diet and more favourable outcomes in terms of Alzheimer's disease. The diet's developer said blueberries are 'one of the more potent foods in terms of protecting the brain' He said: 'That probably means that people who eat this diet consistently over the years get the best protection.' In other words, it looks like the longer a person eats the MIND diet, the less risk that person will have of developing Alzheimer's, Professor Morris said. As is the case with many health-related habits, including physical exercise, she said, 'You'll be healthier if you've been doing the right thing for a long time.' She added that the study did not establish a cause and effect relationship between the MIND diet and a lowered risk of Alzheimer's. Other studies on different populations would need to be carried out to do this, she said. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging. | Called the 'Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay' Diet even reduces Alzheimer's risk by 35% if not meticulously followed . Includes 10 healthy food groups like fish, poultry, olive oil, beans and nuts . Involves avoiding unhealthy brain foods like cheese, butter and sweets . | b26fa742f0d00ddf5c6475d2c1d330dc6136dd9f |
cnndm-45 | Ahead of this weekend's Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Burnley's home clash with Tottenham... Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur (Turf Moor) Team news . Burnley . Burnley defender Stephen Ward should be back in contention for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against Tottenham after overcoming an ankle injury. Midfielder Matt Taylor, who has not featured since August, is also nearing a return after resuming training following his recovery from achilles surgery. Stepehn Ward (left) tries to deny Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain possession of the ball along with team-mate Jason Shackell earlier this season . The Clarets have no fresh injury concerns following the international break but Dean Marney and Kevin Long (both cruciate ligament) remain on the long-term absentee list. Provisional squad: Heaton, Gilks, Mee, Duff, Shackell, Keane, Reid, Ward, Trippier, Barnes, Wallace, Arfield, Jones, Boyd, Kightly, Vokes, Jutkiewicz, Ings, Sordell. Tottenham . Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will miss Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at Burnley because of a knee injury. Full-back Danny Rose will be assessed after returning early from an England call-up with hamstring and hip issues. Hugo Lloris picked up a knee injury in Tottenham's 4-3 victory over Leicester before the international break . Forward Roberto Soldado (knee) is another concern. Provisional squad: Vorm, Dier, Rose, Vertonghen, Walker, Mason, Townsend, Eriksen, Bentaleb, Chadli, Kane, Friedel, Chiriches, Adebayor, Lamela, Davies, Dembele, Paulinho. Kick-off: Sunday, 1.30pm - Sky Sports 1 . Odds (subject to change): . Burnley 12/5 . Draw 23/10 . Tottenham 23/20 . Referee: Martin Atkinson . Managers: Sean Dyche (Burnley), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham) Head-to-head league record: Burnley wins 35, draws 22, Tottenham wins 34 . Key match stats (supplied by Opta) The Clarets have scored just 14 goals in 15 Premier League home games this season. Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 Premier League away matches. This will be the fourth meeting between these two sides this season after Spurs won their home league fixture and also won at home in the replay after a draw at Turf Moor in the FA Cup. Burnley have only won six of their last 28 Premier League home matches (W6 D10 L12), but Spurs were one of their victims in a 4-2 win in May 2010. Tottenham haven’t lost back to back Premier League away games since March 2014. Tottenham and Burnley have already clashed at Turf Moor this season, with the clubs drawing 1-1 in the FA Cup. Here Nacer Chadli of Spurs (left) tries to dodge a challenge from Dean Marney . Burnley have been losing at half-time in 14 of their 30 Premier League games this season; more often than any other team. Harry Kane’s 19 Premier League goals this season have won Spurs 22 points – nine more than any other player in the PL has won for their side this season. Spurs have conceded seven Premier League penalties this season; more than any other side. The Clarets have conceded a league-high 17 headed goals in the Premier League this season. George Boyd has run a league-high 338.8kms in the Premier League this season, with Christian Eriksen just behind on 338.2kms. | Stephen Ward in contention for Burnley after overcoming ankle injury . Matt Taylor close to return having been out since August . Tottenham Hotspur without goalkeeper Hugo Lloris through knee injury . Danny Rose and Roberto Soldado also fitness concerns for Spurs . | 0a1b0e5973b8b7c52b5e3189b93f8d9bd09381ea |
cnndm-46 | UEFA have sensationally charged Pep Guardiola for wearing a t-shirt demanding justice for a journalist who died at last summer’s World Cup. Argentine Jorge Lopez was killed in a suspicious road accident while in Sao Paulo in July. Guardiola was sporting the top - which read ‘#JusticiaParaTopo’ - during his pre-match press conference before Bayern Munich emphatically dumped Porto out of the Champions League. The message appeared to support a campaign to investigate Lopez’s death. UEFA have charged Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola after he wore this t-shirt in a press conference . Guardiola wore the top demanding justice for Jorge 'El Topo' Lopez who died in a car crash at the World Cup . UEFA say Guardiola has been disciplined because of an ‘incident of a non-sporting nature’ Jorge 'El Topo' Lopez was killed when a taxi he was travelling back to his hotel in was hit by a stolen car . Lopez was killed when a taxi he was traveling back to his hotel in was hit by a stolen car being chased by police. UEFA revealed that the Spanish manager had been disciplined because of an ‘incident of a non-sporting nature’, in a move likely to cause public outcry. The European governing body’s disciplinary regulations read: ‘A breach of these principles is committed by anyone who uses sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature.’ They are to review the case on May 21. On wearing the shirt, Guardiola said: ‘Last week, the family has given me the T-shirt. I woke up this morning and knew that I would put it.’ Lopez was a highly regarded journalist in South America and his passing drew huge outpouring from the very top of the game. Last year Atletico Madrid boss and former Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone tweeted that Lopez was ‘not only a great journalist’ but ‘also a friend’ after hearing of the news. Lionel Messi dedicated Argentina's World Cup semi-final win to the 38-year-old, who died in Sao Paolo . FIFA, Diego Simeone and Javier Mascherano have also paid tribute to Lopez (pictured with Alfredo de Stefano) Jorge 'El Topo' Lopez was working for La Red Radio at the World Cup in Brazil, as well as Ole and Spanish publications AS and Sport. Married to Marca's Argentina correspondent, Veronica Brunatti, López was well connected in Spain, where he arrived to follow the career of Javier Saviola in 2001. Saviola and Topo Lopez remained close friends and he was Ole's correspondent in Barcelona, a newspaper he had worked with since its launch. He had worked as a journalist for two decades, covering River Plate and Argentina for Ole while collaborating with Spanish daily Sport while spending time back in Buenos Aires. In 2010 he became AS's correspondent in Argentina was the journalist closest to Lionel Messi and the many of his team-mates. Lionel Messi also dedicated Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win to the 38-year-old. ‘Big hug to all the Argentina fans and a very special memory for Jorge “Topo” Lopez,' wrote Messi after their penalties victory against Germany. 'This victory is especially for you, my friend. A big hug to the family, lots of strength.' Earlier this month Javier Mascherano devoted the launch of his new book to Lopez, while he and Messi were both pictured holding placards with the message on late last year. So too did legend Diego Maradona. Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have posed in front of a board during team photographs. FIFA also paid tribute to the journalist, with head of media Delia Fischer saying they 'would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Argentine journalist, Jorge Lopez'. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players line up in front of a #JusticiaParaTopo sign before a game in January . Diego Forlan holds up a sign demanding justice for the journalist who died in a car crash in Brazil . | Pep Guardiola wore #JusticiaParaTopo top in press conference on Monday . Several of football's biggest stars have paid tribute to Jorge Lopez . Argentine journalist was killed in a suspicious road accident in Sao Paolo . Lopez was in Brazil ahead of 2014 World Cup . UEFA say discipline is because of an ‘incident of a non-sporting nature’ | 3ff60c34e16efc00ce7c7f87a7816e59c63a6e1e |
cnndm-47 | Everyone knows the tortoise beat the hare, but this little fellow has gone one better and beaten two cheetahs. These pictures capture the amazing moment when one of the notoriously slow-moving reptiles escaped becoming big cat fast food by retreating into its shell before scuttling off across desert sands. The baffled cheetahs surrounded the tortoise and attempted to scare it out of its shell with snarls but the reptile kept well tucked up inside its tough exterior forcing the big cats to wander off in search of another snack. Hard target: The tortoise attempts a quick getaway under the watchful eye of one of the curious cheetahs . Confused: The two cheetahs exchange glances as they move in to size up their potential meal . The intriguing scene was captured by John Mullineux, a chemical engineer from Secunda, South Africa. He said: 'While driving on the sandy tracks of the Kalahari Desert in South Africa, I came across two cheetahs lying in the shade near the road. 'Shortly after I stopped, they got up and slowly headed to the dunes. 'Halfway up the red sandy dune the younger one stopped to inspect a tortoise, the older one also stopped and tried to bite the shell but couldn't manage it. Now you see me: The tortoise retreats into its shell as the big cats get too close for comfort . Snarl: One of the cheetahs gets up close and personal to the little reptile and tries to scare it out of its shell . 'By the time the older cheetah had made it to the top of the dune, the younger one decided to run off and follow rather than spend more time at the hard meal. 'The tortoise then casually moved on as if nothing unusual had happened. From a young age I have loved cheetahs for their elegance and speed - seeing two so close was dream but seeing them size up their lunch was unique. 'It was something that was both exciting and naturally beautiful at the same time.' Slow and steady: The tortoise continues his escape across the sands of the Kalahari desert in South Africa . John Mullineux, a chemical engineer from Secunda, South Africa,spotted the scene while driving along a desert track . One of the cheetahs appears to admit defeat and wander off throwing a last glance of its shoulder at the lucky tortoise . | Amazing scene captured on film in South Africa's Kalahari Desert . Two of the big cats approach the little reptile as it scuttled across the sands . But they were denied their meal and forced to wander off disappointed . | e3b38ff7835f48c6933e78e9b7203a40164b5687 |
cnndm-48 | (CNN)Saturday at the Masters, like any PGA tournament, has been dubbed 'Moving Day'. It's the day after the fat has been cut and the big dogs make their move up -- or occasionally down -- the leader board. Players rose and players fell away on Moving Day at the 2015 Masters. Rory McIlroy went out in 32 and briefly raised the crowd's hopes that he had a sniff of completing an improbable Grand Slam on Sunday night. But he dropped two shots late on in the round to finish six under par. Woods comeback? A rejuvenated Tiger Woods showed touches of his old class mixed with the ragged unpredictability that has marked his new game to finish six under too. A huge improvement, but still a long way from him wearing the green jacket again. "It could have been a super low today," a disappointed Woods said after his round. "All in all. It should have been two shots better." Phil Mickelson powered around the course, threatening to challenge too, finishing on eleven under. As did a late Justin Rose surge, where he fired four birdies in a row to finish twelve under and in second place. In the end, there was lots of moving, but no one could move quick enough or far enough to trouble Jordan Spieth. Infallible . The 21 year old has been nothing short of a sensation at Augusta. His infallible first two rounds gave the 21 year old from Dallas, Texas a five shot lead going in to the third round. That has happened only three times at Augusta before, and on all three occasions the leader has gone on to win. Spieth's 15 birdies are just 10 away from Phil Mickelson's Masters mark set in 2001. He could also break Tiger Woods 270 set in 1997. As it happened, Spieth played a steady, almost conservative round. When he made the occasional mistake, like the bogey at 15, he hit back straight away with a birdie next hole. As his third round came to a close the birdies flowed, his putting impeccable. The only nerves on show came during the last two holes with a double bogey at the 17. Echos of 1996? When reminded of some of the great Augusta comebacks, including Nick Faldo's 11 shot swing in 1996, Tiger Woods still believes anything is possible. "It really is," he said. "We saw what happened in 1996. You never know. It depends on the conditions." He is, of course, right. As Greg Norman knows only too well, anything can happen on the final day. But that kind of crescendo also depends on Spieth experiencing a Greg Norman-style meltdown. Spieth's double bogey on the 17th and wobble on the 18th will give the chasing pack some hope. Yet, for all the movement of Mickelson, Woods, Rose and McIlroy, they made just a one shot dent into Spieth's second round lead. He will begin Sunday four shots ahead. | Jordan Spieth holds lead in 2015 Masters . Strong starts from McIlroy and Woods . Both fall away as 21 year old Spieth takes control . | f555b81fb888354a9a83ba9acc1bdb18791441ca |
cnndm-49 | Britain is on course to be the second fastest growing major economy in the world, in a major boost for George Osborne who said it was 'proof our economic plan is working'. The International Monetary Fund predicts the UK economy will grow by 2.7 per cent this year and 2.3 per cent in 2016, beaten only by the United States. It comes as the Tories were buoyed by the news that inflation remains at zero per cent, with food and fuel prices down sharply year on year. Britain is on course to be the second fastest growing major economy in the world, in a major boost for George Osborne. The International Monetary Fund predicts the UK economy will grow by 2.7 per cent this year and 2.3 per cent in 2016, beaten only by the United States . Low oil prices are expected to help bolster steady growth in the UK. In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF predicted world growth of 3.5 per cent this year, unchanged from its previous projection in January. Its forecast for UK growth this year remains at 2.7 per cent though for next year it is cut from 2.4 per cent to 2.3 per cent. It said: 'In the United Kingdom, lower oil prices and improved financial market conditions are expected to support continued steady growth.' Chancellor George Osborne told MailOnline: 'These IMF growth forecasts for the UK are further proof our economic plan is working. 'But this growth, and the jobs and security it brings, would all be put at risk with the chaos of an Ed Miliband/Scottish Nationalist government. 'So we must keep on working through our economic plan and finish the job. 'This is the only way to deliver an economy that offers working people security at every stage of their lives.' David Cameron today warned that growth in the UK could be put at risk if the Tories are not returned to power. He urged voters to 'see this plan through and Britain will keep exporting, growing, job-creating, and yes – we'll be back in the black but only if Conservatives are back in Government'. He added: 'The next five years are much, much more important than the past five. Because having rescued our economy and set Britain back on her feet, now is our chance to truly finish the job, to make this a country where those who work hard and do the right thing can enjoy a good life.' David Cameron today warned that growth in the UK could be put at risk if the Tories are not returned to power . The IMF said global expansion this year 'will be driven by a rebound in advanced economies supported by the decline in oil prices'. But global prospects were 'uneven' with growth slipping back in emerging economies. There would be weaker activity for some major oil exporters, with the Russian economy - also hit by tensions over Ukraine - expected to shrink by 3.8 per cent this year, worse than the previously estimated 3 per cent. The IMF said that while risks to global growth 'are now more balanced' than six months ago, they 'remain tilted to the downside'. These included the danger of low inflation in countries saddled by high debt, with the warning coming on the same day that official figures showed inflation falling to minus 0.01 per cent in the UK. Inflation remained at a record low of zero per cent for the second consecutive month, official figures revealed this morning . Inflation remained at a record low of zero per cent for the second consecutive month, official figures revealed this morning. It means that in the 12 months to March family living costs have not risen at all – while at the same time people's pay jumped by 1.8 per cent. Prices are being held down by the falling cost of food, fuel and women's clothes, the office for national statistics said this morning. Petrol prices fell by 13.7 per cent over the year to March, but saw a slight increase between February and March. The average petrol price rose by 3.8p per litre between February and March. The biggest price falls came from clothing and footwear which fell by 0.1 per cent between February and March. This is the first time that prices have fallen between February and March since month-on-month inflation was first measured. Normally prices rise as they recover following the January sales period. IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard said: 'A number of complex forces are shaping the prospects around the world. 'Legacies of both the financial and euro area crises - weak banks and high levels of public, corporate, and household debt - are still weighing on spending and growth in some countries.' The outlook for the US this year has been slashed by 0.5 per cent to 3.1 per cent while for the eurozone it has been upgraded from 1.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent, helped by low oil prices and a weaker single currency amid a 1.1 trillion euro (£790 billion) stimulus programme. The IMF still said conditions were ripe for 'robust US economic performance in 2015' but pointed to risks such as the strong dollar hitting exports and the low oil price suppressing investment in that sector. It said macroeconomic risks to global growth, such as a recession in the eurozone, had slightly decreased, but that financial and geopolitical risks had increased. The latter included below-target inflation in countries with high debt and low growth since the financial crisis, with little room to provide more monetary stimulus. The report said: 'Stagnation and low inflation in advanced economies, notwithstanding the recent upgrade to the near-term growth forecasts for some of these economies, could hamper the recovery.' It said prospects for some economies were 'clouded' by ageing populations, weak investment and lacklustre productivity growth as well as high debt both among governments and in the private sector. The report added: 'Inflation and inflation expectations in most advanced economies are below target and are in some cases still declining - a particular concern for countries with crisis legacies of high debt and low growth, and little or no room to ease monetary policy.' Financial risks could also include a further surge in the US dollar and strong market reactions as 'accommodative' monetary policies supporting recovery - such as low interest rates and money printing - start to be withdrawn. Geopolitical risks included tensions 'stemming from ongoing events in Ukraine, the Middle East and West Africa' which 'could generate regional and global spillover'. | International Monetary Fund says UK economy will grow by 2.7% this year . Only the United States will grow faster among world's biggest economies . New figures show inflation is still at 0%, with food and fuel prices down . | 2e3e3aff07c5fc92d7a058a6c852b9cf1c7c486f |
cnndm-50 | Two Air India pilots have been removed from duty after they reportedly got into a fight inside the cockpit of a plane shortly before it was scheduled to take off. The altercation involving the captain and co-pilot erupted while the plane was being prepared for a 50-minute journey from Delhi to Jaipur last night. Both pilots have been derostered after the captain of flight AI611 complained that the co-pilot had misbehaved and struck him, the Times of India reported. An Air India captain claims a co-pilot misbehaved and struck him during an altercation in the cockpit (file) An Air India spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Both the pilots have been derostered. An inquiry has been ordered into this.’ The airline insists the altercation was limited to a verbal argument, and there was no physical violence. The Times of India, quoting a source, reported that the captain was assaulted after he asked the co-pilot to record ‘critical take-off figures’ for the flight, including the number of passengers on board, take-off weight and fuel. Instead of immediately reporting the incident in Delhi, which would have led to the cancellation of the flight, the captain flew the plane to Jaipur and then informed Air India staff. Indian aviation officials have launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether any of the parties involved should be disciplined. Reports suggest that the captain was assaulted after asking the co-pilot to record information before take-off . A report by the Times of India said that the co-pilot has faced similar accusations in the past. Three years ago he told the captain of a flight to exit the cockpit, ‘remove the stars on his shirt collar’ and fight him, while a complaint filed two years ago from another captain questioned the co-pilot’s mental health and claimed he was ‘rude and unbecoming’. Last night’s incident comes at a sensitive time for the commercial aviation industry following the tragedy involving Germanwings flight 4U9525. Investigators believe 27-year-old co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed the plane into the French Alps – killing everyone on board – after locking the captain out of the cockpit on a flight from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. German newspaper Bild reported that Lubitz searched the internet for information on suicide and depression using the name ‘Skydevil’. | The captain claimed that the co-pilot assaulted him, Indian media reported . Air India insists the pair had an argument and there was no violence . Incident occurred shortly before the plane flew from Delhi to Jaipur . Reports suggest the co-pilot has faced similar accusations in the past . | 3d75dcc6f960d49d5b9373aec4b8ab49ff279bd4 |
cnndm-51 | A woman who notoriously flashed her K-cup breasts on Google Street View has been charged by police with disorderly behaviour. Karen Davis, from Port Pirie in South Australia, was captured streaking by a camera car for the popular Google Maps app, which allows users to zoom in on certain streets and towns in cities all over the world with a 360-degree view. Police released a statement alleging the 38-year-old mother 'pursued' the Google car to make sure she was captured exposing herself, and that it was an illegal act. Karen Davis (pictured) from Port Pirie has caused controversy after a picture appeared on Google Maps Street View showing her bearing her size-K breasts . 'The woman’s actions were the same as someone flashing their genitals and the public expectation is that we take action,' said Superintendent Scott Denny of Port Pirie police. 'Recently in Port Pirie we arrested a man for exposing himself in public - this incident is no different,' he said. 'It is not appropriate for anyone to expose themselves in public places. Our community should be able to expect a bit of decency.' Ms Davis will be summonsed to appear in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court at a date to be determined. In the image, Ms Davis can be seen holding her arms up in the air with her T-shirt hunched up around her neck bearing her breasts, as she follows the Google camera cars around the street. Her sons are playing in the background and an unknown man stands at the fence watching. Across the road, a neighbour is lounging on her outdoor furniture, watching the whole thing unfold. The 38-year-old, who plans to skydive topless for her 40th birthday, has hit back at the controversy over her actions, claiming that 'flat-tittie chicks' are not confident enough with their own bodies and should focus on how they look. Ms Davis had issues with her size-K breasts in her 20's and is finally ready to embrace them and she plans to skydive topless for her 40th birthday . The mother says she is happy the picture appeared online and thought it was funny . Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Ms Davis was in tears over the nasty comments coming from her community after she was branded a 'bad mother' and 'pure filth' for her raunchy behaviour. 'They are narrow-minded people who are not happy with their own bodies,' she said. Posting on her Facebook account, Ms Davis addressed the fact that she pursued the car through Barry Street in Port Pirie until they got the perfect shot and believes locals are jealous of her antics. 'Haters hate, you got the guts to do it?' she posted on Facebook after the photo went public. 'All the flat-tittie chicks think I am disgusting. Big-boob envy has hit Port Pirie.' Taking to Facebook, disgusted commenters attacked Ms Davis' parenting skills after it became clear that her two sons were in the background of the picture. Ms Davis criticised 'flat-tittie chicks' and claimed they needed to focus on their own bodies . 'I'm sure your children will be proud of their mother that is probably going to cause them a lot of embarrassment,' one Facebook commenter said. 'Oh goodness. Can't even begin to imagine how her children are feeling,' another user said. However a select few came out in support of Ms Davis's show on Google Maps. 'Let her go, she's having some fun, Pirie people need to lighten up a bit. if more lovely ladies would get them out more often the world would be a much happier place,' one commenter said. Ms Davis told Daily Mail Australia that she thought the act would be funny and that it was an item she has now ticked off her bucket list. She also said that she has a friend in the United Kingdom and she thought it would brighten up his day if he saw the image online. 'I have a friend in the UK. If he looks on there he will smile,' she said. Ms Davis wasn't sure that the photo would make it on to Google Maps but she said she is delighted that it did. 'I think maybe some need to start their own bucket list and leave mine alone,' she said. While Ms Davis enjoyed herself bearing her breasts on the street, her neighbour sat on her lounger watching from next door . She also revealed that since the photo has been released she has attracted a whole host of new friend requests on Facebook. Many young men have tried to befriend her but she has not accepted any of them. Ms Davis said she has only learnt to embrace her size-K breasts in the last few years after spending her youth hiding them away. 'I always got picked on and it wasn't until late in my 20's that I became confident in myself,' she said. She also revealed that she has to buy her bras online from the UK as they do not make size-K bras in Australia. 'It would be nice if they made my size bra in Australia,' she said. Ms Davis said that she would do it all again, even considering the backlash the image has received. 'It's my life not theirs,' she said. 'When you point your finger at me, you have 4 pointing back at yourself.' Some people online have suggested that she should be formally charged for her display but she has contacted the police who have confirmed that they have 'no concerns'. | Karen Davis was photographed on Google Street View flashing her breasts . Police reported her for disorderly behaviour and she must report to court . Police said her 'actions were the same as someone flashing their genitals' SA country town mum hit back at critics saying they are insecure . She plans to do a topless skydive for her 40th birthday next year . | ad607ef8e5ef919c3a9a2c66977c008612ce45c8 |
cnndm-52 | (CNN)A term used by President Barack Obama and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to characterize rioters has given new life to a debate over the word "thug." "Of course it's not the right word, to call our children 'thugs,'" Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes told CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront." "These are children who have been set aside, marginalized, who have not been engaged by us. No, we don't have to call them thugs." "Just call them n-----s. Just call them n-----s," he said. "No, we don't have to call them by names such as that." The Rev. Jamal Bryant drew the same comparison Wednesday morning on CNN. The President and the mayor are wrong, he said. "These are not thugs, these are upset and frustrated children." "It's amazing. You don't call six police officers who kill a man without probable cause 'thugs,' but children who are frustrated and don't have an outlet, you call them 'thugs.' 'Thugs' is the 21st century word for the n-word. And it is repulsive and it is offensive to every person who is a parent trying to raise children interpreting what's taking place in this hour." The recent unrest in Baltimore was sparked by the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while in custody. Six officers have been suspended over the incident. Bryant delivered the eulogy at Gray's funeral. What we know, don't know about Freddie Gray's death . Mayor Rawlings-Blake responded Wednesday. "I wanted to clarify my comments on 'thugs,'" she wrote Wednesday on Twitter. "When you speak out of frustration and anger, one can say things in a way that you don't mean." She added, "That night we saw misguided young people who need to be held accountable, but who also need support. And my comments then didn't convey that." Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore native and former president of the NAACP, said, "It's important we not shift the focus into something that has absolutely nothing to do with poverty, despair, hunger, homelessness and a sense of not belonging." "Whether we call them a thug, a law breaker, a juvenile delinquent, it really doesn't matter. What matters is how do we take back our streets. And that's what men have been doing, going around, talking to these young men where they, are in their face, and letting them know, you can't control this community. It is not yours. You can't burn it down. You can't force people out. You can't threaten people," he told "OutFront." "So I understand that, that people want to talk about a word. But I'm more worried about a movement, and it's not necessarily a movement for positive change. It's a movement for negative change right now unless we get it under control." Kevin Shird, another Baltimore native and author of "Lessons of Redemption," said "thug" is "not like the n-word in my mind." But, he said in a CNN interview, the term has "been racialized across America, so I can see why people would become offended like that." Shird, a former drug dealer, also said he does not see the word as an accurate description of the young people who rioted and looted in Baltimore on Monday. "These were young juveniles. And so, in my mind I don't see a 16- or 17-year-old as a thug. I have seen thugs, and they don't look like thugs to me. My experience in life has been a little bit more extreme than that, but, again, it was criminal behavior and it can't be justified." He added, "We just want to stay focused on the issue of police brutality and of the Freddie Gray matter." Opinion: Calling people 'thugs' solves nothing . NFL player Richard Sherman has previously called the term "the accepted way of calling somebody the n-word nowadays." Rapper Slim Thug once addressed the term on the Houston radio program "Madd Hatta Morning Show." The host set up the exchange by referring to deceased rapper Tupac Shakur. "I got the Tupac definition," the host said, as "OutFront" reported online in January 2014. "His is just, you know, a person going through struggles, has gone through struggles and continue to live day-by-day.... just trying to make it. " "I think the same thing," Slim Thug responded. "I probably got 'thug' off of him, you know, growing up listening to him... I feel the same way that he felt, coming from nothing to something." Webster's Dictionary defines "thug" as "a brutal ruffian or assassin." On Monday, Mayor Rawlings-Blake said, "There is a difference between what we saw over the past week with the peaceful protests, those who wish to seek justice, those who wish to be heard, and want answers, and the difference between those protests and the thugs who only want to incite violence and destroy our city." On Tuesday, President Obama referred to the rioters as "a handful of criminals and thugs who tore up the place." That same day, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry used the word "thugs" to refer to ISIS. At a luncheon in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Kerry referred to two Japanese citizens "who were murdered by the thugs of Daesh in retribution for Japan's pledge of humanitarian assistance -- I repeat, humanitarian assistance -- to the victims of fighting in the Middle East." (Daesh is another term for ISIS.) Kerry has also referred to "thugs" in the Ukraine crisis. Obama has also used the term "thugs" in similar context. "Not every collection of thugs that labels themselves al Qaeda will pose a credible threat to the United States," he said in one speech. Complete coverage on the Baltimore riots . | Baltimore mayor says she wants to "clarify" use of the term . Some community leaders in the city call the term equivalent to the n-word . Others disagree and don't want the debate overshadowing the issues . | ed5970220a39bae9aee00f754198e6257322bec4 |
cnndm-53 | Eden Hazard is reaching the incredible standards of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with his ‘dancing feet’, says Graeme Souness. The Chelsea star reached 100 Premier League appearances for the Blues at QPR on Sunday and has been lauded for his fine performances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. Sky Sports pundit Souness believes Hazard, who has 35 goals and 25 assists in his century of Premier League games, will be named the PFA Player of the Year. Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a fine individual goal in Chelsea's 3-2 win against Hull in March . ‘He’s got dancing feet hasn’t he? When he runs with the ball it’s never more than nine inches away from his feet,’ Souness told Sky Sports. ‘So if you’re a defender, the minute you stick out a foot, he’s skipped past you,’ added Souness. ‘He’s got great feet and looks to be a strong boy too. If you look at him he’s all there, if he wants to stand up to challenges he definitely can.’ Having grown into an integral part of Chelsea’s attack, Souness compares the rapid Belgian with leading world stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard warms up at Loftus Road ahead of the clash with QPR, his 100th Premier League game for Chelsea . Jose Mourinho believes that 'it shouldn't even be a debate' that Hazard should claim PFA Player of the Year . ‘The way he goes past players, he makes good players look ordinary. He’s a bit like Messi and Ronaldo in that when you see them go past people, you think “that’s bad defending”, but no it’s not not. These guys are just that good and Hazard is close to that category.’ ‘He certainly needs more goals for me but he’s one of the few players that gets you on the edge of your seat every time you watch him play,’ added Souness. ‘I still think there is much more to come from him in the future.’ Hazard controls the ball under pressure from Stoke midfielder Stephen Ireland at Stamford Bridge . | Chelsea star Eden Hazard made his 100th top-flight appearance at QPR . He's scored 35 league goals and assisted 25 times since signing in 2012 . Jose Mourinho insists Hazard must win PFA Player of the Year award . | fb18db83a80ba08bdcb0b624c7b6d25fc28bbfa5 |
cnndm-54 | It is not just humans who are concerned about the privacy implications of drones. An Arnhem TV station has lost one of its expensive drones after a chimpanzee managed to knock it out of the sky. The craft was supposed to be capturing footage of the Royal Burgers Zoo chimp enclosure for a TV show. Watch the video here . Look out! An Arnhem TV station has lost one of its expensive drones after a chimpanzee managed to knock it out of the sky. Following the attack, the drone crashes to the ground - only for the chimp to pounce on it . 'On the morning of Friday, April 10, 2015, the chimpanzees of Royal Burgers' Zoo once again proved how intelligent they are,' a spokesman for the zoo said. The incident happened during filming for a reality show set in the zoo. Programme makers had hoped to use the drone to capture the enclosure from above. 'Today, for the second season of the national television program Burgers' Zoo Natuurlijk, film takes were planned with a drone, with which spectacular images of the animals and their habitats could be made from above.' The drone was able to fly around the zoo - before arriving at the chimp enclosure. 'Once the drone arrived at the chimpanzee quarters the intelligent primates immediately discovered the spying little plane and right away armed themselves with long sticks against this inquisitive electronic intruder,' the zaoo revealed. One of the chimpanzees was high up in a tree with a long branch. 'Apparently very calm and satisfied, half asleep in the morning sun, the primate let the drone make its curious images. 'Until..... the drone got just a bit too close. Once grounded, the chimp investigates its prey, taking a selfie in the process - before eventually wandering off. 'Like a flash the chimpanzee struck out with the long stick she had held hidden behind her body. With a direct hit the animal knocked the drone to the ground, where the group of primates quickly overpowered the 'prey'. 'With much enjoyment they very efficiently dismantled the play thing. 'During the entire moment of action the camera kept rolling, so despite the completely destroyed drone this still provided some very special images!' The zoo did not confirm if it was able to salvage the drone. | Drone was filming at Royal Burgers Zoo chimp enclosure for a TV show . Chimpanzees spotted the drone - and one grabbed a branch . On its second attempt, it knocked the drone out of the sky . | e7dcf36369e56d8788ecf2ba4d17dc0fa4620701 |
cnndm-55 | (CNN)Prosperity gospel pastor Creflo Dollar responded recently to critics of his campaign to buy a very pricey Gulfstream G650. Dollar noted in a recent address to his congregants that the devil was attempting to discredit him in regards to his campaign seeking $300 from 200,000 people globally to help buy the luxury jet. In a newly posted five-minute clip on YouTube, the Atlanta-area pastor speaks to his followers at World Changers Church International, tackling his critics and allegations about tithes, his real name and reports alleging members of having to reveal their W2 statuses to come into the church's sanctuary. "(The devil thinks) I got to discredit that man before he starts showing people Jesus!" Dollar preaches to loud applause. "I'm on my sabbatical, and the enemy's trying to discredit me," Dollar stated. Dollar is focused in the video on getting his point across and slams critics of his original request by stating to the people gathered, "I never one time came to you and asked you for a dime for this airplane, did I?" But in March, Dollar did appeal in a video to "friends from around the world," soliciting donations to replace his current 1984 Gulfstream G-1159A. Because of two accidents that occurred in the 31-year-old plane, Dollar and his staff have been flying commercial. "The (critics) don't know what we do. That's why they asked the question, what does a preacher need with an airplane? If you knew what we did, then you wouldn't ask that question," Dollar said. "Just because the world doesn't have it, doesn't mean that you can't." In March, the ministry's desire to purchase a Gulfstream G650 airplane was met with criticism on social media and was the subject of nationwide media reports. The furor came after a nearly six-minute video was uploaded on the Creflo Dollar Ministries website soliciting money for a Gulfstream G650, which sells for a reported $65 million. The page featuring the video and information on the fundraiser has been taken down, but those wishing to donate are still able to do so on the church's gift page. A Gulfstream G650 can fly 18 passengers and four crew members, according to gulfstream.com. The jet comes with two Rolls-Royce engines, high-speed Internet and two multichannel satellites and allows for a four-and-a-half-hour commute from New York to Los Angeles. "The G650 is the biggest, fastest, most luxurious, longest range and most technologically advanced jet -- by far," according to the site. The project wasn't limited to member donations, as the site stated that "we are asking members, partners and supporters of this ministry to assist us in acquiring a Gulfstream G650." In the new video, Dollar claims the church has more than 3 million supporters worldwide who want him to come to where they are. The pastor has said the two incidents involving his old plane -- including one in which a mechanical failure caused the jet to skid off a runway in London while his wife and their three daughters were aboard -- have shown him it was time to turn to God for a new airplane. Prosperity gospel is a theology that promises wealth and health to those who tithe 10% of their income to the church. Attempts to contact Dollar's ministry for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful. CNN's Steve Almasy contributed to this report. | Creflo Dollar's ministry had posted a now-withdrawn request asking 200,000 people to chip in $300 each . Dollar preaches a prosperity gospel, which promises wealth to those who tithe 10% of their income to the church . The Atlanta-based pastor said the devil wants to stop him from traveling the world, spreading Christianity . | fab2591348fdbb87d3315c7b92eee4519cbe6db6 |
cnndm-56 | With the coffee drinking scene continuing to grow in Britain, baristas and cafe owners are putting more thought into the cakes and pasties that accompany your beverage. And while coffee matching rules are not as hard and fast as wine pairing ones, there are still some things you should consider. So the next time you order a latte and reach for a slice of cake, you might want to want to rethink your choice of dessert and have a Chelsea bun instead. The next time you order your coffee give some thought to your choice of pastry . The classic English pastry has been identified as the perfect accompaniment to a creamy latte, as well as a cinnamon swirl and a pain au raisin. And espressos are best paired with chocolate truffles or a mini raspberry coulis. Flat whites are best accompanied by a blueberry muffin, and a plain black coffee is best drunk with a glazed ring doughnut. Will Corby, from online coffee subscription company Pact Coffee, told FEMAIL: ‘It is worth remembering that the coffee used to brew different types of coffee will all have different flavour profiles so the acidity/bitterness/sweetness balance of the coffee used is something to consider when pairing it with pudding. From lattes to espresso and Americano to cafe au lait, here are Will's picks for the best puddings and pastries to accompany your cup of java. A latte (left) which has a light espresso flavour is best complemented with a Chelsea bun (right) LATTE: Cinnamon swirl, Chelsea bun or pain au raisin . Something big and hearty has to go with the light texture and sweetness of a latte. Delicate spice and toasted pastry flavours should work best, allowing you to detect the light espresso flavour through the warm milk. ESPRESSO: Chocolate truffle or mini raspberry couli . Espresso is strong and short drink, your taste buds will be exposed to very intense tastes when you drink it and any accompaniment needs to either pack an equally intense punch or complement in an alternative and cleansing way. I would suggest the chocolate truffle be paired with a fruity espresso and the raspberry couli with a more chocolatey espresso. FLAT WHITE: Muffins . A light fluffy muffin (blueberry is my choice of sweet) should accompany your flat white really well but if you are prepared to take things a little further a ham and cheese sweet/savoury muffin works even better! IRISH COFFEE: Cheese and crackers . Definitely an end of meal, post-dessert drink this is best paired with cheese - perhaps a crumbly hard cheese like a Lancashire - and sweet crackers but maybe avoid the chutney. Glazed ring doughnuts (left) will bring out the flavour profile of a plain black coffee (right) CAPPUCCINO: Amaretti . Amaretti for dipping, avoid any extra milk or other intense flavours when it comes to this drink. BLACK COFFEE: Doughnuts . Black coffee (brewed filter or with a V60 dripper) with tends to have a more delicate flavour profile than coffee brewed in other ways. Drink it with a glazed ring doughnut to make the most of the coffee flavours. AMERICANO: Baked New York cheesecake . A cheesecake and an Americano should sit together really nicely... you will generally end up with a much more developed bitterness in an Americano and the heavy fat and intense sweetness from this cheesecake should balance that perfectly. MOCHA: Marshmallows . Opt for good quality squidgy vanilla marshmallows as this drink already has all the flavour going on. It just needs the addition of a little extra sweetness and texture from the desert. Good quality marshmallows (left) will complement the strong flavours of a mocha (right) CAFE AU LAIT: Croissant . A French classic, this should really be accompanied by croissant and blackcurrant jam. CORTADO: Custard tart . An espresso cut with a small amount of milk, this coffee is Spanish or Portuguese in origin, so I would lean towards a Portuguese (custard) tart for this. MACCHIATO: Almond brittle . To go with this espresso topped with foamy milk, choose almond brittle, which has short, intense caramelised sweetness but tastes more like toffee than sugar. AFFOGATO: Best by itself . This coffee is the dessert, in which an espresso is poured over ice cream so it should require no addition! A post-dessert drink, Irish coffee (left) is best paired with a crumbly, hard cheese such as Lancashire (right) Latte: Coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. Espresso: Strong coffee made by forcing steam through ground coffee beans. Flat white: An Australian invention this is prepared by pouring microfoam (steamed milk with fine bubbles) over a single or double espresso. Irish coffee: Coffee made with Irish whisky and sugar, and topped with cream. Cappucino - Smaller in volume than a latte, a cappucino has hot milk and steamed milk foam with one shot of expresso. Affogato: Vanilla ice-cream topped with a hot shot of espresso. Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water. Mocha: A chocolate flavoured latte with espresso and hot milk. Cafe au lait: A light brown coffee with milk. Macchiato: Espresso with a small amount of steamed, foamed milk. Cortado: A Spanish version of the macchiato made with espresso and a small amount of steamed milk. | Head of Coffee at Pact Coffee Will Corby recommends the best pairings . Have a crumbly, hard cheese like Lancashire with your Irish coffee . A delicately spiced pastry will let you detect light espresso flavour in latte . | 6bf5d9f73beabf3ab216cb6119c13075a7646dc7 |
cnndm-57 | (CNN)Never mind cats having nine lives. A stray pooch in Washington State has used up at least three of her own after being hit by a car, apparently whacked on the head with a hammer in a misguided mercy killing and then buried in a field -- only to survive. That's according to Washington State University, where the dog -- a friendly white-and-black bully breed mix now named Theia -- has been receiving care at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Four days after her apparent death, the dog managed to stagger to a nearby farm, dirt-covered and emaciated, where she was found by a worker who took her to a vet for help. She was taken in by Moses Lake, Washington, resident Sara Mellado. "Considering everything that she's been through, she's incredibly gentle and loving," Mellado said, according to WSU News. "She's a true miracle dog and she deserves a good life." Theia is only one year old but the dog's brush with death did not leave her unscathed. She suffered a dislocated jaw, leg injuries and a caved-in sinus cavity -- and still requires surgery to help her breathe. The veterinary hospital's Good Samaritan Fund committee awarded some money to help pay for the dog's treatment, but Mellado has set up a fundraising page to help meet the remaining cost of the dog's care. She's also created a Facebook page to keep supporters updated. Donors have already surpassed the $10,000 target, inspired by Theia's tale of survival against the odds. On the fundraising page, Mellado writes, "She is in desperate need of extensive medical procedures to fix her nasal damage and reset her jaw. I agreed to foster her until she finally found a loving home." She is dedicated to making sure Theia gets the medical attention she needs, Mellado adds, and wants to "make sure she gets placed in a family where this will never happen to her again!" Any additional funds raised will be "paid forward" to help other animals. Theia is not the only animal to apparently rise from the grave in recent weeks. A cat in Tampa, Florida, found seemingly dead after he was hit by a car in January, showed up alive in a neighbor's yard five days after he was buried by his owner. The cat was in bad shape, with maggots covering open wounds on his body and a ruined left eye, but remarkably survived with the help of treatment from the Humane Society. | Theia, a bully breed mix, was apparently hit by a car, whacked with a hammer and buried in a field . "She's a true miracle dog and she deserves a good life," says Sara Mellado, who is looking for a home for Theia . | 230c522854991d053fe98a718b1defa077a8efef |
cnndm-58 | There is not a British manager working in the Premier League who is capable of guiding a team into the latter stages of the Champions League, according to Paul Scholes. There are no British teams in the quarter finals of the Champions League and Scholes does not believe there is a British manager who can turn those fortunes around. Scholes does however believe that his friend and former team-mate Ryan Giggs could lead Manchester United into the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition if he is given the chance to succeed Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford further down the line. Paul Scholes hopes Ryan Giggs will go on and be one of the best manager's in the world once he has done his apprenticeship under Louis van Gaal . Writing in his Independent column, Scholes said: ‘I don’t think there is a British manager who is currently capable of restoring English clubs to the final stages of the Champions League, and winning the competition again. I hope that it will change in the future and I have high hopes that my friend Ryan Giggs will be handed the reins at Manchester United at some point having served an apprenticeship under Louis van Gaal.’ Scholes believes outgoing Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp would be a welcome addition to the Premier League – but does not believe he will replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City. Scholes believes outgoing Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp could end up in the Premier League . Bayern Munich's head coach Pep Guardiola could be heading Manchester City when his contract expires . The former Manchester United midfielder believes that Pep Guardiola will head to Etihad Stadium once his contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of next season. He added: ‘There is no doubt in my mind that he [Klopp] would be a success in English football, the only question is at which club. Manchester City is the destination that has been mentioned more than once but all the information that comes back to me in Manchester is that Pep Guardiola will take that job when his contract at Bayern Munich expires in one year’s time. ‘While City have many good players, they have never gone beyond the second round of the Champions League, much less won it. Making them the best side in Europe would be a far more difficult task than doing the same at Barcelona or Bayern Munich, the latter of whom Guardiola took over after they won the Treble.’ | Paul Scholes hopes Ryan Giggs will become the next top British manager after working with Louis van Gaal . Scholes would like to see Jurgen Klopp manage in the Premier League . Former Manchester United man believes Pep Guardiola will manage Manchester City once his contract expires at Bayern Munich . | 63efbde2979c8283f06868451dddef9f20e3a8e8 |
cnndm-59 | When it comes to the Coachella festival, a number of suspect looks crop up each year including hippie ensembles, outlandish headgear and plenty of skin - and 2015 has been no exception. But as the first weekend of the arts and music festival wrapped in Indio, California, some of the outfits paraded around the sunny campus - or lack thereof - stood out as being particularly woeful. From the couple who wore matching American flag leotards to the man who sported a loincloth over Speedos, could this be the worst year for Coachella street style yet? Scroll down for video . Call the fashion police: From the couple who wore matching American flag leotards (left) to the man who sported a loincloth over Speedos (right), could this be the worst year for Coachella street style yet? The searing California heat was excuse enough for countless festival revellers to ditch most of their clothes, and the scraps that remained left much to be desired. One woman spotted was nude except for a minute chainmail band slung around her hips, two silver star stickers covering her nipples and a breezy shrug. Another was dressed in a strappy monokini, essentially leaving her practically naked apart from a pair of sturdy boots, a beaded headband, shades and a sheer white printed kimono. One festival goer seemed to have taken a leaf from Kanye West's recent catwalk show in which he dressed models in clinging nude bodystockings. Her skin tight body suit was teamed with gladiator sandals, plenty of tattos and a silver necklace-cum-harness. Skin on show: String monokinis teamed with lace-up boots (left) competed with nude bodysuits and strappy sandals (right) on the dodgy style stakes . Rock on: One woman spotted was nude except for a minute chainmail band slung around her hips, two silver star stickers covering her nipples and a breezy shrug . Which is worse - Clashing florals (left) or matchy-matchy two-pieces (right)? Time to hit the beard-garden! This festival goer wove plastic flowers into his facial hair . Then there was the party animal who threw poses in a lurid, multi-colored swimming costume, complete with shimmering butterfly wings and a clashing patterned bum-bag. And speaking of clashing, there was a lot of that. Celebrity offenders included Paris Hilton, who strutted around yesterday in a turquoise paint-splattered maxi-dress, and Katy Perry, who teamed a metallic gold bikini top with a pair of patchwork denim dungarees and a bright orange bomber jacket. The worst fashion moments from just about every recent decade came out in full force; from the tie-die crop tops of the Nineties to the deeply unflattering high-waisted ankle-flappers of the Eighties, and the clashing florals of the Sixties and Seventies. Headgear was, as always, blindingly popular, with opulent bejewelled forehead chains and blooming-awful flower crowns the order of the day. Psychedelic: Then there was the party animal who threw poses in a lurid, multi-coloured swimming costume, complete with shimmering butterfly wings and a clashing patterned bum-bag . Squeaky-clean white was the order of the day for Clean Bandit's Grace Chatto (left) and Twilight's Kellen Lutz (right) Brit supermodel Jordan Dunn (left) made a rare style misstep and went all-out with aggressively purple hair and black crochet at Soho House's Coachella pop-up yesterday . Complex knotted hair styles were enough to put Princess Leia's braided buns to shame, and washed out ombre hues were about as tired as the peace signs which sprouted from the fists of every woman who realized she was having her photo taken. Even stylist-armed celebrities failed to side-step their share of festival fashion disasters. Brit supermodel Jordan Dunn went all-out with aggressively purple hair and black crochet, while Kendall Jenner's overload on chunky gold accessories rendered her reminiscent of a swashbuckling pirate who had just looted a treasure chest. The second instalment of Coachella, which attracted nearly 580,000 attendees last year and grossed a record-breaking $78.3 million, kicks off on April 17. This woman (left) couldn't have picked a more unflattering pair of high-waisted ankle-flappers, while teaming a hippy skirt with dowdy white sandals (right) just looked Granny-ish on another festival-goer . Three musketeers: Kendall Jenner's overload on chunky gold accessories rendered her reminiscent of a swashbuckling pirate who had just looted a treasure chest (left), and neither Fergie (center) nor Hailey Baldwin (right) fared much better on the style stakes . Jen's Pirate Booty La Vie Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top at Nasty Gal . Crop it like it's hot . Visit site . Coachella seems to be the one place where Kendall lets loose in terms of her style and is open to experimenting; she just wants to fit in with her Jenner-ation! The catwalk strutter has a flair for festival fashion, and she always pulls out all of the stops at this annual LA music festival. Take this gypsy style outfit which comprises of an off-shoulder white crop top and flowing black maxi skirt with thigh splits, tied together with a statement waist belt. The top is by Jen’s Pirate Booty and is the perfect take on summer bohemian vibes. Styled with everything and anything from denim cut offs and brown boots to maxi skirts and sandals, this off-shoulder top will set pulses races however you wear it. And the best part is that it's attainable for us mere mortals; it's only $88 at Nasty Gal, so hurry up and buy it with a click to the right before it sells out. She's a normal teen at heart! If you want to emulate Kendall's look for even less, take a gander at the style edit below at our top picks from the likes of Charlotte Russe, Guess, and more. re:named Solid Off Shoulder Crop Top . Visit site . Charlotte Russe Chevron Off-The-Shoulder Top . Visit site . Guess Off-The-Shoulder Eyelet Top at Bloomingdale's . Visit site . Free People Willow Crop Top . Visit site . Flower crowns (left) proved to be a craze that has stubbornly refused to die, while less mainstream trends like the belly-dancer ensemble (right) also cropped up . The clash: Paris Hilton (left) strutted around yesterday in a turquoise paint-splattered maxi-dress, and Katy Perry (right) teamed a metallic gold bikini top with a pair of patchwork denim dungarees and a bright orange bomber jacket . Complex knotted hair styles were enough to put Princess Leia's braided buns to shame, and washed out ombre hues were about as tired as the peace signs which sprouted from the fists of every woman who realized she was having her photo taken . As a rule of thumb, if you feel the need to literally advertise your outfit as 'fly', it probably isn't (left) and matching ombre hair with an ombre garment is just far too much ombre for one human (right) The countless bejewelled headpieces that adorned the foreheads of festival revellers this year were one of Coachella's more pervasive trends . | In the searing California heat, many jumped on the chance to shed most of their clothes . String monokinis and skimpy leotards were spotted at every turn . Celebrity style offenders included Paris Hilton, Katy Perry, Jourdan Dunn and Kendall Jenner . | f840ef7add6cd4f124df461327a9473e976aa95a |
cnndm-60 | Take it away: Raymond Allen, who opened the first KFC franchise, said he thinks the restaurant is 'dreadful' and won't eat there again . The businessman who brought KFC to the UK but has only ever eaten it once, says he will not go again and branded the fast-food chain 'dreadful.' Raymond Allen - who is only a handful of people in the world to know its secret recipe - opened the first franchise in Preston, Lancashire, in 1965. He had become a personal friend of Harland 'the Colonel' Sanders after meeting during a conference in Chicago 50 years ago. Mr Allen still has a personal hand-written copy of the recipe which is believed to be made up of 11 herbs and spices - and is a closely guarded secret by the firm. But the 87-year-old, from Jersey in the Channel islands, said the company has strayed so far from its original concept it's been 'ruined' and would never set foot in one again. He said: 'We have got one where I now live, but I would not go in there. I don't use it and I think it is dreadful. The company has ruined the product. 'Instead of staying with one good thing that was sellable, they have tried to compete with the other fast food units. They should have just stuck with the chicken.' His wife Shirley, 84, said: 'We tried KFC only once about a year ago. 'We had the traditional original chicken but there were so many different products it was difficult to know what to order. I don't think we will go back.' After the chance meeting in Chicago, Mr Allen helped Sanders establish the UK side of his empire while he was still a small-time restaurant owner in Louisville, Kentucky. He also gave him valuable advice on the legal side of the business including patents and was paid to seek out suitable locations for other branches across the world. He said: 'The Colonel was a very kind man, who was very forthright. 'But at the time we met he was a small-time Southern State restaurant owner, and I knew a lot about patents or registered trademarks. 'We had heard about him before the meeting. But when we first met him, he had only one franchisee in America who sold the chicken as a menu item in his restaurant. 'We were in the fast food business and thought it would be the ideal product to sell in a takeaway. 'We had several Wimpy bars so decided to convert them into KFC. That is what we did with the first one in Preston.' Mr Allen said he has a personal hand-written copy of the secret recipe for the unique taste of KFC chicken which is believed to be made up of 11 herbs and spices. He said: 'It is a lengthy recipe. I think there are 11 herbs and spices but I can't remember it off the top of my head so I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to. 'Dreadful': A KFC restaurant like the first one opened by Mr Allen in Preston, Lancashire. He said he ate one recently and found it 'dreadful' 'But it is locked away in a safe in a bank. We don't really get asked much about it. Not many people know about our involvement in it. 'We are a low key and private family and don't often talk about it. I have no idea how much it is worth but I would never sell it.' At the peak of Mr Allen's expansion of the franchise, he was opening a new shop every week through cash flow. He said: 'We were in a race against time with McDonalds as we both wanted to get the best sites. 'We wanted to expand a bit quicker than that so I walked the streets of London to go to a bank. 'We needed £100,000 trying to raise the money - but all the banks said there was no future in the business.' His company KFC UK Ltd, was eventually able to obtain a loan from Heublein Inc, a USA company which at the time owned Smirnoff Vodka. He said: 'They saw how well we were doing and lent us the money on condition that we sold the business once we had opened 100 units. That was what we did.' Mr Sanders had started his KFC business in 1930 at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he began cooking for hungry travellers who stopped there for fuel, using a secret recipe for the coating of the restaurant's fried chicken. It became so popular that by 1935 the Governor of Kentucky made Mr Sanders a Kentucky Colonel in recognition of his promotion of the American state. Following the meeting Mr Allen acquired the rights to expand the KFC franchise outside the US, and returned home with big plans. He said: 'It was slow to catch on at first because people didn't know what it was. 'In the UK in those days chicken was something you ate for Sunday dinner. It was way before its time. We had to give it away to passers-by initially. 'We would only use fresh chickens, and they had to be two and a half pounds in weight. It was initially difficult to source the chickens because of the demand.' In recognition of his achievements in business, Mr Allen was named a Freeman of the City of London in 1979 and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1965. Mr and Mrs Allen sold the business in 1973. | Raymond Allen has hand-written copy of the Colonel's secret recipe . Established UK franchise of restaurant in Preston, Lancashire, in 1965 . 87-year-old said company had strayed and should have 'stuck to chicken' Personal friend of 'the Colonel' Sanders who was 'kind' but 'forthright' | ae4b9faf7d26010f58c996ee713a335841a6477f |
cnndm-61 | Paul Casey insists he is desperate to play in the Ryder Cup again, even though he looks unlikely to rejoin the European Tour in time to earn qualifying points this season. Only Tour members can play on the team and Phoenix-based Casey gave up his membership after deciding in January to concentrate on the PGA Tour in order to get back into the world's top 50. The move has paid off with the former world No 3 losing a play-off in the Northern Trust Open and finishing joint third in the Honda Classic to climb to 44th at the start of this week. Paul Casey, practicing ahead of the Masters in Augusta, 'desperately' wants to return to the Ryder Cup . The Englishman has returned to the world's top 50 after leaving the European Tour to concentrate on his game . However, even if he rejoins the European Tour before the May 1 deadline to be eligible to accrue Ryder Cup points when the race starts in August, he will struggle to play the 13 events required for membership. 'It was very straightforward when I was top 10 in the world playing both tours,' Casey told Sportsmail ahead of his first Masters appearance since 2012. 'I know I am back in the top 50 but I have only just got back into the top 50. It was a very difficult decision but it was also the correct decision. 'I still have to play 13 events and right now I am not in the US Open or Open or HBSC Champions at the end of the year. Playing 13 becomes difficult when you haven't played at the start of the year in Middle East.' Casey celebrates while watching a replay of his hole-in-one, which helped Europe to victory in 2006 . Casey last played in the Ryder Cup competition in the 2008 defeat by USA at Valhalla . Casey played in the record Ryder Cup wins in 2004 and 2006 and the 2008 defeat at Valhalla, but was in tears after being overlooked for a wild card by captain Colin Montgomerie in 2010, when he was ranked seventh in the world. 'I desperately want to be part of a Ryder Cup again. There is definitely passion and a fire there burning,' he added. 'Certainly one of them I felt like I was maybe denied, the others I haven't been in a position to make the team and watching Medinah and Gleneagles has been brilliant. 'What they have done has been absolutely phenomenal and I want to be part of that again and not just part of it, but a real solid team player and leader in the team room, which I know I can be. When I play my best golf I think I can certainly play that kind of role.' European captain Darren Clarke said earlier this week he wanted Casey on his team for Hazeltine next year, and the 37-year-old added: 'Paul (McGinley) said the same thing (even though I was a member of the Tour at the time). 'He was desperate for me to be part of that because I had won twice around Gleneagles and unfortunately wasn't playing the golf I needed to.' Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke (right), speaking with Tiger Woods in Augusta, wants Casey on his team . Casey finished sixth on his Masters debut in 2004 and is relishing being back at Augusta National after failing to qualify in 2013 and 2014. 'When you have been here and gone away for a year or two you certainly appreciate it when you come back,' he added. 'I'm very focused this week but I am enjoying being here and lapping up everything about it. 'I was on the same flight as Padraig Harrington (who was also ineligible last year) on Sunday and when we landed the girls who run the courtesy car service here had all made little signs saying 'Welcome back Padraig'. We touched on that subject and said that we were both going to give it a good go, but enjoy it.' | Paul Casey left the European Tour to get back into world's top 50 . Former world No 3 is 'desperate' to return to the 2016 Ryder Cup team . Captain Darren Clarke has said he wants Casey at Hazeltine next year . | 811b2f0507cbe696069f527d02233c966ed4c213 |
cnndm-62 | She captured hearts across the nation as she realized her dream to play for Mount St. Joseph's women's basketball team in Ohio and raised $1.5million - all while battling inoperable brain cancer. And one of the millions Lauren Hill touched was LeBron James, who posted an emotional farewell letter to the teenager via Twitter on Friday, just hours after she passed away from her rare tumor. In the letter, the basketball star, dubbed King James, praised the 19-year-old for the 'leadership', 'courage' and 'strength' she had shown while suffering from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). James, 30, who had never actually met Lauren, wrote: 'Dear Lauren Hill, You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be forgotten. Scroll down for video . Farewell: LeBron James (left) posted an emotional farewell letter to Lauren Hill via Twitter on Friday, just hours after the teenager passed away from terminal brain cancer. Right, Lauren plays college basketball last year . Praise: In the letter, James, 30, who had never actually met Lauren, wrote: 'Dear Lauren Hill, You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be forgotten' 'You inspired me': He continued: 'I [hate] that I never got the chance to meet u in person but know you inspired me the whole time! For every life u touched, u made the biggest impact [on] them by just being YOU!! 'I [hate] that I never got the chance to meet u in person but know you inspired me the whole time! For every life u touched, u made the biggest impact [on] them by just being YOU!! 'You're in a far better place now and please don't have too much fun up there w/o all your family and friends. Can u please tell my Grandma I said hello. 'Don't be afraid, she knows you cause we spoke about u plenty of times Until we officially meet again, take care and continue to be that LEADER we all love! #RIPLaurenHill.' The Cleveland Cavaliers player signed off the letter - which was posted to his Twitter page - 'Sincerely, LeBron James'. The letter has since been retweeted tens of thousands of times. Many users have deemed the tribute 'touching' and 'beautiful'. One told James - who competed against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night - that it 'was so sweet it brought me to tears'. Lauren, who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer shortly after her 18th birthday, had repeatedly defied doctors' expectations after they told her that she would not live past December. A touching tribute: James told Lauren not to have 'too much fun up there without all your family and friends' 'Tell my Grandma I said hello': He added that he had spoken 'plenty of times' about Lauren to his grandmother . #RIPLaurenHill: The Cleveland Cavaliers player signed off the letter - which was posted to his Twitter page - 'Sincerely, LeBron James' (pictured). The letter has since been retweeted tens of thousands of times . Instead, the Indiana native played four games with her team at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, and raised more than $1.5 million for research into the cancer she suffered from. But as her condition worsened, the teenager became an honorary coach and earlier this year, she moved to Cincinnati Children's Hospital. She passed away at the hospital on Friday morning. As news of her death became public, thousands of people across the country - both basketball fans and not - took to social media to express their sorrow at her death, and show support for her family. Only a year and a half ago, Lauren, whose cancer saw her rapidly gain weight, had been just another teenager preparing for college after deciding to play basketball for Mount St. Joseph. But a few weeks later, she started feeling dizzy while playing for her high school team in nearby Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Tests found her tumor and she was told she had less than two years left. Diagnosis: Lauren is pictured left in December 2013, and right, in December 2014, after her treatment for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare childhood brain cancer which changed her appearance . Brave: Lauren, who used her limited energy to inspire people and raise money for research into the cancer that ultimately took her life, is pictured in her room in Cincinnati last December - months before she passed away . In September, doctors gave her the devastating news she wouldn't make it past December - and after years as a standout player, Lauren's hopes of playing college basketball were put in jeopardy. However, the NCAA granted permission to move the school's opening game forward because of her worsening condition. On November 2, Lauren realized her dream of playing for the school. Incredibly, she scored the first and last baskets of the team's 66-55 victory over Hiram College. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a type of brain tumor found in the part of the brainstem at the lower back of the brain. Due to the tumor's location, it can cause double vision, difficulty controlling eye movement and facial expressions, and difficulty swallowing and chewing. It may also cause weakness in the limbs. The condition primarily affects children most often between the ages of four and nine. Between 100 and 150 new diagnoses are made a year in the U.S. Only 300 are made across North America and Europe a year. It can be treated with radiation, but chemotherapy is generally not effective and surgery is impossible due to the spread of the cancer into healthy tissue. Unlike with other childhood cancers, there has been little progress in improving treatments and cure rates for the condition over the last few decades. Fewer than 10 per cent of children with DIPG survive two years after their diagnosis. Source: DIPG Registry . 'It's a dream come true,' Lauren told reporters at the time. 'To play on a college court, to put my foot down on the floor and hear the roar of the crowd - I just love it so much. I love basketball. 'Everything that happened today was amazing. I'm truly happy, it's a really good day.' At the game, Lauren said she wanted to find a cure for the rare cancer, which has a less than 10 per cent survival rate and most often affects children aged four to nine. 'When I was diagnosed I remember kind of feeling lonely because nobody understood,' she said following the game, USA Today reported. 'And now that more people know about this story and the awareness of DIPG. 'I'm so happy that people know about it now and that we can get some research going and hopefully find that home run cure for cancer. And even though I'm probably not going to be around to see it, it's going to help a lot of people.' Lauren played in four games and made five layups before the spreading tumor made her stop. When the season ended, her team held its annual dinner in the hospital where Hill was being treated. She was also honored at local sporting events and was featured on a box of Wheaties - known as the Breakfast of Champions. The U.S. Basketball Writers Association voted her the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award, which is normally awarded at the Final Four. Athletes from other colleges autographed No. 22 jerseys - her number - and sent them in support. As the cancer slowed her down, Lauren's family, friends and teammates took a bigger role in promoting her fundraising campaign - and she kept reminding everyone to appreciate life. 'Life is precious,' she told WKRC-TV before her death. 'Every moment you get with someone is a moment that's blessed, really blessed.' Final days: Lauren is pictured enjoying Easter (left) and St Patrick's Day (right) from hospital in Cincinnati . Fighter: The NCAA moved Mount St. Joseph's first basketball game forward last November (pictured) so that Lauren could achieve her dream of playing for collegiate basketball. She scored the first and last baskets . The co-founder of her nonprofit foundation confirmed Lauren's death in hospital on Friday. 'Through Lauren's fundraising and advocacy efforts, she not only became a spotlight on the lack of funding for cancer research, but she most certainly has become a beacon guiding researchers for years to come,' The Cure Starts Now co-founder Brooke Desserich said. Her nonprofit foundation helped to raise more than $1.5 million for cancer research. 'She's made an impact on the world, more so than me - more than I ever will do,' Lauren's coach Dan Benjamin said. 'I've gotten so many emails and phone calls from all over the world. People are contacting me because they want to share her story.' No information about a memorial has yet been released, but Lawrenceburg Schools superintendent Karl Galey said on Twitter that schools will be prepared to assist staff and students with counseling. Heroic: Lauren, pictured left, smiles at Pat Summitt after receiving the Pat Summitt Award during halftime of her first NCAA college basketball game in November last year. She went on to play four games for the school . Dear Lauren Hill, . You are the true definition of strength, courage, power, leadership, etc etc! Your time spent on earth will never be forgotten. I [hate] that I never got the chance to meet u in person but know you inspired me the whole time! For every life u touched, u made the biggest impact [on] them by just being YOU!! You're in a far better place now and please don't have too much fun up there w/o all your family and friends. Can u please tell my Grandma I said hello. Don't be afraid, she knows you cause we spoke about u plenty of times. Until we officially meet again, take care and continue to be that LEADER we all love! #RIPLaurenHill. Sincerely, . LeBron James . | Lauren Hill was diagnosed with an inoperable form of brain cancer aged 18 . Despite illness, she achieved dream to play college basketball in Cincinnati . Also raised a huge $1.5million for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma research . She died in hospital on Friday, aged 19, after defying doctors' expectations . Now, LeBron James has penned a touching farewell letter to the teenager . In letter, he praises Lauren for the 'leadership' and 'strength' she showed . Basketball star tells her: 'You time spent on earth will never be forgotten' | 76e61a14378365786812192eac3afd24c377a69f |
cnndm-63 | Heathrow airport are threatening to strip Qantas of their eight valuable landing spots after they continually arrived late, according to internal memos. The Australian airline could also be facing a massive £20,000 fine, that's more than AU$38,000, for every time the A380 flights set down more than fifteen late on the English tarmac. Delayed: Qantas have been told they could loose thier eight Heathrow landing strips after continuously arriving late to the busy airport . Fairfax published an internal a memo sent by Captain Martin Gardiner, manager of base operations at Sydney, that details the airlines failings while insisting can staff improve their waning performance. 'As a result of our performance, London airport has given Qantas an official warning; meaning that we could be fined £20,000 [$AU38,336] for each non-compliance of our slot time, or worse lose our slot.' 'We have been asked to advise Heathrow what our plans are to improve this performance. All areas of the business including flight operations are now monitoring the performance of these services very closely so that we can improve our performance and retain our landing slots in [London].' Qantas have slipped to an on time ranking of 75 out of 80 airlines that use Heathrow airport . While Qantas' on time performance rating at Heathrow dropped to 75th out of 80 in the month of February, they are at serious risk of losing their landing spots at Heathrow before next flying season. Captain Gardiner reportedly said changes in flight times in the last 12 months had 'placed some additional stress on our network and turn-around times'. A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that there are a number of factors that can impact our arrival time into London and because of the way scheduling works, small delays on a long journey have a cumulative knock on affect. 'One of the biggest impacts is air traffic delays to get into Heathrow, which is a particular issue because we arrive at one of the most popular times and the airport is now at about 100 per cent capacity.' He said Qantas will be trying to increase the speed of A380 flights to ensure they make it to Heathrow in time. A Qantas spokesperson said air congestion at Heathrow and Dubai were to blame for the late arrivals . | Qantas' on time rating slipped to 75th out of the 80 airlines using Heathrow . The airline could loose their eight landing strips at the popular airport . They are also facing a fine in excess of $38,000 for every flight that's late . Qantas blamed air congestion at Heathrow and Dubai airports . | a51d0c51a8f87d216253a2a8be470f55afdffbe5 |
cnndm-64 | Cesc Fabregas wore a special protective face mask on Sunday as he scored the winning goal in Chelsea's 1-0 victory over QPR. Having broken his nose last week, the Spaniard netted with just two minutes to go following a poor clearance from QPR goalkeeper Rob Green before removing the mask to celebrate. Fabregas suffered the break during Chelsea's win over Stoke City last Saturday, taking a hit to the face from Charlie Adam's forearm minutes before the Scot struck a 66-yard wondergoal at Stamford Bridge. Cesc Fabregas wore a protective mask during Chelsea's clash with QPR after breaking his nose last week . Fabregas removed the mask as he celebrated scoring a late winner for Chelsea against strugglers QPR . The Spaniard, pictured at Loftus Road, suffered the break during Chelsea's win over Stoke City last Saturday . The protective mask was branded with the Fabregas' initial and squad number for the Premier League clash . Sportsmail exclusively revealed the shield Fabregas would wear against QPR on Wednesday . Fabregas wrote this note to the orthopedic centre and its craftsmen Stefano Duchini and Lucilla Pezzoni . Fabregas travelled to Milan on Tuesday with Chelsea medical director Paco Biosca to have the mask fitted . On Sunday, Fabregas started the game for Chelsea and took to the field - complete with mask - sporting two large bruises around his eyes. Sportsmail exclusively revealed the shield Fabregas would wear at Loftus Road on Wednesday. The former Barcelona star travelled to Milan to see a specialist, who produced masks for Fernando Torres, Petr Cech and Demba Ba previously, in the hope of returning to action as soon as possible. The mask, branded with Fabregas's initial and squad number 'C4', was made by the Ortholabsport, an orthopedic centre in Milan, and their craftsmen Stefano Duchini and Lucilla Pezzoni. The centre became famous for its work with former Chelsea players Torres and Ba, but also work with Manchester City, Fulham and European clubs including Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk as well as the Italian national team. Fabregas travelled to Milan on Tuesday with Chelsea medical director Paco Biosca to have the mask fitted. The 27-year-old, who played on for the entire 90 minutes against Stoke, started for the Blues against QPR as Chelsea look to extend their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table. Fabregas suffered the break during Chelsea's win over Stoke City last weekend, taking a hit to the face . The 27-year-old played on for the entire 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge last Saturday despite the knock . Chelsea captain John Terry was forced to wear a protective face mask after fracturing a cheekbone in 2007 . Fernando Torres (right), pictured in action against Basle in 2013, also wore a mask during his time at Chelsea . | Cesc Fabregas wore protective face mask during Chelsea clash with QPR . Midfielder scored the winning goal as Chelsea claimed a 1-0 victory . Spaniard broke his nose in a challenge with Charlie Adam last Saturday . Chelsea midfielder travelled to Italy to have a protective mask fitted . Ortholabsport have also made masks for Petr Cech and Fernando Torres . | 70f60e008fc246f7cbe40c80f0e255576d794391 |
cnndm-65 | David Cameron was upstaged by a six-year-old school girl today after trying to unveil a new Tory education policy. The Prime Minister visited a primary school near Bolton to unveil the party's latest proposal to improve education standards, after announcing that under a future Tory government children who achieve poor SATs results will be forced to resit them in secondary school. As Mr Cameron tried to help school pupil Lucy Howarth read a story about 'Prince Ronald' the youngster pulled a series of funny faces before resting her head on the table after struggling with a tricky passage. Scroll down for video . David Cameron helps with a reading lesson with pupils Lucy Howarth, 6, and Will Spibey, 5, left, during a visit to Sacred Heart RC primary school in Westhoughton near Bolton today . The PM wants to see children who get poor Sats results forced to resit them in secondary school . The Prime Minister shared a joke with six-year-old Lucy at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School near Bolton . The Prime Minister appeared completely taken with the youngster who showed no signs of being fazed by his attendance. Mr Cameron had planned to use the classroom visit to unveil his plan, which he said was intended to inject 'more rigour and zero tolerance of failure and mediocrity' in schools. The resit plan would mean 100,000 pupils taking a new test in English and maths during their first year after leaving primary school. The proposal would be implemented next year and is aimed at making sure that pupils have not already fallen too far behind at the beginning of secondary school. Pupils who did not get good grades in the Sats tests taken by 11-year-olds in primary school would have to retake a test during their first year after moving up to secondary school. In last year's tests, 79 per cent of pupils achieved the expected grades in reading, writing and maths. The Tories claim that, too often, pupils who have slipped behind by this stage never catch up. Among those who fail to make the grade at the age of 11, they say only 7% go on to get five good GCSEs, including English and maths. Children would be forced to retake a test in maths and English, marked by teachers rather than external examiners. There could be up to two retakes, in the spring or summer terms, and the number of pupils who had failed the retakes would be published as part of the league table data. The PM made the announcement in Lancashire today with the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan (centre) Mr Cameron chatted with pupils outside at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School near Bolton . Pupils with special needs would not have to take the resits. Mr Cameron said: 'There is no job that doesn't require English and maths, and this is about making sure every child gets the best start in life and that our country can compete in the world.' Education Secretary Nicky Morgan added: 'We know that the biggest predictor of success at GCSE is whether young people have mastered the basics at age 11. That means if we fail to get it right for young people at the start of secondary school they'll struggle for the rest of their time in education.' Labour's shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt dismissed the proposal as 'desperate' Labour's shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt said dismissed the announcement as a 'a desperate attempt by the Tories to try to overshadow their failures on school standards'. Mr Hunt said: 'On their watch, 1.6 million pupils are being educated in schools that are rated lower than 'good' by Ofsted. And as a result of David Cameron's unqualified teachers policy, more than 400,000 pupils are being taught by unqualified teachers. 'Labour has a better plan for education. We will ensure that every teacher is qualified or working towards qualified teacher status and introduce a new master teacher status to raise the standing of the profession. That is how we improve education for every child, in every classroom,' he said. The Lib Dem Schools Minister David Laws said the Tories had 'no credibility' on education because of their planned spending cuts after the election. He said: ' You simply can't improve schools by starving them of resources and burdening them with the bureaucracy of additional testing. 'The way to make sure every child starts secondary school achieving a good level of Maths and English is to invest in their early years and primary education, recruiting great teachers and getting extra support to the children who most need it. 'That's why we need to protect the education budget, in real terms, including schools, nurseries and colleges. 'The Tories are trying to paper over the cracks in their scorched earth education plans that would undo the progress of the last five years.' Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders union, warned the tests could become a bureaucratic nightmare. He said: 'It is important that the results of these tests are diagnostic and used to support the work of the teachers and do not become yet another performance indicator on which to measure schools.' | Six-year-old Lucy Howarth completely unfazed by the Prime Minister . Youngster pulled a series of faces as Mr Cameron tried to read to her class . He had visited primary school in Bolton to unveil new Tory schools policy . Pupils who get poor SATs will be forced to resit them in secondary school . PM said he wanted 'more rigour and zero tolerance of failure' in schools . | 03a5b8b58dcdc144bcf065315ae26bdffcdf8489 |
cnndm-66 | A man has been hailed a hero after he rescued a three year old girl from a raging house fire that left him with horrific burns across his entire body. Carl Bradey lost everything he owned in the blaze, which was started by a candle in his Palmerston North rental property last month. The 25-year-old smashed through a window to rescue the child of a family friend, suffering nerve damage that has left him unable to feel anything in his right arm .. Bradey told Daily Mail Australia he awoke to the screams of his partner in the early hours of March 14 as the house they were sleeping in was engulfed in flames. WARNING: graphic content below . Carl Bradey (left) suffered horrific burns to his whole body (right) after he rescued a three-year-old girl from a raging house fire last month . The 25-year-old said his first thought was to make sure everyone got out of the house. ‘The flames were getting close to the room where the girl was sleeping, the only thing going through my mind was 'get her out'. So I ran in and smashed the window.’ Bradey cut several of his main arteries on the broken glass and lost so much blood that he fainted as he reached the front of the house. ‘When I woke up I was in hospital in the worst pain I’ve ever had felt. Every time I moved it felt like glass was being smashed onto my skin,' he said. Footage from inside the house shows the devastation caused by the fire . It took fire fighters 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, which gutted Bradey's house and car . Bradey has undergone four major operations since the fire, including multiple skin grafts to repair his damaged skin and an operation to remove a damaged vein. ‘It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through and I’ve been through some heavy stuff in the past,’ he said. It took fire fighters 30 minutes to extinguish the fire, which destroyed Bradey's house and car. Photos taken of the damage inside the house show the extent of the devastation to the property and Bradey's possessions. Bradey has undergone four major operations, including multiple skin grafts and the removal of a damaged vein . 'Every time I moved it felt like glass was being smashed onto my skin’: Bradey said the injuries were the worst pain he has ever felt . The 25-year old is currently staying with his mother, Angalina Summers, while he recovers. ‘Carl has been amazing. Because he has had the support of his loved ones his attitude throughout the whole ordeal has been optimistic and very inspiring,’ Ms Summers told Daily Mail Australia. ‘I was so proud of him for saving that girl.’ Bradey and a friend who visited him in Palmerston North hospital: in hopes of getting back on his feet, his family have made him a crowdfunding page . Fire experts urge anybody using candles to ensure they are positioned on solid holders away from anything inflammable. The house has been demolished because there was asbestos found in the property. Bradey's family have created a crowdfunding page to help him get his life back on track and you can donate to Bradey here . | Carl Bradey lost everything he owned in a raging house fire last month . He lost all feeling in his arm and suffered severe burns to his whole body . He was burned after rescuing a three year old girl from the blaze . The 25-year-old has undergone four major operations since the fire . He has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help replace his belongings . | 5b4b110ba18142c78ca09e1874ea25332c361907 |
cnndm-67 | A restaurant manager feared huge debts after forking out £2,000 on a bizarre addiction which meant he had to wear new underpants every day. Curt Almond, 26, from Bristol, spent at least £40 a week buying new Calvin Klein boxers so that he could slip into a new 'crisp pair' every day of the week. But after wiping out most of his savings, Mr Almond realised that it was 'bankruptcy or boxers' - and that he needed to wean himself off his addiction. Scroll down for video . Addicted: Nando's manager Curt Almond almost landed himself in debt after forking out £2,000 on a bizarre addiction which meant he had to wear new underpants every day . Obsession: The 26-year-old, from Bristol (pictured left and right) spent at least £40 a week buying new Calvin Klein boxers so that he could slip into a brand new 'crisp pair' every day of the week . He has now reverted back to the normal routine of wearing and washing his boxers several times over - and has saved himself thousands in the process. He said: 'When I first started wearing new boxers every day, I loved it. I treated myself to really nice Calvin Klein ones. It always felt great to slip into a crisp pair. 'It got to the point where I didn't feel comfortable unless I was wearing a new pair. 'But, eventually, my money started to run out and I had to buy budget ones instead. Finally, when a huge bill came in one day, I looked at finances and realised that I was spending all my savings on underpants. So I managed to wean myself off the compulsion.' During his year-long addiction, Mr Almond bought 365 pairs of new boxers - which were then thrown into the bin after just one wear. He said his bizarre habit began after the breakdown of a relationship. 'Crisp pair': During his year-long addiction, Mr Almond bought some 365 pairs of new boxers - and threw most pairs into the bin after just one wear . Whenever they stayed over, they would wear the same underwear for several days running, which he thought was 'disgusting'. So, in a bid to get over his former partner, Mr Almond started wearing a fresh pair every day. He also moved back in with his mother, meaning he had extra money to spend on his obsession. He said: 'I did all my own washing and that meant that my mum never found out about my addiction to clean boxers. 'Luckily she never looked through my bin - it was full of boxers that I had only worn for one day at a time and then just thrown away. 'The way I saw it was that people spend so much money on cigarettes and alcohol. For me, this was just how I chose to spend my money.' Mr Almond eventually began feeling the squeeze when his mother increased his rent by £100. But, as his budget grew tighter, he simply reverted to budget boxers instead. 'At Christmas, when the shops changed their stock, I had no choice but to buy loads of boxers that had 'jingle balls' printed on them,' he said. But Mr Almond was again forced to rethink his lifestyle when he received a hefty insurance bill through the post. He said: 'All of my savings had to go on paying my insurance. I tried to pick up odd jobs to fund my love for new boxers but it still wasn't enough to keep afloat. I knew I had to stop. 'After forking out for that big payment, I went upstairs and noticed that I only had three new pairs of boxers left. I panicked and started asking myself if my addiction to new boxers was weird. 'For the first time in a year, I mustered up the courage to put a pair of boxers in the wash. It felt really strange. 'Eventually, I started to rationalise it by telling myself that it was only me that had worn these boxers and I'm a hygienic person so they must be fine.' It was only once Mr Almond overcame his boxer addiction that he felt comfortable chatting about it with his friends. 'I was watching a TV show about people with weird habits and I remember telling my friend about my addiction to fresh boxers,' he said. 'She said that I was absolutely crazy and couldn't understand why on earth I spent so much money on underwear.' | Curt Almond, from Bristol, spent £40 per week on new Calvin Klein boxers . During a year-long addiction, Mr Almond forked out £2,000 on 365 pairs . He threw them away after one wear so he could enjoy 'crisp pair' each day . Mr Almond, 26, forced to curb habit after craze almost landed him in debt . | 533a7803e0c7c90a16691cd10accc15a9ea2c523 |
cnndm-68 | Gareth Bale has been urged to ignore a return to the Premier League and persevere at Real Madrid by former Wales manager Mark Hughes. The world's most expensive player has endured a difficult second season at the Bernabeu. Despite starring in both the 2014 Copa del Rey and Champions League finals, the 25-year-old has become a figure of frustration for fans this term. The Welshman has been linked with English clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea but Hughes, who regrets only spending a single season in Spain, believes Bale should stay with Los Blancos. Gareth Bale has come under fire from fans in his second season at Real Madrid . The Welshman missed the Champions League quarter-final return against Atletico after picking up an injury . Bale, who won the Champions League in his first season, has been urged to stay at Real by Mark Hughes . 'He's done everything right up to this point and having a huge impact over there but if he can, stay as long as you can,' Hughes told the BBC. The Stoke manager played with former England striker Gary Lineker under Terry Venables for one season at Barcelona in 1988. Hughes struggled at the Nou Camp before being loaned to Bayern Munich, although that has not prevented him from advising his countryman to stay. Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring a late winner to send Real into the Champions League semi-finals . 'It's such an opportunity,' he said. 'From my own personal experience I made the mistake of thinking 'I'll just go for a couple of years and I'll be back home and continue my career' which is totally the wrong approach. 'When you get the opportunity to go to a club such as Barcelona or Real Madrid you've got to go with the intention that you're going to try and stay there for as long as you can until they actually kick you out of the door. Hughes believes that Bale has the advantage of having a good family support unit with him in Spain . 'I went there when I was 23 but I was a young 23. I wasn't married and I'd only just met my wife-to-be a couple of months before. 'It was difficult - I was out there on my own at times. 'If you have a good support network, which by all accounts Gareth has over there, I'd say stay as long as you can because you'll look back and think what a great experience that was. | Gareth Bale has endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid . Former Tottenham winger has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea . Stoke manager Mark Hughes has urged Wales star to stay at the Bernabeu . READ: Bale desperate to stay and win over Real Madrid support . READ: Bale leads Football League Team of the Decade . | 411ac7f6cff2e9e05367da27c41c3681d9373c9c |
cnndm-69 | The pursuit of journalists for paying public officials was in ruins last night after prosecutors dropped a raft of cases. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders was forced into a humiliating climbdown after a jury threw out yet another Old Bailey case. She abandoned the trials of nine reporters accused of illegally paying public officials for information, finally admitting there was little appetite among the public for journalists who expose matters of public interest to be jailed. Former Mirror reporter Graham Brough talks to media as he leaves the Old Bailey court in London after he and three other tabloid journalists were cleared of paying public officials for stories . Her decision sparked an ugly blame game as the architects of the £20million ‘politically-motivated witch hunt’ turned against each other. Prosecutors and police pointed the finger at the Leveson inquiry and MPs for whipping up a storm of hysteria over the work of the Press. And Scotland Yard highlighted how their inquiries were possible only thanks to millions of confidential emails released by News International. The man in charge at the start of the tainted Met Police probe into tabloid journalists – Operation Elveden – was former DPP and now Labour parliamentary candidate Keir Starmer. Last night campaigners questioned why the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was still putting three journalists in the dock for the same supposed offences. One senior figure said ‘enough is enough’, adding: ‘It was always wrong for journalists to have been prosecuted for doing their jobs.’ The landmark U-turn came yesterday after a jury threw out the case against three Sun journalists and one former Daily Mirror reporter. Lucy Panton, former News of the World crime reporter, had her conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after being the first to be found guilty . Brandon Malinsky, Neil Millard and Tom Wells, as well as their Fleet Street rival Graham Brough, were cleared of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office. They were accused of funnelling cash to public officials in exchange for leaks from inside some of Britain’s most secure jails. But the jury found that exposing how taxpayers’ cash was wasted on bingo games for illegal immigrants and lavished on child killer Jon Venables was not a crime. Within hours, the CPS threw in the towel on nine other cases, including fresh prosecutions and retrials. The decision followed a review sparked by the Court of Appeal quashing the conviction of the first journalist to be convicted. It can now be revealed for the first time that ex-News of the World crime editor Lucy Panton was found guilty of bribing officials only for her conviction to be overturned. Some of the most senior judges in the country criticised how the archaic law of misconduct in public office – under which prosecutions were brought – had been applied, fatally undermining other cases. The CPS move leaves Operation Elveden in tatters. Of the 27 journalists charged, 23 have been cleared, had their cases dropped or seen their convictions quashed or founder at the Court of Appeal. In addition, 14 journalists were investigated, including many left on bail for many months, but not prosecuted. Three Sun journalists – news editor Chris Pharo, crime reporter Anthony France and reporter Jamie Pyatt – still face trial. A decision must be made within a week over whether Tom Wells should be retried on one charge on which the jury could not reach a verdict. By contrast, 21 of the 28 public officials – including police, prison officers and Ministry of Defence staff – charged under the inquiry have been convicted. Prosecutors faced a furious attack in the wake of yesterday’s decision. Media commentator Roy Greenslade said it was ‘remarkable’ that prosecutors were still pursuing three Sun journalists, adding: ‘Enough is enough.’ The Sun newspaper reporter Tom Wells (left) leaves the Old Bailey court with colleague Neil Millard (right) The Sun's night news editor Brandon Malinsky (left) had his case dropped today. The jury could not decide on one count against former Serco immigration detention centre official Mark Blake (right) Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Mr Malinsky said he had endured ‘two years of torture’. He added: ‘I think the police and CPS have been a disgrace bringing my case and other cases to court. It’s a disgraceful waste of public money.’ The nine journalists whose forthcoming cases have been dropped include ex-Mirror reporter Greig Box-Turnbull and Stephen Moyes of the News of the World. Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson and royal editor Clive Goodman will not face retrials because prosecutors said it was no longer in the public interest. Sun reporter Vince Soodin, former deputy news editor Ben O’Driscoll and former Sun managing editor Graham Dudman will also not be prosecuted. The final two reporters to be told they face no further action are Panton and Ryan Sabey, who has been convicted but has leave to appeal, something the CPS said it will not contest. Mrs Saunders said the original police inquiry was ‘inevitable’ and left prosecutors with a ‘duty’ to act. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Cases of nine out of 12 journalists awaiting trial were dropped today . Urgent review of cases prompted after Lucy Panton's conviction quashed . Former News of the World reporter was first to be found guilty in case . Calls made outside Old Bailey to stop 'persecuting innocent journalists' | 7344a9b120b339c394c3f905cbc1097096de9b2e |
cnndm-70 | A 25-year-old man left brain damaged as a baby after a blunder by doctors has today won his 23-year battle for £7.3 million compensation. The young man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, now relies on 24-hour care. He was born at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in September 1989, but was readmitted three months later, suffering a serious brain haemorrhage. Maternity staff at the hospital failed to administer a vitamin K injection shortly after the man was born. A 25-year-old man was left brain damaged as a baby after doctors at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital failed to administer a vitamin K injection to help the blood clot and prevent internal bleeding. He now requires 24-hour care and will do for the rest of his life. (File picture) The booster is given to newborn babies to reduce their risk of blood clots. The Secretary of State for Health admitted liability, accepting the failure to give the man vitamin K breached their duty of care. At London's High Court today, Judge Michael Yelton approved the £7.3 million settlement, to be paid by the NHS Litigation Authority. It awards the man a lump sum of £2,345,000, as well as annual payments of £181,000, rising to £192,000 - making a total of £7,385,000. Vitamin K helps the blood to clot, and as a result can prevent excessive internal bleeding. In the UK new parents are asked if they would like their newborn to recieve the supplement. Babies are born with low levels of the vitamin, but the amount is normally enough to prevent problems. Some babies are at greater risk, and are more likely to suffer haemorrhagic disease of the newborn, also known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Because it can be difficult to ascertain which babies are at heightened risk, the Department of Health recommends all babies receive the supplement soon after birth. Though rare, HDN is a very serious disease. Half of all babies with HDN suffer a haemorrhage into their brain, often resulting in brain damage. Babies at higher risk of HDN include: . Source: NCT . Judge Yelton said the man should not be named because he was a 'vulnerable person'. But he said he was 'entirely satisfied' the settlement was in his best interests. He said he was 'very pleased' for the young man and his family. The brain damage the now 25-year-old suffered has resulted in significant cognitive and physical problems, including a weakness on his left hand side, and reduced hearing. He also lacks the capacity to manage his own affairs, and needs round the clock care. His family welcomed the settlement, adding it will allow for specialist support, specially adapted accommodation and 24-hour care. His solicitor Arani Yogadeva of Irwin Mitchell said: 'Vitamin K injections are offered to parents as a measure to boost their newborn baby's anti-clotting processes shortly after birth and reduce the risks of them suffering excessive bleeding caused by a deficiently in the vitamin. 'In this case, midwives and doctors chose not to provide him with the relevant dose without advising his mother about the vitamin and the importance of it - a decision which has had serious repercussions. 'We are delighted to have helped the family secure vital financial support, along with an admission of liability. 'It will ensure he gets the lifelong care he requires and also urge hospitals to ensure that guidance is following in relation to the issue of vitamin K.' At London's High Court today, Judge Michael Yelton approved the £7.3 million settlement, to be paid by the NHS Litigation Authority following a 23-year battle . | 25-year-old was left brain damaged after doctors failed to administer vitamin K shortly after he was born at Luton and Dunstable Hospital . Vitamin K helps the blood clot and prevents bleeding in young babies . Man suffered a brain haemorrhage and now needs 24-hour care . Judge awarded him £7.3 million to pay for his ongoing treatment and care . | 951f71cb6dc8aacd4e328a561b9d2da80820b8d7 |
cnndm-71 | Every weekend, Sportsmail tallies up the match ratings handed out by our team of reporters to bring you the Barclays Premier League team of the day. Eden Hazard leads the way this weekend, having powered Chelsea to a vital, narrow win against Manchester United as they hunt down the Premier League title. He is joined by two team-mates from Jose Mourinho's champions-elect. Craig Gardner starred as Tony Pulis' West Bromwich Albion side gave him a winning return to Crystal Palace, even despite the efforts of in-form Palace winger Yannick Bolasie. Everton claimed a win over struggling Burnley, Stoke City saw off Southampton and Leonardo Ulloa scored to continue Leicester City's late surge against Swansea City. GOALKEEPER . Tom Heaton 7.5 (Everton vs BURNLEY) Burnley might have lost at Goodison Park but goalkeeper Tom Heaton was in no way to blame, producing a string of saves to keep Everton to just one goal in a narrow defeat. The performance was topped off with a penalty save from Ross Barkley and his showing bodes well for Burnley's hopes of a great escape. Tom Heaton produced a string of saves against Everton and saved Ross Barkley's penalty . DEFENCE . Seamus Coleman 7.5 (EVERTON vs Burnley) Seamus Coleman was key to Everton's win over Burnley, laying on the only goal of the game for Kevin Mirallas and helping to keep a clean sheet. And it was Coleman who was fouled by Ashley Barnes to reduce Burnley to 10 men on the stroke of half-time in an all-action showing. Seamus Coleman was key to Everton's win over Burnley, laying on the only goal of the game on Saturday . John Terry 7 (CHELSEA vs Manchester United) Defences across the country have found it impossible to cope with Manchester United of late, but a John Terry-marshalled Chelsea kept them out to take another step towards the Premier League title. The Blues skipper bullied Radamel Falcao out of the game at Stamford Bridge and helped to limit United to just two shots on target. A John Terry-marshalled Chelsea kept outut Manchester United to take another step towards the title . Philipp Wollscheid 7 (STOKE CITY vs Southampton) A classy performance from the German centre back kept Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic quiet in a win over Southampton. A newcomer to the Premier League, Philipp Wollscheid revels in the physicality of English-style defending and he dominated in defence for Stoke. Philipp Wollscheid revels in the physicality of English-style defending and he dominated in defence for Stoke . Luke Shaw 7 (Chelsea vs MANCHESTER UNITED) Drafted in to replace Daley Blind, Luke Shaw proved to be Manchester United's most penetrative attacking threat in a game they dominated against Chelsea. Shaw was rarely tested defensively and took plenty of opportunities to go forward. His cutback should have seen Wayne Rooney open the scoring. Luke Shaw proved to be Manchester United's most penetrative attacking threat in a game they dominated . MIDFIELD . Aaron Lennon 8 (EVERTON vs Burnley) Enjoying his football and finding form again at Everton, it was another good weekend for Aaron Lennon. The Tottenham loanee won a penalty in a man-of-the-match display at Goodison Park. It was another good weekend for Aaron Lennon, who won a penalty for Everton against Burnley . Craig Gardner 7.5 (Crystal Palace vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION) Craig Gardner's beautiful 30-yard curler sealed victory for West Brom away at one of the Premier League's in-form sides. His solid passing in midfield helped to put a stop to Crystal Palace's free-flowing style as Tony Pulis enjoyed a winning return to Selhurst Park. Craig Gardner's beautiful 30-yard curler sealed victory for West Brom away at Crystal Palace on Saturday . Eden Hazard 8.5 (CHELSEA vs Manchester United) Made the difference in a big game again. Eden Hazard was a constant outlet for Chelsea's midfield and he slotted between David de Gea’s legs for a decisive goal. Hazard's form seems to make him a nailed-on bet for the Player of the Year prizes come the end of the season. Eden Hazard was a constant outlet for Chelsea and he slotted between David de Gea’s legs for a goal . Yannick Bolasie 8 (CRYSTAL PALACE vs West Bromwich Albion) Yannick Bolasie was not as successful this week as he was with his hat-trick against Sunderland last time around, but still a threat to West Brom with his pace and power. Every attack for Palace seemed to come down the left and he was denied a deserved goal when Boaz Myhill clawed away his bicycle kick. Yannick Bolasie was not as successful this week as he was last week but he was still a threat with his pace . FORWARDS . Leonardo Ulloa 7 (LEICESTER CITY vs Swansea City) Leonardo Ulloa's first goal in the Premier League since Boxing Day brought another victory in the fight for survival. Only starting after David Nugent was injured in the warm-up, he saw another effort land on the roof of the net, leading the line on a difficult afternoon for the hosts. Leonardo Ulloa's first goal in the Premier League since Boxing Day crowned a good line-leading performance . Mame Biram Diouf 7 (STOKE CITY vs Southampton) A second-half comeback for Stoke was led by Mame Biram Diouf, who slammed home an equaliser against Southampton just after half-time. A genuine presence upfront and a constant thorn in the side of the usually excellent Southampton defence. A second-half comeback for Stoke was led by Mame Biram Diouf, who slammed home the equaliser . | Eden Hazard scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Manchester United . Leonardo Ulloa struck as Leicester City claimed vital win over Swansea . Everton beat Burnley at Goodison Park with Aaron Lennon starring . Craig Gardner scored to help West Brom win at Crystal Palace . Stoke City won against Southampton, with Philipp Wollscheid starring . | c2825f040f00612944eb326d60be783af0229b85 |
cnndm-72 | A nine-year-old boy was whipped with skipping ropes by his adoptive mother – for not knowing the story of Pinocchio. Photographs of the child, who was also beaten with metal rods and water pipes, have sparked outrage across China after they were shared online. His adoptive mother Li has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after teachers at his school in Nanjing raised the alarm, says The People’s Daily. The nine-year-old boy was whipped with a skipping rope by his adoptive mother, leaving scars over his body . The 50-year-old had adopted the boy after when he was six after was given up by her cousin, who thought she was sending her child to a better life away from the deprived rural area in which they lived. Instead, shocking images show the child was covered in injuries – including cuts to his ear where he was hit with a metal rod and bruising on his legs and hands when he was smacked with a water pipe and scars all over his back. The abuse was first discovered by the boy’s school six months ago, but teachers assumed it was a one-off case and did nothing more about it. Photographs of the boy's horrific injuries were shared online as his adoptive mother was arrested for abuse . The 50-year-old woman told the boy's school she was 'strict' with him and was trying to correct his bad habits . When his form teacher noticed his injuries were getting worse and the boy was becoming withdrawn and afraid of people, authorities at the school questioned him more. He told them his adoptive mother had carried out the beatings when he didn't know the answers to questions about the children’s book Pinocchio, which she had asked him to study as extra-curriculum homework. The school contacted the woman, who admitted she was ‘strict’ with him and said she was only trying to correct his bad habits, and they contacted the Nanjing Public Security Bureau. The boy was away with his adoptive father during the Chinese Qing Ming festival when the revelations came to light, and they were brought back to Nanjing to protect the child. A statement on bureau’s website confirmed the mother had been arrested and they were investigating the case. The nine-year-old is now temporarily back with his biological parents, and a number of professional psychologists in Nanjing have been enlisted to offer the child support. | WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT . Child left with horrific scars by adopted mother over homework she set him . Biological mother had sent her son to live with cousin for a better life . Adoptive mum now in custody after incident that sparked outrage in China . | 0f3d8c65a611881e9863d19d55e8339bc81e12b8 |
cnndm-73 | The head of an elite Victorian private school has resigned after a photograph of him looking at pornography on his work commuter circulated on social media. Andrew Barr, principal of The Geelong College, south-west of Melbourne, was allegedly photographed through a window as he watched pornography in his school office. The school council launched an investigation, which included a search of Mr Barr's computer, after the photograph appeared on the social media site Snapchat. Andrew Barr, who was Principal of Melbourne's The Geelong College, has resigned after a photo taken of him watching pornography in his office went viral on the internet after being published on Snapchat . Chairman of the Geelong College council, Dr Hugh Seward, told the Geelong Advertiser yesterday the matter was a serious breach of the school's standards, even if the investigation found Mr Barr not to have broken any law. 'The matter was taken very seriously,' Dr Seward said. 'Just before Easter, The Geelong College council became aware of a matter of concern that might constitute a breach of our standards.' 'The council immediately looked into the matter and when our concerns were confirmed, Andrew Barr tendered his resignation.' In a statement, Dr Seward thanked Mr Barr for his contribution to the school since he joined the college in 2013. ‘In the two years since his appointment, Mr Barr has made an enduring contribution to the College’s educational vision and future planning. The Council is grateful for Mr Barr’s commitment and achievement,' he said. Chairman of the Geelong College council, Dr Hugh Seward, said the matter was a serious breach of the school's standards . Mr Barr is a former chairman of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and previously served 10 years as principal of Scotch Oakburn College in Melbourne. Dr Seward told the Geelong Advertiser the investigation confirmed Mr Barr had not broken any law and 'at no point' did his actions affect the care provided to students. The Geelong College Council has since announced it has begun searching for a new Principal. | Head of The Geelong College was photographed watching porn at work . An investigation was launched after the photo was shared on Snapchat . Andrew Barr has resigned from his position as principal . The college council have called his actions 'a breach of our standards' | cabb59d44b0b135f29e8ef31c5234dade3a8429c |
cnndm-74 | Thibaut Courtois has achieved a lot in a relatively short time, but the Chelsea goalkeeper is not resting on his laurels with the Premier League title in his sights. The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers in recent years, impressing first for Genk, then Atletico Madrid and Jose Mourinho's side. Courtois' fine performances have helped bring with it collective success, with the Blues' recent Capital One Cup triumph making this a fifth straight trophy-winning season for the goalkeeper. Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois celebrates after Cesc Fabregas handed them the lead at QPR . The Belgian keeper produced an excellent performance as Chelsea moved closer to the title at Loftus Road . Courtois helped Chelsea to the League Cup earlier in the season and now wants to win the Premier League . Chelsea sit seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table . 2014-2015 (Chelsea) League Cup . 2013-2014 (Atletico Madrid) La Liga . 2012-2013 (Atletico Madrid) Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup . 2011-2012 (Atletico Madrid) UEFA Europa League . 2010-2011 (Genk) Belgian Pro League . The Wembley victory was good, he says, but having been substitute it would understandably be surpassed should Chelsea get over the line in the Premier League. 'Last season, I was part of a team who lost the Champions League in the last minute, so that's something I still want to win, and to be able to play for a Premier League title every season is also a big motivation,' Courtois told the club magazine. 'To win a European Championship or a World Cup with Belgium is another goal. 'But, it is true, when I was a young kid I dreamed of playing in finals and it's nice to have won the Europa League and Super Cup, and won a final against Real Madrid, but hopefully I can achieve much more now. 'Every year I've won one trophy, so it's nice we won the one at Wembley. 'But, of course, the Premier League would be much bigger so hopefully we can add that this season.' Courtois won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League during his three seasons at Atletico Madrid . His first season with Chelsea in the Premier League has been a success on the whole . There have been some embarrassing moments, such as being lobbed by Charlie Adam this month . Courtois joined Chelsea in 2011 but this is his first campaign with the club, having spent the past three seasons on loan at Atletico. The Belgium international has displaced club great Petr Cech as number one and, despite a few recent slip-ups, proved his worth with a wonderful display in Sunday's 1-0 win at QPR. 'As a goalkeeper, you might only have to make one or two saves a game - but sometimes really important ones - so, of course, it's nice that people see it and recognise it,' Courtois said. 'The concentration as a goalkeeper needs to be very high. We work on the focus in training and it's good because, in big teams, one save maybe in minute 88 can be decisive, so it's very important.' | Belgian is determined to lift the Premier League trophy for Chelsea . They currently have a seven-point lead at the top of the table . Courtois has won silverware in each of his last five seasons . He already has a League Cup winners' medal in his collection . | 08ca593deaea934a8fb43d528219ac7d220d7a3d |
cnndm-75 | Underwear tycoon Michelle Mone is selling her three-bedroom Glasgow townhouse in order to buy her ex-husband out of the 'dream home' they once shared, it is claimed. The self-made multi-millionaire bought the Glasgow property off-plan in the city's upmarket Park Circus area after splitting from husband Michael in December 2011. She paid £780,700 for the duplex and had extensive works done before moving into it in 2013. It now boasts a magnificent reception hall and stairway and is worth more than £1 million. For sale: Michelle and Michael Mone, left together in 2011, put their mansion on the market after their 2011 split. The self-made multi-millionaire, pictured right in Glasgow today, is understood to be buying the house . It is understood she will now move back into the five-bedroom mansion in Thorntonhall, Lanarkshire, where she and Michael lived with their three children after agreeing a deal with her ex-husband. Ms Mone, who also has a £2million flat in Mayfair, today shared her decision to move on Twitter. 'Sad to be selling my stunning townhouse in #Scotland Brilliant news is after trying for 2 years i'm buying my ex out of my dream home #YES,' she posted. The then-couple bought the Lanarkshire site in 2008. They demolished the original building, and built 'Telperion', a home six times the size of the average British house. In 2010, Ms Mone was at the centre of a row with neighbours over plans to add a sauna, gym and bar to the home. Five residents objected to her proposals and one said the development would 'completely dwarf' the rest of the street. But it was still given the go-ahead by planners. Glasgow home: Self-made multi-millionaire Michelle Mone bought the property off-plan in the city's upmarket Park Circus area (pictured) after splitting from husband Michael. She paid £780,700 for the duplex . 'Dream home': Ms Mone will move back into the five-bedroom mansion in Thorntonhall, Lanarkshire, pictured, where she and Michael lived with their three children after agreeing a deal with her ex-husband . Family home: The Lanarkshire mansion, in a wealthy suburb home to celebrities and footballers, was listed for £1.5million in 2012. Above, a modern bathroom inside the property, which boasts five en-suite bedrooms . High-end: There is also a state-of-the-art kitchen, pictured, designed by the acclaimed Clive Christian that features beautifully made Edwardian style units and four dishwashers to help keep the place clean . The luxury home boasts 12 large rooms including a 26ft lounge, 36ft family dining kitchen and 30ft recreation room with cinema. There is also a state-of-the-art kitchen designed by the acclaimed Clive Christian that features beautifully made Edwardian style units and four dishwashers. 1996 Michael and Michelle Mone create lingerie brand Ultimo . 2008 The couple buy plot in Thorntonhall, Lanarkshire. They demolish the original building, and build 'Telperion', a home six times the size of the average British house . 2010 Ms Mone is at the centre of a row with neighbours over plans to add a sauna, gym and bar to the home . 2011 Michelle and Micheal split in December after Michael allegedly has an affair with bra designer, Samantha Bunn. He has since set up a rival lingerie firm with Ms Bunn . 2012 The former family home in Lanarkshire is put on the market for 2012. Ms Mone claims her ex-husband refused to sell his part of the property. Ms Mone pays £780,700 for three-bedroom duplex in Glasgow and had extensive works done . 2013 Ms Mone moves into her Glasgow townhouse, and showcases it in exclusive Hello! interview . 2014 Ms Mone becomes embroiled in a bitter row over plans to turn the house next door to her £1 million home into student digs . Today She announces plans to sell Glasgow home and move back into former family home . The home, in a wealthy suburb home to celebrities and footballers, was listed for £1.5million in 2012 following the collapse of the couple's 19-year marriage. It has been on the market for three years. At the time, Ms Mone, 43, raged publicly at her husband for refusing to sell her their baby grand piano and part of their luxurious home. Unable to reach an agreement, they were forced to put the home up for sale. It was advertised as having the 'highest specifications in lighting, communications, media and security'. Safety conscious Michelle's system covers every corner of the building and gardens and includes infra red security cameras, panic buttons and CCTV. Mr Mone has previously criticised his ex-wife's comments and said the divorce papers had specifically addressed the issue of the future sale of the former marital home. The couple created lingerie brand Ultimo together in 1996, split in 2011 after Michael, allegedly had an affair with bra designer, Samantha Bunn, with whom he has set up a rival lingerie firm. Ms Mone recently revealed she has found love again. She shared her joy with her 966,000 followers on Twitter - and posted a smiling picture of herself. 'After 2 years I'm delighted to say I've met my soul mate £megahappy,' she tweeted. The identity of the man who has won her heart remains a mystery. Recently Ms Mone denied dating X Factor singer Shayne Ward. She previously also denied dating cricketer Shane Warne less than a year ago. Elegant: One of the bedrooms in the Lanarkshire home, which has been on the market for three years . State-of-the-art: The home was advertised as having the 'highest specifications in lighting, communications, media and security'. Above, an image of the dining room . Home comforts: The triple garage was replaced with a bar, pictured, and the home has ten plasma TVs as well as three Onkyo home cinema systems . | Michelle Mone bought Glasgow duplex after split with ex-husband Michael . Tycoon had extensive work done and the home is now worth £1million . She is selling and will move back into mansion she shared with Michael . Couple put the five-bedroom 'dream home' on market following 2011 split . | 5729d0a6979b452f627ae68fed79928fa1cad469 |
cnndm-76 | Bracing Skegness is one of the most popular places in Britain to own a holiday home, according to new figures out today. The Lincolnshire resort, famous for its giant Butlin's holiday camp and sprawling caravan parks, joins picturesque places such as St Ives and Windermere in the top ten league of towns for holiday property. Billy Butlin located his first holiday park at Skegness in 1936 and it still attracts 400,000 visitors a year. A railway poster promoting the town once famously boasted 'Skegness is so bracing'. Popular: Skegness (pictured) is one of the most popular places in Britain to own a holiday home, according to new figures out today . Scenic: The Lincolnshire resort joins picturesque places such as St Ives (pictured) and Windermere in the top ten league of towns for holiday property . It is number five among the UK's holiday home hotspots behind Windermere in the Lake District and Newport in Pembrokeshire. The research revealed that 165,000 people in England and Wales have holiday homes. Cornwall, with its 300 mile coastline, is the nation's holiday home hotspot, with more than 10,000 holiday properties located there, six per cent of the total. Gwynedd, home to Snowdonia national park and north Norfolk with its sandy beaches and salt marshes, complete the top three. Researchers for Direct Line Select Premier Insurance interviewed estate agents about the holiday home market in these areas to get recommendations on where to buy and find out how competitive the local property market is at present. 1. St Ives, Cornwall . 2. Abersoch, north Wales . 3. Holt, Norfolk . 4. Windermere, Cumbria . 5. Skegness, Lincolnshire . 6. Newport, Wales . 7. Beverley, Yorkshire . 8. Salcombe, Devon . 9. Filey, Yorkshire . 10. Burnham Market, Norfolk . Across England and Wales nearly 1.6 million people have a second property in a different area to where they live permanently. About 11 per cent of these are used as holiday homes with the remainder being used for purposes such as work or accommodation for student children. Nick Brabham, of Direct Line, said: 'Holiday homes are very valuable to owners as they are often a place to relax and spend quality time with loved ones. 'This time is often limited, which means it is essential to keep the property and its contents in top condition all year round. Peter Olivey, an estate agent in the Cornish resort of Padstow, said: 'Cornwall ticks a number of important boxes for second home owners with its coastal location and abundance of activities. 'It's a true holiday haven without the hassle or cost of going abroad. The local property market here is competitive but with a number of new developments springing up and mortgage rates much lower than they have been, there's still plenty of opportunity for prospective buyers.' Sought after: It is number five among the UK's holiday home hotspots behind Windermere in the Lake District and Abersoch in Wales . Beautiful: Across England and Wales, nearly 1.6 million people have a second property in a different area to where they live permanently - such as Windermere (pictured) which also featured in the list . | Skegness featured among picturesque places like Windermere and Cornwall . Lincolnshire town famous for its Butlin's attracts over 400,000 visitors a year . Research revealed 165,000 people in England and Wales have holiday homes . | 83087cc5622d8488b899ceeb4add931570cc8fe0 |
cnndm-77 | An elderly couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning after lighting a barbecue in their home to keep warm during a power cut, an inquest heard. Grandparents Patrick and Marianne Charles, 78 and 74, were without heating during a blackout on a cold November night last year. The couple, who had been married for 53 years, sat down in their conservatory in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with a glass of wine each and fired up the barbecue to heat up the room. An elderly couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning after lighting a barbecue in their home (pictured) to keep warm during a power cut, an inquest heard . The conservatory quickly filled with smoke and within minutes the couple were unconscious after choking on the fumes. They couple laid dead for 16 days before their son, Andrew Charles, raised the alarm on December 11 and police searched the property, Hastings Magistrates' Court heard. Maintenance work by UK Power Networks caused the power cut, the inquest was told. Mr Charles said his parents often went on holiday abroad and neighbours said the pair 'kept themselves to themselves', so it was not unusual for them to go weeks without contact. The son's statement to the hearing read: 'They loved their holidays, faithful friends and their grandchildren. They were happy and in love after 53 years of marriage.' East Sussex deputy coroner Christopher Wilkinson recorded a conclusion of accidental death. They couple laid dead at their home on Cedar Close, Eastbourne, for 16 days before their son found them . Carbon monoxide poisoning is often caused by people lighting barbecues inside tents, with campers warned not to use them in enclosed spaces. Official advice from Public Health England on carbon monoxide poisoning states: 'The potentially deadly gas, which you can’t taste, smell or see, is produced when fossil fuels or wood burn without enough oxygen. 'Several campsite deaths have been linked to carbon monoxide poisoning from barbecues in recent years. The gas can build up quickly to potentially fatal levels in enclosed spaces such as tents or caravans.' Sheila Merril, public health adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: 'Carbon monoxide (CO) is particularly dangerous because it has no colour, smell or taste. It is therefore easy to inhale without realising it. 'CO poisoning is caused by faulty or badly-serviced gas and other fossil fuel-burning appliances and systems. Barbecues should not be used indoors as this can lead to a build up of CO. 'To remain safe, families need to ensure that gas and fossil fuel appliances are serviced regularly and know the signs of CO poisoning, which include prolonged flu-like symptoms or coal or wood fires that burn slowly or go out.' Symptoms can include headaches, drowsiness and nausea, causing some victims to believe they have a minor illness, such as a cold or food poisioning, or are even just sleepy. However long exposure to the toxic fumes can have severe consequences, including unconsciousness and death. | Patrick and Marianne Charles lit the barbecue as their heating was cut off . Grandparents choked on carbon monoxide fumes in their conservatory . The couple, 78 and 74, laid dead for 16 days before they were found . East Sussex coroner recorded verdicts of accidental death . | 85e4891423e1435b18635ae29887e5b625a228f5 |
cnndm-78 | Germany's Angelique Kerber came from a set down to outmuscle Caroline Wozniacki 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 on Sunday and win the Stuttgart Grand Prix for her second title of the season. Kerber, ranked 14th in the world, completed a memorable week where she beat top seed Maria Sharapova and sixth seed Ekaterina Makarova in previous rounds. 'I am completely done here, empty. I gave everything I had and the crowd just carried me,' she said in a courtside interview. 'I had to fight until the very end and I could not have done it without this crowd.' Angelique Kerber poses with her trophy and new sports car after winning the Porsche Grand Prix . Kerber (right) is congratulated by Caroline Wozniacki after a thrilling three-set final . Kerber falls to the ground in celebration after the German clinches victory in Stuttgart . Dane Wozniacki, a former world number one, eased past the German in the first set before her game unravelled in the second. Wozniacki composed herself and a break at 4-3 in the third seed looked to have given her the edge in the indoor arena. But Kerber, clutching her bandaged right thigh, battled back to win three games in a row to go 6-5 up. Wozniacki saved three match points before the 27-year-old Kerber kept her cool to convert her fourth chance for her second title in a month after Charleston. Wozniacki slides to her left to play a backhand during an enthralling match on Sunday . Kerber comes forward to play the forehand before going on to claim victory on home soil . | Angelique Kerber beat Caroline Wozniacki 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in the final . The German world No 14 knocked out Maria Sharapova earlier in the week . Kerber won a Porsche sports car for her efforts in Stuttgart . | 961c403bc43ccbbbb0f59f2e7d2c55746d48f463 |
cnndm-79 | Two goals within ninety seconds of each other was enough to spark an outbreak of fear and loathing rarely seen on this side of the Mersey. After more than two years of inexorable decline the patience of Tranmere's faithful finally snapped when Oxford moved decisively ahead, in an effortless manner reminiscent of the previous Saturday's Boat Race. The loathing was directed mainly at manager Micky Adams, who was announced on Sunday morning to have left the club by 'mutual consent'. The Tranmere players look down after the final whistle, as the prospect of relegation looms large . This is how it ends in football sometimes: standing in the dugout having a season ticket thrown in your face by an incandescent supporter, who you then see given a standing ovation by some sections upon being escorted out. The fear involves dropping out of the Football League a week on Saturday after 94 years of membership, something which provoked an angry demonstration by some 150 supporters outside the gates afterwards. Adams departs with two games to go and after a 3-0 defeat against a thoroughly professional Oxford side the Wirral's only professional sports outfit are one point behind Cheltenham and two behind Hartlepool. Bitter ironies abound. Relegation to the National League – the grand-sounding new title for the Conference but don't be fooled – may partly be down to Prenton Park legend and ex-manager Ronnie Moore, sacked by the club last season for a minor betting offence, and now masterminding Hartlepool's unlikely survival. And it could all happen under the ownership of former FA Chief Executive Mark Palios, knowledgeable football man and esteemed former Tranmere player who took over the club late last summer. Kemar Roofe celebrates scoring, as a professional Oxford side eased past sorry Tranmere . The battle between Barnet and Bristol Rovers to win automatic promotion to the Football League will go down to the last game. Barnet, who lead the Conference by one point, have a home game against mid-table Gateshead on Saturday while Rovers face a potentially more difficult match at home against fourth from bottom Alfreton, who almost certainly need to win themselves to avoid being relegated. Rovers looked as if they would head the table after the weekend’s games but conceded a goal with two minutes left to draw 1-1 at Dover. That put Barnet, who dropped out of the Football League two seasons ago, in the driving seat after a 1-1 draw away to Kidderminster. Grimsby are guaranteed a play-off spot, but one of Eastleigh, Forest Green and Macclesfield will miss out. It all seemed such a good idea at the time. Nobody questioned his judgement in October when, with the team bottom of the table, he replaced the inexperienced Rob Edwards with a seasoned operator like Adams. There was the odd dead cat bounce, but six months on they are still bottom after failing to keep a clean sheet for nineteen consecutive matches. The Mersey ferry displays a quicker turning circle than that shown by the home defence for the two killer goals that came just after half-time, but then a cause of that may be a lack of familiarity among players. A staggering 52 have been called up to first team duty this season. Adams played the selection and recruitment game like a man on the fruit machine, continually pulling the handle in the hope that the right combination would come up in alignment. The latest loan signing has been young Everton winger George Green who, when pulled off on Saturday after 60 minutes, could be seen haranguing some of his team-mates on the bench. It was not long after full-time that you could catch assistant manager Alan Rogers, part of a distinguished list of former Tranmere players who graduated to a higher level, stripping the paint from the dressing room walls. Micky Adams has left the club by mutual consent, with Tranmere bottom of the league with two games to go . Rogers – now in charge for the next fortnight – then had to deny that Adams's decision to dodge the media was of any significance. He then professed himself 'dumbfounded' by the team's performance. And so it unravels in desperate times. They had actually competed gamely in the first half, but were overwhelmed by anxiety when getting anywhere near the goal. 'It's not acceptable,' he said. 'We just don't look like scoring a goal. The players have got to start taking some responsibility. It's an easy option pointing fingers at the manager but the players have got to look at themselves, have they done enough? The answer is no. I was a player. You've got to stand up and be counted.' Marc Laird, well-travelled journeyman and among those fighting for his career, did not try to shift the blame onto the management. He just about summed up the sense of disbelief saying: 'It's a big club, when I joined in the summer I never imagined that we would be where we are.' The prospect of dropping out of the 92 is something uniquely grim in English football, especially for a club of this heritage, who shortly after joining the league gave a debut to 16 year-old local lad Dixie Dean. It was only in January 2013 that they stood on top of League One and early in the last decade reached the League Cup final plus three FA Cup sixth rounds. But they do not have to look far for examples of how there is no easy road back in the event of relegation. Aside from Southport and Chester there is Wrexham, not far across the Welsh border and a decent sized club, who fell out of the league in 2008 and have yet to return. There is a long trip to Plymouth next Saturday and then a last home game against Bury. The unpalatable odds are that the next stop after that could be somewhere like Braintree or Dover. | Tranmere on brink of relegation from League Two with two games to play . Rovers manager Micky Adams left club by mutual consent on Sunday . Tranmere could drop out of Football League after 94 years . | 5faeb0deba46846c779a59694af4ea1110374f95 |
cnndm-80 | The family of one ANZAC veteran were thrilled to receive news from a stranger this week that their relative's war medal had been unearthed in an east Melbourne Park. Fossicker Ashley Manzie was combing the park with his metal detector when he discovered a medal belonging to Frederick George Biddulph, who served with the 23rd Australian Infantry Battalion at Gallipolli between 1914 and 1915. Mr Manzie posted photos of the silver medal to an online fossicking forum, which led him to Sydney man Stephen Norton - Biddulph's great-nephew. 'At first I thought it was a scam or someone trying to sell me something,' Mr Norton told Daily Mail Australia. 'I just couldn't believe it - I thought wow - and then I was really confused.' Rare find: Ashley Manzie unearthed the WW1 star medal when he was combing a Melbourne park with his metal detector last week. Mr Norton, who has been researching his family history for 'a very long time' says the discovery has raised more questions than it has answered. He thinks the inscribed medal doesn't belong to Frederick at all, but to his brother Lewis William Biddulph. 'Frederick never went to war. He'd lost two fingers blowing up fish so he wouldn't have been accepted to fight,' said Mr Norton. 'We think his younger brother Lewis, who had a slight hearing problem, may have used his name to sign up.' It means that a grave in Melbourne's Springvale Cemetery bearing a plaque with Frederick's name is probably not his either. Instead, it records the date of Lewis's death, or 'Bunny' as he was called in the family 'because he was so fast.' Norton recently discovered that Frederick had actually died nine years before 'Bunny' in New Zealand. Frederick Biddulph's plaque at Melbourne's Springvale cemetery probably belongs to his brother Lewis, who joined the army in his name because he had poor hearing . Frederick Biddulph (left) pictured with Stephen Norton's grandfather, Thomas Driscoll, and another brother, Bill . Stephen Norton says tracing the family history has been difficult because it seems the men changed their names a number of times in order to get into the service. He says the only thing he knows for sure is that there were three brothers who went off to WW1 from Tasmania - and that they all came back alive. The other brothers were Benjamin William, who was awarded the Gallipoli Medal, and David Tasman. According to national records, the 23rd Battalion with which Bunny served landed at Anzac cove in September 1914. The troops manned Lone Pine, 'one of the most trying parts of the Anzac frontline' until they left Gallipoli in December 1915. Norton says his own grandfather - Bunny's brother - fought in the Battle of Fromelles in France. 'He was a machine-gunner who was caught on the wire and spent years as a Prisoner of War in Germany before making it back to Australia,' Norton says. 'Somehow they all made it home.' From the archives: Frederick (left) whose name is inscribed on the WW1 medal, never joined the army because he lost two fingers 'blowing up fish' before the war. The lost medal is instead thought to have belonged to his brother, Lewis 'Bunny' Biddulph . Fossicker Ashley Manzie says it made his year to be able to return the medal to a living relative ahead of the ANZAC Day Centenary this weekend . Some of Manzie's other finds with the silver war medal . Fossicker Ashley Manzie says he was 'blown away' to unearth the medal so close to the 100 year ANZAC Day anniversary. He says he found Stephen Norton after 'researching his heart out' with other members of the Australian Metal Detecting and Relic Hunting online forum. 'Definitely a roamer,' he posted to the forum after finding a slew of documents on Frederick Biddulph in the National archives. 'I found out that he was discharged from the Army as medically unfit when he returned to Australia in 1917, that he was diagnosed with Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart),' Manzie told Daily Mail Australia. Manzie also found letters from Biddulph's mother in Tasmania, appealing to the authorities for information about her son. 'Not knowing he whereabouts:' Ashley Manzie discovered this letter from Frederick Biddulph's mother asking the authorities for information on the whereabouts of her son . Did Mrs Biddulph ever make contact with her son Frederick or was she looking for Bunny? 'I don't know, I don't know if she even knew about the name swaps,' says Stephen Norton. 'Dad's the only one from that era who would know - and I was hoping to be able to drag more out of him - but he's 94 now and his memory isn't what it was.' For Norton, the discovery raises the question of the other two medals that the records say were awarded to 'Frederick'. 'This is the only one that has come to light, maybe the others are with his family, I don't even know if he had children and if there's other family out there,' he says. Stephen Norton doesn't know whether Private Frederick George Biddulph's mother ever made contact with her son, or his brother Lewis 'Bunny' Biddulph, when they returned to Australia from the war . Stephen Norton says he will proudly wear the newly-found medal, alonsgide those of his grandfather and his own father, to the Marylands RSL Anzac Day dawn service this weekend. Ashley Manzie says the discovery has 'made his year.' 'It made not just my day but my year when I found out that I could return the medal to a living relative. Especially being the 100 year anniversary of ANZAC,' he said. 'All this history and amazing story all from a beep on my detector in a park! Lest we forget.' | A Melbourne man has unearthed a WW1 medal with his metal detector . Ashley Manzie tracked down the medal owner's great-nephew after posting photos to an online fossicking forum . The discovery was made a week before 100th Anzac Day commemorations . | d5e3add9f887075a83c369474811874d0abe37dc |
cnndm-81 | Polk City, Florida (CNN)If you drove by it, you wouldn't even know it's there. The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation sits on 200 acres of land in rural central Florida, halfway between Orlando and Sarasota, off a nondescript country road. An armed security guard greets you at the entrance. After a short drive down a gravel road, you get the sense this is a special place. "You can walk around and you don't hear anything," said Kenneth Feld, who opened the center in 1995. "These elephants, they have these large feet and they travel silently through the fields. I think it's very peaceful." Twenty-nine elephants currently live here, and 13 more will join the group by 2018, after Ringling Bros. decided this year to stop using elephants in its traveling circus. "This was a decision that our family had discussed for quite some time," said Feld, chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, the company that owns Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The change comes after years of repeated criticism and lawsuits by animal rights groups. The ultimate decision to phase out the elephants, Feld said, is the result of the different laws regulating the use of the animals in each of the 115 cities the circus visits every year. "You can't operate any business, much less with animals, if you don't have consistency from city to city," Feld said. "It's a definite expense to be in litigation and to be fighting legislation, and there is a saying and it's been around for a long time: 'You can't fight city hall.' And we found that to be the case in this situation." The circus business has been a part of the Feld family since 1967, when Irvin Feld purchased Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. When Irvin died in 1984, his son, Kenneth, took over. "This is a whole family affair," he said. "It's a family affair for our family but also for all the elephants." When the center opened 20 years ago, it housed fewer than 10 elephants. "It was a place for elephants to retire," Feld said. Today, the center houses elephants of all ages. "We have lots of different elephants, meaning males and females, youth elephants, older elephants, so it is a great place to study behavior," he said. The center is also focused on breeding the animals. Wendy Kiso, a research and conservation scientist, spends her days at an onsite lab, trying to figure out how to keep the species from going extinct. Part of her lab includes several tanks that "cryo-preserve" elephant sperm at negative-196 degrees. "We process the semen and we extend it in such a way that we can freeze it," Kiso said. "This is a genetic resource bank for Asian elephants." Twenty-six elephants have been born here, Feld said. Mike, the newest pachyderm to join the group, was born at the center's birthing barn nearly two years ago. "We have the largest and only sustainable herd of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere," Feld said. Caring for the elephants is no small task. Trudy Williams and her husband, Jim, spend their time taking care of the animals' daily needs. It takes the couple hours to bathe, walk and feed the elephants every day. "First thing in the morning, we water them, and give them some treats and feed them some hay," Williams said. Each elephant eats about 150 pounds of food a day. Twenty-one tons of hay usually lasts only 10 days at the center. Exercise is also part of the daily routine, including stretching. "We just do that a few times on each leg with them, just to give them a good stretch," Williams said."We do some footwork with them. All of our elephants, generally once a month, get a pedicure, just to make sure their feet are in good condition." All of this care isn't cheap. "Each elephant costs over $65,000 a year, per year, over all the years of their life," Feld said. "We're fortunate we're for profit. We do make a profit and we're a privately owned family business, and so we've made a decision we want to devote a lot of resources here." It's a price Feld said he's willing to pay to keep this species -- some varieties of which in Asia and Africa are endangered -- alive for generations to come. "I always say, it's sort of like Jurassic Park with a happy ending," Feld said. "We knew that if we didn't do something, maybe my grandchildren would never have the opportunity to see these incredible animals." CNN's Javier de Diego contributed to this report. | 29 elephants currently live at the circus sanctuary, and 13 more will join by 2018 . The expansion comes after Ringling Bros. said it would stop using elephants in circus . $65,000 worth of care annually includes pedicures, stretching and tons -- literally -- of food . | 484b88f32a6422b318e7d5cd25809082579485b9 |
cnndm-82 | Most people give up chocolate for Lent but one businesswoman decided to use her 40 days to change the lives of others - after almost losing her own. Triathlete Charlotte Roach, 26, from London, who nearly died in a horror crash, gave up ordinary clothes for Lent to raise money for the charity that saved her life. Along with her business partner Rosemary Pringle, 28, the pair vowed to sport only fancy dress costumes for 40 days to fundraise for London's Air Ambulance. Charlotte Roach and her business partner Rosemary Pringle dressed up in different costumes for every day of lent to raise money for the Air Ambulance Service which saved Charlotte after she was involved in car accident in 2010 . The two women rated buskers in London's Trafalgar Square while dressed as Simon Cowell, rode the Tube as Baywatch lifeguards and even pitched to clients in their pyjamas. Charlotte, co-founder of fitness company Rabble, owes the charity her life after a crash in November 2010 left her with punctured lungs, 12 fractured vertebrae, broken ribs and a broken collarbone. The fitness fanatic had been out cycling near Melton in Leicestershire in a bid to make the 2012 Olympic triathlete team when her bike collided with a Land Rover. She said: 'When I went down, nobody on my team saw it, so they just assumed I'd taken a tumble and I'd be fine in a minute or two. 'Luckily, the car behind us was driven by a physio for Leicester Tigers' rugby team and she took a look at me. Charlotte continued: 'She could hear a gurgling sound when I spoke, which was the sound of blood seeping into my lungs. Charlotte and Rosemary dressed up as Simon Cowell one day and rated performers in Leicester Square . The two women larked about dressed as Reindeer in some shrubbery . 'Effectively, I was drowning and I was running out of time to live. Her quick thinking probably saved my life.' Charlotte was airlifted to Royal Derby Hospital, where medics battled to pull her back from the brink of death. She underwent emergency spinal surgery and extensive reconstructive work. Doctors warned she may never walk again, but determined Charlotte worked hard at her rehabilitation. She said: 'In my head I thought as soon as I got home, it would all be okay, but when I got home I couldn't really move. 'I still had holes in my chest that needed to be re-dressed and repacked by doctors every day. Charlotte (left) and Rosemary (right) wore a series of different costumes, here Rosemary is dressed as Harry Potter . Charlotte said that the pair had a lot of different reactions, from laughter to confusion . The former triathlete said that with some of the costumes it was hard for people to tell whether they were dressed up or not . 'One day, despite my mum's protests, I decided to walk to the doctors. My neighbour had to come round to tie my shoes as I couldn't bend down. 'I started walking but had to stop after around 400m. That's when it hit home how little I could do.' Following the accident, Charlotte, who had left university to train as a triathlete full time, was dropped by her former sponsors. 'I wanted to prove I could get back to where I used to be, fitness wise,' she said. 'The less people believed in me, the more determined I became. 'I later found out that, after the accident, doctors called my parents to say I may not survive. I think I was the only person who didn't think I was going to die.' Larking about on a Boris bike Charlotte dressed up as a clown . Following her accident Charlotte was left with severe injuries and had screws put into her spine . Slowly, Charlotte began to repair herself. While easing herself back into exercise, she stumbled upon the idea for Rabble, a fitness company that disguises exercise as games like capture the flag and dodgeball. 'While I was recovering from my injuries I thought to myself: "exercise as an adult really sucks." It can be repetitive, isolating and boring. 'I wanted to recreate that feeling of playing out with your mates as a kid.' It was the Rabble members that birthed the idea of the fancy dress challenge. 'We were coming up with fun ideas of what to give up for a Lent. A few were chucked around but none really stuck,' said Charlotte. For this costume Charlotte joked about as she was dressed up as a robber . The girls went about their daily lives whilst dressed in the costumes, including going to work and going to meetings . 'Somebody suggested [giving up] clothes as a joke and at first I thought: 'that's the kind of thing that gets people arrested,' but then we decided to give up normal clothes instead. 'We forget we're wearing costumes until we get weird looks. People do react quite differently. Some laugh, and some almost look disgusted. It depends on the outfit as some aren't obviously fancy dress. 'Our most embarrassing moment so far was meeting with a big, corporate bank in our pyjamas. At first, they wouldn't even let us in the building.' In August 2012, Charlotte cycled 16,000 miles from Beijing to London, raising £10,000 for London's Air Ambulance. Now, she is keen to keep donating. 'I owe the Air Ambulance my life. I wouldn't have survived without them,' she said. 'At the very least I want to donate enough to save someone else life.' For this look they used toilet roll to turn themselves into mummies . | Charlotte Roach was nearly killed in a horrific car accident in 2010 . For lent she decided to dress in fancy dress to raise money for charity . Charlotte's business partner Rosemary Pringle did the challenge too . The pair wanted to raise money for the Air Ambulance Service . | e3bd5f22fedc86c37867d6d93d39517a66e19e04 |
cnndm-83 | The scene looks as though there has been a disaster. In what was likened to a ‘military operation’ a pair of cranes struggle to retrieve a ‘casualty’ from a house, while fire engines, police, a medical team and other officials stand by. The immediate area is screened from the public gaze with tarpaulin. Roads are cordoned off. No traffic can get to nearby schools. For seven hours, there is a state of ‘mayhem’. Yet it was no sudden catastrophic incident, as some witnesses imagined. This was simply what it took to remove a 22-year-old woman who weighs 55st from her home. Scroll down for video . Obese Georgia Davis, 22, who weighs 55 stone, had to be lifted out of her home in Aberdare, south Wales, by a crane so emergency services could take her to hospital . The seven-hour operation involved two cranes, seven police cars, two fire engines and 11 medics . Georgia Davis is an extreme manifestation of the obesity epidemic afflicting young people in Britain. She is 5ft 6in tall but exists on a 13,000-calorie-a-day binge of takeaways and junk food which has rendered her immobile. The source of her income to finance her intake is unclear. ‘Britain’s fattest woman’, as she has been described, eats to excess because she wants to and has done so since the age of five. Periodically, her bloated body can take it no more and she has to be removed to hospital for treatment. That is what happened in the village of Cwmaman, on the edge of Aberdare, on Wednesday. It is the second time in three years the emergency services have been summoned to free her from her self-inflicted prison. On the first occasion they had to demolish part of her parents’ house. Since then she has been given a specially adapted ground-floor flat with French doors opening onto the street. This was to allow easier access for the next inevitable medical emergency. And so it came to pass. Largely bedridden for the past fortnight because of water retention, Georgia developed a ‘severe infection’ which required hospital treatment. But she had become too big and weak to move. Calling the ambulance meant a major logistical operation which must have cost thousands of pounds in manpower and equipment hire . he first crane proved not strong enough to lift the patient. A larger crane had to be summoned which necessitated closing half-a-mile of the main road for an hour . For other individuals, this would at worst have been a question of calling an ambulance. In Georgia’s extraordinary case it meant a major logistical operation which must have cost thousands of pounds in manpower and equipment hire. Her extraction began a little after 9am. Three nurses from the local hospital and a paramedic arrived outside Georgia’s block of flats in a convoy of cars. They were to prepare her for the move. Soon afterwards, the medical team was joined by a fire officer, whose job it was to assess the dimensions and route of the removal. He decided the special French doors would have to be entirely removed. The first police officers and an ambulance arrived at 10am, according to neighbours. At 11.30am, two fire tenders pulled up followed by a mobile crane, an essential piece of equipment when lifting a 55st woman on a reinforced stretcher. At midday, three police cars arrived. They would be joined in the afternoon by another four. One resident reported: ‘It’s absolute chaos, there’s 999 vehicles everywhere and dozens of emergency service workers. All the roads are shut.’ And still the operation had not begun. At 2.30pm, the critical care medical team arrived in an SUV. By the time the first attempt to remove Georgia began an hour later, there were more than a dozen emergency vehicles outside the flats and in the car park at the back. Soon, a serious problem became apparent. The first crane proved not strong enough to lift the patient. A larger crane had to be summoned which necessitated closing half-a-mile of the main road for an hour. By the time it arrived, eyewitnesses estimated the number of specialists in attendance to be as many as 40. You may wonder why and what else was happening elsewhere in South Wales that might have more usefully held their attention. One neighbour said: ‘I thought the flats were on fire, there were so many vehicles. The road was totally blocked, it was absolute mayhem.’ Largely bedridden for the past fortnight because of water retention, Georgia (pictured left and right) developed a ‘severe infection’ which required hospital treatment. But she had become too big and weak to move . Georgia blamed her initial bingeing on ‘comfort eating’ following the death of her father from emphysema when she was little . Georgia was finally removed seven hours after the procedure began. She was taken in a reinforced ambulance to Royal Glamorgan hospital, where she is expected to remain for weeks. It was claimed that she had recently begun eating salads in order to lose weight. But as one neighbour, Anita Coolney, reportedly pointed out: ‘Georgia may be having salads, but she is having takeaways too. I’ve seen them being delivered. What’s the good of having salad for lunch if you have an 18in pizza for tea?’ Another was reported to have said: ‘I can’t eat as much in a week as she eats in a day. It’s disgusting.’ A spokesman for Cwm Taf University Health Board said: ‘We can confirm that the fire service was brought in to assist us with access to a property in order to safely transport a patient into hospital.’ South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service all refused to comment on the cost of the operation. Social landlord RCT homes, which owns Georgia’s flat, also refused to comment. Her mother Lesley, who has weighed as much as 31st, must also take a good deal of the blame. She had fed baby Georgia condensed milk and potatoes instead of baby food . A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service said: ‘We attended a joint operation with colleagues from Cwm Taf University Health Board, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service, and South Wales Police to assist in the transportation of a patient to hospital. ‘This involved nine personnel from Welsh Ambulance Service and two from EMRTS. The operation started with preparation on site at 9.15am and our staff left the scene at 4pm.’ Georgia first came to national attention in 2008 when, aged 15, she had a 64in waist and weighed 33st. She also had Type 2 diabetes. She said: ‘I know it’s partly my fault. But it’s so hard to stop eating. It’s like a drug. Some people choose heroin but I’ve chosen food and it’s killing me. It’s as if I can hear Greggs [the bakers] calling me.’ She blamed her initial bingeing on ‘comfort eating’ following the death of her father from emphysema when she was little. At seven she weighed 11st. As a teenager her daily intake included multi-packs of crisps, litre bottles of fizzy drinks, chips and sausages. She was banned from her school canteen for over-eating. She had stopped attending PE lessons long before. At home, she watched television, surfed the internet and, of course, ate. And ate. Her mother Lesley, who has weighed as much as 31st, must also take a good deal of the blame. She had fed baby Georgia condensed milk and potatoes instead of baby food. Georgia was sent to a ‘fat camp’ in the U.S. after doctors warned she would die if she didn’t lose 20st. In nine months there she lost 14st 6lb as she took regular exercise and existed on 1,500 calories a day. But she was welcomed home with fish and chips and within 20 months was back up to 40st. Crisis point was reached in 2012, by which time the 19-year-old was eating seven kebabs in one sitting and had reached a weight of 63st. It is the second time in three years the emergency services have been summoned to free her from her self-inflicted prison. She also had to be rescued from her home in 2012 in a similar operation . During that incident, a 40-strong team of emergency service personnel and engineers laboured for eight hours to remove her from her bedroom at the housing association home she shared with her mother and stepfather . A 40-strong team of emergency service personnel and engineers laboured for eight hours to remove her from her bedroom at the housing association home she shared with her mother and stepfather. Georgia had collapsed with breathing problems and chest pains. The rescuers had to demolish the top half of the semi and build a scaffold in order to support a ramp to the pavement. Roof supports had to be inserted and she was lifted onto a special stretcher using a crane. Again a reinforced ambulance took her to hospital. The operation, including repairs, was costed at £100,000. Such scenes will be repeated if more is not done to tackle obesity, say campaigners. One in three children in the UK is overweight, while one in five is obese. Teenage girls form the majority of the one million or so obese under-18s. National Obesity Forum spokesman Tam Fry said: ‘It is a military operation. It will be an equivalent cost, which the NHS has to pay. ‘There will be many more Georgia Davises who we don’t know about because they are stuck in their houses and cannot get out without being winched out. ‘The NHS has to introduce screening for children and adults and if we don’t do that we are going to find more of this in the future.’ Additional reporting by BEN WILKINSON . | 55stone Georgia Davis, 22, was lifted from her home in 7-hour operation . First crane was not strong enough to lift her so a larger crane had to be summoned which forced closure of road in Aberdare, south Wales . Neighbours thought the 'mayhem' was due to her flats being on fire . Bedridden woman taken to hospital by ambulance with 'severe infection’ | caef1cd04bcdd75d4f219bd88ca76ff7aa7b23e0 |
cnndm-84 | Barcelona stars Neymar, Dani Alves and Adriano looked delighted following their vital win over Celta Vigo in La Liga - but their choice of matching denim was somewhat questionable. The flamboyant Brazilians all played their part in helping the Catalonian side return home with all three points, following Jeremy Mathieu's winning goal. Neymar took to Instagram after his side returned to the summit of La Liga: 'We got home...important victory...Congratulations guys!!! Vamo to top.' Dani Alves (from left), Adriano and Neymar were delighted with their hard-fought victory over Celta Vigo . Dani Alves, who's being linked with a move away from the Nou Camp, also posted a similar picture of the trio. He said: 'A great day at work, a little trairagem in the picture lol Return to home with my brothas @neymarjr @adriano21c. Joy, joy , one is that every day.' Game winner Mathieu admits his side were poor and puts it down to the international break. The three Brazilians all started for Barcelona and played a crucial role in the win which saw them go top . 'Celta played well for the whole 90 minutes, but there are games that are won on little details,' the centre-back told the club's official website. 'It was a tough game. Paying after international matches is more difficult because the dynamics of the team are a bit off. 'In the first half we suffered a lot. We are Barca, but we also suffer. Jeremy Mathieu (centre) admits his side were poor throughout the match and blamed the internationals . The Frenchman celebrates after scoring the winning goal after 73 minutes despite their poor display . 'However, the most important thing is getting the three points.' The Frenchman praised his defensive partner Gerard Pique for his impressive display against a tough opposition. 'Playing with Pique is very simple,' he added. 'He is outstanding - it is amazing to play with him.' Mathieu praised Gerard Pique (right) after his impressive defensive display for Barcelona on Sunday . | Dani Alves, Neymar and Adriano celebrated their victory over Celta Vigo . The flamboyant Brazilian's all wore matching double denim outfits . Jeremy Mathieu says Barcelona were poor throughout the game . The Frenchman praised his defensive partner Gerard Pique for his display . CLICK HERE for all the latest Barcelona news . | 141a0fde177c25e881150fd4e0af9776fbbf8a43 |
cnndm-85 | A grandmother nicknamed the 'Fairy Dogmother' spends more than £28,000 a year looking after the stray or abandoned dogs she has welcomed into her home. For more than 30 years, Pat Senior, 66, has shared her five-bedroom home in Bolton, Greater Manchester, with the animals, taking in dogs from as far afield as Romania and Hungary. She estimates that she spends £240 a week on food and treats for the dogs, with veterinary bills adding another £17,000 to the yearly cost of caring for the pets. Pat Senior, 66, (pictured) who is nicknamed the 'Fairy Dogmother', spends more than £28,000 a year looking after as many as 26 stray or abandoned dogs she has welcomed into her home . Grandmother-of-four Mrs Senior and her businessman husband, Charles, currently have 19 dogs in their care, including lurchers, German Shepherds and Chinese Cresteds who all sleep and live at her home. She has made makeshift beds for the animals in the couple's garage, with some dogs sleeping in the living room, although three Chinese Cresteds are allowed to sleep in her bed. She takes in neglected greyhounds as well as adopting dogs from pounds, and at one stage had 26 dogs living under her roof. Mrs Senior spends £240 a week on food and treats for the dogs, with veterinary bills adding another £17,000 to the yearly cost of caring for the pets . As well as taking in neglected greyhounds, Mrs Senior also adopts dogs from her local dog pounds and at one stage had 26 dogs living under her roof. She describes meal times as 'chaotic', with her shopping list consisting of 40 small chickens a week for the smaller and medium sized dogs, and two large packs of minced chicken and pasta a day for the larger animals. 'I wake at 6.30am and it's nonstop from then on,' said Mrs Senior. 'We feed the dogs at dinner time and then they get a big dinner in the evening. It's a mad rush and chaotic with dog bowls all over the place and we make sure every dog gets its dinner. They are here there and everywhere. I also take the only four fit enough to walk out. I also clean.' Mrs Senior, who is also a painter, left behind her career as a singer to look after the animals after a chance encounter with a woman trying to rehome a stray lurcher, Lexus, in 1981. Within a few weeks she became inundated with calls from greyhound owners wanting her to take the dogs off their hands and so set up the Angels With Furry Coats dog rescue, which is run entirely from her home. She says was then asked to work undercover for a BBC documentary to 'expose the dark side of grey hound racing,' and was horrified to see greyhounds drugged with heroine and living in squalor. She then made it her mission to open her home to as many neglected dogs as she could, and last year had eight stray hounds brought over from Romania and Hungary at a cost of £350 per animal. Due to the poor condition of many of her dogs her veterinary bill amounts to around £17,000 a year. 'I have been told I am completely mad and I could have brought many properties with all that money but I would rather be me than someone doing nothing,' she said. 'Somebody has got to look after these dogs and not everyone can. They like holidays and an easy life. Mrs Senior and one of her Angels With Furry Coats volunteers, Lorraine, walk some of the rescued dogs . As well as taking in neglected greyhounds, the grandmother-of-four also adopts dogs from her local dog pounds and at one stage had 26 dogs living under her roof . 'People were calling and saying if you don't take the dog I will kill it. I decided this is what I am going to do for the rest of my life. 'I had no idea what was happening before. I had to deal with owners who would regularly give the dogs heroine. They would have all these dogs hopped up on drugs and off their heads. I was really disgusted. I saw a picture of some hanging by their necks from trees.' 'If I think about it I could have had a pretty good lifestyle if I hadn't spent all this money on the dogs. But I do it because you see these sad cases and when you manage to turn it around it is so worth it.' Mrs Senior, who is also a painter, left behind her career as a singer to look after the animals after a chance encounter with a woman trying to rehome a stray lurcher, Lexus, in 1981 . The mother-of-two says she is rushed off her feet all day, especially as she likes 'to live in a nice house and not a kennel.' She added: 'I have a lovely home and everything has to be spotless. People are gobsmacked that we have a beautiful house. We do not live in a dog kennel.' Many of the dogs that come into Mrs Senior's care are in bad condition and she says she loves getting them back in shape. 'Many of them are flea bitten or emaciated,' she said. 'But some have been garrotted, had fat poured all over them, burnt with cigarettes and some have even be sexually abused. But it is an amazing feeling with you get them better and their eyes light up.' | Pat Senior runs rescue centre from her home in Bolton, Great Manchester . Grandmother, 66, adopts pets from as far away as Romania and Hungary . She spends £240 a week on food, and £17,000 a year on vet's bills . Mrs Senior started taking in dogs in 1981 and currently has 19 animals . | daa48f5d83361173f56595c47bf009147c3d12d1 |
cnndm-86 | A recent meeting between a freshman Republican congressman from California and his constituents took an unexpected turn when Rep Steve Knight was caught on camera threatening an anti-immigration protester with violence. Knight, 48, a former Los Angeles police officer who was elected to represent the 25th Congressional District last year, was hosting an open house event at his Simi Valley office last Friday when he was accosted by a group of activists rallying against amnesty for undocumented immigrants. The heated exchange between Knight and the group of protesters carrying anti-immigration signs was captured on video and later uploaded onto YouTube by a right-wing group called We The People Rising. Ambush: Rep Steve Knight (left) was accosted by activists rallying against amnesty for illegal immigrants outside his Simi Valley, California, office during an open house last Friday . Crossing a line: A man named 'Mike' (right) accused Knight of lying about his voting record and patted him on the back after a prolonged handshake . Tempers flare: Knight, a former LAPD officer, went after Mike, telling him, 'If you touch me again, I'll drop your a**' Defense: Knight went on to explain to the activists that he never voted in support of ‘amnesty’ for immigrants . In the 2-minute clip, Knight is approached by a man who introduces himself as 'Mike' and proceeds to shake the lawmaker's hand at lenght. During the awkward encounter, Mike informs Knight: 'You told me you didn't vote for amnesty and you did. I looked it up on the Internet. You lied to me.' Voting record: Knight was one of 75 House Republicans who voted to pass a bill funding the Department of Homeland Security after it had been stripped off provisions blocking Obama's immigration reform . The protester then gives Knight a pat on the back and tries to walk away, but the lawmaker calls after him, grasps his upper arm and says: 'If you touch me again, I'll drop your a**.' Following the foul-mouthed remark, the former cop-turned-lawmaker goes on to explain to the activists that he never voted in support of ‘amnesty’ for immigrants, saying there were several versions of the same bill, known as HB 240, and he voted for the one that did not have the provisions supporting President Obama’s immigration reform. The bill that sparked the verbal spat outside Knight’s office was the subject of a protracted legislative tug-of-war between Democrats and Republicans in Congress two months ago. Right-wing lawmakers originally had inserted amendments into a bill providing nearly $40million in funding for the Department of Homeland Security to block President Obama's immigration reforms. After Senate Democrats successfully blocked the bill, 75 House Republicans, including Knight, gave in to prevent a shutdown and passed a ‘clean’ bill stripped off all provisions seeking to obstruct Obama’s executive orders on immigration, and thus lifting the threat of deportation against millions of undocumented immigrants. In the videotaped conversation with the protesters Friday, Knight insisted he never voted to support Obama's immigration reform. Knight, a US Army veteran, was elected to the US House of Representatives last November . House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio administers a ceremonial re-enactment of the House oath-of-office to Rep. Steve Knight R-Calif., accompanied by his his wife Lily Knight and family, January 6, 2015, on Capitol Hill . ‘I never voted for amnesty. Never, ever,’ he said. Knight, a US Army veteran and married father of two, spent 18 years on the LAPD force before being elected to the California State Assembly in 2008. Two years later, he became a state senator and in 2014 was elected to the US House of Representatives. Following the release of the video, Knight put out a statement Tuesday apologizing for his conduct. ‘I have dealt with this group on several occasions and every time they try to escalate our conversations to a level that is not constructive,’ Knight said. ‘Over this past weekend, I lost my cool and I regret responding the way I did.’ The group that staged Friday’s protest, Save Our State, has been accused of having ties to white supremacists, reported Politico. In 2010, Save Our State organized a demonstration in California during which a local city councilman sparked an outrage by referring to himself as a ‘proud racist.’ Mea culpa: Following the release of the video, Knight (pictured with his wife and two sons) put out a statement Tuesday apologizing for his conduct . | Rep Steve Knight representing 25th Congressional District in California was confronted by activists from right-wing group Friday . Protesters accused Knight of voting for immigrant 'amnesty' during congressional battle over Homeland Security funding bill . Knight was one of 75 House Republicans who eventually voted on 'clean' funding bill devoid of provisions blocking Obama's immigration reform . Save Our State group that accosted Knight has been linked to white supremacists . | 4c02a3ff93a32d002f894e272936b673b51b03d4 |
cnndm-87 | Arsenal will help Abou Diaby resurrect his playing career this summer whether or not he stays with the club. The midfielder's contract expires in June and talks over his future will not commence until after the season. Manager Arsene Wenger has hinted he could offer the Frenchman a new contract - but only on a pay-as-you play basis given his poor injury record. Injury-plagued midfielder Abou Diaby's contract expires at the end of the season . The Frenchman been continuing his latest recovery while playing for Arsenal Under 21s against Reading . Diaby will be allowed to use the training facilities at the Emirates even if he does not stay at the club . And even if he doesn't not extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners will ensure Diaby has the best possible chance of reviving his flagging career this summer. Arsenal will allow the 28-year-old to use the club's state-of-the-art facilities at their London Colney HQ in order to maintain his fitness until he finds a new club. Wenger has a close bond with Diaby, helping the injury-prone star through years of hell on the club's treatment table. And the Gunners manager wants to help Diaby get his career back on track, even if it's not in north London. Diaby is approaching fitness following another injury disrupted campaign. And whether he is able to break into the first-team fold this season is likely to have a bearing on his future. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is close to Diaby and the club will help him get his career back on track . The 28-year-old has suffered 42 injuries and only made 22 appearances in four seasons for the Gunners . Diaby has suffered in-excess of 42 injuries since signing for the Gunners in 2006. He has made just 22 appearances in four seasons. The sheer number of injuries he has suffered have caused significant imbalances throughout his body, which have taken there toll in recent years. Nevertheless, Diaby is not giving up on his Gunners career, though club sources claim it is unlikely he will be offered a new deal. | Abou Diaby's Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season . France international has suffered 42 injuries since signing for the Gunners . Arsene Wenger hinted at an extended pay-as-you-play deal for Diaby who will be allowed to train at the club even if he has to move on . | 0b28e80e1385a5bd7b93d7157d613825062707f2 |
cnndm-88 | Dundee manager Paul Hartley is not reading too much into Dundee United's recent slide ahead of Wednesday night's Scottish Premiership derby at Dens Park. United have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, drawing the other two, while their last league victory was way back on January 24 against Motherwell. However, Hartley is refusing to believe that will make his side's job any easier as they attempt to register their first win in a derby this season at the fourth attempt. Paul Hartley is not reading too much into Dundee United's recent slide ahead of Wednesday's derby game . Hartley said: 'They've still got good players. 'We're under no illusion about the talent they have throughout the squad. 'We've seen it throughout the season - and in games against us, in particular. We know they've got players who can hurt you anywhere. We need to be focused on what we can do.' Dundee are without a win in three matches themselves, following up their defeat to Ross County with 1-1 draws against Aberdeen and Inverness. Dundee Utd's Nadir Ciftci scores his side's equalising goal from the penalty spot against Ross County . Callum Morris celebrates his goal during the Scottish League Cup match against Aberdeen . That has left them in seventh place in the table on 41 points, five behind fourth-placed United and two adrift of Hamilton in sixth. Hartley said: 'We're trying to look at getting as many points before the split, try to get into that top six. 'We're not far off but we know we need to win some games. 'If we get a result in the derby, it takes us a couple of points behind United, yes. But the main thing for us is trying to catch our nearest opponent.' Dundee Utd's John Souttar battles for the ball with Liam Boyce during their game at Tannadice . Despite not having won since February, Hartley believes his players can still take confidence into Wednesday's match after taking points off top-three sides Aberdeen and Inverness. He said: 'We're on a pretty good run. 'Our results recently have been decent against some good teams in the league. So all credit to the lads for that. We want to keep that going and derby games are always special. If you win, it can give everyone a great lift. Dundee United's Cifti in action with Aberdeen's Peter Pawlett during the Scottish Communities League Cup . 'We know what's at stake and we want to finish the season as strongly as possible. 'Our punters will be really looking forward to it and we would love to give them the three points.' Dundee defender James McPake will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness ahead of the derby after being sent for a scan on his knee. Hartley said: 'He caught his knee in training on Thursday, did very little on Friday and felt OK throughout the Inverness game. He just landed awkwardly from a corner.' | Dundee face rivals Dundee United in the derby on Wednesday night . United have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions . But Hartley is not reading in to their troubles as Dundee themselves stutter . Dundee are without a win in three matches themselves going into the game . | 58b1844fbed1ffef82e45e1c64d0458d7c975bce |
cnndm-89 | Dozens more company bosses have signed a letter backing Tory economic plans – including a prominent former Labour supporter. By last night, a total of 150 business leaders have signed the letter warning against a ‘change in course’. Among the new signatories is Simon Woodroffe, the founder of Yo! Sushi and a former Labour backer. Dozens more company bosses have signed a letter backing Tory economic plans – including prominent former Labour supporter Simon Woodroffe, the founder of Yo! Sushi . Others also include executives from two FTSE-100 firms and 10 from the FTSE-250 index. Adding their names were Philip Aiken, the chairman of construction giant Balfour Beatty, Dr Tom Enders, boss of Airbus, and Simon Litherland, head of drinks group Britvic. All have signed in a personal capacity. The announcement of the new names will heap pressure on Labour, which has struggled to come forward with notable numbers of business supporters. Once a former prominent Labour supporter, Mr Woodroffe appears to have turned his back on the party despite appearing in a 2004 political broadcast. Earlier this year, he warned that Labour’s approach to business ‘scares’ him. He told BBC Newsnight: ‘What I worry about with Ed Miliband is that he is appealing to the popular by saying, “look at all these fat cats” making lots of money it should be for the workers.’ ‘Actually, I think the fat cats generally, sometimes it annoys me, but they pay their taxes, you know.’ By last night, a total of 150 business leaders have signed the letter warning against a ‘change in course’ The letter backs the lowering of corporation tax by David Cameron and George Osborne as it shows the UK is 'open for business' The letter states that the signatories believe the Conservative-led government ‘has been good for business and pursued policies which have supported investment and job creation’. They praise the cuts in corporation tax to 20 per cent, which they say is a ‘key part’ of the Tory economic plan. They add: ‘We believe a change in course will threaten jobs and deter investment. This would send a negative message about Britain and put the recovery at risk.’ When the letter was first published in a newspaper last week it sent shockwaves through the election campaign. Labour attempted to respond by positioning itself as the party of workers. It announced plans to ban 90 per cent of zero hours contracts and make it easier for staff to sue their bosses for wrongful dismissal. A poll of FTSE-100 chairman at the weekend showed seven out of ten think Mr Miliband would be a ‘catastrophe’ for Britain. The anonymous poll, published by the Sunday Times, showed widespread concern by businesses about Labour’s economic plans. | Yo! Sushi founder Simon Woodroffe is among new signatories of letter . He is a former Labour backer and appeared in a 2004 political broadcast . Total of 150 business leaders have signed the letter praising the Tories . The announcement will heap more pressure on Labour and Ed Miliband . | 6537e739f803ef8397f046dd349420ed0ed816b7 |
cnndm-90 | A young bride planned a fairytale wedding and married her fiancé just six days after finding out his cancer is terminal. Laura Jordan, 24, was told her now husband, Jack Jordan, 23, had just weeks to live on Saturday April 11, having battled leukaemia since 2013. The couple, from Brixham, Devon, got engaged at Jack's hospital bedside just two months ago after being left devastated by the news. Scroll down for video . Laura and Jack on their wedding day yesterday, April 16, at the Torbay Hospital Chapel . Laura with Jack in hospital, where she sat by his side for more than a year . Friends, family, and hospital stuff rushed to plan the pair's dream wedding, and Laura and Jack got married in Torbay Hospital Chapel just six days after the heartbreaking news - and Ed Sheeran even sent them a personal video. In it he said: 'Hope you have an amazing wedding. And drink a lot, dance a lot and have a lot of sex. You should be doing that. awkward laughter. And, yes, have a wonderful time - see you soon.' The couple first met at school as teenagers but it wasn't until 2012 when Jack worked in Laura's local corner shop that their relationship blossomed. Jack underwent gruelling rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed two years ago, but it failed to stop cancer from spreading into his bone marrow. He is hoping to spend his final weeks at home surrounded by close family, his wife and her two-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Lilly. Laura added: 'As soon as Jack told me that doctors could not offer him any further treatment I turned to him and said 'we need to get married. 'He proposed to me in January but we thought we had our whole lives to plan our wedding day. 'When he was given just weeks to live we had no time to wait, I'm so happy that I can call Jack my husband now, we are soul mates and it seemed like the perfect thing to do. In 2013, Jack knew there was something wrong when he started to feel tired and achy all the time - a blood test confirmed he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia . At the time Laura was due to give birth to Lilly and needed to focus on her, but the pair kept in touch . 'I surprised Jack by wearing a traditional white wedding dress after I told him I was wearing a smart suit. 'He couldn't stop smiling when he saw me walking down the aisle, I felt like a princess. 'Our wedding day was amazing, we will never forget, it was the happiest day of our lives.' Laura was distraught when Jack broke the news that his treatment wasn't working and he had just weeks to live. She added: 'Jack has undergone so much chemotherapy in the past two years but despite being briefly in remission this year, his leukaemia returned. 'When he told me it was terminal last Friday I thought I would at least have a year with Jack before he died but when he told me he had just weeks left I was in complete shock. 'We had made so many plans for the future and Jack just kept saying "I'm so sorry" as he knew he could no longer be here to fulfil them with me. When Lilly was six-months-old Laura drove two hours to see Jack at Bristol Hospital . After nine months of being inseparable the pair decided to start a relationship in February 2014 . They often had date nights where they would order Dominoes and watch films . Leukaemia affects a person's white blood cells. White blood cells are the important infection-fighting part of the immune system, made in your bone marrow. Patients with leukaemia produce an abnormal number of immature white blood cells which 'clog up' their bone marrow. This stops bone marrow making other blood cells, which are vital for a balanced immune system and healthy blood. Acute leukaemia comes on suddenly, progesses quickly and needs to be treated urgently. Chronic leukaemia develops more slowly, over months or years. Common treatments for leukaemia include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. It is predicted that 48 per cent of men and 44 per cent of women will survive the disease for ten years or more. 'I'm completely heartbroken but I find my strength in him, I need to make sure his last few weeks are the best ones of his life. 'There is nothing more he wanted than to become my husband so I'm really happy that I was able to fulfil that wish for him.' Laura wore a floor length white wedding dress that was fitted by her mother, Jenny Cant, 47, who works in bridal store, Jane's. The registrar was provided for free by the Torbay Hospital Chapel and Lilly was their flower girl. Laura added: 'The day was perfect, Jack was determined to walk on his wedding day despite being completely exhausted due to cancer treatment. 'He had some oxygen before the ceremony began so he was able to smile for some treasured pictures without feeling as though he looked unwell. 'We both love one another so much that it was lovely to see him looking so happy despite knowing he has just weeks to live.' Laura first met Jack when they were at school but it wasn't until years later while Laura was pregnant that their relationship blossomed. She said: 'I was always popping down to my local corner shop for one craving or another but when I noticed Jack worked there I started going daily. 'I knew the minimum spend on a debit card was five-pounds so I purposely never took cash so I could take longer choosing things in the shop that would equal over that amount. 'Me and Jack would always have a little chat and he worked every day he could but one day when I walked in I noticed a charity bucket on the till for him, it read 'help poorly Jack.' Laura surprised Jack by wearing a traditional white wedding dress after telling him she would wear a suit . There is nothing more Jack wanted than to become Laura's husband, so she's delighted to have been able to fulfil that wish for him . 'I was devastated when I realised he had blood cancer, he had kept it to himself as he didn't want me to worry.' Jack knew there was something wrong when he started to feel tired and achy all the time - a blood test confirmed he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Laura said: 'At the time I was due to give birth to Lilly and I needed to focus on my daughter but we kept in touch in Facebook but I missed seeing him terribly. 'When Lilly was just six-months-old I drove two hours to see him at Bristol Hospital. 'He was so happy that I remembered him and he was completely overwhelmed to see us both.' Laura has been at Jack's side ever since and after nine-months of being inseparable the pair decided to start a relationship in February 2014. Laura says they feel like the happiest couple in the world to have got married, but wish they had longer . When Laura found out about Jack's condition she was due to give birth to Lilly so needed to focus on her . Laura was over the moon when he proposed two months ago while he was in hospital . She said: 'Jack has spent the majority of our relationship in hospital as he needs constant transfusions and chemo to stay alive but I have always made the best of our time together. 'We often had date nights where we would order dominoes and watch films.' Laura was over the moon when he proposed two months ago while he was in hospital - it was a dream come true. Laura said: 'We had wanted to wait until Jack got better before we got married but that was no longer an option, it was now or never and I can't imagine my life without being Jack's wife. 'I'm so happy we will be spending our final few weeks as a family, there's nothing more important than ensuring he feels comfortable and content in his final few weeks. 'We feel like the happiest couple in the world to have got married but we just wish we had longer together.' Jack added: 'Marrying Laura is something I have wanted to do for a long time, I'm so happy and proud to call her my wife. 'I love Laura and Lilly more than anything and I hope to create as many memories as possible in my final weeks. 'We want to say a big thank you to everyone who made our wedding day possible. After the ceremony, Jack and Laura were stunned to discover that their music idol Ed Sheeran had sent them a personalised video greeting from New Zealand. In it, he said: 'Hey Jack and Laura, It's Ed here. I am sorry I can't be there. I am in New Zealand at the moment - just doing a tour. Ed Sheeran sent the couple a cheeky personalised video greeting from New Zealand . 'Hope you have an amazing wedding. And drink a lot, dance a lot and have a lot of sex. You should be doing that. awkward laughter. And, yes, have a wonderful time - see you soon.' Laura said: 'We were told after the signing of the registers that Ed Sheeran had sent a video. 'Apparently if he had more notice he would have been there for us. He was on holiday in New Zealand and still took time out to do it. 'I was in total shock. The whole chapel gasped in unison as soon as it was announced. 'We are both huge fans. His awkwardness is hilarious to us, but he's our age and proof to never give up. 'We were devastated because I bought Jack tickets for our anniversary in February to go and see him at Wembley in July and now we obviously can't go. 'The tickets will eventually arrive and Jack won't be here.' The video was arranged through Jack's social worker Suzie Holmes from CLIC Sargent. | Laura Jordan, 24, married Jack Jordan, 23, yesterday . Pair from from Brixham, Devon, found out he has weeks to live on April 11 . Laura, a mother-of-one, planned ceremony in just six days . Told Jack she'd wear a suit but surprised him on the day in a dress . Their music idol Ed Sheeran sent them a personal video message . | 328f1bcceb0a2135b5734887caa2dd5461debb35 |
cnndm-91 | As Charlotte Cosby showed off her super-slim figure in a new Instagram photo, many of her fans balked at her now tiny frame. For the Geordie Shore star, who has lost has lost two and a half stone and four dress sizes over the past year, is looking thinner than ever. In fact, she is looking so thin, that some have questioned whether the 24-year-old actress has taken things too far. Scroll down for video . Over the last year Charlotte Crosby has lost over two and a half stone, but the reality TV star has come under fire for this picture in which she appears to be very slim . One Twitter user commented that she thought Charlotte was 'far to skinny [sic] whilst other commented on her Instagram pictures . One user on Twitter posted a picture of the star with the comment: 'Charlotte Crosby is far to skinny! She's promoting to girls that she has a "healthy body" [sic]' Another commented on her Instagram: 'I can guarantee you she starves herself to look like this.' But Charlotte is not the only Newcastle resident to have lost weight. Her co-stars Vicky Pattison, 27, Holly Hagan, 22, and Marnie Simpson have also all dropped the pounds over the past 12 months. Charlotte has a lost a lot of weight over the last 12 months (left, before the weightloss, and, right, after) , she puts this down to exercise and having cut back on take-aways and booze . Charlotte in 2013 before her weight loss transformation attending the Radio 1 Teen Awards at Wembley . And the women aren't afraid to show off their bodies. Vicky regularly posts then and now pictures of herself to her 1.6million Instagram followers charting her weight loss progress. Holly and Marnie are the same. Sharing pictures of their super slim bodies, often in bikinis or skimpy outfits. But have these girls taken things too far? Well, one doctor thinks they might. Dr PhD Marilyn Glenville told us that there is a lot of pressure on women in the media to try and stay thin. Vicky Pattison regularly posts pictures of herself to Instagram, before (left) and after (right) her weight loss . Marnie Simpson said she felt compelled to lose weight after seeing that her fellow Geordie Shore Castmmates had dropped so many pounds . She said: 'There is too much too much pressure as they are in the public eye and understandably want to look good but it may push them into unhealthy eating patterns in order to achieve that look. 'Because of the pressure the weight loss can be taken too far and too fast as with many of the Geordie Shore girls.' She continued: 'When weight loss is very fast the body is encouraged to lose fat, muscle and water. Water is just a temporary loss and you also do not want to lose muscle. 'And for women it is important not to lose too much fat, because then periods will stop and it can affect not only fertility but also increase the risk of problems like osteoporosis because the woman has lost the protection of the female hormones.' Holly Hagan is the fourth Geordie Shore girl to dramatically lose weight, she had even posted a picture of herself trying out a waist trainer to Instagram (left) Holly posted this picture of herself to Instagram where he ribs are clearly visable . Holly was larger when she started on the show, but, she has since slimmed down after revealing she felt fat . Dr Marilyn also revealed that it is best for fans to stick away from following celebrities in their diets. She said: 'It is better to choose a plan to suit your body and to take into account whether you have a sedentary job or working away from home a lot so can’t control your food easily. 'It will make a difference if you are very stressed and also how old you are because metabolism tends to slow down as we get older. 'It is important that you choose a diet that suits your lifestyle, age and how you want to look so that you don’t end up looking and being too thin or causing health problems.' However two of the girls have hit back at the criticism of their weight. Holly told the BBC: 'What really annoys me is when I read articles and it's like, "Holly lost three stone in one month" and that is giving such a wrong impression to the girls out there reading that and thinking, "Oh yeah I can lose three stone in one month". She continued: 'They just pluck these figures out of thin air, and it shouldn't be allowed to happen because that could have really damaging effects.' Charlotte has also denied losing weight just for her DVD: 'Sadly I just put weight on through loads of partying, drinking, having a boyfriend and eating takeaways every night,' she said. 'I don't know why I would ever want to put weight on and look that fat and ugly. Why would anyone ever want to do that? It's so stupid that people even say that.' Much has been made of just how the Geordie Shore girls, who were famous for their booze and take away heavy diets, have managed to loose so much weight. Here's what they've said... Charlotte Crosby . Charlotte's diet was not the most conventional. As her BFF Vicky revealed that she uses a controversial sounding 'three tin' regime. 'She basically thinks you should eat three tins a day and that's it. So you could have a tin of beans for your breakfast, tin of tuna for your dinner and a tin of pears for your tea,' said Vicky. Charlotte also introduced exercise into her life to beat the bulge. She started working with celebrity trainer Richard Callender and released a number one best selling fitness DVD. Holly (plain yellow bikini) recently posted this picture of her and Charlotte saying that the pair were now proud of their bodies . Holly Hagan . Holly, who recently posted a picture of herself in a Kim Kardashian-style waist trainer to Instagram, trains hard and has lost over a stone and a half. She said: 'I do work hard to maintain my body as I work with a personal trainer 2/3 times a week, and we train really hard together.' She also maintains a calorie-controlled diet and has previously revealed that she prioritises fruit and vegetables over stodgy treats. 'Carrots before carbs,' she explains. 'I've been doing it for so long now that when I eat s*** it makes me feel bad. I prefer to be healthy now.' A typical day for her would be scrambled eggs for breakfast, a chicken salad for lunch, and for dinner, steak and vegetables. Vicky Pattison . Before embarking on her weightloss transformation Vicky survived on a diet of takeaways. Now, she's a svelte size six after insisting that producers provide the reality show stars with a healthier menu - something she says has 'made all the difference'. 'It’s made such a difference,' she says. 'You don’t get much time to cook, so we used to have a crisps cupboard and a chocolate drawer, which we'd descend on like a pack of raccoons after a night out. 'With the catering, we swapped our fry ups for eggs or porridge for breakfast and then salads and meat platters for lunch. That made keeping our figures loads easier.' Vicky also followed the her own Seven Day Slim routine, which she turned into a DVD, which saw her shed three stone over the course of six months. Following her dramatic slim down she was unhappy with the way her breasts looked and had a boob job to plump them back up again. Vicky posts these pictures to her Instagram detailing how she has transformed her body . Marnie Simpson: . Marnie decided to lose weight at the end of last year after becoming jealous of her co-stars slim bodies. She dropped 17lbs - over a stone - in just one month and said: 'A lot of people started to pick up on my weight on Twitter and say some really hurtful comments. 'I remember one person said, "You used to be the skinniest and now you're the fattest." 'Another said, "Your face is huge," because when I do pile on the pounds it always shows up really quickly on my face in the shape of a double chin. 'There were also lots of comments about being be the "fat one" in the show and the "fat lass". 'I'd be lying if I said those comments didn't really hurt - you try to ignore them but it is impossible.' After a month of intensive work-outs and eating healthily, the reality TV star went from 9st 10lbs to a super-slim 8st 7lbs. | Charlotte Crosby was criticised for her slim frame on social media . The star has lost more than two and a half stone in the past year . Her Geordie Shore cast mates have also shed the pounds . A doctor warns that they could be taking their diets too far . | 64c1d3eb059f20677d59f2249a36bda99cc0898a |
cnndm-92 | Kiev, Ukraine (CNN)The question haunting Kiev is this: Who might be murdering allies of Ukraine's ousted President Viktor Yanukovych? The idea that this might be happening is not entirely new. But it muscled its way to the fore again this week with two high-profile shooting deaths in the Ukrainian capital -- one of a former member of parliament with ties to Yanukovych, the other of a Ukrainian journalist known for his pro-Russian views. Oleg Kalashnikov, the former member of parliament, was shot and killed shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday at the entrance to his apartment block. Kalashnikov, 52, was a member of the Party of Regions, the former ruling party in Ukraine, and was close to Yanukovych. Police are investigating the death as a murder. A day later, on Thursday, journalist Oles Buzyna, 45, was killed near his home by shots fired from a dark blue Ford Focus, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said. The car's license plates were reported to have been from either Latvia or Belorussia. The killings renewed speculation, sparked by earlier unusual deaths, about a conspiracy to kill people close to Yanukovych. At least three former members of parliament with the Party of Regions have reportedly committed suicide in the last seven weeks: . • On February 28, Mikhail Chechetov reportedly jumped from the window of his 17th-floor apartment in Kiev, having left a suicide note. He was suspected of having falsified the results of a parliamentary vote in early 2014 that essentially prohibited protest just as thousands of people were protesting against the Yanukovych government. • On March 9, Stanislav Melnik, a former member of parliament with the Party of Regions and the manager of several businesses in the separatist-minded eastern city of Donetsk, was found dead in his apartment near Kiev. He, too, reportedly left a suicide note. • And three days later, on March 12, Oleksandr Peklushenko, another former member of parliament, was found in his house in Zaporizhzhya, in southeastern Ukraine, dead of a gunshot wound. Police are investigating various scenarios, including suicide. Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said Peklushenko "might have wanted to avoid punishment for using violence against protesters, which he was suspected of." Ukraine is deeply divided, and it has been for years. About a third of the population speaks Russian as opposed to Ukrainian. Whether the country should be drawn into the orbit of Russia or the West is a visceral issue, a question for many Ukrainians not of politics but of identity. Recent events have deepened the divide. In 2014, after Yanukovych turned his back on the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia, he was driven from office by mass demonstrations. And with Russia's subsequent annexation of Crimea and its support for Russian-speaking separatists in eastern Ukraine, the internecine animosity made the ugly transformation into war. With a government toppled and armed conflict in the east, Ukrainians have reason to want each other dead. But the view of who might be responsible for the series of deaths differs starkly, according to which side of the country's divide one is on. The Opposition Bloc, the country's major opposition party, has no doubt the deaths have been politically motivated -- "bloody terror against opposition politicians and journalists," the bloc's media office called them. "It is clear oppression of those who are not afraid to criticize the government," it said. The government, unsurprisingly, sees things differently. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who came to office after Yanukovych was ousted, has demanded an investigation of the killings of Kalashnikov and Buzyna, his media office said. "It is evident that these crimes have the same origin," the media office quoted Poroshenko as saying. "Their nature and political sense are clear. It is a deliberate provocation that plays in favor of our enemies. It is aimed at destabilizing the internal political situation in Ukraine and discrediting the political choice of the Ukrainian people." And Anton Geraschenko, an adviser to the country's interior minister, took the theory one step further. "It should not be excluded that the killings of Oleg Kalashnikov and Olez Buzyna were planned and organized from Moscow and are a part of a plan to destabilize Ukraine and further support anti-Ukrainian mood in Russian society," Geraschenko said. | Five recent deaths heighten suspicions on both side of Ukraine's ethnic divide . Ukraine's President orders an investigation of the recent killings . The opposition calls the killings "oppression," but the government says Moscow may be to blame . | 20aaaf9357b437f83ac7745f02b71d4e93d8753f |
cnndm-93 | Former FBI Director Louis Freeh nearly died last summer when he was involved in a car crash driving near his summer home in Barnard, Vermont. Current FBI director James Comey and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy spoke about the accident for the first time last week, during an appearance at Chaplain College. They say 64-year-old Freeh severed an artery in one of his legs and would have bled to death in just 60 seconds if it weren't for the quick response from paramedics and an FBI agent on the scene. Scroll down for video . Near-death experience: New information has been revealed about the devastating car crash former FBI Director Louis Freeh (pictured above) was involved in last summer in Vermont . 'Louis would have died within a minute or so. They stopped the bleeding,' Leahy said, according to the Burlington Free Press. 'He credits those folks with saving his life,' Comey added. While Freeh told police that he has no memory of the crash, it's believed that he fell asleep behind the wheel while going about 60 to 65 mph on Vermont 12 on August 25, 2014. Freeh lost control of his vehicle and crossed into oncoming traffic before driving off the road and into a tree. He nearly ran into three other drivers on the road, who were luckily able to swerve out of the way before crashing head-on with Freeh. It's believed that Freeh fell asleep behind the wheel before the August 25, 2014 crash. No one else was injured. Above, a scene from the wreck . Eight months later, Freeh is still recovering from the crash and walking with the aid of a cane. Above, another view of the crash scene . After the crash, Freeh was airlifted to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire and was eventually transferred to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington. Eight months later, Leahy says Freeh is recovering well and recently stopped by his office for a visit. 'He walks with a cane. Most people wish they could move that well,' the senator said. 'His recovery has been remarkable.' Freeh was the director for the FBI from 1993 until 2003. He released a statement after Comey and Leahy's statements, saying: 'May God bless all of these individuals who are so instrumental in my recovery.' | Officials spoke about the devastating single-vehicle crash in August for the first time last week . Current FBI Director James Comey and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy say Freeh severed a major artery in the crash . Paramedics and an FBI agent at the scene were able to stop the bleeding - saving Freeh's life . Freeh was the director of the FBI from 1993 until 2003 . | dc753a31361c45429b4fe881d53394ddd06f028c |
cnndm-94 | Climbing trees and spending hours playing outside used to be part of every childhood. But today’s youngsters are more likely to be stuck indoors – and it may be harming their eyesight. And it is not just because of the time spent sitting in front of a screen. For a lack of natural daylight is thought to be driving up rates of short-sightedness among the young. Spending an extra 40 minutes a day in the sunshine has been shown to improve children’s sight dramatically. Scientists had though reading or looking at a screen could cause shortsightedness, but now think it could be down to a lack of natural light while taking part in these activities (file image) In China, where four teenagers in five are short-sighted, transparent classrooms are being tested in a bid to increase pupils’ exposure to natural light. Chinese scientists have reported a 23 per cent reduction in myopia – short-sightedness – in children who spend an extra 40 minutes a day in the sunshine. Studies in Australia and by Ohio State University in the US produced similar results. Leading eye surgeon David Allamby warned that an increase in eyesight problems is likely in Britain if children do not regain a love of the great outdoors. Two in five adults in this country are short-sighted, but Mr Allamby said those rates are likely to increase. ‘For 100 years we have researched into the effects of reading and prolonged study on making short-sightedness worse,’ he said. ‘It has become a common belief that spending too much time inside a book, or today on a screen, will make anyone’s eyesight worse. ‘Recent research might have turned this on its head. That’s why today some Chinese schoolchildren are going to school inside a big glass box. There are several studies showing that lack of daylight might be the principal reason why children become more short-sighted, rather than prolonged reading. Study shows that 40 minutes of extra natural light per day, by playing outside or climbing trees, could help to reduce cases by 26 per cent (file image) 'What wasn’t factored into our decades of research was that reading and studying are done indoors, away from daylight. ‘The link between studying and myopia might really be a red herring, where the close vision activity is just a proxy for lack of daylight.’ Donald Mutti, who led the Ohio study, told the journal Nature: ‘We thought it was an odd finding but it just kept coming up as we did the analyses.’ Mr Allamby, who runs Focus Clinics in London, said: ‘The incidence of short sight in the West is rising, now affecting around 40 per cent of the population. ‘If we look at hunter-gatherer societies that live mainly outdoors, such as those studied in Gabon, we find that only 0.5 per cent of adults are afflicted by short sight. ‘Chinese children are participating in research to determine if more exposure to daylight will protect them from their myopic genes. ‘If [it] is shown to help it might mean we all got outdoors more often. It could be time to invest in conservatory companies.’ | Researchers had thought reading or looking at screens caused condition . But now believe it could be because both of these activities occur indoors . Forty minutes extra of natural light per day could cut cases by a quarter . Chinese children now being sent to schools with translucent walls . | e4986b5cb0d89357bcd0679ac88035c568bf9ccc |
cnndm-95 | 'Kondogbia was incredible for Monaco, he was exactly the player Arsenal needed to sign,' Sportsmail's Jamie Redknapp said back in February. The French midfielder had just put in a dominant display at the Emirates Stadium as the Ligue 1 side all-but-sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a 3-1 first-leg win. But rather than Arsenal, it now seems Liverpool hold the main Premier League interest in the 22-year-old. So, what more do you need to know? Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is a Liverpool target and has also interested Arsenal in recent years . 22? He's been around for a while... Despite his young age, Kondogbia has amassed over 100 league appearances for Lens, Monaco, and even Sevilla. And during that five-year professional career, the central midfielder has been constantly watched by Arsenal scouts. He also impressed at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup alongside Paul Pogba in the French midfield, while his frame and playing style doesn't exactly scream 22 years old. Kondogbia is only 22 but has racked up over 100 league appearances with Lens (above), Sevilla and Monaco . The central midfielder was a key player for France alongside Paul Pogba at the Under 20 World Cup in 2013 . Tough guy then? Exactly. Standing at 6'2", Kondogbia is a real presence in the Monaco midfield, allowing the likes of Joao Moutinho to strut their stuff further forward. He's strong in the tackle, but make no mistake, his prowess on the ball is also impressive. Possessing a fine left foot, Kondogbia doubles up as a playmaker, and also scored the first goal in the tie in the first leg against Arsenal. Having made his mark in both Ligue 1 and La Liga, you could say the Frenchman is the perfectly well-rounded midfielder, someone who would fit in seamlessly in the Premier League... Kondogbia's fine strike put Monaco in front against Arsenal in the Champions League last-16 first leg . So why haven't we seen him in England? Time is still on Kondogbia's side, but Premier League clubs have certainly tried. Arsenal were heavily linked with him before he left Sevilla, though the versatile player bought out his contract and opted for Monaco. With Liverpool crying out for players to freshen up an ageing/departing spine, the 22-year-old's presence would surely suit Brendan Rodgers. But he must move quick, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Paris St Germain all keen to sign the man who has been capped three times by his national team. Mesut Ozil swapped shirts with Kondogbia at half-time in the second leg at the Stade Louis II . | Geoffrey Kondogbia impressed against Arsenal in the Champions League . Gunners have scouted French midfielder for some time . But now Liverpool hold the main Premier League interest in midfielder . 22-year-old is currently at Monaco but has also played for Lens and Sevilla . Jamie Redknapp: Arsenal should have signed Kondogbia . | 507044e4fbd2bc2b56ba03b9adad9b4af7ffe356 |
cnndm-96 | Leeds Rhinos have sent full back Zak Hardaker on an anger management course after a student was left with two black eyes and bruising during a violent incident in February. Hardaker was at the centre of a police assault probe into an attack on a 22-year-old man at student flats in Leeds, but was not charged with any offence. Leeds issued a lengthy statement outlining Hardaker's punishment, which will also see him forfeit one month's salary to be donated to a local charity and do up to 20 hours a week of voluntary work for the club's foundation for the duration of his contract. Hardaker and team-mate Elliot Minchella both paid £200 in compensation and wrote a letter of apology to a 22-year-old man following a police investigation but Leeds said Hardaker's punishment is far stronger 'given his previous misconduct'. Leeds Rhinos have sent full back Zak Hardaker (centre with the ball) on an anger management course . The one-cap England international received a five-match ban and a fine for a homophobic comment made last year and was also fined by England for breaching team discipline during the 2013 World Cup. The statement from Leeds read: 'The club has accepted his apology for his actions, however, given his previous misconduct, Zak has realised that it is his actions rather than his words that must now show his intentions to put these events behind him.' It went on: 'We have passed the point of telling him what he has to do, however, for the first time Zak has admitted to us and, more importantly to himself, that he has an issue with aspects of his lifestyle which he wants to improve. 'We have listened to what he has committed to do for himself and we will support him.' Minchella received a written warning and a fine of 50 per cent of his monthly salary, while team-mates Rob Mulhern, Josh Walters and Ash Handley were fined and issued verbal warnings. Police said the student received two black eyes and a bruised neck during the incident. Hardaker received a five-match ban and a fine for a homophobic comment made last year . Leeds Rhinos have today issued the following statement relating to an incident which happened in the city earlier this year that was brought into the public spotlight: . 'The Leeds Rhinos Players Code of Conduct prohibits players from visiting licensed premises after midnight without prior permission from me or the Head Coach. Our investigation has revealed this regulation was breached by five players on a midweek evening before the start of this season. Furthermore Zak Hardaker and Elliot Minchella were involved in an incident at a student accommodation building, which led to a police investigation and a written apology from both players to a student and a £200 compensation payment from Hardaker and Minchella. 'Our internal investigation has now concluded. It has been an exhaustive process and we are always disappointed when players fall below the standards we expect of them and let everyone else down. The players themselves are embarrassed and very apologetic and I am sure it has been a lesson learned for all involved. 'Rob Mulhern, Josh Walters and Ash Handley have each received a fine and a verbal warning. Elliot Minchella has received a written warning and a fine of 50% of his monthly salary. 'With regard to Zak Hardaker, the club has accepted his apology for his actions, however, given his previous misconduct, Zak has realized that it is his actions rather than his words that must now show his intentions to put these events behind him. Therefore, we have agreed the following actions: . 1) Zak will forfeit one months salary and this will be donated to support a local charity project . 2) He will enroll on a course for anger management . 3) Zak will work as a volunteer for up to 20 hours a week for the duration of his Rhinos contract to assist the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Marketing Department. 'Zak is full of passion and enthusiasm and has many qualities that are to be admired in a young player but a small part of him has led to problems and this has to be addressed, not only for the image of the game but most importantly for Zak’s own well being and his ability to fulfil his potential. We have passed the point of telling him what he has to do, however, for the first time Zak has admitted to us and, more importantly to himself, that he has an issue with aspects of his lifestyle which he wants to improve. We have listened to what he has committed to do for himself and we will support him.' | Leeds Rhinos issued statement outlining Zak Hardaker's punishment . Hardaker has been sent on an anger management course by the club . Student suffered two black eyes and bruised neck in incident at flats . No-one has been charged, but other Leeds players have been disciplined . | 8e36cb0c0e2c1d88d231b30b36d5c58349fce793 |
cnndm-97 | The girlfriend of a British man who bled to death in Thailand after injuring himself kicking a mirror in the bar where she works has denied having anything to do with the incident. Iain Mackay, 40, is believed to have argued with Nilobon Patty in a separate venue in Hua Hin, a resort some 125miles southwest of Bangkok, shortly before his death. Ms Patty, 35, also known as Patty Patrick, has been accused of 'indirectly causing his death' as seeing her with another man had angered Mr Mackay, but claims she has done nothing wrong. Tragic: Iain Mackay's Thai girlfriend Nilobon Patty, known as Patty Patrick, has denied any involvement in the death of the 40-year-old Scot . According to Ms Patty, the couple had been seeing each other for three years, but that Mr Mackay ended their relationship last month as his work overseas prevented him from settling down with her. She claims she was not with another man, but out with friends, when an 'obviously drunk' Mr Mackay appeared in the bar around 1am. Tragic: Mr Mackay, 40, allegedly got into a fight after discovering Ms Patty talking to another man . Ms Patty claims Mr Mackay, from Stornoway, Scotland, shouted at her, accused her of laughing at him, after which she decided to go home. Police informed her of Mr Mackay's incident in her place of work the next day, she told The Daily Record. 'I was told that Iain had gone there at 3am looking for me and I wasn't there,' she told the paper. 'People have been phoning me and making threats and saying I should leave Hua Hin. But I have done nothing wrong,' 'I don't know why anyone would say that I had anything to do with Iain's death. That is not true. It was just a terrible accident.' Thai police said Mr Mackay was in a rage when he cut himself with a piece of glass at a pool bar near to the venue where he had spotted Ms Patty and the mystery man. Friends of Mr Mackay say that had posted links to his Ms Patty's Facebook page on the evening of his incident which showed her pictured with another man. Onlookers called paramedics after he was found bleeding profusely at the pool shop but they were unable to save him. He later died in hospital. Officials said that no crime had been committed. Location: The resort where Mr Mackay died is in Hua Hin - a coastal city 125 miles south of Bangkok . Arguement: Mr Mackay bled to death after getting into a furious row at a bar in Hua Hin city . One friend said: 'Iain was obviously upset and referred to the woman who seemed to be his own girlfriend and a mystery man as lovers.' Mr Mackay, an underwater research specialist, is believed to have been employed by seismic research company Polarcus, which is based in Dubai. Sources at the company confirmed that Mr Mackay was on leave from his vessel and had told colleagues that he planned to spend his time off in Thailand. Thai officials said that Mr Mackay had died at 3pm on Saturday but relatives claim that they were told of his death on Friday. The Foreign Office also confirmed that Mr Mackay had died on Friday. A spokesman said: 'We can confirm the death of a British national in Hua Hin, Thailand, on April 3. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this sad time.' | Iain Mackay, 40, saw his Thai girlfriend talking to another man in a bar . Trio reportedly got into a furious argument at the coastal Hua Hin resort . Shortly afterwards Mr Mackay appeared in a nearby shop bleeding heavily . Was suffering injuries caused by shards of glass from a smashed mirror . Paramedics were called to the scene but he died in hospital hours later . | 5cfe8a0fd60a7cc9534e5f7cf90c797b559cb356 |
cnndm-98 | A nurse has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly turning off a patient's life support without permission. Police in Canada have also charged Joanna Flynn, a former nurse at Georgian Bay General Hospital in Ontario, with criminal negligence causing death. The 50-year-old was arrested on Thursday, and it is thought it is the first time a health care professional has been charged for switching off a life support machine in Canada. The outside of Georgian Bay General Hospital in Ontario, Canada, where Flynn worked as a nurse. Its CEO and president said in a statement: 'A criminal charge involving someone at our hospital is... highly distressing' The name of the patient has not been formally released, but the husband of Deanna Leblanc, 39 from Midland, told The Toronto Star she was the alleged victim. The mother of two died at the hospital on March 2, 2014, leaving the couple's two young sons aged 15 and 18. Her husband Michael Leblanc said Deanna had undergone a minor knee operation when she suddenly woke up in at 3am in the morning, feeling ‘like she was dying’. She was taken to Georgian Bay and as her condition rapidly deteriorated, she was put on life support. The furniture saleswoman died at around 8.30pm that evening. Mr Leblanc said he is still coming to terms with her death a year on. ‘It just wasn’t right’, he told The Star. ‘Thirty-nine years old and nothing wrong with her but a bum knee’. ‘This should never have happened’, he added. The police in Midland launched an investigation on March 6, and on Thursday announced they had arrested Flynn. In a statement they said: ‘To preserve the integrity of this investigation and the pending case before the court, no further information will be released.’ The former Georgian Bay General Hospital (pictured) nurse Joanna Flynn will appear in court again on May 29 . Karen McGrath, the president and CEO of Georgian Bay, said in a release that they had been advised by lawyers not to make any further statements about the investigation. She added: ‘A criminal charge involving someone at our hospital is a highly distressing occurrence and will create a good deal of anxiety for our community.’ Flynn did not respond to requests for comment from local media. She has now been bailed and will appear in court again on May 28. | Joanna Flynn, 50, also charged with criminal negligence causing death . 'This should never have happened', widower of alleged victim tells media . Deanna Leblanc died last year at Georgian Bay General Hospital, Ontario . | a062170c25788a35c35a04740dd2abc6e0811b24 |
cnndm-99 | Robin van Persie has declared himself fit for Sunday's Manchester derby. Van Persie has missed Manchester United's last six games following an ankle injury he suffered in the 2-1 defeat at Swansea on February 21. Manager Louis van Gaal said last week he did not expect the striker to be fit enough to return for Sunday's game against Manchester City at Old Trafford, but Van Persie reported good news for United fans on Wednesday. Robin van Persie has declared himself fit for the Manchester derby after missing United's last six games . Louis van Gaal will be pleased to have Van Persie back but he is unlikely to start the game . The 31-year-old tweeted: 'Back to training with the group today. Was a great session. Happy to be fit and able to play again. Looking forward to my next game!' Even if Van Gaal considers Van Persie to be fit to take part in the derby, it is hard to see how the former Arsenal front man would fit into the starting XI. United have hardly missed the Dutchman, who has scored just 10 goals this term. During his absence, the Red Devils have only lost once - against his former employers Arsenal in the FA Cup. United have recorded creditable victories over Tottenham and Liverpool and last Saturday they moved above City into third with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Wayne Rooney scored a stunning volley during the win. The United skipper has performed well up front in a 4-3-3 formation alongside Ashley Young and Juan Mata, who scored both goals in the 2-1 win at Anfield two-and-a-half weeks ago. Marouane Fellaini has also provided able and robust support from midfield. Wayne Rooney celebrates with Radamel Falcao after scoring against Aston Villa at the weekend . Victory for United this weekend would pile more misery on out-of-form City and improve Van Gaal's chances of achieving his target of Champions League qualification. Once he returns from his summer break, he is likely to take United on a shortened pre-season tour, with the most likely destination the United States, it has emerged. Van Gaal made no secret of his annoyance at United's pre-season schedule last summer. United had already committed themselves to a three-week long tour that took in five matches across five American cities by the time Van Gaal took over as manager. United travelled almost 13,500 miles on the trip, which included games in Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit, Washington DC and Miami - all against high-profile opposition. This summer's tour is expected to see United take on fewer opponents and undertake less travel. The trip will have to be over a shorter period of time too as the Premier League season begins on August 8 - just eight weeks after the end of the international break. It is understood that Van Gaal will sign off plans for the tour in the coming weeks. | Manchester United have Robin van Persie back fit for Sunday . The Holland striker has been missing since February 21 . It is unlikely that Van Persie will make United's starting XI against City . As United and City go head-to-head, we ask: just how Manc is the derby? CLICK HERE for the latest Manchester United news . | db74c7ff996d1e8db1919b3db354af60aeb44441 |
cnndm-100 | Bernie Madoff allegedly tried to persuade his drug dealer's girlfriend to become his mistress . Bernie Madoff, who carried out one of the world's largest frauds, tried to persuade his drug dealer's girlfriend to become his mistress, it has emerged. Madoff is serving 150 years in prison for carrying out a $65 billion Ponzi style fraud - which became the largest in financial history. A new book about the financier claims he had put pressure on an Israeli model who was working for him as a stock analyst and dating his dealer Silvio Eboli to sleep with him. He is said to have met Eboli at a Christmas party in 1997 at the Montauk Yacht Club with his son Mark, who later committed suicide over his father's fraudulent activities, Page Six reported. 'Bernie had put enormous pressure on 'Leah' to sleep with him and be his mistress, offering her practically anything if she just let him f*** her,' the book by Toby Rogers states. Eboli is believed to have never confronted Madoff but warned he would injure him if he ever crossed the line with his girlfriend. After 'Leah' became pregnant with Eboli's child in 2001 Madoff apparently summoned her into his office to say she had made a mistake. In the book Madoff is described as bellowing 'You could have had gold. You could have had me. You could have had an apartment, a car, a driver. But instead you throw all that away for some f****** hippie!' Madoff was arrested in December 2008 after he confessed his multi-billion dollar fraud to his two sons and they reported him to the FBI. He pleaded guilty to 11 federal felonies in March 2009. The charges included securities fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements, perjury, theft from an employee benefit plan and making false filings with the SEC. Mark Madoff killed himself on the second anniversary of his father's prison sentence. Andrew Madoff, who had been head of equities at his father's New York based company, died last year after a battle with lymphoma, and had previously blamed the stress caused by his father for his relapse. Madoff (left) is pictured with his wife Ruth and his son Mark, who killed himself after his father's arrest . Andrew Madoff, on the Today show with fiance Catherine Hooper, left, and mother Ruth Madoff, right, said he would never forgive his father - not even on his death bed . Earlier this year 76-year-old Madoff wrote a letter from prison saying the pain he inflicted on victims of his Ponzi scheme is nothing compared to having to deal with losing both his sons. Defrauded Madoff investors have long viewed the convicted swindler's sons, wife and other family member suspiciously, arguing it is impossible that they did not know about his lies. But they were never criminally charged - and never forgave him. The allegations about Madoff's advances towards his dealer's girlfriend are contained in Rogers' book The Ganja Godfather. | Bernie Madoff is serving 150 years in prison for $65billion Ponzi style fraud . Fraudster is alleged to have tried to steal his drug dealer's girlfriend . It is claimed he put pressure on the Israeli model to become his mistress . He apparently told her she had made a mistake when she became pregnant with dealer Silvio Eboli's child, new book into his life claims . | b95a8098e6594b92c5c3aac80d55f884ee13a60e |