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'Bird man' faces court for sitting in tree

A MAN in southwestern China who lived in a eucalyptus tree for more than three months to protest the planned demolition of his home is being tried for disturbing public order.

Chen Maoguo was dubbed the "bird man" for his tree-top sit-in last year in the Chongqing region, staged to protest what he considered inadequate compensation for the razing of his home, the Yunnan Information News said.

His home was one of many to be knocked down to make way for a shopping mall in Fengjie county.

However, his unusual protest beginning last August attracted crowds and media attention, leading to his arrest in November for disturbing public order, said the report, posted on the popular Chinese web portal Sina.com.

During his demonstration, Mr Chen pulled all of his food, water, clothing and other needs up by rope into the small makeshift shelter he constructed in a eucalyptus tree, it said.


The report said Mr Chen was to appear in a local court today. It did not say how old Mr Chen was, or what penalties he could face.

Land seizures, often involving corrupt officials and businesses eyeing real estate profits, have been a growing source of unrest in China.

The problem stirred an uproar last year as a property boom and resulting rash of mass evictions caused a number of violent clashes, protests and even suicides by stubborn homeowners.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/bird-man-faces-court-for-sitting-in-tree/story-e6frfku0-1225885245007?from=public_rss

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Five minutes to weight-loss

Michelle Bridges

Celebrity personal trainer and author Michelle Bridges from reality TV series The Biggest Loser. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

IN true Michelle Bridges no-nonsense style she has plenty of sensible advice when it comes to food.

Number one - do not, whatever you do, walk down the sweet or biscuit aisle in the supermarket.

"There are sections of the supermarket you shouldn't even walk down. The ones that are full of lollies and chocolates and chips and soft drinks - why even bother going down there? No point," she said.

Bridges, now a household name from her role as a trainer on Ten's The Biggest Loser, has just written a new book, 5 Minutes a Day, Simple Tips for Weight-loss and Wellbeing, which is filled with snippets of information that may make you question your current lifestyle.

For example, show your kids how to eat well, she writes, by keeping junk food as an occasional treat, and you'll have given them a headstart in life.

Bridges feels strongly about childhood habits that grow into more serious issues in adult life.

"I have a theory about parents or grandparents or friends giving children food to pacify them, to shut them up if they're upset, or to reward them as a treat.

"You do that over and over and over again, and it becomes a pattern. Children are smart, they understand and it becomes a pattern.

"I think it's a pattern that can lead into an adult having emotional eating, where if they're having a bad day they go home and have a glass of wine and a block of chocolate and think it's going to make them feel better when we know it's going to make them feel worse."

We all know what we should, and shouldn't, eat to maintain a healthy weight, Bridges writes in her book.

"How many times have you heard someone say, 'I shouldn't be eating this, but...' as they stuff another piece of banana bread into their mouth?" Bridges writes.

The trainer wants to help people stop these habits and again has some sensible, tough advice.

"Go and get your wheelie bin from outside," she writes. "Bring it into the kitchen. Open the pantry, fridge and freezer. Now, start chucking. Throw out every bit of crap food that's holding you back."

She also believes people eat too much.

"I think people get into the habit of going back for seconds. Train yourself to not go back for seconds. It won't take long - a couple of days," she says.

Losing weight will always come down to what you put in your mouth, she writes.

If slimming down is your goal, she says you need to know how many calories to eat per day.
Bridges sets her weight-loss candidates a quota - 1200 calories a day for girls and 1800 for guys.

"I'm not saying that people have to become calorie-counting addicts but all I'm saying is that people need to understand how many calories are in the regular foods that they eat."

Bridges also advises throwing away take-away menus and venturing into the kitchen to cook up some fresh, healthy meals.

"It's not rocket science. It's not a coincidence that healthy nutritious food is low in calories.

"Stuff that comes out of the ground, that comes off trees is low in calories - it doesn't take a brain surgeon to work that out."

Bridges writes that a kilogram of body weight represents about 7000 calories. If you can wipe 7000 calories out of your weekly diet you will start to see results. Add some exercise to that and you'll be very pleased with the outcome.

5 Minutes a Day, Simple Tips for Weight-loss and Wellbeing by Michelle Bridges is published by Penguin and available now (RRP $12.95)

Source: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/books/five-minutes-to-weight-loss/story-fn9412vp-1226233646592?from=public_rss

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O's Spring a big surprise

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Spring: Back to haunt Addicks

Sky Bet

Matt Spring scored the only goal of the game against his former employers as Leyton Orient beat league leaders Charlton 1-0.

Midfielder Spring shrugged off two tackles midway through the first half before striking a 20-yard effort - which appeared to take a deflection off Matt Taylor - over the head of replacement goalkeeper John Sullivan.

Sullivan had been on the pitch since the game's defining moment in the sixth minute when first-choice stopper Ben Hamer was sent off having raced out of his area and handled a David Mooney lob as the striker raced on to a pass from Lee Cook. Referee Dean Whitestone had no hesitation in dismissing Hamer, with Scott Wagstaff the unfortunate player to be sacrificed for Sullivan's introduction.

The O's might have doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time but Jimmy Smith's header was contentiously ruled out for offside.

Mooney had three good chances to extend the home side's advantage in the second half before he was substituted, but it was the visitors who finished the stronger of the two sides with Orient 'keeper Lee Butcher punching clear from Yann Kermorgant.

Centre-back Ben Chorley then protected his side's slender lead when he cleared a shot off the line from Rhoys Wiggins with seven minutes remaining, ending a nine-match unbeaten run for Chris Powell's side.

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7404354/

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Too much info! Warnie and Liz reveal all

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne share a kiss. Picture: AP Source: AP

Warne Hurley

Source: AP

hurley warne

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne. Source: The Daily Telegraph

LOVED-UP Shane Warne can't wait for "super loving cuddles'' with his bride-to-be Elizabeth Hurley.

It seems the cricket legend just can't hide his passion for Hurley these days, over-sharing all the intimate details of his relationship with his Twitter followers.

It's bad enough that Warne insists on passionately pashing Hurley in front of the world - and their kids - now he's opening the doors of the bedroom to the world with his tweets.

With talk of� their "snuggles'' and thinking of her when he's in bed and "sweaty'' late at night, Warne's love for the British model is both inspiring and stomach-turning in its ardour.

Just this week, the cricket great tweeted: "fall more in love with you everyday! Hope you have some super loving cuddles waiting as i'm on my way to you. Xxx''

Warne's not alone in his tendency to over-share. Hurley also likes to send regular messages of love to her fiance. She also lifts the lid on what goes on behind closed doors at the Warne household over summer, revealing the blended family watched Grease together, with Warne showing off his dance moves for an appreciative Hurley.

After a whirlwind romance, Warne and Hurley became engaged in September - three months after she divorced Indian textile heir Arun Nayar.

Hurley, 46, and her nine-year-old son Damian, joined Warne's three children with ex-wife Simone Callahan, Brooke, 14, Jackson, 12, and Summer, 10, to cheer on Warne at the MCG last week.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/too-much-info-warnie-and-liz-reveal-all/story-e6frfmqi-1226233372596?from=public_rss

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Tropical storm Alex returns to kill 10

THE first major storm of the Atlantic season was entering the Gulf of Mexico today after unleashing landslides and floods that killed at least 10 people in Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Overnight, Alex, which had been downgraded earlier to a tropical depression, strengthened and regained its tropical storm status.

At� noon (AEST), Alex, which packed sustained winds of 75km/h, was entering the Gulf of Mexico some 100km west southwest of Campeche, Mexico, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.

"Additional strengthening is forecast - and Alex could become a hurricane within the next 48 hours," the NHC said.

Although it was not due to directly hit the massive BP oil spill off the southern US state of Louisiana, the storm could still generate waves that would hamper clean-up and containment efforts.

Officials in Nicaragua told AFP the bodies of six people had been found in or around the northern city of Esteli, swept to their deaths by torrents from the swollen San Lucas river.


In eastern El Salvador, on Central America's Pacific coast, two people drowned when they were carried away by strong currents near San Miguel, while more than 500 people were evacuated to shelters from high-risk areas.

In western Guatemala, two farmers working on a road improvement project were buried and killed by a rain-triggered landslide, the national emergency agency Conred reported.

Forecasters said the storm was expected to dump a total of 10-20cm of rain over the Yucatan Peninsula, southern Mexico and Guatemala by�this afternoon.

Up to 38cm of rain were possible in mountainous areas and forecasters warned of "life-threatening flash floods and mudslides".

Central America was slammed last month by Tropical Storm Agatha, which roared ashore into Guatemala from the Pacific, unleashing heavy rains and floods that left some 275 people dead or missing.

The NHC's long-term forecast has the storm heading over the Gulf of Mexico in the direction of the US-Mexico border, but with a possibility of waves and winds generated by the storm affecting the site of the huge oil slick unleashed by the April 20 explosion of the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon rig.

But a forecaster at the NHC downplayed a direct hit on the oil cleanup area.

"The storm is not an issue for the spill," said NHC spokesman Dennis Feltgen.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/tropical-storm-alex-returns-to-kill-10/story-e6frfku0-1225885199885?from=public_rss

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Too much info! Warnie and Liz reveal all

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne share a kiss. Picture: AP Source: AP

Warne Hurley

Source: AP

hurley warne

Liz Hurley and Shane Warne. Source: The Daily Telegraph

LOVED-UP Shane Warne can't wait for "super loving cuddles'' with his bride-to-be Elizabeth Hurley.

It seems the cricket legend just can't hide his passion for Hurley these days, over-sharing all the intimate details of his relationship with his Twitter followers.

It's bad enough that Warne insists on passionately pashing Hurley in front of the world - and their kids - now he's opening the doors of the bedroom to the world with his tweets.

With talk of� their "snuggles'' and thinking of her when he's in bed and "sweaty'' late at night, Warne's love for the British model is both inspiring and stomach-turning in its ardour.

Just this week, the cricket great tweeted: "fall more in love with you everyday! Hope you have some super loving cuddles waiting as i'm on my way to you. Xxx''

Warne's not alone in his tendency to over-share. Hurley also likes to send regular messages of love to her fiance. She also lifts the lid on what goes on behind closed doors at the Warne household over summer, revealing the blended family watched Grease together, with Warne showing off his dance moves for an appreciative Hurley.

After a whirlwind romance, Warne and Hurley became engaged in September - three months after she divorced Indian textile heir Arun Nayar.

Hurley, 46, and her nine-year-old son Damian, joined Warne's three children with ex-wife Simone Callahan, Brooke, 14, Jackson, 12, and Summer, 10, to cheer on Warne at the MCG last week.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/too-much-info-warnie-and-liz-reveal-all/story-e6frfmqi-1226233372596?from=public_rss

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Russell Brand Files for Divorce from Katy Perry

12301-russell-katy-tmz-ex
Russell Brand has filed for divorce from Katy Perry ... TMZ has learned.

In the docs, filed in L.A., Brand cites "irreconcilable differences." The two were married Oct. 23, 2010 in India.� They have no kids.

Sources had told TMZ the couple was having problems, evidenced by the fact that they spent Christmas apart and neither was wearing a wedding ring.

Although it's not 100%, based on what we now know it appears Brand may have blindsided Perry by filing the divorce petition.

Russell appeared on "Ellen" just this month, slamming divorce rumors -- claiming, "I'm really happily married ... I?m married to Katy. Perpetually, until death do us part was the pledge. I?m still alive."


Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/30/katy-perry-divorce-russell-brand/

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Stephen Hawking wants you to find him a voice

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking wants assistant who is ready to travel and able to repair electronic devices "with no instruction manual or technical support". Picture: AFP Source: AFP

CAN you help make Stephen Hawking's voice heard?

The famed British physicist is seeking an assistant to help develop and maintain the electronic speech system that allows him to communicate his vision of the universe.

An informal job ad posted on the famed physicist's website said the assistant should be computer literate, ready to travel and able to repair electronic devices "with no instruction manual or technical support".

Hawking has long struggled against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that left him almost completely paralysed.

He lost his real voice in a tracheotomy in 1985, but a wheelchair-mounted computer helps synthesise speech by interpreting the twitches of his face. The synthesiser's robotic monotone has become nearly as famous as Hawking himself, but the computer - powered by batteries fastened to the back of Hawking's wheelchair - isn't just for speaking.

It can connect to the internet over mobile phone networks and a universal infrared remote enables the physicist to switch on the lights, watch television, or open doors either at home or at the office.

It's a complicated, tailor-made system, as the ad makes clear. A photograph of the back of Hawking's wheelchair, loaded with coiled wires and electronic equipment, is pictured under the words: "Could you maintain this?"

"If your answer is 'yes', we'd like to hear from you!" the website says.
Hawking's website says that the job's salary is expected to be about $38,500 a year.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/stephen-hawking-wants-you-to-find-him-a-voice/story-e6frfro0-1226233099099?from=public_rss

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Miss Geist from 'Clueless' -- I Once Got Recognized in a Weed Shop!


1230_twink_caplan_tmz_ex_video
Twink Caplan -- best known for playing Miss Geist in the classic movie "Clueless" -- once found herself recognized in a place she'd rather not have been seen ... a medical marijuana shop.

Of course, Caplan says she was only there for a friend -- Travis, perhaps?

1230_clueless_inset

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/30/miss-geist-clueless-weed-shop-video/

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'There are times when he appears to recognise me'

Molly Meldrum

Molly Meldrum's recovery is progressing with the injured music icon recognising is brother, Brian in hospital. Picture: Herald Sun
Source: Herald Sun

Brian Meldrum talks to the media

Brian Meldrum, Molly's brother, and Yael Cohn at The Alfred hospital. Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: The Daily Telegraph

Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld, who performed brain surgery on Molly Meldrum this morning, says his condition is a life and death matter

MOLLY Meldrum continues to make steps in his long road to recovery, this week recognising brother Brian.

The TV star is now permanently off a ventilator, breathing on his own despite broken ribs and fractured vertebrae, the Herald Sun reported.

And there are hopes battler Molly could come out of intensive care by the middle of next week.

But brother Brian stressed that the major milestones were yet to come.

He said, despite being taken off the hospital's critical list, it was unlikely Molly would be moved from ICU to a neurology ward until "at least the middle of next week".

"It's just impossible to say exactly when it will happen," he said.

"He's taking small steps forward - there certainly haven't been any steps backward so far - but there's just no point speculating when the doctors will move him out of ICU."

Molly had also shown signs of recognising his brother, although, like many with head injuries, was also prone to bouts of short-term memory loss.

"There are times when he appears to recognise me and others when he doesn't," he said.

"This is all normal for people with head injuries."

Source: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/there-are-times-when-he-appears-to-recognise-me039/story-e6frfmqi-1226233680599?from=public_rss

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'Bone Thugs' Rapper Cops Plea in Alleged Wife Beating

Flesh-n-bone Stanley Howse
"Bone Thugs-n-Harmony" rapper Flesh-n-Bone won't face any additional jail time after allegedly beating his wife -- because TMZ has learned, he struck a sweet deal with prosecutors to secure his freedom.

Flesh -- real name Stanley Howse -- was arrested back in January on suspicion of domestic violence after a fight with his wife allegedly turned violent. He was later charged with inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, threatening her, and false imprisonment.

But Howse and his attorney Shepard Kopp struck a deal with prosecutors -- in which Howse agreed to plead guilty to false imprisonment in exchange for dropping the first two charges.

Howse was sentenced to 3 years probation and time served in jail -- in addition to 100 hours of community service. He must also participate in a domestic violence program and donate $400 to a battered women's shelter.

Kopp tells TMZ, "Flesh has always maintained his innocence of these charges, but it was best for his family and Bone Thugs to put this case behind him."

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2011/12/30/bone-thugs-n-harmony-flesh-n-bone-domestic-violence-arrest/

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'Giant' spotted in crowd at Kim's funeral

Giant man at funeral of Kim Jong Il

Photo of "giant" mourner at funeral procession of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Picture: AP Source: AP

A PHOTO of a "giant" standing in the crowd at the funeral of Korean leader Kim Jong Il has the internet abuzz.

An eagle-eyed Reddit contributor was the first to point out the man towering above other mourners as the funeral procession passed through the streets of Pyongyang.

Towering high above his fellow countrymen, the man is the only distinguishable feature in the neat rows of onlookers watching the funeral procession pass.

Appearing at least a third of a body height taller than the others around him, the man is believed to be North Korea's NBA star Ri "Michael" Myung Hun, who is 235cm tall, The Huffington Post reports.

Once the tallest man in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, Ri is North Korea's only international basketball player.

Ri tried to play in the NBA in the '90s but was banned by the State Department.

Others speculated that there was a growing height discrepency between those in the South and North due to lower living standards in the North since the split.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newscomaumostpopularworldndm/~3/0TZZlLQyMvA/story-e6frfkyi-1226233344857

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Constant happy at Genoa

Image text here

Kevin Constant: Played down speculation linking him with a move away from Genoa

Sky Bet

Kevin Constant says he is attracting interest from Arsenal and Lazio ahead of the transfer window but remains focused on Genoa.

The Guinea international is content with his situation and would only consider a move if he was guaranteed regular first-team football.

"I am flattered by interest shown by clubs such as Arsenal and Lazio," Constant told skysports.com.

"I am playing regulary and am very happy to be here in Genoa. I am 24 years old and would want to play regulary at this age, so all this has to be clear before I would consider moving to a new club."

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7401058/

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Tropical storm Alex returns to kill 10

THE first major storm of the Atlantic season was entering the Gulf of Mexico today after unleashing landslides and floods that killed at least 10 people in Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Overnight, Alex, which had been downgraded earlier to a tropical depression, strengthened and regained its tropical storm status.

At� noon (AEST), Alex, which packed sustained winds of 75km/h, was entering the Gulf of Mexico some 100km west southwest of Campeche, Mexico, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.

"Additional strengthening is forecast - and Alex could become a hurricane within the next 48 hours," the NHC said.

Although it was not due to directly hit the massive BP oil spill off the southern US state of Louisiana, the storm could still generate waves that would hamper clean-up and containment efforts.

Officials in Nicaragua told AFP the bodies of six people had been found in or around the northern city of Esteli, swept to their deaths by torrents from the swollen San Lucas river.


In eastern El Salvador, on Central America's Pacific coast, two people drowned when they were carried away by strong currents near San Miguel, while more than 500 people were evacuated to shelters from high-risk areas.

In western Guatemala, two farmers working on a road improvement project were buried and killed by a rain-triggered landslide, the national emergency agency Conred reported.

Forecasters said the storm was expected to dump a total of 10-20cm of rain over the Yucatan Peninsula, southern Mexico and Guatemala by�this afternoon.

Up to 38cm of rain were possible in mountainous areas and forecasters warned of "life-threatening flash floods and mudslides".

Central America was slammed last month by Tropical Storm Agatha, which roared ashore into Guatemala from the Pacific, unleashing heavy rains and floods that left some 275 people dead or missing.

The NHC's long-term forecast has the storm heading over the Gulf of Mexico in the direction of the US-Mexico border, but with a possibility of waves and winds generated by the storm affecting the site of the huge oil slick unleashed by the April 20 explosion of the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon rig.

But a forecaster at the NHC downplayed a direct hit on the oil cleanup area.

"The storm is not an issue for the spill," said NHC spokesman Dennis Feltgen.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/tropical-storm-alex-returns-to-kill-10/story-e6frfku0-1225885199885?from=public_rss

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France's petrol limit bid to stop New Year's burnings

Burning car

Youths in French cities have been torching hundreds of vehicles on New Year's Eve since the early 1990s. Picture: Supplied Source: The Daily Telegraph

FRANCE is to limit sales of petrol and other combustibles on New Year's Eve in a bid to curb what has become an annual tradition of revellers torching hundreds of cars, police said.

Youths in the often depressed suburbs of French cities have been torching hundreds of vehicles on New Year's Eve since the early 1990s in what police say has become a competition to see which area can cause the most damage.

Police last year said they would no longer release figures for the number of vehicles set on fire to put an end to the "competition and ranking" that had emerged, with more than 1000 vehicles being torched every year.

In a police circular seen by AFP, Interior Minister Claude Gueant urged security forces to "mobilise with the greatest vigilance" for the New Year's Eve celebrations on Saturday.

Instruction sent with the circular said local security forces should take all measures necessary including "restricting retail sales of petrol".

In Paris, where a large crowd is expected to gather for the annual celebration on the Champs Elysees, police have banned the sale of "domestic combustibles" such as lighter fuel from Wednesday to Monday.

Alcohol sales have also been banned around the Champs Elysees on New Year's Eve.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newscomaumostpopularworldndm/~3/k9F5TXYnFGE/story-e6frfkyi-1226232996732

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Alexander mulling over offer

Image text here

Alexander: Still in talks

Sky Bet

Brentford striker Gary Alexander is still weighing up a new contract offer as he nears the end of his football playing career.

The 32-year-old was offered new terms last week by manager Uwe Rosler but says there is no hurry to put pen to paper.

"It's definitely a confidence booster to be offered a new deal, and for the manager to make it known I'm part of his future plans, especially at my age," he told the Hounslow Chronicle.

"I still feel I have a lot to offer.

"We are just talking at the moment, but, at this stage of my career, I need to make sure it's the best offer I can get - it could be the last one I sign."

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7400896/

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Terriers hand Lillis new role

Image text here

Lillis: Back at Huddersfield

Sky Bet

Huddersfield have appointed former fans' favourite Mark Lillis as their new academy manager.

Lillis, 51, named in the 2008 'Fans' Favourites' book for his spell as a player between 1977 and 1985, will work with development coach Steve Watson.

Town manager Lee Clark said: "Mark has an excellent reputation in the game, particularly when it comes to working with young players, and has worked at all levels of football - from international level to the Premier League, the Championship and helping to guide Morecambe into the Football League.

"I'm looking forward to working with him, as is Steve Watson and the rest of the coaching team."

Lillis has worked on the coaching staff with the Northern Ireland international squad, Derby, Macclesfield, Morecambe and Stockport and spent six years in the FA Premier League's academy system.

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7400533/

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Outrage as panda named woman of the year

Panda

Sweetie is cute but does she really qualify as a female face of 2011 in a year when woman was chosen to head the IMF? Picture: AP Source: AP

OBVIOUSLY the world doesn't have enough inspiring women this year.

The BBC has come under fire for choosing a panda as one of its Female Faces of 2011.

Sweetie is one of a pair of pandas newly installed at Edinburgh Zoo joined 11 other faces on the list, including shot US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, singer Adele and Sarah Burton, who designed Kate Middleton's wedding dress.

Twitter users accused the BBC of trivialising women's achievements, with many suggesting alternative names for "#realwomenoftheyear".

One, who tweets under the name campaigner, wrote: "I'm rather torn over #pandagate. These things are never just black or white."

Labour MP Stella Creasy said: "Whilst we all love a good panda story, in a year when Christine Lagarde became head of the IMF, or Helle Thorning-Schmidt became prime minister of Denmark or even the sad death of Amy Winehouse, its frustrating the BBC couldn't think of 12 human female faces who have made the news this year."

Twitter users also complained that many of the women chosen by the BBC were there because of their involvement in a wedding, rather than for any individual achievement.

The furore comes after, the BBC came under fire last month after its shortlist for the Sports Personality of the Year award did not include any women.

MPs accused the BBC of 'ignoring women's achievements' in 2011 by choosing an all-male shortlist.

The BBC defended its decision, saying: "Including Sweetie as one of the annual headline makers was a light-hearted addition to the list, and this isn't the first time it has featured a non-human. In 2009, Benson the Carp, a much-caught giant fish, was August's entry on the male list and last year Peppa the Pig was on the female list for April."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/newscomaumostpopularworldndm/~3/e1_aN__z08A/story-e6frfmyi-1226232367922

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Turnbull's credit card details hacked and leaked

Federal Opposition MP Malcolm Turnbull has had his credit card details published on the internet by hackers.

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull has been caught up in the attack on US security firm Stratfor. Picture: Ray Strange Source: Supplied

Anonymous

The attack on Stratfor is just the latest in long line of outrageous hacks by Anonymous. Picture: AFP Source: Supplied

MILLIONAIRE MP Malcolm Turnbull and billionaire businessman David Smorgon have had their credit card details published on the internet by hackers.

The loose-knit hacking movement Anonymous claimed on Sunday through Twitter that it had stolen thousands of credit card numbers and other personal information belonging to clients of US security firm Stratfor.

Other Australian targets include the big four banks, BHP Billiton and Woodside Petroleum while overseas victims include the US Army, Air New Zealand, New Zealand's Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Microsoft, Apple, Google and American Express.

The Australian: Aussie firms on hack list

Hackers posted a link online to what they said was Stratfor's private client list. They also posted images claiming to show receipts for donations made to charity using credit cards belonging to Stratfor clients.

The Australian Department of Defence has a contract with Stratfor for a database subscription until November 2012.

The details of Mr Turnbull, the opposition communications spokesman, and Mr Smorgon, founder of Generation Investments, were also among those published online, The Australian reports (subscribers).

A spokesman confirmed Mr Turnbull's private details had been published.

Mr Smorgon said he had cancelled his credit card upon hearing the news.

"I was advised (by Stratfor via email) a few days ago on what had happened," Mr Smorgon told The Australian.

"I was totally surprised (by the hacking) ... I have cancelled my American Express credit card and I was obviously not the first to do so.

"This is a warning bell for everyone and I guess it's the cost of doing business online."

Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/turnbull039s-credit-card-details-hacked-and-leaked/story-e6frfro0-1226232307174?from=public_rss

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Duffy proving critics wrong

Image text here

Darryl Duffy: Over his injury troubles and back among the goals

Sky Bet

Cheltenham striker Darryl Duffy hopes to continue his fine start to life in the Cotswolds by helping secure automatic promotion this season.

The 27-year-old has notched 11 times since joining from Bristol Rovers following a difficult few years with injuries.

However, the Scotsman has shone this term, helping the Robins take flight and make promotion a realistic ambition in 2012 and Duffy told skysports.com that he is determined to continue proving his worth.

"I've got ten for the season now, so if I can keep that sort of ratio going I will be happy," he said.

"I've always said that if I'm given the opportunity and given regular games that I'm confident of scoring goals.

"I'm pretty sure that a few people wrote me off in the summer after a couple of bad seasons with injuries and many had me down as being injury prone and past it already, which is ridiculous considering that I'm only 27.

Vibe

"That is the sort of vibe I got and a couple of managers probably said as much to my agent over the summer, so I'm just delighted to be part of a great team and proving people wrong.

"I feel that I've still got loads to offer and the best way to do that is playing well and scoring goals."

Cheltenham sit just three points off table-toppers Crawley with just under half of the season completed, but Duffy knows that there is still a long way to go before they can dream of life in League One next term.

"We are just delighted with the position that we are in at the minute and as long as we keep winning then we will keep that going," he said.

"We know that the only way others can catch us is if we slip up, so we don't really pay too much attention to those around us because at the moment we are doing really well."

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7399815/

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Indonesia visit will happen, says Obama

UNITED States President Barack Obama says his twice delayed trip to Indonesia is going to happen.

His trip to the most populous Muslim nation is tied with a trip to Australia but he made no specific mention of Australia.

Domestic emergencies including the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill have kept Mr Obama from visiting previously.

Mr Obama held a bilateral meeting with Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the sidelines of Toronto's G20 meeting.

"Because of the crisis that we've had in the Gulf, I've had to delay the trip," Mr Obama told reporters at G20.

"But graciously, for a second time now, the president has re-extended the invitation, and I am confident that we are going to get there."

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/indonesia-visit-will-happen-says-obama/story-e6frfkui-1225885165531?from=public_rss

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'Red Shirt' to run for Thai government

A THAI protest leader accused of terrorism was released from prison briefly to apply to run in a by-election seen as a key test of the opposition's prospects of success in nationwide polls.

Kokaew Pikulthong, a senior "Red Shirt" involved in the mass rally in Bangkok that ended last month, will stand against incumbent Panich Vikitsreth of the ruling Democrat Party in the July 25 vote in the capital.

A Thai court last week granted permission for Kokaew, the candidate of the main opposition Puea Thai Party, to be released temporarily from Bangkok Remand Prison to register to challenge Panich, a vice foreign minister.

Mr Kokaew, who has not been convicted of any crimes relating to his role in the two-month-long street protest, was later returned to detention, but is expected to seek permission to be released again to campaign for votes.

The Red Shirts' rally, which at its peak attracted up to about 100,000 people demanding immediate elections, sparked outbreaks of violence that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1900 injured.

Enraged protesters set fire to dozens of major buildings after the army crushed the demonstration by the mostly poor and working class Reds with an assault on their vast fortified encampment in central Bangkok on May 19.

The Red Shirts were campaigning for elections they hoped would oust the government, which they view as undemocratic because it came to power with the backing of the army after a court ruling threw out the previous administration.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva proposed November polls in a bid to end the crippling protests, but shelved the plan because the Reds -- many of whom seek the return of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- refused to disperse.

Mr Abhisit, whose government was elected by parliamentary vote in 2008 and enjoys support among the Bangkok-based elite, must call nationwide elections by the end of next year at the latest.

Many of the Red Shirt leaders are in jail facing terrorism charges for their roles in the unrest. The government has rejected the opposition's call for a state of emergency to be lifted in the capital for the by-election.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/red-shirt-to-run-for-thai-government/story-e6frfku0-1225885303084?from=public_rss

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Bitter tweet: Company sues over Twitter use

A tech writer is being sued by his former bosses who say he took 17,000 twitter followers with him when he left the company / FOX

Noah Kravitz

Noah Kravitz's case could have major repercussions for Twitter feeds. Picture: PhoneDog Source: Supplied

  • Company says they own blogger's�17,000 followers
  • Suit claims Twitter follower�worth $2.50 each
  • Set to "establish precedent in the online world"

HOW much is a tweet worth? A landmark case for social media is about to find out.

A former blogger for a US mobile phone news site is being sued by his former employer over ownership of the Twitter feed he started at the company.

The case could have major repercussions for social media accounts, and for workers who post to Twitter and Facebook during work hours.

While working for PhoneDog, Kravitz attracted 17,000 followers to his Twitter account @PhoneDog_Noah, according to the suit, which was filed in July but has attracted media attention following an article about it in The New York Times.

The suit alleges that when Kravitz "suddenly resigned" in October 2010 he was asked by PhoneDog to relinquish the account but he declined to do so and "merely changed" his Twitter handle to @noahkravitz.

The suit claims that Kravitz now works for a rival company, TechnoBuffalo, and is using his Twitter account to "discredit PhoneDog".

PhoneDog is seeking damages from Kravitz of $US340,000 ($336,000) based on a value of $US2.50 per Twitter follower, or $US42,500 a month for the past eight months.

Kravitz told The New York Times that he had left PhoneDog on good terms with an agreement that he would "tweet on their behalf from time to time".

Eight months later, however, the company filed suit against him, a move Kravitz told the newspaper was retaliation for his claim to 15 per cent of PhoneDog's gross advertising revenue.

In a statement to the Times, the company said: "The costs and resources invested by PhoneDog Media into growing its followers, fans and general brand awareness through social media are substantial and are considered property of PhoneDog Media.

"We intend to aggressively protect our customer lists and confidential information, intellectual property, trademark and brands," it said.

Henry Cittone, an intellectual property lawyer, told the Times the case will "establish precedent in the online world, as it relates to ownership of social media accounts.

"We've actually been waiting to see such a case as many of our clients are concerned about the ownership of social media accounts vis-a-vis their branding," Cittone said.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/bitter-tweet-company-sues-over-twitter-use/story-e6frfro0-1226231552389?from=public_rss

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Clark relishing Chelsea test

Image text here

Ciaran Clark: The Aston Villa youngster is hoping to impress when they take on Chelsea this weekend

Sky Bet

Ciaran Clark admits he would like to end the year on a high when Aston Villa travel to Chelsea this weekend.

The Republic of Ireland international has stepped up from his usual defensive duties into a midfield role for the past few games, which has impressed manager Alex McLeish.

Villa have recorded just one Premier League win from their last seven games and, following a drab Boxing Day goalless draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, the 22 year-old has called on the squad to 'stick together' ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge.

He told the club's official website: "Our side's good enough to beat anyone in this league. All the lads know that.

"We can do it. We've just got to stick together and hopefully we can go down there and hopefully keep a good defensive shape like we did at Stoke and then we can go forward and hopefully create chances."

And reflecting on the thrilling 3-3 draw against the Blues when his last-gasp equaliser rescued a point for Villa back in January, he added: "I hope I get to play again at Chelsea on Saturday.

"I scored the equaliser in the last couple of minutes there last season and that would be one of my best moments for the club so far."

Source: http://www1.skysports.com/news/12040/7398837/

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